The island of Madagascar is home to many fascinating contrasts. It never ceases to amaze me with its blend of historical and contemporary inspirations. Madagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island, has a variety of scenery. together with stunning historical and cultural landmarks.
The island’s beaches, jagged limestone cliffs, and rainforests (also known as tsingys) never fail to amaze visitors. Not to mention the island’s diverse array of fauna.
Despite the nation’s extreme poverty, tourism has been growing over time. When considering the list of unusual things to do while on vacation in Madagascar, this makes sense. The island is an amazing place to visit because of these unique experiences.
Things to Do in Madagascar
Take a trip to Zoma Market
The capital city of Madagascar, Antananarivo, is home to the second-largest open-air street market in the world. The market is busy, with lots of goodies for sale. The fascinating people of Madagascar can be found here, with their warm greetings and gregarious demeanor. For gemstone jewelry, wood carvings, embroidery, and other handicrafts, this is the place to go. Fabrics and leather items are widely available.
You can interact more personally with the welcoming locals when you shop here. The market is better known for its fresh produce, some of which you may have never seen before. A large assortment of meat and fish are also available for purchase.
Try out Madagascar snorkeling in Nosy Hara archipelago
Snorkeling among the reefs of the Nosy Hara Archipelago is a unique experience that is among the top things to do while on vacation in Madagascar. The fascinating marine life is very exciting.
A unique chance to spend time observing these animals in their native environment is provided by snorkeling. See manta rays, marine turtles, and vibrant fish. You may comfortably explore with the crystal clear, moderate water.
Explore Ankarana National Park
For fascinating lemurs with enormous glass-like eyes, Ankarana National Park is an obvious choice. One of their most charming qualities is their curiosity. Quick-moving geckos and chameleons are great sources of amusement. Additionally captivating are caves with their glistening, crystallized stalactites and stalagmites.
Observations of birds and historic Elephant Feet Trees, together with the sporadic Tsingy limestone formations, enhance the awe of this stunning park.The UK-based Madagascar vacation expert Rainbow Tours produced a wonderful infographic about the history of lemurs and some fascinating tidbits about them.
Look for Lemurs
The most recognizable of all the strange and amazing animals of Madagascar are without a doubt lemurs. The island is home to about a hundred distinct indigenous species and subspecies of lemur. The little pygmy mouse lemur and the stately, monochromatic indri are just two examples of these endearing monkeys. Visit one of Madagascar’s numerous national parks for the best chance of seeing the island’s lemurs.
Specifically, Ranomafana National Park is home to 12 species, including the highly endangered golden bamboo lemur, while Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is renowned for its sizable indri population. Other indigenous species to look out for in the island’s parks include the cat-like fossa, civets, and tenrecs.
Swim with Whale Sharks
Nothing compares to swimming alongside the largest fish in the world. Off the northwest island of Nosy Be, visitors to Madagascar from September to December can accomplish precisely that. These enormous fish are plainly visible from the surface as they congregate to feed on blossoming plankton at this period. Whale sharks can grow to be enormous creatures, with an average length of 9.5 meters (31 feet), but they are inherently calm and do not represent a threat to people.
In season, operators like Baleines Rand’eau offer whale shark snorkeling trips with a 95 percent chance of success. While you’re out there searching for sharks, remember to look for Madagascar’s other marine life, including turtles, manta rays, and dolphins.
Marvel at Baobabs
African folklore is inextricably interwoven with baobab trees. Because Native Americans once relied on these unusual trees’ products to survive, they are frequently referred to as the “Tree of Life.” These days, their enormous size is what makes them notable; the largest species can reach a diameter of up to 14 meters (46 feet).
There are six varieties of endemic baobabs in Madagascar. The Avenue of the Baobabs is the most well-known location for baobab worship, despite the fact that they can be found all around the island. Situated on the dirt road connecting Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina in western Madagascar, the Avenue is made up of approximately twenty-five trees arranged in a sentinel fashion along the road. A large number of the trees reach heights of above 30 meters (100 feet).
Explore Antananarivo
The capital of Madagascar is rich in history, having been established at the start of the 17th century by the king of the Merina people. Known as Tana to the locals, Antananarivo is still the hub of political and economic power on the island and was the capital of French colonialism in the 19th and 20th centuries. Tana has a lot to discover. For stunning architectural design, visit the historic Haute-Ville neighborhood of the city.
Visit the museums and art galleries in the city to satisfy your cultural cravings, or visit Analakely Market to take in the vibes while perusing the outdoor vegetable stands. Tana is renowned for its cuisine, whether you want to try some of the best street food around or dine at upscale French establishments that compete internationally.
Sample Local Cuisine
Try the food in the area, wherever your travels may lead you. Meat or seafood are typically paired with vegetables and rice in traditional Malagasy cuisine. Even with the minimal usage of spices, the food has plenty of taste. Try koba, a well-liked street snack made of rice paste, peanuts, and bananas wrapped in a banana leaf.
The traditional beef stew is called romazava, while the Morondava region is known for its kabaro, which is curry made with lima beans and coconut. Fresh fish rules the menu along the coast. After eating, have a local Three Horses Beer (THB) or ranonapango, also known as ranovola. The latter may require some getting used to because it is created with scorched rice water.
Spot Endemic Birds
Madagascar is home to about 280 different kinds of birds. This isn’t a particularly high number for the world’s fourth-largest island, but a high endemism level attests to the island’s reputation as a top birding destination. Madagascar is home to over 100 kinds of birds that are unique to the island. Those seeking endemic birds should focus on three primary areas: the eastern rainforest, the southern spiny bush, and the western deciduous woods.
Try Ranomafana National Park if you’re short on time; it’s home to endangered species like the yellow-bellied sunbird and the short-legged ground roller. When birds are most active and wearing their finest breeding plumage, late spring or early summer (August to December) is the optimum time to go birdwatching.
Marvel at the Royal Rova and Lost Palace
The Royal Rova and Lost Palace in Antananarivo are two more must-see locations. We lost ourselves in our imaginations, picturing a Madagascar ruled by kings and queens. The building complex where their tombs are located was devastated by fire many years ago. The ruins of a church and a stone entryway are still there. It was a great experience perusing the Rova museum.
Some of the nation’s kings are also present at the Rova’s entryway. Here at rest, you can tell the kings from the queens.
The former monarchs are buried in simple grey stone tombs, whereas the queens are buried in crimson tombs, which are associated with aristocracy.
Discover the Tsingy Stone Forests
Madagascar’s limestone woodlands are intriguing and a little weird in an almost otherworldly atmosphere.
Take part in one of the most incredible activities in Madagascar and explore one or more of the island’s many tsingy forests.
In addition to the prickly limestone structures, a large portion of Madagascar’s plant and animal life can be found in these woodlands.
The largest specimen of a Tsingy forest is found in the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve. In addition to hundreds of birds and several reptiles, it is home to eleven distinct species of lemurs and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover Pristine Beaches
Madagascar is one of the most picturesque island locations in the Indian Ocean, with its white sand, an abundance of palm trees, and blue waters. Outlying islands in the northwest are home to some of the nicest beaches in the nation. For example, little Tsarabanjina’s crystal-clear oceans and desolate sandy beaches are reminiscent of Robinson Crusoe. Private beach bungalows provide luxurious lodging on the island, which is only reachable by boat.
Turtle nesting grounds can be found on the beaches of adjacent Nosy Iranja, while Île aux Nattes, on the east coast, is a tropical haven with a variety of lodging and activity possibilities. On the mainland, consistent swells for surfing and kiteboarding may be found on the beaches near Anakao in the south.
Catch a sunset at La Corniche
La Corniche is a popular palm-lined promenade along Madagascar’s coast in Majunga. There are plenty of restaurants and hotels along the strip, as well as several street carts for snacks. The promenade is a great place for people-watching, as both locals and tourists often head here for sunset. It’s also a family-friendly place of fun during school holidays, and you’ll see crowds of people out, enjoying the sea breeze.