When it comes to the attractions in Madagascar, they go beyond just towns, churches, streets, squares, and museums. While places like the town of Mahadzanga have their own charm, tourists are drawn to Madagascar primarily for its remarkable natural beauty, diverse plant life, and unique wildlife.
Madagascar boasts an extensive list of attractions, with no less than five nature reserves, over twenty national parks, and around twenty wildlife sanctuaries to explore. The description of Madagascar's attractions is so extensive that it's hard to highlight just one must-visit destination.
National Parks and Reserves:
Lemur Reserve on the island of Nusi-Kumba: Actually, the word "Kumba" means these cute animals in Malagasy. It is possible to reach the island by boat. On the shore, there is a small village. In any house, you can buy bananas, the favorite treat of lemurs. And get ready for lemurs everywhere. They climb on guests, get into their bags, beg for food. In these parts, lemurs are considered sacred creatures that were once human.
Isalu National Park: Located in the south, it has many trails for hikers. You won't find any birds or insects here, except lemurs, and in plenty. A sense of boundlessness, emptiness, and peace, canyons filled with water, lunar or Martian landscapes are what this park is all about.
Atsinanana Rainforest: These relict thickets are located along the eastern shore of the island. It is a unique space with original species of plants and animals. Among the names of the reserves that belong to this jungle, you can find the following: Marudzedzi, Masuala, Migondi, Ranomafana, Zahamena, Andujahela, Andringitra. These are all parts of a huge holistic conservation area.
Masuala National Park, sometimes Masoala: Part of the country's vast rainforests, it is the largest protected area. Selva, mangroves, swampy lands, coastal forests that come right up to the ocean - that's what this reserve is all about. Not every corner of the park can be visited. But there are coral reefs in the marine part of the park, which you can admire with proper preparation.
Andringitra National Park: Not only a park but a mountain range. It has rainforests and mountain prairies, and it is home to two of Madagascar's three highest mountains. These are Bobby Peak and Bori Peak. Temperatures can dip below 0°C in winter, and it even snows.
Tsingy du Bemaraha Reserve: Located on the west coast of Madagascar. Here you can see the most unusual landscapes formed by winds and water. It's also home to lemurs and indri. The limestone plateau creates an unusual karst forest, and tropical deciduous forests form a humid and warm microclimate.
Andasibe National Park, or Perine: Located near Morondava, in the east of the island. The evergreen jungle has become the home of indri lemurs, and there are many other animals to be seen here. Many paths have been prepared for visitors so that they can wander around the reserve without disturbing the animals and still see as much as possible.
Mananara Nor National Marine Park: Located in the east of Madagascar, 225 kilometers from Tuamasina. Most of the park is located on land, where guests will find picturesque landscapes and rivers. There is also a marine part with three islands, Nosy Antafana, Nosy Rangontsi, and Nosy Heli.
De-Ranomafana Park: Located in the heart of Madagascar, it is a collection of picturesque highlands, hills, and valleys. Extraordinary landscapes and a host of rare animals beckon visitors from all over the world.
Parc Montagne de Ambre: One of the most popular parks with landmarks like Petit Lac Lake and Petit Cascade waterfall. Palm trees and orchids, which in Madagascar do not surprise anyone, densely cover the territory of the park. Nearby is the town of Antsiranana.
Kirindi Forest: Located near Morondava, and it is here that many night tours are conducted, allowing you to see those animals that are not seen during the day. There are also baobabs, a popular tree in Madagascar.
Tsarasaotra Reserve: Located in the central part of the island, closer to the west coast. Nearby is the town of the same name. In the reserve, you can see many birds.
Ankaratra Volcano: This extinct giant reaches a height of 2,655 meters and is located among a ridge of other volcanoes near the country's capital, Antananarivo.
Dead Lake in Antsirab: This small lake is quite warm, yet there are no life forms in it. The surrounding area is filled with many legends.
Pangkalan Canal: This is a whole system of rivers south of Tuamasina, known for its relict forests. Eco-tours often explore this area on exclusive itineraries.
Marumukutru Volcano: Not only is it an extinct, once fire-breathing giant, but it is also the highest point on the island, rising above the Tsaratanana mountain range at 2,876 meters high.
Itasi Volcano: Located in the province of Antananarivo, in the heart of Madagascar, the area around this volcano is very picturesque and attracts many visitors.
