last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Madagascar
Location Map of Madagascar
Madagascar
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Madagascar has three sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:
Ambohimanga (2001)
This "royal hill" is one of the twelve surrounding the capital. It is home to the ancient city that gave rise to the Merina kingdom. The site and its buildings are UNESCO World Heritage-listed.
This "royal hill" is one of the twelve surrounding the capital. It is home to the ancient city that gave rise to the Merina kingdom. The site and its buildings are UNESCO World Heritage-listed.
- Rainforests of the Atsinanana (2007): including the parks of Andohahela, Andringitra, Marojejy, Masoala, Ranomafana, and Zahamena.
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park (1990)
These are incredible karst landscapes classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. They are located not far from the coast, in Madagascar's largest national park, where you can hike but which remains quite difficult to access.
These are incredible karst landscapes classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. They are located not far from the coast, in Madagascar's largest national park, where you can hike but which remains quite difficult to access.
North
This is the former province of Antsiranana/Diego Suarez.
Antsiranana
At the northern tip of the island, the former Diego Suarez, nestled in one of the world's most beautiful bays, still retains many traces of the French era. Several stunning beaches nearby, including Ramena, as well as various parks, such as Amber Mountain National Park.
At the northern tip of the island, the former Diego Suarez, nestled in one of the world's most beautiful bays, still retains many traces of the French era. Several stunning beaches nearby, including Ramena, as well as various parks, such as Amber Mountain National Park.
Nosy Be
This island is traditionally a major tourist destination in the country, particularly for all-inclusive stays. Visitors come for its beaches, diving, fishing, and some beautiful landscapes in the less-visited parts of the island.
This island is traditionally a major tourist destination in the country, particularly for all-inclusive stays. Visitors come for its beaches, diving, fishing, and some beautiful landscapes in the less-visited parts of the island.
Nosy Komba
A small volcanic island between Nosy Be and the mainland. Far less touristy than its neighbor, it's loved for its beaches and forested landscapes where you can discover abundant wildlife (lemurs) and flora. You can also fish or explore by canoe.
A small volcanic island between Nosy Be and the mainland. Far less touristy than its neighbor, it's loved for its beaches and forested landscapes where you can discover abundant wildlife (lemurs) and flora. You can also fish or explore by canoe.
Natural Heritage
Marojejy National Park
Recently opened to visitors, this mountainous area near the sea offers stunning forest landscapes and rich biodiversity. It is one of the UNESCO-listed Atsinanana rainforests. Hiking is possible here.
Recently opened to visitors, this mountainous area near the sea offers stunning forest landscapes and rich biodiversity. It is one of the UNESCO-listed Atsinanana rainforests. Hiking is possible here.
Masoala National Park
On the peninsula of the same name, this terrestrial and marine park boasts stunning landscapes with rich wildlife and flora to explore. You can also enjoy the beaches and diving on this peninsula.
On the peninsula of the same name, this terrestrial and marine park boasts stunning landscapes with rich wildlife and flora to explore. You can also enjoy the beaches and diving on this peninsula.
Amber Mountain National Park
Close to Diego Suarez/Antsiranana and especially Ambohitra (formerly Joffreville), which serves as its entry point, this park features waterfalls and humid forest home to many lemur species. Hiking is possible here.
Close to Diego Suarez/Antsiranana and especially Ambohitra (formerly Joffreville), which serves as its entry point, this park features waterfalls and humid forest home to many lemur species. Hiking is possible here.
Ankarana Reserve
A stunning reserve 100 km south of Antsiranana (formerly Diego Suarez), renowned for its wildlife (lemurs, reptiles, crocodiles, birds) and especially its magnificent karst formations (tsingy).
A stunning reserve 100 km south of Antsiranana (formerly Diego Suarez), renowned for its wildlife (lemurs, reptiles, crocodiles, birds) and especially its magnificent karst formations (tsingy).
Northwest
This is the former province of Mahajanga/Majunga.
Mahajanga
A major port city on the northwest coast with a fairly rich historical and architectural heritage. Several lovely beaches nearby, as well as various parks (Ankarafantsika, Baly, Namoroka).
A major port city on the northwest coast with a fairly rich historical and architectural heritage. Several lovely beaches nearby, as well as various parks (Ankarafantsika, Baly, Namoroka).
Natural Heritage
Ankarafantsika National Park
Next to Mahajanga, this is a park of forests and lakes home to numerous birds, crocodiles, and lemurs.
Next to Mahajanga, this is a park of forests and lakes home to numerous birds, crocodiles, and lemurs.
Baly Bay National Park
This small park near Mahajanga is both terrestrial and marine. It is home to several species of turtles.
This small park near Mahajanga is both terrestrial and marine. It is home to several species of turtles.
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
These are incredible karst landscapes classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. They are located not far from the coast, in Madagascar's largest national park, where you can hike but which remains quite difficult to access.
These are incredible karst landscapes classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. They are located not far from the coast, in Madagascar's largest national park, where you can hike but which remains quite difficult to access.
Tsingy de Namoroka National Park
This stunning location southwest of Mahajanga features landscapes of impressive karst formations, caves, and canyons. It is home to numerous birds, reptiles, and lemurs.
This stunning location southwest of Mahajanga features landscapes of impressive karst formations, caves, and canyons. It is home to numerous birds, reptiles, and lemurs.
Northeast
This is the former province of Toamasina/Tamatave.
Island of the Mats
South of Île Sainte-Marie, it offers stunning postcard-perfect beaches and a peaceful retreat.
South of Île Sainte-Marie, it offers stunning postcard-perfect beaches and a peaceful retreat.
Saint Mary's Island
On the northern part of Madagascar's coast, the island is renowned for its lush landscapes, beaches, diving, and walks or kayaking trips. You can also spot humpback whales during the southern winter.
On the northern part of Madagascar's coast, the island is renowned for its lush landscapes, beaches, diving, and walks or kayaking trips. You can also spot humpback whales during the southern winter.
Toamasina
Also known as Tamatave, this is a large city on the northeast coast, serving as a stopover or base for exploring the surrounding area, particularly the Pangalanes Canal, of which the city is the outlet.
Also known as Tamatave, this is a large city on the northeast coast, serving as a stopover or base for exploring the surrounding area, particularly the Pangalanes Canal, of which the city is the outlet.
Natural Heritage
Pangalanes Canal
This artificial canal from the late 19th century runs along the east coast for over 600 km, roughly from Farafangana to Toamasina. Travellers highly enjoy its boat trips for the landscapes and beautiful beaches to be discovered.
This artificial canal from the late 19th century runs along the east coast for over 600 km, roughly from Farafangana to Toamasina. Travellers highly enjoy its boat trips for the landscapes and beautiful beaches to be discovered.
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Fairly close to Tana, this lovely forest park attracts many visitors due to its location. It is home to abundant flora and fauna, including numerous species of lemurs.
Fairly close to Tana, this lovely forest park attracts many visitors due to its location. It is home to abundant flora and fauna, including numerous species of lemurs.
Mananara Nord National Park
A small terrestrial and marine park on the northeast coast of Madagascar, known for hiking, beaches, and diving.
A small terrestrial and marine park on the northeast coast of Madagascar, known for hiking, beaches, and diving.
Central
This is the former province of Antananarivo/Tananarive.
Ambohimanga
This "royal hill" is one of the twelve surrounding the capital. It is home to the ancient city that gave rise to the Merina kingdom. The site and its buildings are UNESCO World Heritage-listed.
This "royal hill" is one of the twelve surrounding the capital. It is home to the ancient city that gave rise to the Merina kingdom. The site and its buildings are UNESCO World Heritage-listed.
Antananarivo
The capital (also called Tana) has some remnants of the French era as well as the Rova, which was the palace of the rulers in the 19th century.
The capital (also called Tana) has some remnants of the French era as well as the Rova, which was the palace of the rulers in the 19th century.
Antsirabe
The country's third-largest urban area, nestled in the heart of Madagascar at an altitude of 1,500 metres. It's the surrounding area that draws visitors, with its traditional villages, lakes, and stunning landscapes perfect for hiking.
The country's third-largest urban area, nestled in the heart of Madagascar at an altitude of 1,500 metres. It's the surrounding area that draws visitors, with its traditional villages, lakes, and stunning landscapes perfect for hiking.
Natural Heritage
Lake Itasy
This lake in the middle of a lava field is home to many bird species. You can hike around its shores.
This lake in the middle of a lava field is home to many bird species. You can hike around its shores.
Southeast
This is the former province of Fianarantsoa.
Ambalavao
This is a small highland town known for its beautiful multi-storey wooden houses with balconies.
This is a small highland town known for its beautiful multi-storey wooden houses with balconies.
Ambositra
This central city is renowned for its craftsmanship, particularly woodwork (a UNESCO-listed tradition) rooted in the Zafimaniry people, whose traditional villages can still be seen in the surrounding area.
This central city is renowned for its craftsmanship, particularly woodwork (a UNESCO-listed tradition) rooted in the Zafimaniry people, whose traditional villages can still be seen in the surrounding area.
Fianarantsoa
This large city in the southeast is at the heart of a region known for its locally renowned vineyards. It is also the starting point for one of the last remaining trains in the country. The line runs to Manakara on the coast and is popular with travelers for the stunning landscapes it passes through.
This large city in the southeast is at the heart of a region known for its locally renowned vineyards. It is also the starting point for one of the last remaining trains in the country. The line runs to Manakara on the coast and is popular with travelers for the stunning landscapes it passes through.
Manakara
It's the terminus of the FCE train that connects this small port to Fianarantsoa in the hinterland.
It's the terminus of the FCE train that connects this small port to Fianarantsoa in the hinterland.
Fianarantsoa East Coast Railway
This is a line that operates more or less depending on the season, as its condition means service can be interrupted at any time. The train connects Fianarantsoa to Manakara on the coast, taking at least six hours (for 160 km) through stunning landscapes. It serves both as a tourist route and a "lifeline" for remote areas.
This is a line that operates more or less depending on the season, as its condition means service can be interrupted at any time. The train connects Fianarantsoa to Manakara on the coast, taking at least six hours (for 160 km) through stunning landscapes. It serves both as a tourist route and a "lifeline" for remote areas.
Natural Heritage
Pangalanes Canal
This artificial canal from the late 19th century runs along the east coast for over 600 km, roughly from Farafangana to Toamasina. Travellers highly enjoy its boat trips for the landscapes and beautiful beaches to be discovered.
This artificial canal from the late 19th century runs along the east coast for over 600 km, roughly from Farafangana to Toamasina. Travellers highly enjoy its boat trips for the landscapes and beautiful beaches to be discovered.
Andringitra National Park
In the south of the island, this park of high mountains and deep, partly forested valleys—ideal for trekking—is home to some of the richest wildlife and plant life. It is one of the six UNESCO-listed parks as part of the Atsinanana Rainforests.
In the south of the island, this park of high mountains and deep, partly forested valleys—ideal for trekking—is home to some of the richest wildlife and plant life. It is one of the six UNESCO-listed parks as part of the Atsinanana Rainforests.
Isalo National Park
A stunning mountain and deep-valley park renowned for its landscapes, vegetation, and lemurs. Offers excellent trekking opportunities.
A stunning mountain and deep-valley park renowned for its landscapes, vegetation, and lemurs. Offers excellent trekking opportunities.
Ranomafana National Park
This site near Fianarantsoa is one of six UNESCO-listed parks as part of the Atsinanana Rainforests. It’s known for its landscapes, flora (including orchids), and wildlife, which includes many lemurs and birds.
This site near Fianarantsoa is one of six UNESCO-listed parks as part of the Atsinanana Rainforests. It’s known for its landscapes, flora (including orchids), and wildlife, which includes many lemurs and birds.
South/Southwest
This is the former province of Toliara/Tuléar.
Anakao
A coastal village south of Toliara that has gradually become a seaside resort. You can enjoy the beaches and go diving or surfing. Just opposite, the small island of Nosy Ve is a popular outing for fishermen and tourists.
A coastal village south of Toliara that has gradually become a seaside resort. You can enjoy the beaches and go diving or surfing. Just opposite, the small island of Nosy Ve is a popular outing for fishermen and tourists.
Belo-sur-Mer
Known for its traditional sailboat construction, the town also offers its beaches, coral reef, baobab forest, and salt flats. It is near Kirindy Mitea Park.
Known for its traditional sailboat construction, the town also offers its beaches, coral reef, baobab forest, and salt flats. It is near Kirindy Mitea Park.
Ifaty
This spot offers, in a pretty setting, great opportunities for beach and diving just a few kilometers north of Toliara.
This spot offers, in a pretty setting, great opportunities for beach and diving just a few kilometers north of Toliara.
Morondava
Ce port face au canal du Mozambique est surtout une base pour découvrir les alentours dont la fameuse Allée des baobabs, le parc de Kirindy, plus accessoirement le fleuve Tsiribihina ou les Tsingy de Bemaraha.
Ce port face au canal du Mozambique est surtout une base pour découvrir les alentours dont la fameuse Allée des baobabs, le parc de Kirindy, plus accessoirement le fleuve Tsiribihina ou les Tsingy de Bemaraha.
Saint Augustin
This small, still largely untouristed town south of Toliara offers beautiful surrounding landscapes and beaches.
This small, still largely untouristed town south of Toliara offers beautiful surrounding landscapes and beaches.
Tolanaro
Formerly called Fort Dauphin. Despite its bay, beaches, and a few historical remnants—both indigenous and French—this southern town mainly serves as a base for exploring the surrounding areas, such as the Andohahela and Berenty reserves.
Formerly called Fort Dauphin. Despite its bay, beaches, and a few historical remnants—both indigenous and French—this southern town mainly serves as a base for exploring the surrounding areas, such as the Andohahela and Berenty reserves.
Toliara
Also known as Toliary, the former Tuléar is the major urban center in southwestern Madagascar. It serves primarily as a base or stopover for exploring this part of the country.
Also known as Toliary, the former Tuléar is the major urban center in southwestern Madagascar. It serves primarily as a base or stopover for exploring this part of the country.
Natural Heritage
Avenue of the Baobabs
An impressive cluster of baobabs lines the road from Belo to Morondava, a few kilometres north of the latter. The site has become quite touristy. Nearby, the Kirindy Forest Reserve is also home to many baobabs, as well as numerous lemurs and reptiles.
An impressive cluster of baobabs lines the road from Belo to Morondava, a few kilometres north of the latter. The site has become quite touristy. Nearby, the Kirindy Forest Reserve is also home to many baobabs, as well as numerous lemurs and reptiles.
Cape Sainte-Marie
This is the southern tip of Madagascar. Hard to reach, the area, classified as a nature reserve, nonetheless offers beautiful landscapes. You can also see tortoises there.
This is the southern tip of Madagascar. Hard to reach, the area, classified as a nature reserve, nonetheless offers beautiful landscapes. You can also see tortoises there.
Andohahela National Park
This mountainous forest park, near Tolanaro, boasts rich wildlife and flora, as well as beautiful waterfalls. It is one of the six parks designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the Rainforests of the Atsinanana.
This mountainous forest park, near Tolanaro, boasts rich wildlife and flora, as well as beautiful waterfalls. It is one of the six parks designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the Rainforests of the Atsinanana.
Kirindy Mitea National Park
Just outside Morondava, this is a lovely park made up of forests, savannas, mangroves, lakes, and beaches. You can see baobabs, lemurs, and birds here.
Just outside Morondava, this is a lovely park made up of forests, savannas, mangroves, lakes, and beaches. You can see baobabs, lemurs, and birds here.
Zombitse Vohibasia National Park
Between Toliara and Isalo, this small park is home to many bird species. You can hike here.
Between Toliara and Isalo, this small park is home to many bird species. You can hike here.
Berenty Reserve
This small, frequently visited private reserve between Tolanaro and Ambovombe is home to numerous bird and lemur species.
This small, frequently visited private reserve between Tolanaro and Ambovombe is home to numerous bird and lemur species.
Tsimanampesotse Reserve
Around the salt lake of the same name, this park south of Toliara offers the chance to observe many birds, including colonies of flamingos.
Around the salt lake of the same name, this park south of Toliara offers the chance to observe many birds, including colonies of flamingos.
Tsiribihina
This river, which flows into the Mozambique Channel near Belo-sur-Tsiribihina, offers a beautiful boat descent through stunning landscapes and the villages along its banks.
This river, which flows into the Mozambique Channel near Belo-sur-Tsiribihina, offers a beautiful boat descent through stunning landscapes and the villages along its banks.
Must-see & highly recommended
Island of the Mats
★★★★ South of Île Sainte-Marie, it offers stunning postcard-perfect beaches and a peaceful retreat.
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
★★★★ These are incredible karst landscapes classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. They are located not far from the coast, in Madagascar's…
Saint Mary's Island
★★★★ On the northern part of Madagascar's coast, the island is renowned for its lush landscapes, beaches, diving, and walks or kayaking trips…
Recommended
Pangalanes Canal
★★★ This artificial canal from the late 19th century runs along the east coast for over 600 km, roughly from Farafangana to Toamasina…
Nosy Be
★★★ This island is traditionally a major tourist destination in the country, particularly for all-inclusive stays. Visitors come for its…
Nosy Komba
★★★ A small volcanic island between Nosy Be and the mainland. Far less touristy than its neighbor, it's loved for its beaches and forested…
Isalo National Park
★★★ A stunning mountain and deep-valley park renowned for its landscapes, vegetation, and lemurs. Offers excellent trekking opportunities.
Tsingy de Namoroka National Park
★★★ This stunning location southwest of Mahajanga features landscapes of impressive karst formations, caves, and canyons. It is home to…
Ankarana Reserve
★★★ A stunning reserve 100 km south of Antsiranana (formerly Diego Suarez), renowned for its wildlife (lemurs, reptiles, crocodiles, birds) and…
Fianarantsoa East Coast Railway
★★★ This is a line that operates more or less depending on the season, as its condition means service can be interrupted at any time. The train…
Worth a look / Other
Avenue of the Baobabs
★★ An impressive cluster of baobabs lines the road from Belo to Morondava, a few kilometres north of the latter. The site has become quite…
Ambohimanga
★★ This "royal hill" is one of the twelve surrounding the capital. It is home to the ancient city that gave rise to the Merina kingdom. The…
Anakao
★★ A coastal village south of Toliara that has gradually become a seaside resort. You can enjoy the beaches and go diving or surfing. Just…
Antananarivo
★★ The capital (also called Tana) has some remnants of the French era as well as the Rova, which was the palace of the rulers in the 19th…
Antsiranana
★★ At the northern tip of the island, the former Diego Suarez, nestled in one of the world's most beautiful bays, still retains many traces of…
Ifaty
★★ This spot offers, in a pretty setting, great opportunities for beach and diving just a few kilometers north of Toliara.
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
★★ Fairly close to Tana, this lovely forest park attracts many visitors due to its location. It is home to abundant flora and fauna, including…
Andohahela National Park
★★ This mountainous forest park, near Tolanaro, boasts rich wildlife and flora, as well as beautiful waterfalls. It is one of the six parks…
Andringitra National Park
★★ In the south of the island, this park of high mountains and deep, partly forested valleys—ideal for trekking—is home to some of…
Ankarafantsika National Park
★★ Next to Mahajanga, this is a park of forests and lakes home to numerous birds, crocodiles, and lemurs.
Kirindy Mitea National Park
★★ Just outside Morondava, this is a lovely park made up of forests, savannas, mangroves, lakes, and beaches. You can see baobabs, lemurs, and…
Amber Mountain National Park
★★ Close to Diego Suarez/Antsiranana and especially Ambohitra (formerly Joffreville), which serves as its entry point, this park features…
Marojejy National Park
★★ Recently opened to visitors, this mountainous area near the sea offers stunning forest landscapes and rich biodiversity. It is one of the…
Masoala National Park
★★ On the peninsula of the same name, this terrestrial and marine park boasts stunning landscapes with rich wildlife and flora to explore. You…
Ranomafana National Park
★★ This site near Fianarantsoa is one of six UNESCO-listed parks as part of the Atsinanana Rainforests. It’s known for its landscapes…
Berenty Reserve
★★ This small, frequently visited private reserve between Tolanaro and Ambovombe is home to numerous bird and lemur species.
Tsiribihina
★★ This river, which flows into the Mozambique Channel near Belo-sur-Tsiribihina, offers a beautiful boat descent through stunning landscapes…
Ambalavao
★ This is a small highland town known for its beautiful multi-storey wooden houses with balconies.
Ambositra
★ This central city is renowned for its craftsmanship, particularly woodwork (a UNESCO-listed tradition) rooted in the Zafimaniry people…
Antsirabe
★ The country's third-largest urban area, nestled in the heart of Madagascar at an altitude of 1,500 metres. It's the surrounding area that…
Belo-sur-Mer
★ Known for its traditional sailboat construction, the town also offers its beaches, coral reef, baobab forest, and salt flats. It is near…
Cape Sainte-Marie
★ This is the southern tip of Madagascar. Hard to reach, the area, classified as a nature reserve, nonetheless offers beautiful landscapes…
Fianarantsoa
★ This large city in the southeast is at the heart of a region known for its locally renowned vineyards. It is also the starting point for…
Lake Alaotra
★ It is a fairly large lake surrounded by marshes where many bird species nest.
Lake Itasy
★ This lake in the middle of a lava field is home to many bird species. You can hike around its shores.
Mahajanga
★ A major port city on the northwest coast with a fairly rich historical and architectural heritage. Several lovely beaches nearby, as well…
Manakara
★ It's the terminus of the FCE train that connects this small port to Fianarantsoa in the hinterland.
Morondava
★ Ce port face au canal du Mozambique est surtout une base pour découvrir les alentours dont la fameuse Allée des baobabs, le parc de…
Baly Bay National Park
★ This small park near Mahajanga is both terrestrial and marine. It is home to several species of turtles.
Mananara Nord National Park
★ A small terrestrial and marine park on the northeast coast of Madagascar, known for hiking, beaches, and diving.
Zombitse Vohibasia National Park
★ Between Toliara and Isalo, this small park is home to many bird species. You can hike here.
Tsimanampesotse Reserve
★ Around the salt lake of the same name, this park south of Toliara offers the chance to observe many birds, including colonies of flamingos.
Saint Augustin
★ This small, still largely untouristed town south of Toliara offers beautiful surrounding landscapes and beaches.
Toamasina
★ Also known as Tamatave, this is a large city on the northeast coast, serving as a stopover or base for exploring the surrounding area…
Tolanaro
★ Formerly called Fort Dauphin. Despite its bay, beaches, and a few historical remnants—both indigenous and French—this southern…
Toliara
★ Also known as Toliary, the former Tuléar is the major urban center in southwestern Madagascar. It serves primarily as a base or stopover…