Things To Do in Madagascar

Ankarafantsika National Park is one of Madagascar’s best birding destinations. Spot the endangered Madagascar fish eagle, Coquerel’s sifaka and chameleons the size of your thumb. Don’t miss a boat trip on Lake Ravelobe for wildlife views framed by golden cliffs.

Montagne d’Ambre National Park is a cool, emerald-green oasis in Madagascar’s far north. This volcanic massif is dotted with crater lakes, waterfalls, lush cloud forest and over seven species of lemur. Cooler temperatures make hiking here a dream, and the birdlife is phenomenal.

One of Madagascar’s most dramatic landscapes, Marojejy National park is full of steep rainforest peaks, swirling mist and trails that mean business. It is the stronghold of the critically endangered silky sifaka and rewards determined hikers with views from summits over 2,000 meters. Expect rugged multi-day trekking, cloud forest magic and encounters with wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.

A wild, rainforest-wrapped peninsula where the jungle literally runs into the sea. Masoala National Park is Madagascar’s largest protected area and home to red-ruffed lemurs, rare birds like the helmet vanga and brilliantly clear marine reserves teeming with reef fish, turtles and dolphins. Hike lush coastal forests by morning, snorkel coral gardens by afternoon and fall asleep to the sound of waves and rainforest frogs.

Ranomafana National Park is a steamy, wildlife-rich rainforest famous for the golden bamboo lemur. Early-morning hikes reveal sifakas, chameleons and vibrant birdlife. After trekking, unwind in local thermal springs or browse the village markets.

Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is a UNESCO-listed maze of razor-sharp stone towers. Visitors explore via harnessed via-ferrata routes, hanging bridges and narrow limestone passageways. Good fitness is required and visits are possible only in the dry season (May–November).

Isalo National Park offers canyons, natural pools and sandstone formations that glow orange at golden hour. Hike through Canyon des Singes, swim in Piscine Naturelle and catch sunset at La Fenêtre d’Isalo, one of Madagascar’s top viewpoints.

Walk beneath ancient baobab trees near Morondava, one of Madagascar’s most famous and photogenic landmarks.

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is the easiest place to see the indri, the largest living lemur with a call that echoes through the forest. The wilder Mantadia section offers rare bird species, deeper forest walks and waterfalls. Don’t miss a night walk for tiny mouse lemurs.