15 Most Attractive Places to Visit in Madagascar in 2023
First, let’s talk about Madagascar. If you’re familiar with the Indian Ocean on Google Maps. There! you can find the Island of Madagascar.
Madagascar is located in the eastern part of the Central African continent, and It is a country known for its rich biodiversity.
As a sailor, I use to navigate between this island and the main African continent on a voyage from the Gulf of Persia in the Middle East to the Gulf of Mexico in the United States.
With over 2000 species of plants and animals, including lemurs, elephants, and hippos?
Madagascar is truly a place to visit, especially for people that love the beauty of nature.
Its natural resources are also abundant.
There are large deposits of iron ore on the island’s east coast and coal deposits in the southwest, with over 80% of its territory covered by rainforests, however (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)…
…it’s not surprising that Madagascar has such an abundance of flora and fauna!
Here is the list of the most attractive places to visit in Madagascar in 2023 (Not in chronological order).
Anja Community Reserve
Anja Community Reserve is located in the Ankarana region, which is home to a large number of species of animals, plants, and insects.
The reserve is also home to the largest population of lemurs in Madagascar.
The reserve includes several different habitats including forested areas with bamboo forests and deciduous trees (like zebu cows).
There are also open savannahs with grasses or shrubs growing together on top of each other, swamps with water lilies at their base, and more than 40 different species within just one hectare!
Anja Community Reserve has over 20 bird species including scarlet ibis birds that can be seen flying over its wetlands.
These bird species can best be seen throughout April through July each year when their mating season arrives during this period too!
Isalo National Park
Isalo National Park is a popular tourist attraction in Madagascar and home to many rare species of animals.
The park is located in the region of Anosy.
Isalo National Park has been listed as one of the most beautiful parks in the world by Lonely Planet.
It was also ranked by this site as one of their top 10 destinations to visit while on vacation!
Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
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| Dennissvdw/Getty Royal Hill Ambohimanga |
Ambohimanga is one of the most important historical sites in Madagascar.
It was the capital of the Merina Kingdom from 1610 to 1710, and it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The hill rises above Antananarivo, giving you a great view of this city and its surroundings.
You’ll see dense forests covering most of what remains today (except for some plantations).
The top of the hill has several cemeteries dating back hundreds or thousands of years.
You can easily spend hours exploring them if you have time!
Tsimanampetsotsa National Park
Tsimanampetsotsa National Park is a protected area located in the south of Madagascar.
It has many different types of plants and animals, including many different types of birds that you can find in other parts of the country like lemurs or chameleons.
There are also lots of insects like butterflies, bees, moths, etc., which live there too!
Lokobe Nature Reserve
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| Reiner / Getty Image Lokobe wooden cottage |
Lokobe Reserve is located southwest of Madagascar, on the western coast of the island. The reserve covers an area of approximately 1,600 hectares.
It was established as a game park in 1991 and it’s now one of Malagasy’s most popular tourist attractions.
Nosy Komba Island
Nosy Komba Island is a small island in the Indian Ocean, located off the northwest coast of Madagascar. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including lemurs and birds.
The beaches here are pristine white sand and crystal clear waters making them ideal for swimming or snorkeling.
You can also explore caves that have been carved out by natural erosion over millennia; these caves contain stalactites as well as stalagmites which provide visitors with stunning views into their depths!
Ambatofinandrahana
Ambatofinandrahana is a city in Madagascar. It is the capital of the Amoron’i Mania region, which includes several cities and towns.
The city is located on Route Nationale 6 between Antananarivo and Toamasina.
It was named after Victor Ambert by Jean-Baptiste Baird (1722-1790), who was governor general at that time.
Nosy Iranja Island
Nosy Iranja Island is a small island in the northeast of Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean.
The island is located between Nosy Be and Nosy Sakatia and is part of the Nosy Komba archipelago. It’s also known as “Nosy Iranja”.
The name “Iranja” comes from an Arab word meaning “three islands”, referring to this group comprising three main islands: the Nosy Iranjahini, and the Nosy Iranjahini 2 with its lighthouse.
Finally, another smaller island called Vohimana has no permanent residents but does have some recreational activities like camping sites, making it very popular among travelers looking for stunning views.
Berenty Reserve
The Berenty Reserve is located in the northeast of Madagascar, and it’s one of the most attractive spots on Planet Earth.
This reserve is home to many species of lemurs, birds, reptiles, and plants. It’s also protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site because of its diverse ecosystems that include forests with high biodiversity levels.
The best time to visit this place will be during the dry season (from November to March).
The Avenue des Baobabs
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| Trevorplatt from Getty |
The Avenue des Baobabs is one of the two most popular tourist attractions in Madagascar after Isalo National Park.
This is one of the most famous places to visit especially among families with children and those who love nature, flora, and fauna in all its manifestations.
There are some 400 trees here that have been estimated at more than 800 years old but only some 50% survive today due to deforestation.
This is caused by slash-and-burn farming practices used since time immemorial by local villagers until recent years.
This was started when they began tending their land using organic methods such as composting…
Instead of burning down trees every year because this practice releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which contributes greatly towards global warming.
If this practice is not stopped immediately, The world is leading closer to another ice age which would definitely reduce food supplies causing human extinction.
Kirindy Private Reserve
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| Artush/Canva |
Kirindy Private Reserve is located on the eastern coast of Madagascar, just south of the city of Mahajanga.
It’s a protected area of about 2,000 hectares and home to many species that are found nowhere else in Madagascar like lemurs, chameleons, crocodiles, Magpie-robin, and alligators.
You can visit Kirindy Private Reserve during any season but it’s best to go between November and April when animals like lemurs are active because they’re easier to see there than at other times during their migration patterns.
Lake Itasy (Lac Itasy)
Lake Itacy is a 3500 hectares saltwater lake in Madagascar. It is located in the Itasy region of Madagascar, on the border with Mozambique.
The lake is a Ramsar site and home to many endemic species of plants and animals.
There are several activities to do at Lake Itasy, including sailing, fishing, and snorkeling.
Vakona Forest Lodge and the Lemur Island
Vakona Forest Lodge is a beautiful place, built on the edge of the lake with a stunning view of the lake and the island.
The lodge has only 14 rooms with all modern facilities like a hot water shower, TV, etc. It also provides you with delicious food at very reasonable rates.
Lemur Island is a private island in Lake Alaotra situated about 6 km from Mahanoro’s town center called “Mahaitsi” (Mahafidrano), which means “the big hill” in the Swahili language.
This island has been converted into an exclusive eco-lodge offering luxury accommodation with breathtaking views over Lake Alaotra National Park area.
It’s surrounded by forested hills offering privacy & tranquility away from civilization noise pollution.
The Palmarium Private Reserve
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| Atosan from Getty |
The Palmarium Private Reserve and the lemur island of the same name are one of the most popular places in Madagascar.
Next is the Isalo National Park and the Avenue of Baobabs, especially among families with children and those who love nature, flora, and fauna in all its manifestations.
This reserve is home to rare species of animals such as sifaka, spectacular snakes, and a lot of birds and butterflies, plants, reptiles like Oplurus cuvieri, rare insects, and medicinal herbs that grow only on these islands.
The best time to visit this area is during December–March when there are fewer tourists than during other months.
This is due to high prices due mainly because access is difficult (you must boat from Morondava).
During this period there are also fewer boats leaving from Nosy Be so you may want to book your trip well in advance if possible.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS IN MADAGASCAR
COVID-19 restrictions: The Malagasy government lifted all COVID-19 health restrictions for visitors traveling to Madagascar, It was implemented on August 11, 2022.
No proof of vaccination is required for entry. You will need a non-immigrant visa to enter or travel through Madagascar as a short-term visitor for stays over 15 days.
Or an immigrant visa for stays over 90 days. Check below for more information:
Entry requirements in Madagascar
Local Laws and Regulations
Things to Remember in Madagascar
The local currency in Madagascar is the Malagasy Ariary or MGA.
Although exchange and withdrawal at a bank’s ATM are possible, the best is to bring Euro, USD, and or GBP (if you can). Euro is the most accepted currency in Madagascar.
Consider buying travel insurance for a safer journey with coverage. Full details about how to purchase travel insurance are HERE.
