Nature like nowhere else
Over 90% of Madagascar's plant and animal species exist nowhere else on the planet — starting with its lemurs and its iconic baobab trees.
Travel guide / Madagascar
Madagascar, an island of a thousand faces
Ancient baobabs, lemurs you won't find anywhere else, turquoise coastlines and rolling highland scenery — come discover the Great Island for yourself.
Explore the destinationsPhoto: Gavinevans — CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In focus — Madagascar National Parks is doubling its entry fees on 1 November 2026. Announced rates by visitor category, the real timeline and what it does to a trip budget: our full rundown, with sources.
Why visit Madagascar?
Extraordinary biodiversity, dramatically varied landscapes and a genuinely warm welcome make Madagascar a destination unlike anywhere else.
Unspoiled beaches
Nosy Be, Sainte-Marie and the island's southern coast serve up white sand and turquoise water that still feel wonderfully uncrowded.
Endemic wildlife
Lemurs, chameleons, tenrecs and a huge variety of rare birds inhabit the forests and national parks scattered across the country.
Must-see destinations
A first look at the places that anchor a great Madagascar itinerary.
Antananarivo
Madagascar's hillside capital, home to a royal palace and lively, colourful markets.
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Nosy Be
The "perfumed island" — dreamy beaches paired with colourful reefs just offshore.
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Andasibe-Mantadia
Home turf of the Indri indri, the largest living lemur, deep in a lush rainforest.
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Isalo National Park
Spectacular canyons, natural swimming pools and a landscape unlike anywhere else in Madagascar.
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Avenue of the Baobabs
Madagascar's most photographed spot, just outside Morondava.
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Ranomafana
Steamy rainforest, natural hot springs and some of the best lemur-spotting in the country.
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Antsirabe
The highlands spa town, famous for its colourful rickshaws and volcanic lakes.
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Diego Suarez
At the island's northern tip: a vast bay, trade-wind beaches and Amber Mountain.
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Sainte-Marie (Nosy Boraha)
The island of humpback whales, quiet lagoons and pirate legends.
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Tulear and Ifaty
The sunny deep South: lagoon, coral reef and spiny forest at the end of the RN7.
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Morondava
The gateway to the baobabs, Kirindy forest and the Bemaraha tsingy.
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Fianarantsoa
The capital of Betsileo country: old town, vineyards, tea and a legendary train to the coast.
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Ready to start planning?
Every destination page covers the highlights, the best time to go, and practical tips for getting there.