Madagascar holidays

Wander cobblestone streets to a hilltop palace or explore a vibrant dining scene blending global flavours. In Madagascar’s capital, unexpected treasures await around every corner.

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, one of the best things to do in Madagascar is visit the country’s nature reserves to see fossas, aye-ayes, indris and ring-tail lemurs. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park and Ranomafana National Park are well-known spots for lemur and indri sightings. And the island of Nosy Ve is beloved for its coral reefs and red-tailed tropicbirds.

While Madagascar’s main draws may be its wildlife and beaches, much of the country’s culture is best experienced in its towns and cities. See the capital Antananarivo’s hilltop Andafiavaratra Palace and its jacaranda tree–lined lake. Relax in Antsirabe, a spa city with thermal springs. Looking for local souvenirs? Ambositra’s Zafimaniry people are known for their intricate wood carvings.

With 4,800 kilometres of coastline, Madagascar is a haven for water sports. Anakao attracts surfers with its gnarly waves. And kitesurfing and windsurfing are popular pastimes in northern Madagascar, especially around Antsiranana. There’s just as much fun beneath the waves too. Experience some of the country’s best diving in Toliara and around the island of Nosy Be.

Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Madagascar has no shortage of powdery white sands. One of the most popular beach destinations is Nosy Be, with its luxury resorts, excellent snorkelling and colourful ylang-ylang plantations. Or try quieter Nosy Komba, a volcanic island that’s home to rare black lemurs. For sun, sand and history, stop by Nosy Boraha, famed for its pirate cemetery.

With its dense rainforests, sandy beaches, desert shrublands and rich wildlife, Madagascar’s nature is one of its biggest draws. Visit Morondava’s famous Avenue of the Baobabs, and don’t miss the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park’s otherworldly limestone forests. For waterfalls, rainforests and some of the best lemur spotting, explore the hiking trails around Montagne d’Ambre National Park.

Malagasy food blends African, Arabian, Indian and European influences. Antananarivo and Nosy Be are hubs for fine-dining restaurants in Madagascar. Along the coast, Nosy Boraha and Morondava are known for their fresh seafood. One speciality you’ll only get in Madagascar is zebu steak, a type of beef often served with a green peppercorn sauce.

Many of the major museums in Madagascar are located in the capital city of Antananarivo. Like the Musée de la Photographie de Madagascar, which showcases the country’s history through archival photography. You’ll find plenty more culture outside of the gallery walls. Visit Ambatolampy for its traditional aluminium foundries and Ambalavao, where the ancient art of paper-making is still practised.

Generally, the best time to visit Madagascar is between April and October. Ring-tail lemurs are born in August and September, and from July to September, you can spot humpback whales off Nosy Boraha. Madagascar’s rainy season is between November and April, with cyclones common in February. Hoping to hit the beach? Travel in December, when temperatures are at their hottest.

While flights to Madagascar can be expensive, it’s a relatively inexpensive country to visit once you’ve arrived. To help budget your cheap holiday to Madagascar, expect to pay around 12,000 Malagasy ariary (Ar) for a basic meal and as little as Ar5,000 for a coffee or local beer.