Offshore island in the Mozambique Channel, the red island. The big island. The island of the Indian Ocean. Madagascar is a destination of choice for those who want to discover a unique landscape and singular species. The island ranks fifth in the world’s largest islands behind Australia, Greenland, New Guinea and Borneo. 

Madagascar the sloping island, between deserts and primary forests, the landscape of the fifth largest maritime landmark is fleeting. Between cactus, baobab, dense forests, dolphins, lemurs, frogs, I tell you here my selection of the 12 nuggets to see in Madagascar after visiting the island. Explore the best places of the island, discover the places to visit, to see. 

Andasibe Park:

Home to the largest population of lemurs, Andasibe Park is a must-see when you set foot in Madagascar. The Andasibe Mantadia National Park is a 3-hour drive from the capital and is made up of an essentially primary forest. It is a “must see” for a traveler who has visited Madagascar. 

The area is a protected zone, you will encounter specific flora and fauna. Approximately four to five hotels are located here. 

Andasibe Park is home to lemurs, orchids, bird species, tree species, insect species and other small mammal species.  

The area is humid and full of rare endemic species. More than a tourist spot, it is first and foremost a place of biotope conservation. During your visit, you will be able to record the famous “indri indri” song.

A picture of the ecosystem you have in Andasibe Park. What surprised me on the spot was the weather. In rainy periods the temperatures can be quite low. 

For this reason, I advise you to think about bringing light polar clothes, knitwear, parka, adapted to the climate.

The island of Nosy be:

Looking like a Californian oasis, Nosy Be and its archipelago is a major tourist destination in Madagascar. It has its own international airport and is considered a “mass” tourist destination. The archipelago shares its phonetic name with the famous French perfumery Nocibé. This sets the scene for the island’s suave, illuminated feel. The destination is one of the favourite destinations for couples, for romantic stays and honeymoons. 

The archipelago consists of several islets.

Dolphins, whales and lemurs will be your companions during your activities. They will be charged at your hotel.  On the archipelago, you will find about twenty hotels spread over all the islands. 

I note that the travel is done by boat, so it is impossible to think of shopping on the main island at your own discretion during your stay. The journeys remain short. 

To foresee during its stay in Nosy be: 

– The activities to operate (diving, bivouac, house on piloti…)

– The places of restoration and the moment of provisioning (the displacements in the archipelago are done by motorboat)

– The budget for your stay (the archipelago is very touristic so the rates are more expensive)

Sainte Marie: 

Also known as Nosy boraha, Sainte Marie is, along with the two other French settlements, attached to the former French protectorate territory of Madagascar. The island is “the spot” to meet humpback whales. They spawn there to reproduce in the Antarctic and stay there from July to September. 

40% of the island’s inhabitants speak French, so if you stay here you will have no trouble making yourself understood. The island was discovered by Portuguese sailors in 1506, and they named it Saint Maria in honour of the holy virgin. It is home to small hotel units.  

Pangalana Canal: 

A remnant of the colonial empire, the Pangalana Canal is the destination for crossing the island by pirogue. It is a key attraction to visit when visiting Madagascar. It is a source of pride for the local people and crosses the island from Foulpoint in the north-east, to Farafangana in the south-east. The canal is currently being rehabilitated to make it navigable again for ships with holds, but work has not yet started. 

You will find during your crossing of the channel of pangalana a unique flora and a fauna, grows an abundant vegetation there and if finds a decoration out of time. 

To foresee during your crossing of the channel of pangalana:

– Anti-mosquito spray.

– Drinking water and food to accompany you throughout your crossing.

– A light, openable anorak to protect you from the hot, torrential rains that tropical countries are famous for. 

The Queen’s palace and the capital:

Madagascar’s economic and cultural hub, Tananarive is a place to see if not to visit. The African capital, it houses the palace of Queen Ranavalona and churches built in the time of the missionaries which are worth a visit. 

Its historical plan and its stones will remind you of the visits of Simone de Beauvoire and Hilary Bradt, writers of the last century who liked to come here. 

Tananarive breathes between its garbages, its recently built shops, and its residents. The capital is a place of life, its rhythm and that of its inhabitants but also of time. This offers a less benevolent atmosphere to tourism, which nevertheless remains an activity in the city. The city loves French sympathy, it is extremely Francophile.

I advise you to always visit accompanied, in case you want to walk through the streets and cobblestones of Tananarive (Its place in the ranking is fourth).

Tsingy de bemaraha: 

Classified in the world patrimoines of the unesco, the tsingy of bemara are part of the unique geomorphic pieces of the planet. It is a place to be seen during your passage in Madagascar. It is about stones which will remind you certain memorial of the war. It is “the place to see”. 

The tsingy are located in an arid and dry climate, the surrounding landscape is rocky. The harshness of the flora of the area stands out from the other panoramas of the island. You will experience the transition from primary forests to dry groves during your visit. This contrast will make you aware of the geographical extent of the island, but also of the slash-and-burn culture that prevails here.

In the south, another ethnic group lives, another dialect, and other customs that you could witness during your visit. 

I would like to point out that this is one of the most visited regions of the island for its unique landscape. You will have no trouble finding accommodation, as it has the third largest number of hotels on the island. 

Diego suarez:

On the northern tip of the red island, Diego-Suarez is a must-see destination when staying in Madagascar. The city is located in the cap d’ambre, it shelters: the bay of the tonner, the bay of the white pebbles, the cul de sac gallois, and the bay of the French, as many endoirt to see. 

The city has a town planning strongly marked by the French presence. The town and its surroundings are home to the Amber Mountain National Park, the Nosy Hara Marine Reserve and the Emerald Sea. 

Off the coast of Diego-Suarez you will find the Sugar Loaf Island which is a cultural and ecological heritage site. 

When visiting Diego-Suarez, remember to protect yourself and your equipment from the wind.

Majungua: 

A destination little visited by the western tourist, Majunga remains a major tourist destination. The town is visited by locals, and is one of the island’s seaside resorts. You will find the famous baobabs on the approach to the town, and in its main street the giant baobab.  

The town is known for its taste sapidity, where grilled meats are served on the beach, which will delight the most reckless stomachs.

The place is very popular with the locals, for its beaches and its nightlife. It is an authentic experience for those who want to live their western journey without concessions. 

For the kebabs, I advise you to use the pistachio sauce, which is probably the best. There are few fully standardised hotels in the city. You could try the alternative residences.  

Our tips for visiting Majungua:

– A tour guide, who knows the area and the local dialect.

– A gargantuan appetite, and a taste for new flavours.

– A huge passion for the baobab tree.

Fénérive Est:

Fénérive Est is a city located on the east coast of Madagascar. It is a city qualified as anlanguine where cloves, coffee and letchis are grown. The city is located 450 km from Tananarive. On a hill you can see the remains of a fort built by Radama I in the 1820s. You will have a breathtaking view from the top of the hill.

Island of mats:

In the south of the island of Sainte Marie, the Island of mats, is the place that gives you the impression to leave time and space. The scenery is heavenly, beautiful white sandy beach, turquoise lagoon conducive to scuba diving. There are no cars or electricity.

The island is 3 km 2 in size and has a population of 1500.

Ifaty:

A group of seaside villages north of Tulear. Ifaty is a prime area to visit. The region borders the bay of Ranobe, it is a fishing village where the famous Vezo tribe lives. The town is located on the RN9, so you can photograph the local environment in complete peace. 

Ranomafana:

Created in 1991, Ranomafana National Park covers about 41,600 ha. There is a lodge and an ecolodge within the park. The park of Ranomafana is one of the three most visited national parks of Madagascar. A natural spa is installed in the park, and it is possible to take a thermal cure at the natural hot springs of Ranomafana Park. The park welcomes about 60 visitors per day. A presidential residence is present on the site. 

The park is 348 km from Tananarive, it is located on the RN7.