Madagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island, sits off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. The things to do in Madagascar range from spotting lemurs in misty rainforests to watching sunsets behind ancient baobab trees. The country is home to wildlife and plants found nowhere else on Earth, earning it the nickname “the Eighth Continent.”
Getting around requires some planning since attractions span hundreds of kilometers. This guide covers the must-see places in Madagascar, with entry fees, timings, and practical tips to help you plan your trip.
1. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Your Madagascar adventure can begin at Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, the country’s most accessible rainforest. Located just 150 km from the capital Antananarivo, this park protects 155 square kilometers of dense evergreen forest.
The park is famous for the indri, Madagascar’s largest lemur, whose haunting calls echo through the canopy each morning. Twelve lemur species live here, along with over 100 bird species and colorful chameleons. Night walks reveal mouse lemurs and tree frogs illuminated by torchlight.
- Google Rating: 4.5/5 stars
- Location: 5F85+2F5, Falierana, Madagascar
- Timings: Daily 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Price: Entry fee – MGA 45,000/ INR 927; Guide fee varies depending on circuit; set aside 3 to 6 hours for guided tours
2. Avenue of the Baobabs
Among the top things to do in Madagascar, the Avenue of the Baobabs stands apart. This 260-meter stretch of dirt road near Morondava is lined with towering Grandidier’s baobabs, some over 800 years old.
The trees rise 30 meters high with massive trunks that store water for survival during dry seasons. Sunset transforms this road into Madagascar’s most photographed location. Locals pass through on zebu carts while the sky shifts from orange to purple behind the ancient silhouettes.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Location: RN8, Madagascar
- Timings: Open 24 hours (best visited at sunrise or sunset)
- Price: Free entry; set aside 1 to 3 hours
Suggested Read: India eVisa for Madagascar Citizens: Easy Application Steps
3. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
For adventure seekers, Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park delivers one of the most unusual experiences on Earth. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features sharp limestone pinnacles carved by erosion over 200 million years.
The park is divided into Grand Tsingy and Petit Tsingy. Visitors cross suspended bridges, climb ladders, and squeeze through narrow passages while wearing harnesses. Eleven lemur species live within this stone forest, including the rare Decken’s sifaka.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Location: 3QJV+2Q6, Begara, Madagascar
- Timings: April to November only (closed during wet season)
- Price: Entry fee – MGA 55,000/ INR 1,134 per day for adults and MGA 25,000/ INR 515 for children; for guided tours – fees vary by circuit; set aside 4 to 8 hours depending on route
4. Isalo National Park
Things to do in Madagascar for tourists often include Isalo National Park, and rightfully so. Located in the country’s southwest, this 815-square-kilometer park contains eroded sandstone formations, deep canyons, and hidden oases.
Ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux’s sifakas live in the canyons. Hiking trails lead to natural swimming pools, waterfalls, and the famous “Window of Isalo” viewpoint at sunset. The Malagasy rainbow frog, found only here, adds to the park’s appeal.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5 stars
- Location: Sakamalio, Madagascar
- Timings: Daily 6:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Price: Entry fee – MGA 65,000/ INR 1,340 per day; Guide fee varies depending on circuit; set aside 4 to 8 hours for full hikes
5. Nosy Be Island
If relaxation ranks high on your list, Nosy Be offers Madagascar’s best beach escape. This island off the northwest coast features white sand beaches, coral reefs, and ylang-ylang plantations that give it the nickname “Perfume Island.”
Andilana Beach is the island’s most popular stretch, with calm turquoise waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Mont Passot, an extinct volcano, provides 360-degree views of crater lakes and the Mozambique Channel at sunset.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Location: Northwest coast of Madagascar
- Timings: Best visited May to October
- Price: Beach access – Free; set aside a full day or two s for island activities
6. Ranomafana National Park
Fun things to do in Madagascar include wildlife spotting at Ranomafana National Park. This rainforest park in the southeastern highlands shelters 13 lemur species, including the rare golden bamboo lemur discovered here in 1986.
The park’s misty trails wind through dense vegetation, past waterfalls and natural hot springs that give Ranomafana its name (meaning “hot water” in Malagasy). Night walks reveal chameleons, frogs, and nocturnal lemurs.
- Google Rating: 4.5/5 stars
- Location: Southeastern highlands, near Fianarantsoa
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Price: Entry fee – MGA 55,000/ INR 1,134 per day; Guide fee varies; set aside 3 to 6 hours for guided treks
7. Île Sainte-Marie
Île Sainte-Marie, also called Nosy Boraha, lies off Madagascar’s east coast. This narrow island draws visitors for its pirate history, quiet beaches, and humpback whale sightings from July to September.
Female whales give birth in these warm waters while males sing to attract mates. Boat excursions bring you within viewing distance, and the whale songs can sometimes be heard without equipment. Old pirate cemeteries and shipwrecks add a historical layer to your visit.
- Google Rating: 4.5/5 stars
- Location: Eastern coast of Madagascar
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Price: The island is free to explore, whale watching and other activities have separate prices; set aside a full day or two to visit the main sights of the island
8. Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
Among the cultural things to do in Madagascar today is often leads to the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 24 km from the capital. This hilltop fortress was the spiritual center of the Merina kingdom for over 500 years.
The site preserves original wooden palaces, royal tombs, and fortification walls built using sand, shells, and 16 million egg whites. Malagasy people still consider this sacred ground and come here to honor their ancestors.
- Google Rating: 4.3/5 stars
- Location: Rova, Ambohimanga Rova, Antananarivo 103, Madagascar
- Timings: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed on Monday
- Price: Entry fee – MGA 10,000/ INR 206 for foreigners; set aside 2 to 4 hours to explore the attraction
9. Kirindy Forest Reserve
Kirindy Forest Reserve, located between Morondava and the Avenue of the Baobabs, offers one of the best chances to spot the fossa, Madagascar’s largest predator. This dry deciduous forest supports eight lemur species, giant jumping rats, and numerous reptiles.
Night walks here are particularly rewarding. The forest comes alive after dark with mouse lemurs, chameleons, and if you’re lucky, the elusive fossa on the prowl.
- Google Rating: 4.2/5 stars
- Location: WJVH+22, Kirindy Village, Madagascar
- Timings: Daily sunrise to sunset | Night walks available
- Price: Entry fee – MGA 30,000/ INR 618; set aside a whole day to explore this forest
10. Ifaty Beach
Ifaty offers a relaxed coastal experience on Madagascar’s southwestern coast. This fishing village features white sand beaches, coral reefs, and the unique spiny forest ecosystem just inland.
Snorkeling and diving reveal colorful fish, sea turtles, and diverse marine life around the reef. The nearby Reniala Nature Reserve protects baobabs and the distinctive spiny plants that grow nowhere else.
- Google Rating: 2.8/5 stars
- Location: VJG5+4MM, Ifaty, Madagascar
- Timings: Best visited from April to November
- Price: Beach access – Free, set aside a couple of days to explore the beach and enjoy other activities
FAQs
What are the best things to do in Madagascar for first-time visitors?
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park makes an ideal starting point since it sits closest to the capital and guarantees lemur sightings. The Avenue of the Baobabs and Isalo National Park are also accessible without requiring advanced planning. These destinations offer classic things to do in Madagascar for tourists and provide a meaningful introduction to the island.
What shouldn’t you miss in Madagascar?
The indri lemurs at Andasibe and sunset at the Avenue of the Baobabs top most visitors’ lists for good reason. Tsingy de Bemaraha requires more effort to reach, but rewards you with an experience found nowhere else on Earth. These are must-see places in Madagascar that define what makes this island so extraordinary.
What are the best things to do in Madagascar during the day?
Daytime hours open up wonderful possibilities, including hiking through national parks and snorkeling coral reefs at Nosy Be or Ifaty. Historical sites like Ambohimanga offer cultural enrichment between outdoor adventures. Lemur watching works best inthe early morning when the animals are most active, making it one of the fun things to do in Madagascar.
What are the best things to do in Madagascar at night?
Night things to do in Madagascar center on guided walks through parks like Andasibe, Ranomafana, and Kirindy. These outings reveal mouse lemurs, chameleons, and nocturnal creatures that remain hidden during daylight hours. Stargazing at the Avenue of the Baobabs also offers an unforgettable way to end your day.
What are the most kid-friendly activities in Madagascar?
Lemur spotting at Andasibe-Mantadia works beautifully for families since trails are manageable and sightings are almost guaranteed. Nosy Be’s calm beaches suit children perfectly for swimming and playing in the sand. Lemur Park near Antananarivo offers close encounters with nine lemur species in a safe, accessible setting.
What are the best cultural things to do in Madagascar?
The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga and Rova of Antananarivo provide meaningful insight into Madagascar’s royal history. Visiting village markets and watching traditional dance performances connect you with local life. These rank among the top things to do in Madagascar for travelers interested in the island’s heritage.
What are the top food experiences in Madagascar?
Romazava, the national dish made with meat and mixed greens, deserves a place on your culinary journey. Ravitoto with pork and mofo gasy rice cakes are beloved morning staples across the island. Zebu steak appears on menus throughout the country, while coastal areas serve fresh seafood in rich coconut milk sauces.
What are the best shopping areas in Madagascar?
Analakely Market in Antananarivo sells everything from aromatic spices to handcrafted souvenirs. Andravoahangy Market offers better prices if you enjoy bargaining with local vendors. On Nosy Komba near Nosy Be, Ampangorinana Market features wood carvings, embroidered fabrics, and fragrant local vanilla.
What’s the best time of year to visit Madagascar for sightseeing?
The dry season from April to October offers the best conditions for things to do in Madagascar. Roads remain passable, hiking trails stay dry, and wildlife is easier to spot throughout the parks. July to September adds whale watching at Île Sainte-Marie, while October and November bring adorable lemur babies to several parks.
