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Top things to do in Madagascar
Experience natural history, go bird watching and learn about local culture. Fully immerse yourself in Madagascar's wild side; spot humpback whales during migration season and take to the beaches where you can find colourful corals and tropical fish.
Here are the top things to do on a Madagascar holiday, as chosen by our Africa specialists.
Experience natural history
Madagascar’s natural history is its most remarkable asset. Varying habitats ranging from rainforests and mountains to deserts and mangrove swamps are home to over 200,000 species, many of which are unique to the island. Over 90% of the islands chameleons and frogs are endemic but the star attraction that brings visitors to Madagascar time and time again is the 70 different species of lemur.
Go bird watching
There are plenty of unique bird watching opportunities on the island as it is home to over 270 bird species of which 120 species are endemic. To see a fair variety Madagascar’s endemic birds you will need to visit three separate areas the eastern rainforest, the southern ‘spiny forest’ and the western dry deciduous forests.
Learn about local culture
The Ifotaka Community Forest is an admirable government initiative which engages the local Antandroy people in harvesting forest products from some areas, while elsewhere the forest is left intact for eco-tourism. The cultural activities, based around the local Antandroy tribe are exceptional. Spend a morning at the colourful, buzzing and utterly authentic local market, or take a walk with an Antandroy guide into the sacred forests where you will find huge individually decorated tombs.
Spot humpback whales
From June to September the 20 metre long humpbacked whales come from Antarctica to the waters of Madagascar to give birth or to look for a mate. The whales may be watched in the waters around Nosy Be, Tuléar, Fort-Dauphin and Manafiafy or Morondava, while the two major spots for whale watching are the Bay of Antongil and Sainte Marie Island.
Take to the beach
The beaches of Madagascar are the perfect place to relax after a wildlife tour or island adventure and many are untouched and undeveloped. From the beaches you can discover the reefs that surround the island and see for yourself the vibrant corals and abundance of bright tropical fish.
