Madagascar, an island of passion, is a true treasure for tourism enthusiasts. From national parks like Isalo and Tsingy de Bemaraha to natural sites such as the Avenue of the Baobabs and Nosy Be Island, every corner holds a unique attraction. The royal hill of Ambohimanga and the Royal Palace of Manjakamiadana offer a rich insight into local history. Get ready to discover the most beautiful places in Madagascar.
Overview of tourism in Madagascar
Tourism in Madagascar offers an exceptional dive into biodiversity, amid varied and authentic landscapes. From north to south, the island presents numerous activities for all types of travelers
.
- For nature lovers, Madagascar is a paradise, home to endemic flora and fauna like lemurs and giant baobabs.
- History and culture enthusiasts will be captivated by the rich Malagasy heritage, marked by multiple influences.
- Beach and relaxation lovers will enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean.
- Adventurers can embark on hikes through the island’s spectacular landscapes, like the Isalo Massif or the Makay Park.
Madagascar also promotes responsible tourism that respects the environment and local populations. Whether through homestays, visits to local development projects, or ecotourism activities, it’s possible to discover the island while contributing to its sustainable development.
Guide to visiting tourist cities in Madagascar
To begin your tour of tourist cities, Antananarivo, the capital is a good starting point. This dynamic city offers a mix of cultures and traditions, with lively spots for nightlife. It houses historical sites, such as the Queen’s Palace, and offers a vibrant urban life.
Next, head to Nosy Be, the paradise island. Known for its idyllic beaches, it is perfect for relaxing or engaging in water activities.
Then, set your course to the south of the island, a land of adventure. Here, you can explore spectacular landscapes like the Isalo Massif and discover the Malagasy way of life.
- Antananarivo: history and dynamism
- Nosy Be: relaxation and water activities
- Southern Madagascar: adventure and discovery
Antananarivo : Cultural capital
Antananarivo, often called « Tana » by locals, is a cultural stop not to be missed on your tourist trip to Madagascar. Dominated by the Analamanga hill, it is dotted with terraced rice fields and traditional red brick houses.
Among its iconic sites, the Rova, the former residence of the kings and queens of Madagascar, is of historical and architectural interest. You can also visit the Photo Museum, which traces the country’s history through archival images.
The city is also a paradise for shopping enthusiasts. The Analakely Market is a prime spot for buying traditional souvenirs, local spices, and colorful textiles. To discover the richness of its gastronomy, don’t miss tasting « vary amin’anana », rice with greens, a typical dish of the region.
Finally, the Malagasy capital also hosts numerous festivals and cultural events throughout the year, such as the famous Madagascar Carnival, held every year in March.
Nosy Be, the paradise island
Nosy Be, nicknamed « the island of perfumes », is a gem of the Indian Ocean. Located in the northwest of Madagascar, it offers a complete change of scenery with its fine sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation. It is the dream place for relaxation lovers but also for adventurers looking for exploration.
It can be reached by air or sea, and once there, various means of transportation are available to get around. The island is known for its ylang-ylang, vanilla, and coffee plantations, which scent the air and give Nosy Be its nickname.
A multitude of activities are offered on the island, from snorkeling to discovering marine wildlife, hiking in the Lokobe Nature Reserve to observe lemurs, or climbing Mont Passot to admire the sunset.
Nosy Be is also a starting point for visiting the surrounding small islands, such as Nosy Komba, nicknamed the island of lemurs, or Nosy Iranja, with its paradise beaches.
Tourist attractions of Nosy Be :
- Its fine sandy beaches
- Its rich and preserved biodiversity
- Its numerous activities: snorkeling, hiking, plantation visits
- Its proximity to other islands to explore
Southern Madagascar : Land of adventure
Southern Madagascar is a region with contrasting landscapes, combining dream beaches, mountainous massifs, and dense forests. It is a land of contrasts, mixing the red of its soils with the bright colors of its endemic flora.
You can start your journey in the city of Tuléar, known for its lively market offering a variety of local crafts. The RN7, a legendary road, will take you to the Isalo Massif, a must-see with its rock formations sculpted by erosion.
Further south, the Ankarafantsika National Park is a haven for birdwatchers with its numerous endemic bird species. For beach lovers, the coastline of Fort Dauphin offers stretches of white sand bordered by turquoise waters.
Before going further, don’t forget to visit the village of Ranohira, the gateway to the Isalo National Park, where you can discover canyons, natural pools, and unique fauna and flora.
For an immersion in local culture, visit the villages of the Antandroy and Mahafaly ethnic groups, known for their ancestor worship and their impressive decorated tombs, the Aloalo.
Best natural sites to discover
Isalo national park
The Isalo National Park, located in the Ihorombe region, is a natural wonder covering about 815 km². This protected area is known for its diverse landscape mixing canyons, cliffs, rock formations, rivers, and waterfalls. A visit to the park offers an immersion into a unique ecosystem, home to endemic flora and fauna.
The Isalo Massif, a true geological jewel, is composed of eroded Jurassic sandstone. It offers breathtaking panoramas with its deep canyons, natural pools, and mysterious caves.
For hiking enthusiasts, the park offers many trails of varying difficulty, providing the opportunity to explore its diverse landscapes and encounter its exceptional wildlife.
Avenue of the Baobabs
The Avenue of the Baobabs, located between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina, is a must-see attraction in Madagascar. This magical place is characterized by about twenty baobabs of the species Adansonia grandidieri, lining a dirt road for about 260 meters. These majestic trees, over 800 years old, can reach up to 30 meters in height.
Since 2007, the Avenue of the Baobabs has been a protected area, highlighting the importance of preserving these giants of Malagasy flora. For a memorable experience, it is recommended to visit the Avenue of the Baobabs in the late afternoon to admire a spectacular sunset.
The Avenue of the Baobabs is easily accessible via the national road 8. To enrich your visit, don’t miss exploring the surrounding giant baobabs.
Tsingy de Bemaraha
The Tsingy de Bemaraha is an exceptional national park located in the west of Madagascar. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a unique spectacle of sharp rock formations, transformed by millions of years of erosion.
This site is a true geological marvel, with its sharp limestone peaks, caves, and deep canyons. It also hosts a rich and endemic biodiversity, including lemurs, birds, and over 650 plant species.
The park offers a variety of trails, from short hikes to more athletic treks, allowing exploration of this unique environment. You can cross suspension bridges, navigate through a labyrinth of rocks, and admire panoramic views from high lookouts.
Located 300 kilometers from the capital Tananarive, the Tsingy de Bemaraha is an essential destination for any trip to Madagascar.
Essential cultural and historical attractions
Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, located about twenty kilometers from the capital Antananarivo, is an essential site of Malagasy historical heritage. This sacred hill is known to have once been the residence of the Merina kings, a Malagasy people of Indonesian origin.
The hill of Ambohimanga is a true testament to the development of Malagasy civilization from the 15th to the 19th century. It houses numerous relics, including a royal city, funerary sites, and several sacred places. This historical site also reflects major cultural and spiritual traditions, such as the worship of kings and ancestors. It is still a very active pilgrimage and worship site today.
The visit to Ambohimanga offers the opportunity to explore a unique architectural ensemble, marked by the Rova, or royal palace, as well as an associative cultural landscape comprising a sacred wood, a fountain, and a pond.
Finally, the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, as the most representative symbol of the cultural identity of the Malagasy people.
Zafimaniry woodcraft
The woodcraft art of the Zafimaniry is an exceptional living heritage of the Zafimaniry people, a small ethnic group living in remote regions of Madagascar. This unique art, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, reflects an ancestral know-how passed down from generation to generation.
The Zafimaniry are true masters in wood carving, with a preference for precious tree species such as ebony, rosewood, and palisade. Their art is expressed on various supports, from the facades of their houses to everyday objects.
The finely carved geometric motifs represent the symbolic universe of the Zafimaniry, reflecting ancestral beliefs and customs. They are also a means of expressing community values.
Tourism Madagascar : What to do off the beaten track ?
Visit to Tsingy Rouge Park
Tsingy Rouge Park, near Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), offers a unique natural spectacle. Unlike the grey Tsingy found elsewhere on the island, these formations are reddish, giving the park its name.
The red earth pillars, formed by soil erosion and rich in iron oxide, create a surreal landscape. Marked trails facilitate close appreciation of these impressive structures. Don’t forget your camera to capture the spectacular views.
Discovery of Nosy Fanihy
North of Nosy Be, Nosy Fanihy, or Bat Island, is a little-known gem. This uninhabited, sacred islet promises an authentic escape.
Travel by traditional pirogue to this small island, where you’ll find a white sandy beach with translucent waters and colorful shells. The northern part is rocky, with a small dense forest.
UNESCO world heritage sites
Madagascar, with its unique natural and cultural landscapes, boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites :
- Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is noted for its spectacular geological formations and sharp limestone forests.
- The Rainforests of the Atsinanana, six national parks preserving Madagascar’s exceptional biodiversity.
- The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is a cultural site with a royal city, burial sites, and sacred places representing Malagasy identity.
Each site offers a unique experience and deep immersion in Madagascar’s heritage.
