Madagascar · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Madagascar
These are the parks, beaches, markets, restaurants and stays that make a Madagascar trip, from Antananarivo and the rainforest to the baobabs, the canyons and the islands. Places marked unconfirmed may have changed or closed, so check locally before you go.
Places to Visit in Antananarivo
Arts and Culture
- Rova of Antananarivo (Manjakamiadana) (Haute-Ville)
The restored Queen's Palace crowns the highest hill in the city, with views over the rice fields and lakes below. - Ambohimanga Royal Hill (Ambohimanga)
A UNESCO listed hilltop royal city of wooden palaces, stone gates and sacred trees, an easy half day from the capital. - Andafiavaratra Palace (Haute-Ville)
The former prime minister's palace now holds royal treasures rescued from the 1995 Rova fire. - Andohalo Cathedral (Haute-Ville)
A grand stone cathedral on an old royal square, at the heart of a lovely walk through the upper town. - Musée de la Photographie de Madagascar (Haute-Ville)
A small museum of historic photographs that brings old Antananarivo and its people to life. - Fondation H (Antaninarenina)
A contemporary art space showing Malagasy and African artists in a restored colonial building. - Antsahadinta Royal Hill (Antsahadinta)
A quiet royal hill with tombs and old ramparts that sees far fewer visitors than Ambohimanga.
Things to Do
- Lake Anosy (Anosy)
The jacaranda lined lake with its war memorial is at its prettiest in October when the trees flower purple. - Avenue de l'Indépendance (Analakely)
The wide central boulevard between the old railway station and Analakely is the best place to feel the city's pulse. - Lemurs' Park (Imerintsiatosika)
A botanical park west of the city where rescued lemurs roam free, ideal on arrival or departure day. - Croc Farm (Ivato)
A crocodile and wildlife park near the airport, an easy family outing on a first or last day.
Nature and Outdoors
- Tsimbazaza Botanical and Zoological Park (Tsimbazaza)
Gardens, lemurs, a museum of natural history and the rare aye-aye in the middle of the city. - Lake Mantasoa (Mantasoa)
A pine fringed lake east of the capital with the remains of Jean Laborde's 19th century industrial town.
Shopping and Markets
- Marché Artisanal de la Digue (La Digue)
The capital's biggest craft market for raffia, carved wood, embroidery, gemstones and vanilla. - Analakely Market (Analakely)
The city's central market spills down the stairways and streets with food, flowers and everyday goods. - Andravoahangy Market (Andravoahangy)
A huge local market where residents shop for everything from spices to second hand clothes.
Restaurants
- La Varangue (Antaninarenina)
Refined Franco-Malagasy cooking in a house full of antiques, one of the capital's classic special occasion tables. - Sakamanga (Antaninarenina)
A much loved hotel restaurant and bar filled with art, a reliable first meal in the city. - Villa Vanille (Antaninarenina)
Malagasy and French dishes in an old villa, often with live traditional music in the evening. - Hotely gasy canteens of Analakely (Analakely)
Simple local canteens serve rice with romazava or ravitoto for a true taste of everyday Tana.
Cafés
- Café de la Gare (Soarano)
A grand café inside the restored colonial railway station at the top of Avenue de l'Indépendance.
Events
- Madajazzcar Festival (Citywide)
A long running jazz festival bringing Malagasy and international musicians to venues across the capital. - Independence Day celebrations (Mahamasina and Lake Anosy)
Around 26 June the city fills with parades, fireworks, lanterns and family outings. - Famadihana ceremonies (Highland villages)
In the dry season some highland families rewrap their ancestors' remains in joyful gatherings; attend only if invited.
Stays
- Hôtel Colbert (Antaninarenina)
A classic central hotel with a famous pastry shop, close to the upper town and the main boulevard. - Palissandre Hôtel and Spa (Faravohitra)
A hillside hotel with a pool and terrace views over the city, good for a calm first night. - Radisson Blu Hotel Antananarivo Waterfront (Ambodivona)
A modern international hotel with a pool, convenient for business travellers. - Lokanga Boutique Hotel (Haute-Ville)
A small boutique hotel in a historic house near the Rova with sweeping views. - Au Bois Vert Lodge (Ivato)
Bungalows in a garden near the airport, handy for early flights.
Places to Visit in Andasibe
Nature and Outdoors
- Analamazaotra Special Reserve (Andasibe)
The easiest place in Madagascar to hear and see the indri, the largest living lemur, singing at dawn. - Mantadia National Park (North of Andasibe)
Wilder, deeper rainforest with diademed sifakas, waterfalls and far fewer visitors. - Association Mitsinjo (Andasibe village)
A community run forest with local guides whose fees go back into conservation. - Maromizaha Protected Area (Near Andasibe)
A community managed forest with excellent lemur sightings and quiet trails. - Torotorofotsy Wetlands (West of Andasibe)
A protected marsh known for rare birds and the golden mantella frog. - Palmarium Reserve (Ankanin'ny Nofy, Pangalanes Canal)
A lakeside reserve reached by boat where lemurs roam freely around the palms.
Things to Do
- Night walk along the Andasibe road (Andasibe)
Guided walks at dusk reveal chameleons, frogs and tiny mouse lemurs by torchlight. - Vakôna Lemur Island (Vakôna)
Rescued lemurs jump onto visitors' shoulders on a small island, a favourite with children. - Peyrieras Reptile Reserve (Marozevo)
A roadside reserve full of chameleons, geckos and butterflies on the way from Tana.
Stays
- Vakôna Forest Lodge (Vakôna)
Wooden bungalows in the forest with a pool, horses and its own lemur island. - Andasibe Hotel (Andasibe)
Bungalows looking over a lake and rice fields near the park entrance. - Feon'ny Ala (Andasibe)
Simple bungalows beside the forest, named for the "voice of the forest" you hear at dawn.
Shopping and Markets
- Moramanga market (Moramanga)
A busy town market on the road east, good for fruit and snacks on the drive.
Places to Visit in Isalo
Nature and Outdoors
- Isalo National Park (Ranohira)
Sandstone canyons, ridges and oases, Madagascar's most popular hiking park. - Piscine Naturelle (Isalo National Park)
A clear pool beneath a waterfall framed by pandanus palms, perfect for a swim mid hike. - Canyon des Makis and Canyon des Rats (Isalo National Park)
Narrow green canyons with streams, ferns and ring-tailed lemurs. - Cascade des Nymphes (Isalo National Park)
A pair of blue and black pools in a shady gorge on a longer, quieter trail. - Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park (West of Ilakaka)
A dry forest by the RN7 with birds found nowhere else and Verreaux's sifakas.
Things to Do
- La Fenêtre de l'Isalo (South of Ranohira)
A natural rock window where the sun sets through the sandstone, a classic evening stop. - La Reine de l'Isalo (Along the RN7)
A rock formation said to look like a seated queen, best seen in late afternoon light. - Ilakaka (Ilakaka)
A rough frontier sapphire town that grew from nothing in the late 1990s, fascinating to pass through.
Stays
- Isalo Rock Lodge (Ranohira)
A stylish lodge built into the rocks with a pool facing the massif. - Le Jardin du Roy (Ranohira)
Stone bungalows among the sandstone rocks, close to La Fenêtre. - Relais de la Reine (Ranohira)
A long established lodge with a pool, gardens and horse rides into the plains.
Restaurants
- Ranohira village hotely (Ranohira)
Local canteens in the village serve zebu, rice and beans for hikers after a long day.
Places to Visit in Morondava
Nature and Outdoors
- Avenue of the Baobabs (North of Morondava)
Giant Grandidier's baobabs lining a red dirt road, unforgettable at sunrise and sunset. - Baobab Amoureux (Near the Avenue of the Baobabs)
Two baobabs twisted around each other, a favourite stop for couples. - Kirindy Forest Reserve (North of Morondava)
A dry forest known for the fossa, sifakas and, in season, the giant jumping rat. - Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park (Bekopaka)
Razor sharp limestone pinnacles crossed by rope bridges, a UNESCO site reached by a long dry season track. - Manambolo Gorge (Bekopaka)
A canoe trip through a limestone gorge with caves and burial sites at the edge of the Tsingy. - Kirindy Mitea National Park (South of Morondava)
Baobabs, mangroves, lakes and dunes in a little visited park.
Arts and Culture
- Sacred Baobab (Baobab Sacré) (Near the Avenue of the Baobabs)
A huge baobab honoured with offerings by local communities; ask before photographing.
Things to Do
- Belo-sur-Mer (South of Morondava)
A fishing village where boat builders still make large wooden schooners by hand. - Tsiribihina River descent (Miandrivazo to Belo-sur-Tsiribihina)
A slow multi day river trip by pirogue or barge past villages, lemurs and waterfalls. - Nosy Kely beach (Nosy Kely)
The town's sandy peninsula for swimming and watching fishermen's pirogues at sunset.
Shopping and Markets
- Morondava market (Town centre)
A lively market for fish, fruit and the colourful lamba cloths of the west coast.
Stays
- Palissandre Côte Ouest (Nosy Kely)
A beachfront resort with a pool, an easy base for the baobabs. - Chez Maggie (Nosy Kely)
A friendly beach hotel and restaurant popular with travellers for years. - Baobab Café (Nosy Kely)
A hotel on the river side of the peninsula with a pool and a relaxed bar. - Hôtel Soleil des Tsingy (Bekopaka)
A lodge with views over the forest near the entrance to the Tsingy de Bemaraha.
Restaurants
- Seafood grills of Nosy Kely (Nosy Kely)
Simple beach restaurants grill prawns, crab and fish caught that morning.
Places to Visit in Nosy Be
Nature and Outdoors
- Lokobe National Park (Southeast Nosy Be)
Reached by pirogue, this last patch of original forest holds black lemurs and tiny chameleons. - Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve (Off Nosy Be)
Snorkel with turtles and reef fish in clear water, then climb to the lighthouse. - Nosy Komba (Off Nosy Be)
A small island village where black lemurs come close and locals sell embroidery. - Nosy Iranja (Southwest of Nosy Be)
Two islands joined by a white sandbar at low tide, with turtles nesting on the beach. - Nosy Sakatia (West of Nosy Be)
A quiet green island with seagrass where turtles graze close to shore. - Lac Anjavibe and the crater lakes (Central Nosy Be)
Volcanic crater lakes among forest and ylang-ylang, best seen from above.
Things to Do
- Mont Passot (Central Nosy Be)
The island's highest point, where people gather at sunset to watch over the crater lakes and islets. - Andilana Beach (North Nosy Be)
The island's best swimming beach, with calm water and soft white sand. - Whale shark and humpback whale trips (Off Nosy Be)
From roughly September to December whale sharks gather offshore, with humpbacks earlier in the season.
Arts and Culture
- Mahatsinjo Sacred Tree (Mahatsinjo)
A vast banyan tree, a sacred royal site planted in the 19th century; wear a lamba and go barefoot.
Shopping and Markets
- Hell-Ville market (Hell-Ville)
The main town's covered market for vanilla, spices, pepper and tropical fruit.
Bars and Nightlife
- Ambatoloaka (Ambatoloaka)
The island's liveliest beach village, with bars and music on the sand after dark.
Restaurants
- Ambatoloaka beach grills (Ambatoloaka)
Fish, octopus and zebu skewers grilled on the beach at sunset.
Events
- Donia Festival (Hell-Ville)
A big music festival around Pentecost bringing artists from across the Indian Ocean islands.
Stays
- Vanila Hotel and Spa (Ambaro)
A beachfront resort with a spa and sunset views over the bay. - Andilana Beach Resort (Andilana)
A large all inclusive resort on the island's best beach, easy for families. - Constance Tsarabanjina (Mitsio archipelago)
A barefoot luxury island lodge on its own islet north of Nosy Be. - Ravintsara Wellness Hotel (Madirokely)
A boutique wellness hotel with gardens and a calm beach. - Nosy Be Hotel and Spa (Ambatoloaka)
A beachfront hotel within walking distance of restaurants and bars.
Places to Visit in Île Sainte-Marie
Arts and Culture
- Pirate Cemetery (Near Ambodifotatra)
Weathered tombs on a hill overlooking the bay where pirates once sheltered. - Église Sainte-Marie (Ambodifotatra)
Said to be the oldest Catholic church in Madagascar, small and charming by the sea.
Nature and Outdoors
- Île aux Nattes (Southern tip)
A small car free island across a channel with palm beaches and walking paths. - Piscines naturelles d'Ambodiatafana (Northeast coast)
Natural rock pools at the wild northern end of the island. - Forêt d'Ikalalao (Central Île Sainte-Marie)
A patch of protected forest with guided walks and endemic plants. - Baie d'Ampanihy (East coast)
A sheltered mangrove bay explored by pirogue.
Things to Do
- Humpback whale watching (Off Île Sainte-Marie)
From about July to September humpbacks calve in the channel, often visible from the shore. - Cétamada whale centre (Ambodifotatra)
An NGO that explains the whales and promotes responsible watching.
Shopping and Markets
- Ambodifotatra market (Ambodifotatra)
The island's main town market for fruit, fish and cloves.
Stays
- Princesse Bora Lodge and Spa (South of the airport)
A beach lodge with a spa, known for whale season programmes. - Libertalia Hotel (Ambodifotatra area)
Bungalows by the sea with a pontoon facing a small island. - La Crique (North of Ambodifotatra)
Simple bungalows on a pretty cove, long popular with independent travellers.
Restaurants
- Beach restaurants of Île aux Nattes (Île aux Nattes)
Simple places serving coconut fish and grilled lobster right on the sand.
Places to Visit in Ranomafana
Nature and Outdoors
- Ranomafana National Park (Ranomafana)
Misty rainforest with golden bamboo lemurs and hot springs in the village.
Places to Visit in Antsirabe
Things to Do
- Pousse-pousse rides in Antsirabe (Antsirabe)
Ride the colourful rickshaws through this genteel spa town on the RN7.
Arts and Culture
- Antsirabe workshops (Antsirabe)
Small workshops turn zebu horn, tin cans and embroidery into crafts.
Places to Visit in Fianarantsoa
Arts and Culture
- Fianarantsoa Haute-Ville (Fianarantsoa)
A hilltop old town of churches and cobbled lanes above the city.
Places to Visit in Ambalavao
Arts and Culture
- Antemoro paper workshop (Ambalavao)
Watch handmade paper decorated with pressed flowers being made.
Nature and Outdoors
- Anja Community Reserve (South of Ambalavao)
A community run reserve full of ring-tailed lemurs among granite boulders.
Shopping and Markets
- Ambalavao zebu market (Ambalavao)
One of the biggest cattle markets in the country, held midweek.
Places to Visit in Andringitra
Nature and Outdoors
- Andringitra National Park (Andringitra)
Granite peaks, high plateaus and Pic Boby, a top trek in the south.
Places to Visit in Ifaty
Nature and Outdoors
- Reniala Forest (Ifaty)
A spiny forest with baobabs and strange octopus trees near the beach.
Places to Visit in Anakao
Things to Do
- Nosy Ve (Off Anakao)
A small island with nesting red-tailed tropicbirds and clear snorkelling water.
Places to Visit in Antsiranana
Nature and Outdoors
- Emerald Sea (Off Ramena)
A turquoise lagoon reached by boat from Diego Suarez, great for a swim. - Montagne d'Ambre National Park (Joffreville)
Cool rainforest with waterfalls, crater lakes and tiny leaf chameleons.
Places to Visit in Ankarana
Nature and Outdoors
- Ankarana National Park (Ankarana)
Limestone tsingy, caves and crocodile rivers in the far north.
Places to Visit in Masoala
Nature and Outdoors
- Masoala National Park (Maroantsetra)
Remote rainforest meeting the sea, home of the red ruffed lemur.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Le Grill du Rova (Haute-Ville, Antananarivo)
Grilled zebu and Malagasy plates in a garden setting close to the Queen's Palace. - Le Glacier (Analakely, Antananarivo)
A long running bar on Avenue de l'Indépendance known for live music and a lively local crowd. - Mantadia Lodge (Andasibe, Andasibe)
A hillside lodge with wide views over the rainforest canopy. - Andasibe railway station (Andasibe village, Andasibe)
A sleepy colonial station on the old Tana to Toamasina line, a glimpse of the village's past. - Maison de l'Isalo (Ranohira, Isalo)
The park's interpretation centre explains the geology, Bara culture and wildlife. - Isalo Ranch (Ranohira, Isalo)
Simpler bungalows on the edge of the park with friendly hosts. - Ranohira market (Ranohira, Isalo)
A small market where Bara herders and farmers trade on the edge of the park. - Lemuria Land (Ampasipohy, Nosy Be)
A park with lemurs, reptiles and an ylang-ylang distillery, good for families. - Anjiamarango Beach Resort (Southwest coast, Nosy Be)
A quiet resort facing the islets on a secluded stretch of coast.