Things to do in Madagascar

25 things to do in Madagascar

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Watch sunset at the Avenue of the Baobabs

  Stand among the ancient, towering baobab trees as the sky turns fiery orange at sunset near Morondava.

  Menabe region, near Morondava

• Track lemurs in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

  Hike through lush rainforest to spot the indri, the largest living lemur, whose haunting calls echo across the canopy.

  Andasibe, Alaotra-Mangoro Region

• Traverse the needle-sharp formations of Tsingy de Bemaraha

  Cross suspension bridges and squeeze through limestone pinnacles in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

  Melaky Region

• Explore the dramatic canyons of Isalo National Park

  Follow trails past sandstone gorges, natural swimming holes, and burial caves of the Bara people.

  Ihorombe Region

• Discover thermal springs and biodiversity in Ranomafana National Park

  Soak in hot springs after spotting golden bamboo lemurs and over a hundred frog species in misty cloud forest.

  Vatovavy-Fitovinany Region

• Photograph the surreal Red Tsingy (Tsingy Rouge)

  Marvel at crimson, multi-tiered sandstone pinnacles carved by erosion into otherworldly shapes near Diego Suarez.

  near Antsiranana (Diego Suarez)

• Explore the underground rivers and sinkholes of Ankarana Reserve

  Walk among vast networks of limestone tsingy, bat-filled caves, and sunken forests in this unique protected area.

  Diana Region

• Spot endemic wildlife in Lokobe Strict Reserve

  Take a pirogue to the last remaining primary rainforest on Nosy Be and encounter black lemurs and panther chameleons.

  Nosy Be

• Snorkel with sea turtles at Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve

  Swim over vibrant coral reefs and alongside green turtles and countless fish species just off the shore of a tiny island.

  Nosy Tanikely

• Watch humpback whales off Île Sainte-Marie

  Catch migrating humpback whales breaching in the channel from July to September, often seen from the beach or a boat.

  Île Sainte-Marie

• Step back in time at Ambohimanga Royal Hill

  Walk around the sacred royal city, a UNESCO site, with its ancient gates, royal tombs, and panoramic views of the highlands.

  near Antananarivo

• Haggle for fresh produce at Analakely Market in Antananarivo

  Immerse yourself in the chaotic, colourful heart of the capital where vendors sell fruits, vanilla, and crafts under umbrellas.

  Antananarivo

• Walk among free-roaming lemurs at Lemurs' Park

  Visit a private reserve where rescued lemurs live semi-wild, allowing close encounters just a short drive from the capital.

  near Antananarivo

• Wander through the spiny forest of Ifaty

  Stroll between tall octopus trees and baobabs, home to dancing sifakas and the long-tailed ground-roller.

  Ifaty, near Toliara

• Search for the fossa in Kirindy Forest Reserve

  Take a guided night walk in dry deciduous forest to glimpse Madagascar's top predator and the giant jumping rat.

  near Morondava

• Climb the granite faces of the Tsaranoro Massif

  Tackle multi-pitch rock climbing routes on sheer cliffs with a backdrop of the vast, rice-paddy plains below.

  Haute Matsiatra Region

• Rainforest trekking and beach relaxation in Masoala National Park

  Paddle between remote coves, snorkel coral gardens, and trek primary rainforest to see red-ruffed lemurs and helmet vangas.

  Maroantsetra

• Walk the sandbar to Nosy Iranja at low tide

  Cross a dazzling white sandbar connecting two idyllic islands and climb the lighthouse for 360° views of the Mozambique Channel.

  Nosy Iranja

• Visit the geysers and Lily Waterfall near Ampefy

  Watch steam shoot from hot-water geysers and cool off by a cascading waterfall set in volcanic highland scenery.

  Ampefy

• Taste sambos and ginger beer in Antsirabe

  Sample the city's ubiquitous street-food snack—deep-fried pastry triangles filled with meat or vegetables—paired with a local tangy ginger soda.

  Antsirabe

• Ride a pousse-pousse through colonial Antsirabe

  Be pulled by a colourfully decorated rickshaw past thermal baths, cathedrals, and wide avenues of the city known as the 'Moroccan city of Madagascar'.

  Antsirabe

• Night walk through Mitsinjo Forest in Andasibe

  Spot mouse lemurs, chameleons, and tree frogs on a guided nocturnal walk in this community-managed reserve.

  Andasibe

• Admire Zafimaniry woodcarvings near Ambositra

  Visit villages preserving UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage, where every house is an intricately engraved work of art.

  Ambositra area

• Bargain in the spice market of Hell-Ville

  Inhale the scent of ylang-ylang, vanilla, and pepper while browsing heaps of spices and island produce on Nosy Be.

  Hell-Ville, Nosy Be

• Kite surf or dive off Anakao's coral reef

  Glide over turquoise waves or explore the Great Reef of Toliara, a underwater paradise just off a sleepy Vezo fishing village.

  Anakao