UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Book Attractions in Advance

Skip the lines at Madagascar's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, parks, and experiences across Madagascar.

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Royal Hill of Ambohimanga

Discover this sacred royal complex near Antananarivo, featuring ancient palaces and tombs.

A spiritual site symbolizing Malagasy heritage, ideal for cultural immersion and hilltop views.

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Tsingy de Bemaraha

Explore limestone karst formations and canyons in this vast nature reserve.

Adventure hub with hanging bridges and endemic species, perfect for geology enthusiasts.

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Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Wander rainforests to spot lemurs and chameleons in this biodiversity hotspot.

Night walks reveal nocturnal wildlife, blending conservation with guided eco-tours.

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Isalo National Park

Hike through sandstone canyons and natural pools in this dramatic landscape.

Sacred to locals, offering waterfalls and rare flora for immersive desert experiences.

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Ranomafana National Park

Delve into misty rainforests teeming with golden bamboo lemurs and hot springs.

Research-focused site with trails highlighting Madagascar's unique evolutionary history.

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Ampefy Region

Visit volcanic landscapes and lily-covered lakes around sacred thermal sites.

Tranquil area for birdwatching and cultural rituals, showcasing highland traditions.

Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures

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Avenue of the Baobabs

Marvel at ancient baobab trees along this iconic dirt road in the west.

Sunset photography paradise with rice fields and local village interactions.

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Nosy Be Archipelago

Relax on white-sand beaches and snorkel in turquoise waters off the northwest coast.

Tropical escape with ylang-ylang plantations and volcanic island hikes.

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Ankarafantsika National Park

Spot lemurs and birds in dry deciduous forests with lake canoeing options.

Serene wildlife haven for guided walks and endemic plant discoveries.

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Ilakaka Sapphire Mines

Explore rugged mining areas and nearby canyons in the south.

Adventure with gem hunting tours and off-road drives through savanna.

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Perinet Rainforest

Kayak rivers and hike trails to see Indri lemurs in eastern lowlands.

Humid wonder for biodiversity tours and frog spotting at dusk.

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Anja Reserve

Climb granite boulders to view ring-tailed lemurs in southern spiny forests.

Community-run site for easy hikes and cultural insights into local life.

Madagascar by Region

🌆 Central Highlands

  • Best For: Cultural heartland, rice terraces, and urban vibes around Antananarivo.
  • Key Destinations: Antananarivo, Ambohimanga, and Ampefy for royal history and markets.
  • Activities: Palace tours, thermal springs visits, zebu markets, and highland hiking.
  • Best Time: Dry season (April-October) for mild 15-25°C weather and festivals.
  • Getting There: Well-connected by domestic flights or buses from Ivato Airport, with private transfers available via GetTransfer.

🌿 East Coast

  • Best For: Rainforests, lemurs, and beaches with lush canal landscapes.
  • Key Destinations: Andasibe, Masoala Peninsula, and Sainte Marie for wildlife and islands.
  • Activities: Night safaris, whale watching, vanilla plantation tours, and rainforest treks.
  • Best Time: Year-round, but July-September for whale season and drier trails (20-30°C).
  • Getting There: Ivato Airport is the main hub - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.

🏜️ West Coast

  • Best For: Unique geology, baobabs, and dry forests with adventure vibes.
  • Key Destinations: Tsingy de Bemaraha, Morondava, and Ankarafantsika for karsts and trees.
  • Activities: Canyoning, baobab sunset drives, fossil hunting, and river cruises.
  • Best Time: May-November for dry conditions (25-35°C) and accessible trails.
  • Getting There: Rent a car for flexibility in exploring remote areas and villages.

🏝️ North & Northwest

  • Best For: Beaches, islands, and marine life with tropical relaxation.
  • Key Destinations: Nosy Be, Lokobe Reserve, and Ampasindava for diving and plantations.
  • Activities: Snorkeling, lemur encounters, spice tours, and boat trips to islets.
  • Best Time: June-October for calm seas (25-30°C) and peak wildlife viewing.
  • Getting There: Direct flights to Fascene Airport or ferries from mainland ports.

Sample Madagascar Itineraries

🚀 7-Day Madagascar Highlights

Days 1-2: Antananarivo

Arrive in Antananarivo, explore markets and palaces, visit Ambohimanga for royal history, and sample local cuisine like ravitoto.

Days 3-4: East Coast & Andasibe

Drive to Andasibe for lemur spotting in national parks, night walks, and rainforest immersion with guided tours.

Days 5-6: West to Baobabs

Travel to Morondava for Avenue of the Baobabs sunsets, village visits, and optional Tsingy day trip.

Day 7: Return to Antananarivo

Final day for shopping handicrafts, cultural shows, and departure, with time for highland scenery drives.

🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer

Days 1-2: Antananarivo Immersion

City tour of Antananarivo including Rova Palace ruins, markets, and Ampefy thermal springs excursion.

Days 3-4: East Rainforests

Andasibe for Indri lemur calls and hikes, then Ranomafana for bamboo lemurs and hot springs relaxation.

Days 5-6: South to Isalo

Road trip along RN7 to Isalo National Park for canyon hikes, natural pools, and endemic birdwatching.

Days 7-8: West Adventures

Tsingy de Bemaraha for karst explorations and hanging bridges, with baobab alley detours.

Days 9-10: North & Return

Nosy Be beaches for snorkeling and relaxation before flying back to Antananarivo for departure.

🏙️ 14-Day Complete Madagascar

Days 1-3: Central Deep Dive

Comprehensive Antananarivo exploration including museums, zebu markets, and day trips to highland villages.

Days 4-6: East Circuit

Andasibe rainforests for lemurs, Masoala Peninsula for marine parks, and Sainte Marie for pirate history.

Days 7-9: South Adventures

Isalo canyons, Anja lemur reserve, and Tulear for spiny forests and Reniala turtle sanctuary visits.

Days 10-12: West & North

Tsingy explorations, baobab drives, then Nosy Be for diving and Lokobe reserve hikes.

Days 13-14: Northwest Finale

Ankarafantsika wildlife safaris, spice plantation tours, and return to Antananarivo for final reflections.

Top Activities & Experiences

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Lemur Spotting Tours

Track ring-tailed and Indri lemurs in national parks like Andasibe with expert guides.

Ethical wildlife encounters revealing Madagascar's 100+ lemur species in natural habitats.

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Whale Watching

Observe humpback whales off Sainte Marie from July to September on boat excursions.

Seasonal migrations with marine biologists providing insights into ocean conservation.

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Scuba Diving Trips

Dive coral reefs around Nosy Be teeming with turtles and rays in clear Indian Ocean waters.

World-class sites with PADI-certified centers offering multi-day packages.

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National Park Hiking

Trek Tsingy trails and Isalo canyons with porters for multi-day adventures.

Varied terrains from rainforests to deserts, emphasizing eco-friendly practices.

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Baobab Sunset Drives

4x4 tours along the Avenue of the Baobabs for iconic tree photography at dusk.

Combine with pirogue rides on rivers for rural Malagasy life glimpses.

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Village Cultural Visits

Stay in Betsileo or Antandroy communities for traditional dances and craft workshops.

Authentic homestays fostering cultural exchange and supporting local artisans.

Explore More Madagascar Guides