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The best things to do in Madagascar for every tourist

by Juan José Herranz | February 28, 2022
Seeing lemurs, one of the things to do in Madagascar

Madagascar, the largest island in the Indian Ocean, is a stunning African destination that everyone should visit at least once. It is a lengthy trek, but it's well worth it, especially for wildlife and environment enthusiasts. When you arrive in this diverse land, make sure to include some of these popular activities in your plan.

Here, we have mentioned some of the best things to do in Madagascar, Africa. Pick your favorites! But first, don't forget to apply for the Madagascar eVisa or you won't be allowed to discover all of the wonderful things to do in Madagascar! 

Swim with Whale Sharks

Whale sharks are said to be the largest fish on the planet, and they're nothing like the star of the "Jaws" movies. There's nothing like getting up and personal with these naturally calm fish, which may grow to be 60 feet long. They pose no harm to people; you may even jump in and swim with them off the coast of Madagascar's northern island of Nosy Be.

While you're out on the water, you're likely to witness other marine species such as sea turtles, dolphins, and manta rays.

Keep an eye out for Lemurs

One of the most famous things to do in Madagascar is hanging out with the lemurs, which number nearly 100 different kinds and subspecies, all of which are native to the island. They all come in different sizes, from little mouse lemur (less than six inches tall) to the monochromatic indri (up to 21 inches long).

The best way to see them is to go to the national parks, such as the Perinet Nature Reserve. While traversing the lovely routes through the thick jungle, visitors can witness a variety of birds and reptiles.

The Rare Baobab Trees

Is there somebody who doesn't mention seeing the baobabs as one of the things to do in Madagascar? A collection of spectacular Baobab trees border a muddy road between Morondava and Belo Tsiribihina in the western section of the island.

Widely considered one of the essential things to do in Madagascar, people come from all over the world to witness and wander among these massive, odd trees, which can survive up to a thousand years or more and grow to be nearly 100 feet tall and are entirely unique to this island.

The best time to visit is during sunset since the sky transforms into a magnificent mix of yellow and orange shades, creating an exceptionally impressive backdrop.

baobab trees with sunset in Madagascar

The Stone Forests

The limestone karsts of northeastern Madagascar's Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park are possibly the most remarkable of all the island's strange landscapes. The limestone bottom was pushed upwards around 200 million years ago, forming a large plateau.

The plateau eroded throughout time, resulting in a dense "forest" of jagged limestone needles interlaced with gorges, waterfalls and nearly impenetrable forest. Tsingy gives the chance to see its prehistoric badlands beauty. There are also endemic reptiles, birds and a plethora of floral species.

Pristine Beaches

Madagascar is one of the most stunning island resorts in the Indian Ocean, with white sand, plentiful palms, and azure waters. Outlier islands in the northwest provide some of the best stretches of sand in the country. With its desolate sandy coves and crystalline oceans, little Tsarabanjina, for example, resembles Robinson Crusoe.

The island is only accessible by boat and offers private beach huts as premium accommodations. Nesting turtles frequent the beaches of adjacent Nosy Iranja, while Île aux Nattes, on the east coast, is a tropical paradise with a variety of accommodations and activities.

Antananarivo

The Malagasy capital, founded by the Merina people's king in the seventeenth century, is rich in history. Antananarivo, also known as Tana, Tana has a lot to see and do. Visit the city's ancient Haute-Ville neighborhood for stunning colonial buildings.

Get your cultural fix in the city's art galleries and museums or take in the ambiance at Analakely Market's open-air vegetable shops. Tana is famed for its culinary culture, whether you want to try street food or dine in excellent French restaurants that compete on an international level.

Queen's Palace

The Queen's Palace, which is part of a massive royal complex in Antananarivo's capital city, was built for Queen Ranavalona in the 17th century. Since then, the complex has been expanded by succeeding generations of monarchs, resulting in an intriguing mix of architectural styles.

While much of the interior was damaged by fire in 1995, the palace, adjoining chapel, graves and entrance are still worth taking a selfie in front of. Relics that have been salvaged are being kept within until the restoration is finished.

Kitesurfing

One of the fun things to do in Madagascar, you might want to learn how to kitesurf if you're looking for great excitement. La Case en Falafy Kitesurf is a kite surfing school in Ramena that will teach you the basics and then take you on a guided adventure.

You'll visit some of the island's most popular destinations, such as the Emerald Sea Lagoon, which has ideal wind conditions and lovely clear blue shallow seas. Kitesurfers of all levels are welcome and all equipment is provided.

Things to do in Madagascar like going to the beach

The Manakara Express

The Manakara Express runs from Manakara on the island's southeast coast to Fianarantsoa in the mountains during the French colonial era. The 87-mile journey can take up to 16 hours, and while it isn't luxurious by any means, it is an excellent way to see one of the world's most biodiverse places. Cross roughly 70 bridges, pass through four dozen tunnels and go through breathtaking canyons and tropical rainforest. The locals will be selling fish, cakes, and fresh fruit at each station.

While these are some of the things to do in Madagascar while you're vacationing, there is still a lot to do and see. This place is rich in history, beauty, and greens. You name it, they have it. Meet the locals, get to know them, try the local cuisine and be astonished. You can simply say that the population of Madagascar is unique in its own way. 

Just like the animals, the people have been living here isolated for a long time, which has led to traditions and a fascinating culture that’s not like anything else on this planet. We hope that you will consider this list and add these things to your list next time you travel to Madagascar.