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Madagascar is an incredible place, captivating the hearts of travelers with its unique landscapes and fascinating culture. Unfortunately, most visitors to Madagascar end up in the same places. The most popular destinations are the tropical island paradises of Nosy Be and Île Sainte-Marie. However, in this guide, we will discuss the top places in Madagascar to visit for an authentic cultural experience. If you plan on visiting Madagascar, read on to learn about its best hidden gems!
Table of Contents
Where is Madagascar?
When to Visit Madagascar?
The best time to visit Madagascar is during the dry season, from April to December. This period offers several advantages for travelers. In the dry season, wildlife sightings become more frequent and accessible, as animals tend to congregate around water sources. For the coolest temperatures, visit from June to August. This will make outdoor activities more enjoyable.
If you do decide to visit during the rainy season from January to March, you will get the benefit of fewer crowds, cheaper prices for accommodations, and fuller and more dramatic waterfalls.
Is Madagascar Safe?
There is currently some instability in Madagascar, particularly in rural areas in the southern and western areas of the island. If you intend to travel around Madagascar, I recommend you booking a tour. Having a local guide is necessary to prevent any misunderstandings that may occur. Certain towns or villages have their own rules and religious restrictions, so it is important to travel with somebody who understands the local customs and can navigate these areas effectively.
It’s worth noting that petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, can occur in crowded tourist areas or public transportation hubs. I met a tourist who kept his smart phone in his shirt pocket, and he was robbed in the street in Antananarivo. Keep your valuables out of sight. Madagascar is the fourth-poorest country in the world, and desperate people will see you as a target if you have valuables visible.
Despite this, I felt safe in Madagascar. In the two weeks that I spent there, I never had any problems.
Madagascar's Hidden Gems
Here are Madagascar’s hidden gems that are both off the beaten path and worth visiting!
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is a truly unique place to visit in Madagascar. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique limestone formations and natural beauty. This National Park is over 1,500 sq km (about 600 sq miles). It is characterized by a limestone “cathedral” which is surrounded by deciduous forest.
Upon entering the park, you will be fitted with a harness with which you clip onto guide rails when climbing the steep limestone formations. We walked through caves at the bottom of the “cathedral”, and then climbed up for impressive views of the surrounding area.
What does Tsingy mean?
The word Tsingy is what the original inhabitants named the place. This name, which means “tiptoe” in Malagasy, refers to how these barefoot inhabitants had to walk along the pointy limestone formations carefully, resembling a delicate tiptoeing motion.
Avenue of the Baobabs
Just an hour away from the coastal town of Morondava, and a few hours south of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, you will find another amazing destination. The Avenue of the Baobabs is the best place to see Madagascar’s iconic trees. Standing tall and proud, the baobabs line the dusty road, creating a scene resembling an alien planet. These ancient giants, with their thick trunks and unique upside-down appearance, hold a special place in Malagasy culture and folklore.
The best time to view the baobabs is during sunset. As the sky begins to change colors, the Avenue of the Baobabs becomes a breathtaking sight, offering photographers and nature enthusiasts an unrivaled opportunity to capture its beauty.
Facts about Baobabs
Baobabs are among the longest-living trees on Earth, with some reaching ages of over 2,000 years old. These ancient trees have witnessed centuries of history. They can also hold thousands of liters of water, which allows them to survive during the dry seasons. Not only do these trees provide water for people, they also yield very nutritious fruit. The baobab fruit is high in vitamins and minerals, and is often used in traditional medicine. It is also extremely delicious!
Antananarivo: Capital of Madagascar
Antananarivo, also known as Tana, is the capital of Madagascar. Many travelers skip this city on their way to the islands of Nosy Be and Île Sainte-Marie. However, by doing so, they miss out on the unique charms that Antananarivo has to offer. As you explore Tana, you’ll encounter a mix of colonial architecture, bustling markets, and lively street scenes. There are good restaurants everywhere in the city, but I frequently dined in the Isoraka neighborhood, where I could find a mix of local and international food.
Queen's Palace, or Rova of Antananarivo
The Queen’s Palace, or Rova of Antananarivo, is an impressive historical site that holds significant cultural and architectural importance in Madagascar. Perched atop a hill in the heart of Antananarivo, this majestic palace complex served as the royal residence of the Merina dynasty rulers.
After walking up to the top of the large hill to see the Rova, I was disappointed to learn that it was closed for renovations. A fire destroyed the inside of the building in 1995 and has still not been fully repaired. However, the view of the Rova from the outside of the gate was worth the journey.
Andafiavaratra Palace
Located a short walking distance from the Rova, the Andafiavaratra Palace, also known as the Prime Minister’s Palace, is another remarkable historical landmark in Antananarivo. This grand palace holds great political significance as it serves as the official residence and workplace of the Prime Minister of Madagascar.
For a small fee, you can explore the palace’s beautifully landscaped gardens, which feature exotic plants, statues, and tranquil pathways. Inside the palace, you’ll discover opulent reception halls, meeting rooms, and ceremonial spaces that reflect the grandeur of the nation’s political affairs.
Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is an incredible cultural and historical landmark located just outside of Antananarivo. This sacred site holds immense significance as it was once the royal capital of the Merina Kingdom.
This landmark is also situated on top of a large hill, so you can appreciate panoramic views of the area. You will also marvel at the intricate architecture and well-preserved artifacts in this palace.
Antsirabe
If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination in Madagascar, I recommend backpacking in Antsirabe. Located a couple of hours south of Antananarivo, Antsirabe is a charming city nestled in the highlands of Madagascar. Known as the “City of Water,” it is known for its natural hot springs and picturesque landscapes.
Antsirabe offers a unique blend of traditional Malagasy culture and a touch of European influence, with its colonial-era architecture and vibrant markets. The city is famous for its rickshaws, locally known as pousse-pousse, which are a popular mode of transportation and a symbol of the city.
Antsirabe was also an interesting place because of its art scene. I saw numerous artists showcasing their impressive paintings. Woodcarving is also a popular form of art there. I also witnessed traditional ways of creating postcards using plant paste and water.
Tsiribihina River
The Tsiribihina River was one of the most interesting destinations that I visited in Madagascar. This river is located in Western Madagascar and runs all the way to the ocean. I spent two days canoeing across the river and had an amazing experience.
There are small villages that occupy both sides of the river. Whenever we would pass a village, we would inevitably hear the excited greetings of the children who are not used to seeing foreigners. There was also some incredible wildlife on this river, as we saw crocodiles and lemurs up close!
My favorite moment was when we stopped on an island to rest for the night. We walked uphill and saw some incredible blue natural pools. Further upstream, we saw a magnificent waterfall, and we were able to swim in its pristine waters. Only those who had permission from the local village were allowed to stop on the island, so I was very happy that my local guide was able to secure permission for us to enjoy this unique experience.
Tip: Learn Malagasy!
Learning at least a few words of Malagasy, the official language of Madagascar, will go a long way. Check out my guide on the most essential Malagasy phrases for your trip!
I learned alot about Madagascar! The blue pools look amazing!
I’m glad you enjoyed reading it!