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10 best things to see and do in Madagascar, an African tourism gem

Maromba Bay in Madagascar
Wed, Nov 8, 2023

While some may mistake it for the popular Disney Film setting that thrills television lovers across the globe, there are several sites worth seeing in Madagascar. The country is one of the continent’s tourism gems and offers you the exquisite experience of the continent. If you are planning to explore Madagascar, we provide you with some top 10 things to see and do in Madagascar while visiting this beautiful island.

Lemur’s park

Madagascar is one of the top tourist destination in Africa

Lemur’s Park in Madagascar

The park is one of the iconic places in Madagascar that should be at the top of your to-do list while visiting the unique beautiful island. After arriving in Antananarivo, travel to Lemur’s Park and explore one of Madagascar’s finest places to visit. Here, you will get a chance to see the furry creatures. This is the ideal place to reconnect with nature and see Lemurs moving around in their habitat. In addition, you will also get a chance to see nine different species of Lemurs moving around the park. And how about some beautiful pictures for memories as you explore Madagascar? Remember to carry your camera for beautiful Lemur photos if you are a photo fanatic.

Local cuisine

If you are considering food tourism while traveling worldwide, Madagascar is one of the places you should consider. While in the country, take your time to enjoy the rich local African cuisine. The island has earned its place in the food industry because of its rich cuisine. The flavors are inspired by the African Lifestyle and the continent’s culture. Furthermore, the sweet French and Asian flavors is also on the list of meals to expose your taste buds to while visiting the country.

Explore Antananarivo

The historic city which doubles up as the capital city of Madagascar is ideal for tourism because of its rich past. This is where you will marvel at ancient and modern architecture in the old Haute-Ville area of the city. In this breathtaking city, you will also get a chance to explore the culture of its people. You will get the perfect chance to enjoy several flavors of cuisine available in different parts of the island.

Go whale watching


Whale immigration in Madagascar

Whale immigration in Madagascar

Just like East Africa’s unique annual wildebeest immigration, a similar mass movement is always witnessed in Madagascar in the form of hump whales. Between July and September, you should find yourself in the North Eastern Island of Île Sainte-Marie to enjoy the incredible immigration of hump whales. Watching whale migration is one of the top 10 things to see in Madagascar. This is a once-in-a-year opportunity that allows you to witness the huge swimming mammals as they make their way through the ocean.

Spot Wildlife in Lokobe Nature Special Reserve

A visit to the rich island is a trip to enjoy nature. Take your time and visit Lokobe Nature Reserve as you explore Madagascar. The country has several species of chameleons and other reptiles and this could be the best opportunity for you to have a glimpse of wildlife available in the country. The BBC reports that this is where you can get a chance to reconnect with Mother Nature.

Spot endemic birds

Endemic birds are one of the top 10 things to see in Madagascar

Bird watching is a major tourist activity in Madagascar

Madagascar is rich in wildlife and birds are among the animals you can enjoy seeing in the country. The island has about 280 bird species, while about 100 species are only exclusive to Madagascar. The birds cannot be found anywhere else and this could be a lifetime opportunity for you to watch some of the unique birds. National Geographic asserts that the unique African Island is one of the best places across the continent for bird-watchers.

Enjoy the sand and beach bliss

The bliss that the beautiful beaches of Madagascar offer is breathtaking. A visit to the beautiful African Island is incomplete without enjoying its beautiful beaches. There are several beaches with a cool ambiance capable of sweeping you out of your feet. The areas around the beaches are lush green and incredible to watch. Nosy Be is one of the famous tourist spots and a significant beach for the island.

Visit The Three Bays

Madagascar's beautiful beaches

A group of boys surfs in Sakalava Bay in Madagascar

They are a series of beautiful turquoise bays with fascinating views. The bays are a must-see for anyone visiting the unique African island for the first time. They have beautiful beaches and the sound of waves and birds will give you a long-lasting nostalgic experience of the island. If you are contemplating exploring Madagascar, Baie des Dunes, Baie des Pigeons and Sakalava Bay should be on the list of places to visit. The bays are some of the top 10 things to see in Madagascar. READ ALSO: 9 African countries you can visit on a tight budget

Hiking in the Pays Zafimaniry

Hiking trails in Madagasacar

Hiking trails in Madagascar

Take your time and explore Madagascar on foot by hiking along some of its iconic nature trails. Pays Zafimanry is one of the best trekking areas in Madagascar. Here, you will trek into village life and enjoy some of the local culture available on the island.

Sign up for Scuba diving

Madagascar is one of the regions where you can attempt that first dive into the ocean to view its diverse wildlife. You will get a chance to view marine creatures and beautiful coral reefs.