Madagascar isn't just another tropical island destination – it's a living laboratory of evolution, home to some of Earth's most unique creatures and landscapes.

I visited Madagascar back in June 2019 and my memories are still fresh, it was such an intense experience! I’m fascinated by this remarkable island, so let me take you through why Madagascar should be your next adventure destination.

A Natural Paradise Like No Other

Picture this: you're walking through an ancient forest when a family of lemurs swings gracefully overhead, their distinctive calls echoing through the canopy. This isn't a scene from a nature documentary – it actually happened to me while trekking in the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. Home to an astounding 90% of its wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, Madagascar offers wildlife encounters that are truly one-of-a-kind.

Best place for Lemur spotting?

Madagascar is home to over 100 species of lemur, including the famous Ring Tailed Lemur (King Julien XIII in the film ‘Madagascar’!), the singling Indris and the weird and (slightly creepy) Aye-Aye, a nocturnal lemur with a really, really long finger, used to pry insects from tree bark . Lemur populations are distributed around the island and you’d struggle to find all of them in a single trip! One of the most accessible National Parks is Andasibe - Mantadia.

Just 3 hours from Antananarivo
Well-maintained trails
Famous for Indri lemurs
Good visitor infrastructure

📸 : A Von der Decken's Sifaka Lemur overhead in the Tsingy de Bemaraha

Beyond the Lemurs

While lemurs might be Madagascar's most famous residents, the island's biodiversity extends far beyond these charismatic primates. Madagascar is also famed for it’s baobab trees standing like ancient sentinels , the thumbnail-sized chameleons changing colors before your eyes, the Fossa, Madagascar’s largest native predator, and the otherworldly spiny forests of the south all contribute to Madagascar's unique appeal.

The unique landscape of the Tsingy is definitely a must see on a visit to Madagascar. Tsingy is a unique landscape in Madagascar made up of razor-sharp limestone pinnacles that form vast "forests" of stone. The word "tsingy" comes from Malagasy meaning "where one cannot walk barefoot" - a fitting name for these massive gray needle-like rock formations that can stretch up to 70 meters high. The most famous is the Tsingy de Bemaraha, where narrow canyons and bridges between the limestone towers create an otherworldly maze that hosts unique wildlife adapted to this harsh terrain.

📸 : The amazing limestone formations of the Tsingy de Bemeraha

Beaches and Beyond

Madagascar's coastline stretches over 4,800 kilometers, offering pristine beaches that rival any in the world. Nosy Be, the country's premier beach destination, offers powder-white sand and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving. During one day on a ‘Sea Safari’ in this area I was lucky enough to spot Spinner Dolphins, Eagle Rays, Turtles, Mobular Rays, and an endemic Whale species whose name I’ve forgotten! Truly some of the best marine megafauna I’ve ever experienced.

Whale watching opportunities abound during migration season, it’s possible to spot the following:

Humpback whales (most common, visiting between June and September)
Sperm whales
Southern right whales
Bryde's whales
Blue whales
Orcas

And of course Whale Sharks between September and December.

Cultural Richness

The Malagasy people, with their blend of African and Asian heritage, have created a culture as unique as the island's wildlife. From the bustling markets of Antananarivo to the traditional music and dance performances in rural villages, cultural experiences here are authentic and unforgettable.

📸 : Malagasy girls wearing traditional sunscreen

When to Visit

The best time to visit Madagascar is during the dry season (April to October), when the weather is mild and roads are more accessible. The rainy season (November to March) can make travel challenging, though it also brings lush landscapes and baby lemurs. Early booking is essential for Mada, accommodation options are limited and the school holiday periods sell out fast!

Essential Experiences

- Track lemurs in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

- Watch the sunset at Avenue of the Baobabs

- Explore the limestone formations of Tsingy de Bemaraha

- Relax on the beaches of Nosy Be or the surrounding islands

- Visit the vibrant capital city of Antananarivo - the only place I’ve ever seen with Citroen 2CVs for taxis!

Travel Tips

1. **Infrastructure:** Be prepared for basic infrastructure outside major cities. Roads can be challenging, and travel times may be longer than expected. Most itineraries involve at least one internal flight and these all route through Antananarivo, so you will likely have more than one overnight stay in the city.

2. **Health:** Ensure your vaccinations are up to date and take malaria precautions.

3. **Language:** Learn a few basic phrases in Malagasy – it will go a long way in connecting with locals.

4. **Time:** Don't rush. Madagascar rewards slow travel and careful exploration.

The Responsible Choice

Tourism in Madagascar is a vital lifeline for conservation efforts and local communities. By choosing eco-friendly accommodations and licensed guides, you're contributing to the preservation of this unique ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

Madagascar isn't just a destination; it's an experience that will change how you see the natural world. The whole time I was there I felt like I’d entered a parallel universe! Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, beach lover, or cultural explorer, this remarkable island offers adventures that can't be found anywhere else on Earth. Pack your sense of adventure, bring your camera, and prepare to be amazed by one of the world's most extraordinary destinations.

Madagascar - massive and magical