Madagascar Tourist Attractions

Rated as the 4th largest island in the world, Madagascar separated from the mainland some 165 million years ago. Madagascar tourist attractions are many and they are sure to keep you occupied throughout your stay at this island.

The grassy plateaus, natural reserves, volcanoes, as well as opaque forests make it one of the best attractions in the world. The location of the Madagascar Island is approximately 500 km or 300 miles off the Mozambique coast. It is located in the Indian Ocean. With the population of 19.4 million as of 2007, this place has attracted several travelers from all over the globe. The island essentially serves as one of the best tourist attractions.

Top Tourist Attractions in Madagascar

There are various top attractions in Madagascar. Given below are some of the Madagascar tourist attractions you can visit when you travel to Madagascar. They are as follows-

Ambohimanga: Ambihimanga is one of the attractions in Madagascar that attracts many tourists from all over. It is sometimes referred to as the Forbidden City, Blue City, and Holy City. It is also known as the birthplace of the state of Malagasy.
The city is surrounded by forests and if you travel to this part of the island, you will get to see structures of yester years that essentially are associated with the ceremonies that used to take place during the olden times. So, this place will appeal to those who have interest in history.

Antananarivo: Antananarivo is often called Tana. This is basically a French community. And French is widely spoken here. Some of the places to visit in Tana include Queen’s Palace, Rova or Royal Village, home to Merina Dynasty etc. Zoma Market is also one of the top Madagascar tourist attractions. It is regarded as the world’s second largest market and is widely visited by the locals as well as the tourists.

Mahajanga: It is provincial capital that is situated at the mouth of Betsikoba, which is one of the largest rivers in Madagascar. From Nossi Be there are several boats which leave the provincial capital. Some of the best grottoes are found in places like Anjohibe which is at a distance of 90 km from the mainland.

Ile Ste-Marie: Ile Ste-Marie is one of the best attractions in Madagascar. Owing to the fact that the place is covered with thick vegetation and dense canopy of trees makes it literally inaccessible. As such this place is ideal for the pirates. You will get to see historical sites, the oldest church in Madagascar and clove plantations.

Antseranana: Antseranana was earlier known as Diego Suarez. It is cosmopolitan seaport. The place is well known for flora, waterfalls, grottoes, orchids, lemurs, and crocodiles etc.

Other Madagascar Tourist Attractions

In addition to the top attractions in Madagascar mentioned, there are innumerable other Madagascar tourist attractions where you can while away your time. Check these out –

Andringitra National Park

Pandora Nightclub

Berenty Private Reserve

Lemurs of Nosy Komba

National Parks

The East Coast

Central Highlands

Southern Highlands

The Southwest etc

The tourists are bound to get mesmerized by these Madagascar Tourist Attractions. Every year thousands of tourists from all over the world visit the tourist attraction spots in Madagascar.

The Madagascar National Parks Association (PNM-ANGAP) manages the protected areas network of Madagascar. They basically protect the Tourist Attractions in Madagascar. The network includes three types of protected areas. These protected areas include National Parks (IUCN category II), Wildlife Reserves (IUCN category IV) and Strict Nature Reserves (IUCN category Ia).