Attractions of Madagascar

Antananarivo is the capital of Madagascar, located in the central highlands and enjoying a pleasant climate. Known as 'Tana' to the locals, the city is built around Anosy Lake. Attractions include the Queen's Palace, offering amazing views of the city, and the Tsimbazaza botanical gardens and zoo, which houses many species of lemur.

The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga consists of a royal city and burial site, and an ensemble of sacred places, protected by banks, ditches and 14 stone gateways. The site dates back to the 16th century and is the most important symbol of the cultural identity of the Madagascan people, in addition to being a place of worship for pilgrims.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Royal Hill of Ambohimanga

Andasiba/Mantadia/Perinet National Parks

Andasiba, Mantadia and Perinet National Parks lie east of the capital Antananarivo in the upland rainforest and are home to the indri indri, the largest of the Madagascan lemurs, whose piercing and melancholy voice can be heard throughout the forest. There are eight other species of lemur present, including the black and white ruffled lemur, as well as chameleons, Diademed sifaka and numerous bird species. Walks through the forest will allow you to get close to some of these creatures, while night walks enable encounters with nocturnal species of lemur.

Antsirabe

The town of Antsirabe is located in the highlands south of the capital Antananarivo and its cool climate made it a popular location for European missionaries. Today this colonial influence is still strongly felt in the architecture and churches of the town. The town is known for its gemstones and handicrafts produced in artisan workshops while the 'pousse-pousse' or rickshaw is seen all over town. West of Antsirabe are the beautiful volcanic lakes Lac Andraikiba and Lac Tritriva.

Ranomafana National Park

Ranomafana National Park, south-east of Ambositra, is home to 12 species of lemur, including the Red-Bellied lemur, Grey Gentle lemur, Milne-Edwards’ sifaka, Black and White Ruffed lemur and the extremely rare Golden Bamboo lemur, a species first discovered in the park in 1987. In addition, the park is also home to the Malagasy boa constrictor as well as numerous species of chameleon and birds.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Rainforests of the Atsinanana

The town of Ambalavao is renowned for its production of Antaimoro paper, a traditional hand-made papyrus, whose production can be seen on a factory tour. The town also holds the biggest zebu market in the country on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Andringitra National Park is located near the town of Ambalavao and was set up in 1999. One of the most beautiful parks in Madagascar, Andringitra comprises low altitude rain forest, the granite peaks of the Andringitra mountain range, deep valleys and spectacular waterfalls such as Riandahy and Raimbavy. The park is an excellent trekking destination, both for wildlife walks through the forest and mountain trekking to the summit of Mount Imarivolanitra (Pic Boby), at 2658m the highest point in the south of Madagascar. There is a wide variety of wildlife in the park, including many species of birds, frogs and lemurs.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Rainforests of the Atsinanana

Anja Reserve

The Anja Reserve is a community-based project that is home to about 650 wild and semi-tamed ring tailed lemurs that was set up in 1999.

Isalo National Park

Isalo National Park in the south of Madagascar is a spectacular mountainous region where natural erosion of the sandstone rock has created a dramatic landscape of canyons, gorges and rock towers. Covering over 800 km², the park makes for excellent trekking through the beautiful scenery as well as having opportunities for wildlife spotting. The magnificent Canyon des Makis is home to ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux's sifakas and the park also comprises numerous snakes, lizards, chameleons and birds. Another highlight of the park is the natural oasis of the Piscine Naturelle, ideal for a swim amidst the arid landscape.

Located in the desert-like south-west of Madagascar, the coastal town of Toliara was once an important port for Dutch and English ships on their 16th and 17th century trade routes. Today, the beaches close to the town offer relaxation by the warm, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The offshore reef attracts many species of fish which can be explore by snorkelling while migrating whales may be spotted in the Mozambique Channel in July and August.

Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve in west-central Madagascar is a spectacular and unique landscape comprising a karstic landscape of tsingy - sharp edged and tall towers of limestone (some several hundred metres high), and a forest of limestone needles. Separated into the Grands Tsingy and the Petits Tsingy, the reserve also contains the spectacular canyon of the Manambolo river and undisturbed deciduous forests, lakes and mangrove swamps home to 11 species of lemur, 90 species of bird and 50 types of reptile.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve

The Alley of Baobabs is one of the most famous sights in Madagascar, with lines of these amazing and uniquely shaped trees. The best time to visit is at sunset, when the shadows of the trees are long and the colours spectacular.