The best things to do in Madagascar

Nicknamed the Eighth Continent, Madagascar can lay claim to being one of the most unique destinations in the world, and it boasts a multitude of attractions. There’s the heart-stopping beauty of the northern islands, adrift in turquoise lagoons and fringed with idyllic beaches; the incredible scenery that takes in the jungle-clad peaks of the east; the fertile central highlands; and the mangroves of the west coast. You’ll love diving into the fascinating and distinctive local culture and, of course, exploring the dizzying array of wildlife. Endlessly intriguing, over 75% of Madagascar’s flora and fauna is endemic, including the adorable lemurs and many species of chameleons. Here we explore the best things to do in Madagascar, to help you start planning your dream getaway.

Visit the Anjajavy Nature Reserve

The ultimate in barefoot luxury awaits at one of Madagascar’s finest lodgings, surrounded by pristine nature on the northwest coast of the island. You’ll find divine beaches scattered along the shore, and apart from the occasional fishing village, there’s no development in the reserve.

Take a stroll through the untouched forests to look for lemurs, chameleons, and some of Madagascar’s 300 species of frog, or pick a deserted cove to indulge in some serious relaxation. This is a place that cannot fail to charm you with its sheer beauty and remote castaway mood.

Explore the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

This otherworldly landscape of tightly clustered limestone needles, which soar up to 50m in height, is located in the west of Madagascar. Recognized by UNESCO in 1990, the whole area is protected as a National Park and its relative inaccessibility means that plenty of endemic flora and fauna enjoys a peaceful existence, uninterrupted by development or excessive human interference.

The major draw of the Tsingy region is the jaw-dropping landforms – tapering limestone pinnacles which bristle across the 100km-long plateau, cut through by canyons and tortuous trails for the hardy hiker. As well as seeing the incredible blades of stone for yourself, another attraction of a trip to Tsingy de Bemaraha is the chance to see untouched nature up close.

Read more: Best places to go hiking in Madagascar

Admire the Avenue of the Baobabs

Not far from Morondava in the island’s west, you’ll find a two-kilometer stretch of baobab trees standing sentry over the plains. These huge trees are a throwback to a time before agriculture necessitated forest clearance, when the whole area would have been cloaked in dense forests of tall trees.

Baobabs have a sacred significance to Malagasy people and so they were not cut down when all around them was destroyed, leaving them in the splendid isolation you see today. What makes these trees such a draw is firstly their slightly comical broad trunks and short branches, as well as their positioning among scattered irrigation ponds, giving them an extremely photogenic allure, especially at dawn and dusk.

Discover the wildlife of Madagascar

The wildlife of Madagascar is so unusual and alluring, there is even a well-known movie dedicated to it. Indeed, even in real life the main characters are impossibly cute and photogenic, and they are so numerous that the chances of going home without having enjoyed seeing lemurs, chameleons, frogs, and a few outrageously elaborate insects, are slim.

The birds, plants, and marine life are also notable, and if you time your visit right (June to September) you can embark on a whale watching trip from Île Sainte-Marie, where schools of humpbacks come to calve and mate. It never gets tiring watching the adult whales as they leap out of the waves and crash back into the deep with a flourish, and all the activity means that they are relatively easy to find. It is almost guaranteed that you will see some of these marine giants if you embark on a whale watching trip.

Read more: The wonderful wildlife of Madagascar

Surfing in the southwest

Home to a collection of uncrowded and unmapped surf spots, Madagascar is paradise for both novice and experienced surfers. Still regarded as an emerging surf destination, this island stands out as a prime spot for experiencing magnificent Indian Ocean swells. The top place to surf is the southwest section of the island, where you’ll discover some challenging reef breaks only accessible via boat. You’ll also find that the east coast, particularly the areas of Sainte-Marie and Mahambo, provides more forgiving waves.

Surfers chasing the ultimate ride should visit Ankaninoof, a secret spot only accessible by boat from Tamatave. This spot is perfect for both natural and goofy footers as it has consistently powerful waves breaking left and right. A break that’s appealing for all levels of surfers is Corre, also accessible from Tamatave. The most well-known wave in Madagascar is Flame Balls, yet another break that’s only accessible via boat.

Because these waves can only be accessed via boat and they form around deep ocean reefs, you should always watch out for rip currents and sharks. And, although Madagascar is a year-round destination, the best time of year for surfers is from April to October.

Relax on the Nosy Be archipelago

Tropical daydreams come to life in this handful of sun-drenched isles off the north-western coast of Madagascar. If your idea of heaven on Earth is powder-soft white sand lapped by endless aquamarine wavelets, the air fragrant with the scent of flowers and plentiful wildlife on land and underwater, make plans to get yourself to this blissful archipelago.

Nosy Be has the most developed tourist infrastructure, though even this popular hub island still excels at feeling peaceful and languid, the perfume of ylang ylang blossom adding to the appeal. For the best snorkeling head for Nosy Tanikely, where pristine coral is home to a multitude of colorful fish and other marine creatures. Take a day trip to Nosy Komba to visit the lemur sanctuary, or stay put on Nosy Be for a wildlife watching excursion.

Read more: Visit the islands and beaches of Madagascar

Get a taste of Malagasy cuisine

Madagascar’s cuisine is fresh, locally sourced, and rich in flavor. Renowned for its coffee, vanilla, and seafood exports—particularly shrimp and prawns—the island is also celebrated for its high-quality spices. The cuisine of Madagascar incorporates a fusion of African and Southeast Asian flavors, and most dishes are served with rice – a starchy staple on this island!

The Malagasy national mouthwatering dish served across the island is romazava, a traditional stew made from equal portions of meat and greens. And yes, it’s served with rice.

Visit a market and you’ll discover two street food favorites, mofo anana and mofo baolina. Both of these tasty delights are deep-fried, and often served with a chili ginger dipping sauce. The texture is a bit like a bhaji or fritter. The sweeter of the two is the mofo baolina – a ball donut made from a simple dough mixture. Mofo anana is more savory and made from a mix of leafy greens.

The best place to sample an eclectic array of foods is at the Analakely Market, just outside of the capital of Antananarivo. For a more alluring tropical coastal market experience, any of the markets outside Nosy Be will offer insight into coastal fare, where you’ll discover exotic fruits and a heady mix of spices.

Read more: A beginner’s guide to Madagascar

Make it happen

Tempted? With such a lot to see and do, we’re not surprised. Get in touch with our expert partners in Madagascar, and they will take the strain out of planning your bespoke Madagascar adventure.