Top 10 Places to visit in Madagascar

Madagascar is a very exceptional safari destination to explore while on self drive safari as you watch various wildlife animals wandering around, green terrain vegetation and vibrant culture.

1. Avenue of the Baobabs

The avenue of boababs is situated close to Morondava known to have a stretch of ancient baobab trees hence a very iconic destination to explore. The trees here are very exceptional to explore during sunset as they cast long shadows over the dirt road.

While in the avenue , you watch the Adansonia grandidieri, or Grandidier’s baobabs that are endemic to Madagascar hence very unique and worth watching. The baobabs consist of massive, swollen trunks and a unique “upside-down” appearance, with their branches resembling roots sticking out from the top. Getting to the avenue is a remarkable safari for all travelers on self drive safari in Madagascar.

2. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is located about 150 km (93 miles) east of Antananarivo the capital city of Madagascar. The Park is remarkable to explore while on vacation holiday as they watch wildlife animals, verdant rainforests, many species of lemurs diverse flora and fauna.

The lemur species you watch in the park include; the Indri lemur, Diademed Sifaka, Common Brown Lemur, Eastern Woolly Lemur and Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur as well as chameleons and diverse birdlife like the Madagascar Yellowbrow, Madagascar Blue Pigeon and the Velvet Asity.

3. Ranomafana National Park

Ranomafana National Park is an exceptional destination to explore in Madagascar with various attractions to watch on safari. The park includes; tropical rainforests, biodiversity and spectacular terrain landscapes.

The park is found in the Southern part approximately 400 kms (250 miles) from Antananarivo with Fianarantsoa which is about 1.5-2 hour drive from the park. The park includes tropical rainforests, hot springs and 12 differing species of lemur as well as flora and fauna.

4. Isalo National Park

Isalo National Park is a spectacular and unique destination exceptional to explore while on self drive safari as the park consists of rainforests, dramatic sandstone formations, deep canyons, natural swimming pools and open savannahs. It is awesome for hikers, nature lovers and photographers. The park is in the South-central part of Madagascar close to the town of Ranohira.

While in the park, you shall watch Sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, plateaus and gorges. The wildlife species you watch include; Ring-tailed Lemurs (Lemur catta), Verreaux’s Sifaka, Red-fronted Brown Lemur, Colorful chameleons, geckos and snakes. The bird species you watch include; Madagascar kestrel, Benson’s rock thrush (endemic) and Madagascar coucal.

5. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is located in western Madagascar close to the town of Bekopaka with dramatic limestone formations called “Tsingy “, jagged limestone formations known as “Tsingy.” It’s a paradise for adventure enthusiasts, offering hiking and wildlife spotting, including the endangered Decken’s sifaka lemur.

6. Nosy Be

Nosy Be is found in the North Western part of Madagascar with palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters, coral reefs, laid-back vibe. It is a beautiful Island with various white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. While at the Island, you shall engage in adventures like scuba diving, snorkeling, Relax on the Beaches, Visit Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve, Explore Lokobe Reserve, Day Trips to Nearby Islands and whale watching.

7. Masoala National Park

Masoala National Park is found in the distant northeastern part of the island offering a remarkable blend of rainforest, coral reefs and pristine beaches. The Park is ideal for travelers interested in exploring raw nature, solitude and adventure.

While in park, you shall also watch the red-ruffed lemur, Aye-aye – rare nocturnal lemur, bird species like Helmet Vanga (rare and endemic), Madagascar Serpent Eagle and many chameleons, frogs and reptiles.

8. Ankarafantsika National Park

Ankarafantsika National Park is located in the North Western Part of Madagascar with dry deciduous forests, deep canyons, lakes and many bird species. There are more than 120 species of birds, various wildlife i.e lemurs like Coquerel’s sifaka, Common brown lemur, Mouse lemurs, sportive lemurs, Mongoose lemur and Fat-tailed dwarf lemur, reptiles, bird species i.e Van Dam’s Vanga, White-breasted Mesite, Madagascar fish eagle, Schlegel’s asity, etc.

9. Ifaty & Tulear

Ifaty & Tulear is situated along the South West Coast of Madagascar with pristine beaches ideal or relaxation, snorkeling, diving. The beach is candid covering a distance of 25–30 kms north of Tulear with Hot, dry, and sunny climate. The destination includes coral reefs, boababs, spiny forest, fishing villages. While here, you shall enjoy the Malagasy culture

10. Visit Amber Mountain National Park

Amber Mountain National Park is located in the Northern part of Madagascar close to the town of Joffreville. The Park comprises of a sacred emerald green rainforest, verdant waterfall, chameleons, lemurs hence an ideal destination for all travelers on self drive safari in Madagascar.