Madagascar is the kind of destination that will always sit at the top of every backpackers list like Bali. We can’t simply conclude Madagascar is a popular destination for one reason but it is a bundle of beautiful attractions and landmarks. As we knew that Madagascar is a vast country and it required a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks of time to explore everything. So, it’s really a puzzle game for travellers to explore from scratch, therefore we came up with an idea to simplify your Madagascar trip in order to explain what unique things you can do.
There are plenty of things visitors can do here and some of the ideal places to see. Not every destination could be your favourite one or might you feel over rated. But below we provide 10 Perfect things to do in Madagascar, that are surely will blow your mind.
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10 Unique Things to Do in Madagascar
1. Enjoy the Avenue of Baobabs
Avenue of Baobabs is the most preferred and iconic thing most of the visitors choose here in Madagascar. It is always recommended to start your journey here in order to explore the most breathtaking natural places. Located near to the town of Morondava in the west side of the country. Avenue of Baobas is a towering baobab tree lining the dirt road which offers breathtaking natural views to visitors.
Baobabs usually grow up to 853 feet and help us to take more perfect Instagram and Snap photos especially during sunrise and sunset, and these bobas trees are part of the lush tropical forest surviving over 800 years. Exploring Avenue of Baobabs is not a big task if you choose valid guided tours like G Adventures or Intrepid Travel, they exclusively offer multiday tours and guided services at the initial cost of $1,100 per person.
2. Explore the Beauty of Tsingy de Bermaraha National Park
Discovering spectacular limestone formations of Tsingy is really worth exploring and it must be eligible to add things to do in Madagascar. Tsingy de Bermaraha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site well known for its breathtaking razor sharp rock formations and geological wonder of karst limestone comprising karstic landscapes and limestones. Most recommended trekking destination in Madagascar to enjoy some of the regions endengered flora and faunas.
While hiking you can spot 11 sorts of lemurs such as Deken’s Shifakas, red fronted brown lemur and Cleese’s wooly lemur. Additionally, you can explore 103 species of birds and 5 families of bats including reptiles and amphibians. Make sure that this park is only accessible during dry season since it contains the most rugged terrains and perfect time to see diverse flora and faunas.
3.. Discover Ranomafana Rainforest
This is a 40,000 hectares of rainforest Ranomafana is often known for its rugged and mountainous areas home to unique sort of mammals. Rainforest contains the region’s most epic hot springs and is home to 12 species of “lemur”. Since it is part of Ranomafana National Park, rainforest falls under UNESCO listed Rainforest witnessing Ranomafana Rainforest is a great place to protect some of the island’s most endangered species.
Despite 12 species of golden and greater bamboo lemur, the region is home to Milne Edward’s sifaka, Leaf tailed geckos, chameleons, frogs and plant species like Orchids, Bamboos, Medicinal flowers and free ferns. Visitors leisurely bath under its hot thermal springs, and do other things like hiking and wildlife watching while hiking. Remember you will get guided tours (not mandatory) in the entry of the forest and they try to help your hiking, wildlife watching and other activities to take.
4. Relax at Nosy Be’s Beaches
Nosy Be’s Beaches are the best known beach destination in Madagascar offers more crystal clear waters, colourful vibes, laid back atmospheres and easy access to surrounding islands. These pristine beaches offer more adventurous snorkelling, scuba diving; this helps to spot more close views of Nosy Tanikely coral reefs. Nosy Be’s undoubtedly perfect place to spot Humpback Whales, Turtles, and Dolphins, which are spotted year round.
Beaches allow visitors to have a more memorable swimming experience with sea-living turtles, located just 10 minutes’ drive from the boat. Where calmer, crystal clear bays offer green turtles that allow visitors to take swimming along with turtles under gentle creatures. Never Miss Lemurs at Nosy Komba, located 20 minutes boat rides where numbers of black lemur population exist.
5. Visit Kirindy Forest Reserve
Located between Bekopaka and Morondava, Kirindy Forest Reserve or Kirindy Private Reserve is a dry forest reserve under Western Madagascar. Kirindy is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna ranging from lemur species like Verreaux’s sifaka to red fronted brown lemur. Additionally visitors go to spot narrow striped mongoose, Malagasy, Fossa, giant jumping rat and Berthe’s mouse lemur species throughout this forest reserve.
Throughout Madagascar Kirindy Reserve is considered as the most renowned bio diversity rich and ecotourism destination. Take a guided tour for both day and night to see nocturnal lemurs and 80 different species like coua, and vangas. Never forget to spot Giant Jumping Rat, a unique animal that can jump upto 40 inches especially during night time.
6. Hike Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
Reaching the top of Ambohimanga Hill is a next level travel adventure where backpackers could be fortunate to experience many things. Located in the central highland of the Madagascar where regions blessed by the fortified complexes, ancient buildings, royal tombs and some sacred forest exist. If you are the kind of person looking to spend time with historical places or take a tour to learn the region’s history, this place is for you.
Home to spiritual and historical sites, Hill of Ambohimanga is a political capital region during Andriantsimitoviaminandriana periods. Its seven gates were constructed during 1745 as a primary gate by rolling 12 ton stones to protect Malagasy dynasty from outer invasions. A UNESCO World Heritage Site offers us to experience a series of community driven narrate of history, culture, and heritages.
7. Take a Stroll Midst of Local Zebu Market
Zebu Market is Ambalavao’s vibrant local cattle market in the country. Opened only on Wednesday in a week where visitors find humped cows in a thousands of numbers. These humped cows are considered as the central point in local people’s life and symbolise wealth, tradition and spiritual power. Zebu is also filled with vibrant, chaotic market to make colorful trade central and social gatherings. The market also provides opportunities to witness local zebu trade activities, insight about Malagasy rural life and opportunities to learn their local cultures. We recommend you to go with guided tours for better understanding of their customs and local trading techniques.
8. Explore Antananarivo
The capital city of the country Antananarivo is a city filled with combinations of Western, African and Eastern cultural and architectural evidence. Antananarivo makes us stand in the middle of the ancient feeling since the city contains cobbled streets and historical buildings such as the Queen’s palace, the Photographic Museum and the Analakely Market. Besides this, the City is also evidence for the country’s largest Catholic Church and oldest school.
Take a leisurely stroll in the Andohalo neighbourhood and you will enjoy a variety of delights and souvenirs while walking amidst the streets. Visit Tana Kitchen to experience Malagasy cooking class and Lemur’s Park to spot vast numbers of Lemurs under its natural habitats. Since Antananarivo city is the gateway to Madagascar, we can easily reach Tsimbazaz Zoological Park located in the south west corner of the city.
9. Hike in Andringitra National Park
Hiking in Andringitra National Park is a must and should things to do in Madagascar, despite its vastness and challenging routes. Madagascar’s most stunning hiking destination, a national park full of tropical rainforest, granite peaks, valleys and mesmerising natural views, makes your hiking journey more memorable. The second highest summit in the country, Andringitra towering at the height of 2,658 meters high, witnessing many challenging trekking routes, rewarding and perfect ways to explore surrounding ecosystems.
The park is home to most endangered flora and faunas such as rare ring-tailed lemurs, orchids and chameleons. Before you’re hiking, make sure about weather conditions, because weather is unpredictable here, sometimes it may be hot 25℃. So be prepared with good travel backpacks, hiking itineraries and travel shoes.
10. Taste Local Foods
Before finishing your Madagascar travel journey we suggest you try local foods. The majority of the country’s food is strongly influenced by African, Arab, Asian and European food including its street foods. Usually breakfast consists of a plate of rice with fried chorizo or eggs and spicy dishes include chilli, onion, garlic, curry and tomatoes. Try dishes like Lasopy, Fish in coconut sauce, Akoho, Ravitoto, Masikit, Romazava and Sesike. Local foods also include fruit juices, coffee, herbs and black tea. If you find a good zebu steak, try it. It’s delicious, including its zebu milk and meat.
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