Lying in the Indian Ocean off the south-east coast of Africa, the island of Madagascar is a top contender for unparalleled holidays off the beaten path. The fourth-largest and oldest island in the world, it’s renowned for its varying ecosystems, extraordinary wildlife, and white beaches. Here’s guest poster and safari expert Go2Africa’s guide for your trip to Madagascar.
No matter your preference, there’s something for every kind of traveller. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts can expect lush landscapes with diverse plant life and rare wildlife. For coastal lovers, there are idyllic beaches and snorkel-friendly waters with a rich biodiversity.
Culturally, the Malagasy (people of Madagascar) are as diverse as the land they call home. World influences have come together over several centuries to form what is Madagascan culture today, and you can experience this through the food, traditions, religions, languages, and daily lives of the people.
Whether you want to relax or explore, you’ll find many reasons to visit Madagascar and plenty to love about this island country.
While Madagascar isn’t a typical safari destination, it’s still a unique place to visit for its plants and wildlife. It also makes a fabulous follow-up destination to a safari for anyone interested in a combination of bush and beach adventure.
Immerse yourself in nature, experience a taste of Malagasy culture, or try some of the many activities. Here are some of the best things to do while on the Great Red Island.
1. Visit pristine beaches
Nosy Be off the north-west coast is renowned for its coral reefs teeming with colourful species, and its must-see parks and reserves that are home to reptiles and lemurs. To the east, the lively Île aux Nattes is a palm-fringed beach where you can kick back with a beer in hand, watch whales, or enjoy 360-degree views of the island from the White House rooftop terrace.
If you prefer to get away from the crowds, Manafiafy is a smaller beach to the south-east of the island, lined by lush rainforests where you can take long walks and search for five species of lemur. Ramena, a charming beach and fishing village in Diego Suarez Bay, is a great cultural excursion. Visit the town and eat at one of the restaurants, stroll around or enjoy the shores, and learn how to kite-surf – a popular activity here.
2. Explore Madagascar’s unique wildlife
Lemurs can be found across Madagascar, with Andasibe National Park a common stop for visitors looking to see the largest of the species, the Indri. You can see the bamboo lemur, which is also the most common, in many eastern parks. Wherever you go, you have a relatively high chance of bumping into a few of the lemur family members. September to October is lemur birthing season, when you can expect to see lots of cute baby lemurs.
Madagascar is also a fabulous whale-watching destination. From June to September, pods of humpback whales migrate to the warmer waters surrounding Madagascar to breed and calve. During this time, Sainte Marie Island and Nosy Be are two of the best places to see these oceanic giants.
3. Hike through diverse landscapes
There’s a wide array of trails to choose from. The lengths range from two to six hours and even several days, all with varying difficulties and scenery. The much-loved Isalo National Park offers 815 square kilometres of secret canyons, sandstone massifs and deep gorges, while Andasibe’s flat terrain, short trails, and Indri calls make it a great pick for beginners and families.
Ranomafana Rainforest is one of the most accessible hiking hotspots with both half-day and multi-day treks. The longer routes are an exciting opportunity to camp overnight. Here, you’ll find many a golden bamboo lemur as well as red-bellied, and black-and-white-ruffed lemurs.
4. Enjoy water-based activities
Looking for calmer waters? Go scuba diving or snorkelling among the coral reefs. If you’d prefer to stay on the surface, choose a catamaran tour or canoeing off the coast. The south-west coast, Nosy Be, Nosy Boraha and Ifaty are a few well-known water-sports hubs, but each coast has its fair share of choice sites.
5. Visit the Avenue of Baobabs
People and culture
Over 80% of the population are Christian, 3% are Muslim, and nearly 7% don’t practise any religion. Despite this, most people still maintain traditional animistic beliefs that are rooted in ancient traditions, while around 4% adhere solely to traditionalism.
The traditional clothing and houses show external cultural influences, but the style of dress ranges from traditional attire to western dress, with most people – particularly in rural areas – wearing a mix of the two. Urban areas like Antananarivo are more modernised and outfits such as jeans and T-shirts are commonplace.
Food of Madagascar: what to expect
If you crave something more local, there’s a range of street food vendors, local restaurants, eateries and markets that serve traditional Malagasy dishes. You may be surprised to find that French, Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine are common throughout the country. You’ll find a medley of African, Arab, Indian, French, and Indonesian elements in many dishes.
Rice is the staple food, usually cooked and served with herbs or leaves. It’s accompanied by meat or fish, and various vegetables. Zebu – a type of domestic cattle – is the most common beef across the country. A meal you’re sure to come across is Ramazava, which is made using Zebu meat, cooked in oil until browned with a combination of herbs and spices. Malagasy food is packed with flavour, with herbs, spices, tomatoes, chilli, ginger, garlic, and onion used in most dishes.
Stir-fried pork is a common delicacy, usually served with white rice. Curries and stews are prominent in Malagasy cuisine, and there are many bean-based dishes. If you’re vegetarian, you won’t struggle to find a tasty meat-free meal at most places as vegetables are grown all over the country and used in many of the dishes. It’s best to ask before you order.
If you have a sweet tooth you’ll love desserts using fresh and locally grown fruit. Madagascar is also a producer of cacao, so chocolate lovers can delight in trying out some of the…
