Visiting Madagascar promises to be the most exciting adventure that you will ever experience. Brimming with scenic spots and rich heritage of flora and fauna, add to this an unusual history and countryside full of warm, friendly people, Madagascar is an island paradise in the Indian Ocean, unlike anywhere else on Earth. Cut off from the mainland millions of years ago, Madagascar has developed a unique and fascinating character, making it one of the most awe-inspiring holidays destinations in the world. Come explore the island’s rich botanical interior, indulge in vibrant Madagascar shopping, enjoy relaxing on the beach and come face-to-face with lemurs – the symbols of the endemic fauna of the island: this and much more are waiting for you in this lively hotspot.
The following is a list of popular activities that are not to be missed while vacationing in Madagascar.
Meet Mother Nature’s most Curious Creatures
With some of the highest biodiversity on the planet, including two hundred thousand known species, of which about 150,000 are endemic, i.e. they exist nowhere else, Madagascar offers superb opportunities to encounter over ninety types of lemurs and 283 species of birds (more than 100 are endemic). Lemur’s Park is one of the best places to see 9 species of Lemur and a wonderful variety of other animals and plant life. The park was created to allow animal enthusiasts and nature lovers to discover all about these amazing animals.
Another interesting creature you should not miss out in Madagascar is the Fossa – a carnivorous animal, looking like a cross between a puma and a dog, with widespread population, completely unique to the island. Fossas can be seen in many of the island’s forested regions and are active both in trees and on the ground. Other curious habitats include dwarf chameleons, giant rats, tomato frogs and hedgehog-like tenrecs.
Hiking & Walks at Andringitra National Park
Located in the South of the Tsaranoro, against the backdrop of the imposing Andringitra mountain range, a granite massif of a surface of 31,160 ha, Andringitra National Park, often called Madagascar’s most scenic park, is a nature lover’s dream, the tourist interest of which comes from activities like hiking, trekking, discovery, climbing and splendid views from the top. Visitors will discover many dramatic peaks, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls and unusual landscape, plus diverse biodiversity from reptiles to mammals to birds and plants. The park has well accessible footpaths. One can climb Pic Boby (2,876 m) during a walk of around 17 kilometers (some 12 hours) to enjoy a beautiful view of the amazing granite formation. Another wonderful hike is Diavolana, called the moon landscape because of its view on only rocky formation and rocky landscape including the Camp Catta. During this hike visitors will see the two sacred waterfalls of ‘Riandahy’ and ‘Riambavy,’ as well as lemurs and unique plants species, including varieties of orchids blooming in February and March.
Whale Watching
Another exclusive activity to indulge in Madagascar is definitely whale watching. This can be done close to the eastern coast of Madagascar in the picturesque Sainte Marie Island, famous for its huge coral, beautiful creeks and vegetation. More than 10 years ago the island started to develop its economy based on whale watching activities and now attracts over 5,000 travelers from around the world who come to encounter humpback whales of Antarctica that from June to September migrate to the warmer waters off the east coast of Madagascar to breed. This is the best place where you do not need any luck to see these giant mammals in the world that can grow up to 15 meters in length and weigh 45 tons. Whales can also be spotted in Maroantsetra, where the trips are more expensive due to the less demand, as well as in the Comore Islands and Mayote Island from Ifaty on the Southwestern coast.
