Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, located off the southeast coast of Africa. Offering unique flora, fauna, and animal species including Lemurs and pristine beaches. This means Madagascar provides unforgettable family holidays and romantic honeymoons.
Madagascar is one of the most biodiverse countries on earth. Home to thousands of species of plant and animal life. Of which about 80 percent are not found anywhere else on the planet. This makes it a true nature lovers paradise.
Lemurs are the most famous animal unique to Madagascar and there are about 50 different types. Other exotic creatures include Dwarf Chameleons, Giant Jumping Rats, and Tomato Frogs. These are mainly, but not only; found in Southern Madagascar.
The island extends 1,000 miles in length and 360 miles at its largest width. Which is more than twice the size of Great Britain!! Madagascar is famous for pepper, vanilla, and of course; lemurs. The main languages spoken are Malagasy and French.
The beaches in Madagascar are uncrowded and a major attraction for fishing, divers and sunbathers. See our Madagascar Beaches and Islands for some information on them.
From Eco-safaris to luxury honeymoons or family getaways, this island is the perfect setting for a tailor-made adventure. We recommend Madagascar to travelers who are flexible and not in a rush. Plus, used to long drives in 4×4 vehicles.
Madagascar is a malaria area so please consult your doctor or travel clinic at least 6 weeks before traveling.
Antananarivo
The capital of Madagascar is Antananarivo; often shortened to Tana. It has a distinctly French atmosphere. Road, as well as shop signs, are mostly in French.
Tana is much like other African capitals. Crowded, polluted, and noisy but it certainly does have parts that are worth exploring. The city is built on three levels. On the upper level is the Queen’s Palace and associated Royal Village or Rova Palace of Justice; Palace of Andafiavaratra. Now a national monument, it was once the residency of the Merina Dynasty. Which in the 19th century, united all Madagascar for the first time.
The main market is found on the lowest level. In the ‘pavilions’ at Analakely. Antananarivo is a great place to shop for Malagasy arts and crafts.
Andasibe National Park
The Andasibe-Mantadia corridor is in the foothills of the eastern escarpment of Madagascar. The 154 km2 park consists of two protected areas. Namely the special Reserve of Indri d’ Analamazaotra and the National Park of Mantadia Analamazaotra. Which is better known as “Périnet”.
In addition to the Indri; you should also see woolly lemurs, grey bamboo lemurs, red-fronted lemurs, black-and-white ruffed lemurs, and Diademed Sifaka. One of the largest lemur species.
Both Perinet and Mantadia are sanctuaries for birdlife. The area is the best Ground Roller (related to the Kingfisher, bee-eaters, and rollers) reserve in the country. Altogether; this area boasts 112 x bird species, 11 x lemur species, 39 x reptile species, and also 36 x frog species. Other species of mammals include the Lowland Streaked Tenrec. Tenrecs are widely diverse; as a result of convergent evolution, some resemble hedgehogs, shrews, opossums, rats, and/or mice.
Northern Madagascar
The main city in Northern Madagascar is Antsiranana (formerly Diégo Suarez). This is a cosmopolitan seaport overlooking a beautiful gulf so there are some great beaches to visit. From here; there is a lot to do and explore. With many watersports like kayaking, scuba diving, kitesurfing, windsurfing, fishing, etc. If you prefer more land based activities, Diego Suarez offers many trekking tours. As well as quad bike tours.
Dominated by two great mountains: Maromokotro in the Tsarantanana Massif; is the island’s highest at 2876 meters. And Montagne d’Arbre (Amber Mountain) at 1475 meters. Wildlife and flora include lemurs, crocodiles, and orchids.
Mahajanga is the second most important seaport on the west coast. It stands at the mouth of Madagascar’s largest river; the Betsiboka. There is a nature reserve at Ankarafantsika. Mahajanga also has beautiful beaches and a coconut tree-lined boardwalk (La Boru).
Boats depart for Nosy Be and several other islands from Mahajanga.
Southern Madagascar
Southern Madagascar is called the arid south and is noted for its many remarkable species of cactus and baobab-like plants. However; it also has some great beaches to visit.
Fianarantsoa (shortened to Fianar by the locals), a provincial capital is an important center for wine and rice production. And a good base for exploring the southern highlands of Madagascar. It is about 400 km’s from Antananarivo and offers visitors a mix of wavy valleys, vineyards, and tea plantations.
From here attractions include:
- Ranomafana National Park is one of Madagascar’s most popular parks with ancient rainforests, flora, and fauna. There are 12 species of lemurs here including the critically endangered golden bamboo lemur. Night walks highlight the diversity of exotic frogs, reptiles, and insects.
- Visit Amabalavao to buy silk and Antemoro paper; which is a flower-embedded papyrus-type paper.
- Ambositra and the neighboring Zafimaniry villages, where intricate wood carving and architecture are prominent.
Isalo National Park
Isalo National Park is approximately 690.6 km southwest of Antananarivo; en route to Toliara. One of Madagascar’s most beautiful parks with a chain of sandstone cliffs that can be seen from miles away. At different times of the day it is a photographer’s dream. This is due to iron and mineral deposits that stain the rock formations. It is the Arizona of Madagascar. With the rock formations, reddish hues, and desert landscapes; said to resemble the Wild West of an old-school cowboy movie. Another fascinating attraction is the Window of the Isalo, which is especially beautiful at sunset.
Its interior boasts canyons filled with waterfalls and valleys; dominated by endemic trees and feather palms. Elephant’s Foot and Isalo Aloe dot the cliffs and rocks. While the spectacular mountains of Isalo are the park’s most famous feature; there are other attractions worth seeing. Such as natural swimming pools, and the astounding scenery at the Canyon des Singes and Canyon des Rats. The narrow Canyon des Singes (“canyon of monkeys”) offers a long, hot walk through the hidden canyons to a natural swimming pool. Where a stone cave overlooks a crystal clear waterfall; flowing into an emerald pool surrounded by leafy trees.
Although animal life is not the park’s most prominent feature; there are a few species to look out for. Including Catta lemur, Ring-tailed lemur, Red-fronted brown lemur, Blackhead lemur, and also the Verreaux sifaka. A white lemur with a black snout and brown cap. There are 55 species of birds and many chameleons. Plus the beautifully colored Malagasy rainbow and the Isalo Madagascar frogs.
Madagascar Weather and when to visit
Madagascar has a tropical climate. The hot and rainy season is from November to March (summer). The cool dry season is from May to October (winter). Although good from May to December, the warm and relatively dry conditions from September to November are ideal for beach holidays. At higher altitudes, the cool, dry months, from May to October, are best for hiking. However, the coldest months, June to September, are not as good to see some animals. The shoulder months (April, May, October, and November) are best for serious wildlife viewing. It is cyclone season from January to March. This is not the best time to visit Madagascar.
Top Tip:
If you are flexible and looking for the unexpected; or if you want to meet extraordinary people, then go and discover this fascinating island!
For tours to Madagascar or our Madagascar accommodation listings.
We are still adding Madagascar accommodation and tours so please do not hesitate to contact us with your requests.
