Discover the natural and cultural treasures of the Great Island

Must-See Sites of Madagascar

From the bustling capital to UNESCO-listed national parks, from forests teeming with lemurs to beaches lined with lagoons, Madagascar offers a diversity unique in the world. Explore our flagship sites, selected for their beauty, history, and authenticity.

The North

Diego-Suarez (Antsiranana)

Legendary Bay

A northern port city nestled in one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Cosmopolitan atmosphere, close to Amber Mountain and the Red Tsingy.

Must-see:

  • Diego-Suarez Bay

  • Amber Mountain (National Park)

  • Red Tsingy of Irodo

Climate:

  • May–November: dry season

  • December–April: humid and hot

The Perfumed Island

A flagship destination of the northwest, Nosy Be seduces with its beaches, seabeds, and ylang-ylang plantations. Festive and authentic atmosphere.

Must-see:

  • Diving at Nosy Tanikely

  • Lokobe Reserve

  • Sunset at Mount Passot

Climate:

  • April–November: dry and sunny

  • December–March: humid

Nosy Be

The Highlands

Antananarivo

Capital of the Twelve Hills

A vibrant capital perched on 12 volcanic and sacred hills of the Merina people. “Tana” for locals, it combines royal palaces such as the Rova, bustling markets, and spectacular panoramas.

Must-see:

  • The Royal Palace (Rova)

  • Croc Farm

  • Lemurs’ Park

Climate:

  • June–November: cool and dry

  • November–April: hot and humid

Thermal Town and Precious Stones

170 km south of Tana, Antsirabe charms with its cool climate, hot springs, and semi-precious stone craftsmanship. It is surrounded by volcanic lakes and eucalyptus forests.

Must-see:

  • Lake Tritriva

  • Lake Andraikiba

  • Colonial downtown and historic train station

Climate:

  • April–August: cold and dry

  • August–November: hot and humid

Antsirabe

Fianarantsoa

Cultural Capital of the Highlands

A hilltop city among vineyards, Fianarantsoa is the center of the Betsileo people. Its listed old town and traditions make it a cultural crossroads, a starting point towards Ranomafana Park.

Must-see:

  • Listed old town

  • Vineyards

  • Road to Ranomafana

Climate:

  • May–September: cool and dry

  • October–April: hot and humid

    The West

    Millennial Giants

    A spectacular alignment of endemic baobabs, the Avenue is one of the most photographed sites in Madagascar, especially at sunset.

    Must-see:

    • “Lovers’ Baobabs”

    • Sacred Baobab

    • Sunset over the avenue

    Climate:

    • Accessible year-round

        Avenue of the Baobabs

        Belo sur Mer

        Dhows and Wild Beaches

        A Vezo fishing village renowned for the traditional construction of Malagasy dhows. White sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and fresh seafood.

        Must-see:

        • Traditional boatyards

        • Beaches and lagoon

        • Lobster tasting

        Climate:

        • April–November: ideal dry season

          Sakalava Stopover

          A welcoming small town in Menabe, Belo sur Tsiribihina is a practical stop before exploring the Tsingy de Bemaraha. Authentic atmosphere and warm encounters.

          Climate:

          • May–November: dry and hot

          • December–April: rainy

          Belo sur Tsiribihina

          Kirindy Forest

          Realm of the Fosa

          A 12,500 ha dry reserve, Kirindy is the ideal place to observe the fosa, Madagascar’s emblematic predator. It is also home to Berthe’s mouse lemur, the world’s smallest primate.

          Must-see:

          • Night walks (nocturnal lemurs, chameleons)

          • Baobab trail

          • Fosa observation

          Climate:

          • April–November: dry

          • December–March: rainy season

          Crossroads of the Tsiribihina

          A peaceful town in the west, Miandrivazo is the starting point for Tsiribihina river descents. Located on high ground, it overlooks the plain and serves as a logistical base for travelers before their river adventure.

          Must-see:

          • Local market

          • River panorama

          • Surrounding villages

          Climate:

          • April–November: ideal dry season

          • December–March: heavy rains, to be avoided

          Miandrivazo

          Morondava

          Gateway to Menabe

          Gateway to Menabe
          A peaceful coastal town, Morondava is the starting point for the Avenue of the Baobabs, Kirindy, and the Tsingy. Seaside atmosphere with markets and local fishing.

          Must-see:

          • Avenue of the Baobabs

          • Kirindy Forest

          • Kivalo mangroves

          Climate:

          • April–December: dry (cool to very hot)

          • January–March: rainy

          UNESCO-listed Stone Cathedrals

          A unique karstic landscape, the Tsingy display forests of razor-sharp limestone, caves, suspension bridges, and exceptional wildlife: sifakas, aye-ayes, birds, and endemic reptiles.

          Must-see:

          • Grand Tsingy (sporty circuit)

          • Small Tsingy (accessible to all)

          • Manambolo Gorge by canoe

          Climate:

          • April–November: accessible by road

          • December–March: site closed (rains)

            Tsingy de Bemaraha

            Tsiribihina

            River Adventure

            Descending the Tsiribihina, by canoe or boat, is an immersion into wild nature. Along the way: waterfalls, gorges, Sakalava villages, crocodiles, lemurs, and aquatic birds. Camping on sandbanks offers unforgettable nights under the stars.

            Must-see:

            • Waterfalls and natural pools

            • Sakalava villages

            • Wildlife observation (lemurs, crocodiles, birds)

            Duration:

            • Average 2 nights / 3 days

            Climate:

            • April–November: dry and ideal

            • December–March: floods and rains, not recommended

            The East

            Kingdom of the Indri

            A humid tropical forest famous for the Indri-Indri, the largest lemur. Reserve of orchids, chameleons, and other lemurs.

            Must-see:

            • Analamazaotra Park (Indri, sifakas)

            • Mantadia Park

            • Vakona Reserve (lemurs in freedom)

            Climate:

            • April–June: cool and dry

            • July–November: humid but green

            Andasibe

            Ranomafana

            Tropical Forest and Hot Springs

            A 41,000 ha humid tropical park, sanctuary of the golden bamboo lemur. Rich biodiversity, lush forests, and hot springs after the visit.

            Must-see:

            • Golden bamboo lemur

            • Tanatakely, Vohiparara, Soarano circuits

            • Ranomafana hot springs

            Climate:

            • April–November: ideal

            • December–March: very humid

            Island of Whales

            Off the east coast, Sainte-Marie combines beaches, lagoons, and pirate history. World-renowned spot for humpback whale watching (June–September).

            Must-see:

            • Whale watching

            • Pirate cemetery

            • Islets with secluded beaches

            Climate:

            • June–September: ideal (whales)

            • October–March: more humid

            Sainte-Marie (Nosy Boraha)

            The South & Southwest

            Andavadoaka

            Authentic Marine Village

            A small Vezo village on a turquoise lagoon, Andavadoaka is renowned for its seabeds and traditions. It is also one of the best spots to watch humpback whales during their migration.

            Must-see:

            • Whale watching (September–October)

            • Vezo canoe outings

            • Diving and snorkeling in the lagoon

            Climate:

            • April–November: dry and pleasant

            • December–March: humid

            Trekking Paradise

            A mountainous massif famous for its treks and Mount Boby (Madagascar’s 2nd highest peak). Alpine landscapes, waterfalls, and unique biodiversity.

            Must-see:

            • Climb of Mount Boby

            • Valleys and waterfalls

            • Betsileo villages

            Climate:

            • April–September: cool and dry

            • October–March: hot and humid

            Andringitra

            Fort-Dauphin (Tolagnaro)

            Between Sea and Mountains

            A southeastern town surrounded by wild beaches and green reliefs. Direct access to Andohahela National Park.

            Must-see:

            • Libanona and Vinanibe beaches

            • Andohahela Park

            • Historic Flacourt Fort

            Climate:

            • April–November: dry and hot

            • December–March: frequent rains

            Lagoon and Spiny Forest

            Ifaty is a major seaside destination, between coral reefs and fishing villages. Its spiny forest shelters turtles and endemic birds.

            Must-see:

            • Diving and snorkeling

            • Spiny forest and turtles

            • Vezo villages

            Climate:

            • April–November: dry and hot

            Ifaty

            Isalo

            Canyons and Natural Pools

            Canyons and Natural Pools
            An 81,540 ha national park, Isalo is a mineral setting of canyons, cliffs, and natural pools. Iconic fauna: ring-tailed lemurs, sifakas, and brown lemurs.

            Must-see:

            • Canyon of the Makis

            • Namaza natural pool

            • Isalo Window (sunset)

            Climate:

            • April–July: dry and pleasant

            • August–October: hotter and dry

            Great Beach of the Southwest

            A peaceful coastal town, Morombe is known for its immense beach and dwarf baobabs. Vezo fishermen perpetuate traditional techniques, and the local atmosphere remains authentic and welcoming.

            Must-see:

            • Great beach of Morombe

            • Dwarf baobabs of the region

            • Daily life of Vezo fishermen

            Climate:

            • April–November: dry and hot

            • December–March: rainy season

              Morombe

              Salary

              Turquoise Lagoons

              A coastal village renowned for its pristine beaches, coral reef, and rare baobabs. A peaceful place to dive and relax.

              Must-see:

              • Beaches and lagoon

              • Vezo canoe outings

              • Baobab forests

              Climate:

              • April–November: dry season

              • December–April: humid

                The City of the Sun

                A large port city in the southwest, Tuléar is the gateway to the beaches of Ifaty, Salary, and Anakao. Relaxed atmosphere and colorful markets.

                Must-see:

                • Port and local market

                • Beaches of Ifaty, Anakao

                • Sea Museum

                Climate:

                • Year-round: hot and sunny

                • December–March: possible rains

                  Tuléar (Toliara)