Madagascar Guide

Where whales swim off white sandy beaches, lemurs live in protected rainforests and the perfume of spices fill the air, Madagascar is a tropical paradise like no other. Once visited, never forgotten.

Madagascar Destinations

Explore vast areas of unique plant and animal life, experience the rich cultural heritage, swim in turquoise lagoons and kickback on glorious beaches. As they say in Malagasy, 'Soava dia'. Have a good journey.

Madagascar Activities

Diving among coral reefs, kitesurfing on blue lagoons, wildlife spotting in rainforests, exploring on motor bikes, Madagascar offers action and adventure combined with stunning locations.

Madagascar Culture

Steeped in culture with a diverse background of African, Asian and French influences, a visit to Madagascar is a voyage in ancient traditions, historical customs and colourful rituals.

Madagascar Destination Guide

The fourth largest island in the world, 450km east of Africa in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is a geographically diverse paradise, also known as the Eighth Continent featuring unique wildlife, stunning beaches and a rich culture. For where to go in Madagascar, top places to see and visit in Madagascar, whether remote fishing villages, spotting rare lemurs or staying in luxury hotels, this is the definitive guide for what to do and see in Madagascar.
Nosy Be & Islands The Northern Region Eastern Region Central Region Western Region Southern Region Lemur Madagascar Guide

Madagascar Guide

Madagascar divides naturally into FIVE different regions for travel, sight-seeing and adventure.

Simply click on a region on the map to find out more.

Please note on a tablet / mobile you will have to use these links 

With 592,000 km ² of breathtaking landscape including lofty mountains, lakes, waterfalls and tropical rainforest plus a unique ecosystem and colourful culture, Madagascar offers some of the most varied and exciting sights in the world. To do Madagascar, though, as a one or two week vacation, it's best to plan a region - or regions - to visit according to what you want to experience.

Situated in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa with the equator close to the north of the island gives Madagascar its unique geography and a varied climate that can change from region to region with long dry seasons and intense rainfall depending on where and when you travel.

Whatever time of year there is a benefit. Enjoy the extraordinary variety of birdlife from September to November, watch magnificient Boss whales off the coast from July to September and Whale sharks from October to December, or marvel at the flowering orchids during the cyclone season from January to March.

International airlines including Air Madagascar, fly into Ivato airport, 20km north of the capital, Antananarivo (Tana). From here small aircraft take you to the different regions - or the really intrepid traveller can take a car, bus or motorbike but be aware that some of the roads can be challenging.

You'll have the trip of a lifetime wherever you go in Madagascar, whether you stay in the Central region for scenic landscapes and history, go North for beaches and mountains, head West to some of the clearest waters of the Mozambique Canal, fly South for surreal vegetation and sunshine or travel East for spices and luxurious tropical vegetation.

For a more detailed travel guide to the regions of Madagascar, click on the map or the links below:

Madagascar Highlights

The Anjanaharibe-Sud Reserve is a wildlife reserve located about thirty kilometres southwest of the city of Andapa, in the northern part of Madagascar.

Anjanaharibe-Sud Reserve

  • Thu, 28 Jun 2018

The Anjanaharibe-Sud Reserve is a wildlife reserve located about thirty kilometres southwest of the city of Andapa, in the northern part of Madagascar, in the SAVA region.....

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The Ambato peninsula, located in the northwest of the Big Island and nestled at 26 meters above sea level, is an example.

The Malagasy peninsula with undeniable charm

  • Thu, 28 Jun 2018

Madagascar abounds in magnificent landscapes. The Ambato peninsula, located in the northwest of the Big Island and nestled at 26 meters above sea level, is an example.

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There are some lovely corners in Madagascar to explore: One of them is the small island of Nosy Mamoko

Nosy Mamoko small island of wealth

  • Wed, 06 Jun 2018

There are paradisiacal corners in Madagascar to explore: One of them is the small island of Nosy Mamoko, a haven of peace – made for relaxation!

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During a stay at Diego visit the Sacred Lake of Anivorano or Antagnavo. This lake contains many crocodiles that according to legend were once men

Sacred Lake of Anivorano

  • Mon, 26 Mar 2018

During a stay at Diego visit the Sacred Lake of Anivorano or Antagnavo. This lake contains many crocodiles that according to legend were once men...

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The Ankarana Special Reserve in the north of the Diana region features canyons and sink holes of Andohalambo, caves and subterranean rivers, bats and crocodiles

Adventure in the Special Reserve of Ankarana

  • Mon, 26 Mar 2018

The Ankarana Special Reserve in the north of the Diana region features canyons and sink holes of Andohalambo, caves and subterranean rivers, bats and crocodiles...

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The landscape is simply idyllic and heavenly. A beach of rare beauty, very clear waters and powdery white sand. Scuba diving enthusiasts will be dazzled by the beauty of the waters off the island.

Nosy Kalakajoro is the highest island of the Radama archipelago.

  • Mon, 26 Mar 2018

The landscape is simply idyllic and heavenly. A beach of rare beauty, very clear waters and powdery white sand. Scuba diving enthusiasts will be dazzled by the beauty of the waters off the island...

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Twenty minutes of canoeing from Nosy Be, there is a paradise place: the island of Lemurs or Nosy Komba where a volcano comes out of the water named Antaninaomby.

Discover Nosy Komba a hidden paradise

  • Mon, 26 Mar 2018

Twenty minutes of canoeing from Nosy Be, there is a paradise place: the Island of Lemurs or Nosy Komba. From a distance, you will only see a volcano that comes out of the water, named Antaninaomby...

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In an authentic and heavenly setting, Nosy Mitsio is an extraordinary destination located about 50km from Nosy Be

Off the Beaten Track in Nosy Mitsio

  • Mon, 26 Mar 2018

In an authentic and heavenly setting, Nosy Mitsio is an extraordinary and remote destination located about 50km from Nosy Be with a wealth of exceptional natural attractions both on land and at sea...

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For lovers of nature and gentle hikes, the Bobangira area and its 23 hectares, is magical. A natural site typical of the tropical rainforest of the north-east coast of Madagascar

Domaine de Bobangira, a reserve rich in flora and fauna

  • Mon, 26 Mar 2018

For lovers of nature and gentle hikes, the Bobangira area and its 23 hectares, is magical. A natural site typical of the tropical rainforest of the north-east coast of Madagascar, it is located 100km north of Sambava and 45km south of Vohémar...

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The Three Bays of Diego Suarez at the northern tip of Madagascar, are lapped throughout the year by stunning waves.

Three Bays of Diego Suarez

  • Mon, 26 Mar 2018

Diego Suarez and the Three Bays are formed by a succession of bays lapped throughout the year by stunning waves attracting water sports enthusiasts including kitesurfers and surfers...

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Scuba diving in Nosy Be is an unforgettable adventure. The National Marine Park of Nosy Tanikely is both exceptional for diving and for snorkelling

Scuba diving in Nosy Be

  • Mon, 26 Mar 2018

Scuba diving in Nosy Be is an unforgettable adventure. The National Marine Park of Nosy Tanikely is both exceptional for diving and for snorkelling...

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Madagascar Culture

From time-tested techniques for creating bricks to the passed down craft of making fishing schooners to ritual dances, traditional headwear and after death rituals, Madagascar is rich in the sort of culture that money can't buy. To invest in some time to discover Madagascar's traditional ways of life click here.

Visit these top destinations

Already since 1938 protected, the Sayadi Park is located 5 km from Fort Dauphin on the RN 12A.

A piece of paradise: Saïadi Park in Fort Dauphin

  • Thu, 28 Jun 2018

Already since 1938 protected, the Sayadi Park is located 5 km from Fort Dauphin on the RN 12A.....

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Turquoise water and fine sand beach coves where waves come crashing over rocks. Welcome to Lokaro Bay, a site still preserved from mass tourism

Take a Trip to Lokaro Bay

  • Tue, 27 Mar 2018

Turquoise water and fine sand beach coves where waves come crashing over rocks. Welcome to Lokaro Bay, a site still preserved from mass tourism...

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Located on road leading to Toliara, the protected area of Tsinjoriake is,a newly created nature sanctuary with caves, a table mountain and hundreds of pink flamingos

Tsinjoriake, The Nature Sanctuary with Pink Flamingos

  • Tue, 27 Mar 2018

Located on road leading to Toliara, the protected area of Tsinjoriake is,a newly created nature sanctuary with caves, a table mountain and hundreds of pink flamingos who live in the area all year long near the mangrove swamp that boards the mouth of the Onilahy river...

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The South Midongy National Park is located in the south east part of Madagascar about 90km from Vaingaindrano and 42km from Befotoka in the Atsimo-Atsinana Region, 872km from Antananarivo

The Beauty of the Midongy National Park

  • Tue, 27 Mar 2018

The South Midongy National Park is located in the south east part of Madagascar about 90km from Vaingaindrano and 42km from Befotoka in the Atsimo-Atsinana Region, 872km from Antananarivo...

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Five kilometres off the coastal village of Anakao (south of Toliara) there is this small piece of paradise called Nosy Ve.

Sail to the Island of Nosy Ve, the Bird Island

  • Mon, 26 Mar 2018

Five kilometres off the coastal village of Anakao (south of Toliara) there is this small piece of paradise called Nosy Ve...

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About 30km north of Tuléar, you will find Ifaty, Consisting of small fishing villages, the site features spots of rare beauty.

Visit Ifaty and Meet the Vezo Fishermen

  • Mon, 26 Mar 2018

About 30km north of Tuléar, you will find Ifaty, consisting of small fishing villages and spots of rare beauty...

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The Official Guide to Madagascar

All the destinations featured within this site have previously been published in Prime Magazine, the Official Magazine of Air Madagascar. With a new issue published every month, Prime Magazine is complimentary, available on all Air Madagascar flights, at high quality locations throughout the Big Island, across the entire Indian Ocean Region and internationally.
    You can read the latest published Magazine here

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