Madagascar is a tropical heaven situated off the Southern-east coast of Africa. The emblem of nature lies surrounded by the Indian Ocean, which brings about beautiful biodiversity across the island.
It habitats a wide range of animal and plant species, which have boosted the ecology in the region by masses. Since the land of Madagascar has been objected to minimal human intrusion, nature has evolved and formulated a worthy masterpiece for us to adore. Henceforth, Madagascar has earned the name of the ‘Eighth Continent of the World” on account of the immense variety of natural resources.
The Flora and fauna of Madagascar are impossible to explore for tourists in one go. Therefore, most tourists prefer visiting places that accurately represent the island.
Here, we aim to provide you with the list of 8 Best Tourist Attractions in Madagascar that you must visit:
Ranomafana National Park
Located near the village of Ranomafana, this park that spreads over 41,000 hectares of land is the nation’s most popular facility. It comprises dense, rich forests covering the entire park bed. It is an ancient forest but was converted into a National park to sustain the wildlife. Besides biodiverse species, it is quite popular for inhabiting endangered Golden Lemurs. What makes it so worthwhile is that Lemurs devour Bamboo shoots containing a significant concentration of Cyanide. Otherwise quite lethal for other organisms; surprisingly, Lemurs seem to thrive on poison!
Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
An articulate of Madagascar’s royalty and tradition, this location ages back to 500 years, was previously home to the island’s rulers and is regarded as the holiest location. The landmark represents the Malagasy culture at its finest. The wall surrounding the village is believed to have been constructed with lime and egg whites mortar in 1847. The wall holds significance in Malagasy traditions, where it protects the town from harm. There is also a circular gate that requires over 40 men to roll it, making it a compelling reason to visit. It also exhibits royal sovereigns and belongings.
Antananarivo
The bustling capital of Madagascar is a rustling pot that encompasses the core of Malagasy culture and tradition. Also known as Tana, this developed city is constructed at an altitude of 1400 meters. The settlement is done on the various terrains of mountainous slopes. Since it represents Malagasy culture, it does have a special historical significance. The old parts of the once-built city exhibit traces of French colonialism and Parisian structures. Since the island is elevated up to 4200m from sea levels, the climate is mildly warm. One should avoid visiting from January to March as it is considered the wettest season of the year. Even Though Malagasy people are very hospitable, one may need assistance as there can be a language barrier. Tour operator such as https://mermadagascar.com/ are accustomed to catering to the tourists at their best to avoid any mishap and ensure that tourists can explore the island with peace of mind. Therefore, it makes it worthwhile to witness the actual embodiments of Madagascar, which makes it one of the most beautiful spots on the face of Earth.
Ifaty
A portion of the island is made up of beautiful coral reefs that serve as natural protection from harsh tides. It brings about the coastal waters, which are enjoyed immensely for water sports such as swimming, snorkeling, etc. Moreover, Ifaty is an ideal fishing spot where two fishing villages conjure up. The inland tropics consist of forests of spiny trees. It also houses Baobab trees with unusual structures which are believed to have been around for thousands of years.
Avenue of the Baobabs
The Baobab trees have formed a unique position in Malagasy culture and date back 800 years. Sacred as it is, these trees form a corridor between the roads of Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina in western Madagascar. As aesthetically pleasing as the landscape is, Baobab trees tower over 30 meters to exhibit a beautiful sight. Due to deforestation for agriculture, the dense forests were cleared, and only Baobabs were left untouched. Such magnificence is why Baobab Avenue is the most visited tourist spot. Many tours are accustomed to catering the tourists to witness the actual embodiments of Madagascar, which makes it one of the most beautiful spots on the face of Earth.
Ile Sainte Marie
The place where pirates once roamed and ruled, Ile Sainte Marie, is on Madagascar’s east coast. The island with protected bays attracted iconic piracy around the 17th to 18th century. Today, one can see the wreckage of old ships from the Baie des Forbans. The clear, crystal waters open the doors for various fun tourist activities, such as snorkeling, diving, and other water sports. Moreover, humpback whales visit the island in summer; therefore, one can also enjoy watching whales.
Isalo National Park
Located in the Central Southern part of Madagascar, Isalo National Park is a national beauty. It is quite popular due to its immensely diverse landscapes and terrain. Accompanied by unusually deep cliffs, canyons, pastures, mountainous streams, and bizarre sandstones formation, Isalo makes up to have an altitude of approximately 1200 meters. Mostly, one can cover the tourist spots in Madagascar within a day, but this park is indifferent. You can arrange the duration of your stay in correspondence with a tour guide to explore the beautiful terrain fully.
Nosy Be
Nosy Be is a tropical island that attracts tourists globally all year round. It is an exotic location that is renowned for its natural scents. An array of mixed scents like lemongrass, vanilla, yang, and mixed herbs make this tropical island into something more livid. The clear blue waters host numerous water sports and are spectacular to watch. Moreover, around the island are seafood restaurants that are recommended to be explored!
Masoala National Park
Covering over 250 miles of land and over three marine parks, Masoala Park is exclusively located in the Northeastern region of Madagascar. The serene view of dense green forests that harbor rare plant and animal species is worth praising. The park houses rare animal species like Tomato frogs, leaf-tailed geckos, and more than ten species of Lemurs. You can also witness a wide array of birds fluttering through this beautiful landscape. The marine parks of Tampolo, Ambodilaitry, and Ifaho in Masoala promote recreational activities such as snorkeling and kayaking ventures.