Africa
Madagascar
Continent
Best States to Visit
- Antananarivo
- Antsiranana
- Fianarantsoa
- Mahajanga
- Toamasina
Best Cities to Visit
- Toliara
- Antsirabe
- Taolagnaro
- Sambava
- Maroantsetra
Size
587,041 KM2
Population
27,000,000
GDP
$11,499,803,807
Spending Budget
$410 - $1,500
Famous For
- Madagascar, renowned for its primeval lemurs(the black and white ring-tailed Lemur Catta species), colorful chameleons, exquisite orchids, and towering baobab trees.
Best Time to Visit
- January
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
History
Madagascar's geographical isolation is the reason for its unique flora and fauna. According to researchers Madagascar was part of Africa and split from it some 80 million years ago. After the drift the island flourished, it is believed that the primitive animals arrived after crossing large regions of the ocean on floating logs or tangled flora. The island is the result of natural experiments and evolution. Archaeologists also found the fossils of extinct species such as huge tortoise, giant predatory raptors, pygmy hippos, gigantic flightless elephant birds (This bird was larger than any birds living or extinct). There are even primitive carnivores such as mongoose, civets, and Cryptoprocta. Humans arrived on this island about 2000 years ago, believed to be the stopping point for trade between East Africa and South Asia. The social practices of the Malagasy replicate mixed Asian and African ancestries. The island of Madagascar was ruled and broken assortment of unstable sociopolitical unions until the 18th century. In the 19th century, a series of Marina nobles united and ruled the island as the Kingdom of Madagascar. French colonized in 1897 Madagascar and ended the monarchy, after which the island gained independence in 1960. During human existence, evolution turned into oblivion on this island. More than 50 species of lemurs were living on this island out of which only 33 species survive. The extinct largest lemurs whose body mass as of a male gorilla and the one which exists today is as large as the smallest lemurs which disappeared over the last few millennia.
Present Day
Madagascar, island country lying off the southeastern coast of Africa. Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, after Greenland, New Guinea, and Borneo. Although located some 250 miles (400 km) from the African continent, Madagascar’s population is primarily related not to African peoples but rather to those of Indonesia, more than 3,000 miles (4,800 km) to the east. It would be once in a lifetime experience to holiday in Madagascar to a lookout at breathtaking views of nature, white sand beaches, stunning rainforest, and delicious local food. The Flora and fauna here are unique, 90% of its wildlife here cannot be found anywhere else on earth. Madagascar is also known as Madagasikara and the people are called Malagasy; the native language is Malagasy French is also spoken by a large number of people, and the currency used in Malagasy Ariary. Malagasy people replicate a mixed Asiatic and African culture. The animal life and vegetation of the island are equally anomalous, differing greatly from that of nearby Africa and being in many respects unique. Madagascar is most famous for lemurs particularly with the black and white ring-tailed Lemur Catta species throughout the island there are more than 60 species. Madagascar has rich natural resources such as graphite, coal, quartz, and salt. This island dwells the world’s biggest Parson’s chameleon and the world’s smallest dwarf chameleon. There are nearly 150 species of chameleon and over 346 species of reptiles which are found only in Madagascar. Not just reptiles, Madagascar also horde vast hotspot for over 10000 native species of plants. The root of Malagasy is closer to South Asians than Africans. French had colonized Madagascar. Hence French is also spoken in large numbers. It is listed as an underdeveloped country by the world. The island experiences 3-4 shattering cyclones every year, natural disasters are part of the living.
Future
Under Émergence 2030, the economy of Madagascar is to be restructured and moved away from its longstanding dependence on a narrow range of agricultural products including vanilla, coffee, sugarcane, cloves and cocoa in addition to precious stones and tropical hardwoods. As Émergence 2030 notes, the focus on such crops has benefitted a small élite but has done little to promote investment, economic diversification or poverty reduction. Building upon the 2015-19 National Development Plan, Émergence 2030 contains no shortage of inspirational clichés. By 2030, Madagascar is to be food-secure and ‘the granary of the Indian Ocean’, ‘a champion of the blue economy’ and an industrial hub – ‘the Shenzhen of Africa’ – exporting rice, maize, fruits, vegetables, fish, meats and manufactured products to the region and beyond. The unique biodiversity of the “Grande Île” is to be better recognised and its importance promoted among local populations. In tandem, the tourism industry will be expanded from its current niche status. To further facilitate the economic growth and the development of the country’s extensive human capital, the country is divided into four ‘economic poles’: the capital and Central region, which will be an agro-industrial, logistics and services hub; the North, containing the existing tourism offerings centred on the island of Nosy Be and surrounds and operating as a link to the Middle East, Asia and Europe; the West, as an agricultural and tourism centre also hosting an off- and onshore hydrocarbon industry; and the South, today an impoverished region that will be ‘radically transformed’ by the development of coal and gas export industries and port links to Africa and Asia.
Antananarivo the capital city
The capital city is the melting point of Madagascar replicating the combination of traditions and culture. The city is situated at an altitude of 1400 meters, settled at the slopes and surrounded by the mountains it is also called Tana. Set more than 1,400 meters up in the very highland heart of the nation, the capital of Antananarivo comes brushed with chilly mountain breezes for most of the year. But those winds might just be the only cool thing about the cityscape, which today pulses with tooting traffic and shouting marketplaces. French colonialism and Persian structures are showcased in the older part of the city.
Nature Avenue of baobabs
The baobabs trees addressed as Renala meaning the ‘queen of the forest’, weirdly shaped about 30 meters tall existing since 1000years. These trees symmetrically lined up on the way between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina. It is one of the best places in Madagascar which seeks attention for its uncommon and rare beauty. Usually visited from July to August.
Tsingy of Bemaraha
Located on the western side of Madagascar, this attractive landscape was carved by fossil deposits and colossal monoliths. A truly dramatic landscape of carved rocks and towering hoodoos, needle-like stone spires and colossal monoliths balanced tenuously atop cliffs, the Tsingy de Bemaraha is one of Madagascar’s most curious natural treasures. It can be found amidst the long green belt of nature reserves on the west coast, displaying its rugged karst landscapes where the inland highlands give way to the verdant hills closer to the shore. Formed 5million years ago this natural park consists of huge spiked rocks and is a delight to visit. It is also listed in the world heritage site by UNESCO and has been Africa’s utmost promoted place for adventure. The best time to visit this place is from April to November.
Ranomafana National park
In the local language Ranomafana means ‘hot water, after which the village and the national park are named. In the park, one can relish hot water baths in any of the waterfalls.The natural jewel of Fianarantsoa and the home of Madagascar’s famous golden bamboo lemur, Ranomafana National Park draws thousands of people each year to its forest-clad reaches in the heart of the island’s eastern haunch. Sweeping down from misty montane forests to lowland plains, the territory is crisscrossed by mile upon mile of hiking track, carved out by roaring waterfalls and peppered with multi-coloured lizards. A word of warning: Ranomafana’s biggest draws lie deep between the mountains and forests, so be sure to bring sturdy boots and strong legs for this one! The endangered species of golden bamboo lemur is found in the park. The best time to visit this park is from April to December.
Zahamena National Park
It is located in the eastern part of Madagascar and it shields an area of 423sq.km. Draped in rainclouds and mist, clad in rolling canopies of emerald green, and hidden between the rising peaks on Madagascar’s eastern edge, the famous jewel of the rainforests of the Atsinanana comes in the form of the Zahamena National Park. One of the hardest protected areas in the country to get to, this area of just over 400 square kilometers is home to one of the most eclectic arrays of bird life.The rain forest is home to many endemic birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. The best way to view this place is by residing there for some time.
Masoala National Park
Located in the northeast part of Madagascar, this heaven on earth is spread over 250miles of the rain forest. Jutting out into the Indian Ocean in a mosaic of thick rainforests that cascade down to the crashing rollers of the sea from the cliffs of the Sava Region, it’s one of the largest and most hotly protected places in the nation. Illegal logging here has been a huge problem, even in recent years, but a UNESCO designation and increased eco-tourism is only set to improve matters. A peaceful view of tropical rain forest allows u to site rare species like Falanouc, leaf-tailed geckos, tomato frog, and many more birds and reptiles. The marine park also offers adventure activities like snorkeling and kayaking activities.
Isalo national park
Situated in the Ihorombe region of Madagascar in the southwestern corner, stuck in between Toliara and Fianarantsa this bizarre beauty is the best place to visit. This place looks to be in an inactive desert with a rock plateau and an oasis of waterfalls is the jewels of nature and is most attractive in the national park. The natural pools located on the western side of the reserve are the main highlights of this place. The best place to visit this place is in September and October.
Ifaty and Tulear the coastal gems
This beach is located on the north coast of Madagascar. It has the most pleasant beaches, interesting hotels, and resorts. It attracts thousands of passionate tourists who are into scuba diving, snorkeling, and many water sports. Most come for the rigmarole of sun, sea, sand and world-class snorkelling that’s offered by the Indian Ocean, while others head in to enjoy catamaran tours on the Mozambique Channel, sample uber-fresh fish curries and encounter the traditional reed villages of the coastal folk.
Nosy Boraha
This beach is stretched along the eastern coast of Madagascar. It is also known as St. Marine island. This is an attraction for beach lovers all around the year due to lined palm trees, lapis lazuli lagoons, whale watching, speedboat ride, and swimming with cetaceans.
Nosy Be
Just a short hop, skip and a jump across the Indian Ocean waters from the town of Ambanja, gorgeous little Nosy Be is the place to go for Madagascar’s trademark beaches. Shining in hues of alabaster white in the coves and inlets that ring the shoreline here, they pop up beautifully around little fishing villages like Ambatoloaka, or come dotted with groups of swaying palm trees at Ambondrona. There are beach parties too, erupting each Sunday along the sands of Madirokely. And, Nosy Be’s popularity notwithstanding, there are chances for real seclusion to boot – just check out the far-flung islet of Orangea, languishing out at sea from the north-west coast.
Nosy Mangabe
Nestled deep between the coastal hills of Helodrano Antongila Bay, which carves its way inland on the north-eastern edge of Madagascar, the small island come nature reserve of Nosy Mangabe is a real must for any wildlife lovers heading to these parts. Famed for its booming populations of bug-eyed aye-aye lemurs, the spot is a picture of tropical perfection. Huge fig trees wrangle around groves of palms, ruffed lemurs meet mantella frogs in the undergrowth, and the green hills crash down into secluded bays of bright yellow sand. Boats to the island and all the necessary permits are available in Maroantsetra; the closest town on the mainland.
Andasibe-Mantadia
Within striking distance for day trippers from the capital, Andasibe-Mantadia is one of Madagacar’s most accessible national parks. It covers a vast swathe of verdant primeval rainforest, clocking up a whopping territory of more than 150 square kilometers in total. Spread over two separate areas, from the sprawling de Mantadia Reserve to the d’Analamazaotra Special Reserve, the whole area showcases a breathtaking array of biodiversity. There are inland crabs crawling through the forests, swinging diademed sifakas and even fluffy indri monkeys to see. Andasibe-Mantadia has oodles of hiking paths that offer treks between one and six hours.
Ambohimanga
Ambohimanga is a place deeply entwined with Malagasy national identity. Also called, simply, Royal Hill, it was the onetime home of the local kings. Expanded and added to throughout the 1800s, the mound of palaces and burial grounds, crumbling fortifications and regal tombs, was the kingpin of one of Madagascar’s four quadrants, and the place from which King Andrianampoinimerina launched his now-famed campaigns to re-unify Imerina following more than seven decades of civil war in the 18th century. Today, visitors can come on a day trip from the capital to tour the UNESCO spot, spying out the kingly court rooms and exquisite timber and stone rova (settlement) architecture.
Maroantsetra
The favoured gateway to the Masoala National Park and the aforementioned wilds of Nosy Mangabe, age-old Maroantsetra makes its home right at the end of the great Bay of Antongil in north-east Madagascar. An earthy and interesting town, it’s laden with one throbbing marketplace that’s packed with sweet-smelling fruits and multi-coloured vegetables, and has crisscrossing streets of mud lined with tin-shack lean-tos. It’s also the place where the meanders of the Antainambalana River finally meet the Indian Ocean, giving the spot a laid-back riparian charm to boot.
Ile Sainte Marie
The Ile Sainte Marie is an elongated finger of land that stretches along the eastern edge of Madagascar, just across the whale-peppered waters of the Baie de Tintingue. The stuff of travel brochures and tropical postcards, it’s one of the most handsome enclaves of the country for sure. Most travelers will alight between the rickety jetties of Ambodifotatra, before breaking out to the secluded coves and beaches to the north and south. These tend to be powdered yellow sands dotted with big boulders and fringed with coconut palms, complete with the occasional resort hotel hiding between the mangroves. Also, don’t miss the pirate history, which is best seen at the old buccaneer cemetery!
Morondava
Sandwiched between the sandy beaches of the Kirindy Mitea National Park to the south and the spreading delta lands of the Andranomena Reserve to the north, it’s clear from the get-go that Morondava’s real pulls lie out of town. That doesn’t mean the center isn’t worth bedding down in – this seaside spot has some pretty little timber homes and earthy guesthouses, along with a great backpacker vibe. The piece de resistance is undisputed though. That honour goes to the revered Avenue of the Baobabs, which erupts in a medley of hulking trunks along the roadway to Belon’i Tsiribihina nearby – simply not to be missed!
Antsirabe
Perched high up in the Madagascan highlands and soothed by the cool winds of the mountains, Antsirabe was an obvious choice for the French colonials who came here by the boatload during the heyday of colonialism. In their wake they built elegant Parisian-style mansions, raised Gothic cathedrals and laid wide boulevards with plane trees casting shade. They also tapped the healing and relaxation powers of the nearby hot springs, which are still one of the main attractions in the city. Hop aboard a local pousse-pousse (rickshaw) and check off the sites downtown, before heading to the Ranomafana baths to unwind in the natural waters.
Nosy Komba
Nosy Komba is a beautiful island a few kilometers away from Nosy Be, placed on the map for its population of habituated black lemurs. Hills fold dramatically into the water, creating sandy coves and sheltered harbors for fishing villages. The island’s main settlement is Ampangorinana, where the villagers have a keen eye for business: the dusty lanes are lined with embroidered tablecloths, woven baskets and wood carvings. Out of the village island life is quiet. There are numerous deserted coves to explore as well as paths that lead through tavy farms and into the hills where you will find birds, chameleons and black lemurs: best of all, you’ll have them all to yourself.