Things to do in Madagascar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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