Madagascar is a tropical island paradise located off the coast of East Africa, known for its unique wildlife and diverse landscapes. The island has been isolated from the rest of the world for millions of years. As a result, it has developed a unique ecosystem with many animal- and plant species found nowhere else on earth. Madagascar is especially well-known for its lemur population and the stunning Tsingy Badlands.

Good to Know:

• Getting There: Fly into Antananarivo Airport, which has regular connections to Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, and Paris. Nosy Be also has its own airport if you prefer to fly directly to the tiny island paradise.
• Getting Around: Madagascar is a vast country with many sights off-the-beaten tracks. Car rental is the best way to get around. Alternatively, you can join a travel group.
• When to Visit: Visit the island nation between April and October for warm and dry weather. From July to September is when you'll have the highest chance of spotting wildlife on land and in the water: this is the season for whale-watching!
• How Long to Visit: Madagascar is not a destination for a quick weekend getaway. With so much to see and far distances, spend at least 10 days here. We recommend committing to the experience and traveling the nation for multiple weeks.
• More: Check out our trips on Zanzibar and Seychelles for more picturesque islands in the Indian Ocean.

Highlights:

Baobab-Avenue:

This otherwordly road is lined with hundreds of enormous baobab trees, some of which are over 800 years old. It is one of the most picturesque places in Madagascar and a popular spot for photography.

Tsingy-Plateaus:

The Tsingys are incredible rock formations that form large plateaus all throughout Madagascar. Multiple National Parks have been established to protect the Tsingys and the local wildlife. Hiking these badlands is an unforgettable experience where you'll see various reptiles, bats, and birds while surrounded by this alien landscape. Tsingy Rouge is particularly special; here, the otherwise grey plateaus are a vibrant red!

Nosys:

In the local language, nosy means island. And Madagascar has lots of Nosys! These islands off Madagascar's North Coast are known as a snorkeling paradise for their extraordinary beauty, crystal-clear water, and long stretches of white sandy beaches.

Ranomafana National Park:

Located in the southeast of Madagascar, Ranomafana National Park is known for its high biodiversity and population of rare and endangered lemurs, including the Golden and Greater bamboo lemurs. It also features hot springs, which are a result of the park's volcanic activity. Visitors can hike through the park's lush rainforests and spot lemurs, as well as reptiles, birds, and amphibians.

Masoala National Park:

Masoala National Park is one of the most biodiverse protected areas on the island. It encompasses three distinct habitats: rainforests, mangroves, and coral reefs. As a result, this park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including 23 species of lemurs, many of which are endemic to the island. The park also boasts a rich marine life, especially in the coral reefs. Visitors can explore the park by hiking through the rainforest, snorkeling, or diving in the coral reef and can spot a variety of unique wildlife while enjoying the scenic views of the Indian ocean.