Places to discover

Best places to visit in Madagascar

Going to Madagascar is an experience in itself. The "great island" is a vast territory and to choose an itinerary is sometimes very difficult. Where to go? Which stopover places to choose?

Don't worry, we're here to help. An entire team of travellers, passionate about Madagascar and members of the Evaneos Travel community, have come together to share their advice and reviews with you on the places to visit during your trip to Madagascar. In short, you'll have all the information you need to organise the perfect trip.

Antananarivo, the capital and its twelve hills, boasts multiple attractions. Spend a few days there and discover its surroundings and the numerous trekking possibilities, on foot or by bike. Île Sainte Marie is a favourite spot: coconut trees, white sand, and the pleasures of nautical delights, not to mention whales when it's the right season. Diego Suarez, on the northern tip, and all its surroundings are beautiful. The "Tsingy Rouge" (red stone formations), Amber Mountain and the natural parks are must-sees. The villages of fishermen, Ramena and its vast beaches will enchant you. Nosy Be shouldn't be overlooked either, with its richly diverse and colourful sea-beds.

Towards the south, an unmissable route is to follow the RN7 highway to Tuléar. At Fianarantsoa, take the train to Manakara. An unforgettable and colourful journey awaits you, during which you'll cross incredibly stunning landscapes, so keep your cameras ready. In the extreme south-east, Fort Dauphin will give you the feeling that you're on another planet. Madagascar is a land of contrasts, between the red of its earth and the green of its crops and forests. There's a neverending list of activities on offer, from water sports to hikes in numerous natural parks like Isalo, or Ranomafana... Above all, don't hesitate to invest in a local guide, who'll share his knowledge of the area with you.

Cap Miné is located north of Ramena, a few kilometres from Diego-Suarez, which is the port of entry into Diego Bay. 
The town of "sleeping rocks" gets its name from the large black rocks that emerge one hundred metres from the coast. It is the nearest coastal town to the capital.
Vohimanana is home to a very rich primary forest, threatened by deforestation, but it's interesting to discover duringa trip to Madagascar.
The city of Anjozorobe is nestled in the landscapes typical of the Central Highlands, north of the capital, Antananarivo . 
Ankevo is a fine example of community solidarity. For the past fifteen years, the ADDA (association for the sustainable development of Ankevo) has been working to improve the quality of life for the inhabitants of three villages: Ankevo sur Mer, Ankevo Antety and Atsaloa.
Andavadoaka refers to the “pierced rock” , visible in the distance. Here, after an immense coral reef that is practically unbroken for 155 miles, the landscape gives way to islets. This place of transition makes the marine biodiversity here richer than in other reefs.
Ambatozavary is a small village surrounded by mangrove forests on the east shore of Nosy Be, the island paradise of the north of Madagascar.
Nosy Sakatia is a haven of peace that is just a 10-minute canoe ride from the island of Nosy Be. Located to the west of Nosy Be, the orchid island is much less crowded than its neighbours Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Komba but is just as surprising.
The Red Tsingys of Irodo are located two hours by road from the city of Diego-Suarez. Different from their limestone counterparts of Bemaraha and Ankarana National Parks, these Tsingys are formed of red sandstone and laterite. 
You can explore the Ile de la Petite Terre if you are planning a tour around the north of Madagascar. Nosy Tanikely is a marine reservee surrounded by a coral reef, which is opposite Nosy Be, and so a beautiful spot to go diving.
Tsimanampetsotsa National Park is one of the first ten parks to have been created in the country in 1927. The reserve, which is accessible from the village of Efoetsy, spreads over 43,000 hectares. It consists of a coastal forest and a dense, dry forest.
The region of Sahamabajy, a small town nestled at the edge of a lake with the same name, is the sole tea producing area of Madagascar.
Antsoa is a virgin island paradise nestled in the waters between Nosy Be and Nosy Iranja and is dominated by a sugar loaf mountain which arises from the sea.
Who hasn't dreamed of finding themselves alone on a heavenly desert island, just for a short enchanted time? Nosy Vorona, which is also called "the island of birds" can help you to live the dream... 
About a hundred kilometres from the city of Toamasina (Tamatave), Mahambo is an unspoilt fishing village preserved from mass tourism.  
Ambohimanga means “blue hill” , alongside of which you can add the title of royal. The site is listed as a World Heritage Site . It is evidence of three centuries of a mighty royal power, between the 16th and 19th centuries and affords a lovely cultural adventure when you visit Antananarivo .
It is sometimes said that the Anjajavy peninsula is a miniature of Madagascar as it brings together in one place some of the emblems of the island, such as the famous Tsingys.
If you want to observe the daily life of the inhabitants of the Highlands and immerse yourself in the ambiance of a Malagasy village, Iarintsena is the place for you.
Ambalandingana is a village of the region of Ambositra, perched on a mountain at 1600 metres of altitude. Literally meaning "stopover village", Ambalandingana bears its name well and effectively serves as a place to spend the night during a visit to Zafimaniry country.