Madagascar at a glance
Nestled 250 miles off the coast of mainland Africa lies Madagascar, sitting pretty in the Indian Ocean. This large island nation is rich in diversity of marine and terrestrial environments and can be explored in a variety of ways depending on your time and adventure goals. By making the most of our Madagascar travel guide, you will learn all our insider tips; the first one being to limit your stay in 'Tana' (Antananarivo), the sprawling capital, as the rest of the island holds plenty more treasures.
Head north for unspoilt reefs and pristine diving conditions and become mesmerised by the turquoise lagoon of the Emerald Sea. In the island's heart, Isalo National Park, a relic from the dinosaur era, invites you to channel your inner Indiana Jones amid canyons, caves and natural pools carved into eroded rocks. To the west lies Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, showcasing extraordinary mineral formations shaped by the forces of water and time. Along the coast, near Morondava, gaze at the iconic alley of the majestic and historical tree - the baobab.
In the northeast, explore the historically elusive Vanilla Coast - previously the island's centre for vanilla trade. For the walkers among you, take a guide to explore the lush forest, and for those who prefer four wheels, the great south beckons, accessible by 4x4, unveiling deserted beaches and breathtaking panoramas.
Don't overlook the smaller island gems off the mainland's coast, including Nosy Be and Sainte Marie. Nosy Be is renowned as 'the island of perfumes,' due to its scents of ylang ylang, sugar cane and spices. And while on Sainte-Marie, be sure to keep one eye on the sea's horizon to catch a glimpse of whales breaching from July to September.
