What to do in Madagascar? Madagascar is an island made up of mesmerizing landscapes, bizarre wildlife, and endless hours of stories sharing the island’s fascinating history. This mysterious and unspoiled island off Africa is considered “the eighth continent” and if you’re in the mood for a new adventure then a trip to this spectacular island should be at the top of your list. This is why we’ve created this list of the top 10 things to do in Madagascar!
Image credit: Madagascaradam (flickr)
There is so much to do in this sunny corner of the planet, here are just a few ideas to get that heart racing, mind dreaming, and yourself flying (or sailing) straight to this island to experience it in all its natural glory.
Our Top 10 Things to do in Madagascar
1. Encounter wildlife wonders
Madagascar is home to over 200,000 different wildlife species with many of them endemic to the island. There is a wonderful mix of tropical, temperate, and arid climates around the island, which makes it a great place for a wide range of species and unique adventures.
Photo credit: Clement Bardot
Photo credit: Ly Washu
Madagascar’s Hollywood-famous animal (thanks to that delightful animation named after the island) is the wide-eyed lemur. However, there are also other interesting creatures such as the fossa, tortoise, gecko, and chameleon. The brightly-coloured chameleons demand a stop and stare from visitors. The silky sifaka lemur, known as “angel of the forest,” is one of the rarest mammals on earth.
Photo credit: Mathias Appel
2. While away your time whale watching
Every year between June and October more than 7,000 humpback whales migrate from the Antarctic to the waters of Madagascar’s east coast to breed and calve. This makes for a truly fascinating spectacle.
Image credit: Bertrand Gossart
Some of the best spots to see these magnificent creatures are between Baie d’Antongil and the channel separating Île Sainte Marie from the mainland where the water is a little warmer. There are boat trips on the go during this time so make sure you don’t miss out on this truly breathtaking experience.
3. Dive with whale sharks
Madagascan reefs are famous for their seemingly infinite collection of colourful fish and exotic corals. It also happens to be one of the only places in the world where you can dive with whale sharks.
Image credit: Gregory Miles
Nosy Be, is a divers paradise thanks to all the other little islands surrounding it; Nosy Komba, Nosy Sakatia, Nosy Tanikely, and more. Expect to swim with manta rays, turtles, stingrays and during November and December whale sharks make an appearance, too!
Image credit: Ji Wang
4. Island hop from paradise to paradise
Photo credit: unknown
A scene from your wildest dreams! Jump on a catamaran and explore the tropical islands around Nosy Be. Although Nosy Be is one of Madagascar’s top attractions it still maintains an authentic sense of charm and untouched island splendour.
If you’re not one for swimming with sharks then fear not for Nosy Be is a haven for all kinds of idyllic island activities including snorkeling, sailing, swimming and ultimately soaking up the slow pace of an island lifestyle under the Madagascan sun.
5. Be enthralled by Baobab Alley
It’s postcard perfect, during the day and as the sun slowly disappears in the evening. Baobab Alley is a striking collection of baobabs that line a road in western Madagascar and is one of the country’s most iconic sights. It’s in the Menabe region in western Madagascar between Morondava and Belon’I Tsiribihina. It is also a hotspot for local conservationists keen to protect the striking environment.
Photo credit: Rod Waddington
The species of baobab are endemic to Madagascar and roughly 800 years old. It must be one of the most idyllic settings for storytelling time. Don’t forget your camera for this one!
Photo credit: Frank Vassen
6. Travel to another planet at Tsingy National Park
Also on the western coast of Madagascar, the peculiar Tsingy National Park attracts great numbers to its otherworldly landscape. This popular park is home to a staggering range of limestone needles. It’s a fascinating geographic formation that needs to be seen to be believed. This World Heritage Site consists of canyons, forests, lakes, swamps, gorges, and a whole lot of strange looking limestone.
Photo credit: Rod Waddington
7. Kitesurf in style
Photo credit: Unknown
The north of Madagascar has the type of regular winds that kitesurfers dream of. From March to December, Madagascar is an ideal destination for kite surfers. The two main spots are Anakao in the southwest and Babaomby and Sakalava in the north.
8. Surf some more
The southwest coast of Madagascar calls all surfers to its shores! This area is riddled with perfect reef and point set ups. The island is the fourth largest in the world and offers some great surf spots along its coastline. There are surf camps at all the good spots around the island. However, there are still locations left unexplored, so get there fast.
Photo credit: Tim Bogdanov
9. Witness the turtles of Nosy Iranja
Nosy Iranja is the only Indian Ocean Island that is a nesting ground for two of the eight turtle species found in our oceans, the hawksbill and green turtle. You can watch them nest and hatch here.
Photography credit: Unknown
Not only is it incredible to watch the turtles nest in the sand but to watch the little ones hatch and scuttle to the safety of the ocean is another indescribable moment.
10. Immerse yourself in ethnic culture
Apart from the island’s stunning scenery and animal life, Madagascar has a magnificent diversity of cultures and traditions. With more than 18 different ethnic groups, the Malagasy culture is a colourful mix of African, Arab, and Indian origin with some of the friendliest locals in all of Africa.
Now, you know what to do in Madagascar!
Need any more encouragement to go to Madagascar? There are at least five reasons to make it your next holiday. Feel free to chat to one of our consultants to start planning an unforgettable trip.
