Madagascar – The Island of Wonder - Madagascar Holiday

Miles Willis
Sep 15
4 min read

Madagascar – The Island of Wonder

Madagascar is not just an island. It is a world apart – a land of dramatic landscapes, rare wildlife, and idyllic beaches, sitting quietly in the Indian Ocean, east of Africa. Known as the “Eighth Continent,” Madagascar has evolved in isolation for millions of years, giving rise to unique species and ecosystems found nowhere else on earth.

For travellers seeking a mix of adventure, culture, and barefoot luxury, Madagascar is one of the most intriguing destinations in the Indian Ocean. Whether you dream of exploring rainforests, diving into turquoise waters, or sipping cocktails on a pristine beach, Madagascar delivers experiences as rare and unforgettable as the island itself.

Here are some of the most recommended places to visit – and why they should be on your list.

Nosy Be – The Perfumed Island

For many international visitors, Nosy Be is the perfect introduction to Madagascar. Known as the “Perfumed Island” for its fragrant ylang-ylang plantations and vanilla fields, Nosy Be combines natural beauty with laid-back island charm.

Why visit? Nosy Be is Madagascar’s most developed tourism hub, yet it retains a relaxed, small-island feel. It’s famous for its beaches, luxury resorts, and lively local markets. From here, you can enjoy world-class diving, sunset cruises, and day trips to smaller surrounding islands like Nosy Komba and Nosy Sakatia.
Don’t miss: The crater lakes, Mount Passot’s panoramic views, and diving with whale sharks between September and December.

Île Sainte-Marie – Romance and History

If you’re seeking tranquility, Île Sainte-Marie (also called Nosy Boraha) is an enchanting escape. This slender island off Madagascar’s east coast is renowned for its palm-fringed beaches, coral reefs, and fascinating pirate history.

Why visit? Sainte-Marie offers unspoiled beauty with a slower pace of life. It’s less commercialised than Nosy Be, making it perfect for couples or honeymooners looking for a romantic retreat.
Don’t miss: The Pirate Cemetery, lush coconut groves, and from July to September, the chance to witness humpback whales migrating through the channel.

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park – Lemur Country

No visit to Madagascar would be complete without encountering its most famous residents: the lemurs. The Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, located just a few hours from Antananarivo, is one of the best places to see them.

Why visit? The park is home to the largest living lemur, the Indri, whose haunting calls echo through the rainforest. Beyond lemurs, the park shelters chameleons, orchids, and countless bird species.
Don’t miss: A guided night walk to see nocturnal species, and the nearby Vakona Forest Lodge with its Lemur Island sanctuary.

Avenue of the Baobabs – A Natural Monument

Few places are as instantly recognisable as Madagascar’s Avenue of the Baobabs, a dusty road lined with towering, centuries-old trees that look as though they’ve stepped out of a fairytale.

Why visit? This is Madagascar’s most iconic landscape, and it’s especially magical at sunrise and sunset when the trees cast long shadows and the sky blazes with colour. It’s a photographer’s dream and a reminder of the island’s ancient, otherworldly beauty.
Don’t miss: Pair your visit with a trip to nearby Kirindy Reserve, where you might spot Madagascar’s elusive predator, the fossa.

Tsingy de Bemaraha – The Stone Forest

For the adventurous, Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is one of Madagascar’s most extraordinary natural wonders. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s famed for its jagged limestone formations known as “tsingy,” which resemble a vast stone forest.

Why visit? Exploring the tsingy is like stepping into another planet. Suspension bridges, caves, and narrow passages make this an unforgettable adventure. The park is also rich in biodiversity, home to lemurs, rare birds, and unique reptiles.
Don’t miss: The Grande Tsingy for dramatic views and the chance to test your nerve on the park’s hanging bridges.

Nosy Iranja – Island-Hopping Paradise

For pure barefoot luxury, Nosy Iranja is hard to beat. Made up of two small islands connected by a powder-white sandbar that emerges at low tide, Nosy Iranja is often called the “Turtle Island.”

Why visit? Nosy Iranja offers postcard-perfect beauty with crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and nesting sea turtles. It’s ideal for day trips from Nosy Be or private yacht charters.
Don’t miss: Walking the sandbar at low tide – one of the most iconic experiences in Madagascar.

Antananarivo – A Cultural Introduction

While Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo (or simply “Tana”), may not be the main reason travellers come, it’s worth exploring for its culture and history.

Why visit? Tana offers a window into Malagasy life with its markets, colonial architecture, and hilltop palaces. It’s the gateway to the rest of the island, and spending a day here provides context before heading off to Madagascar’s natural wonders.
Don’t miss: The Royal Palace, the bustling Analakely market, and sampling Malagasy cuisine in a local restaurant.

Luxury Meets Adventure

What sets Madagascar apart from other Indian Ocean islands is its unique balance of luxury and raw adventure. You can spend your days hiking through rainforest in search of lemurs, then retreat to a five-star beach resort where your private villa overlooks the ocean.

Luxury resorts in Nosy Be, Île Sainte-Marie, and select coastal areas provide international travellers with all the comfort they expect: infinity pools, spa treatments, fine dining, and personalised service. For those who want to combine authentic exploration with indulgence, Madagascar is unmatched.

Final Thoughts

Madagascar is a destination for travellers who want more than just another beach holiday. It’s a land of rare wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich culture, wrapped in an island setting of turquoise seas and white-sand shores. From the lively markets of Antananarivo to the tranquility of Sainte-Marie, from the surreal landscapes of the Tsingy to the barefoot luxury of Nosy Be, Madagascar invites you to step into a world unlike any other.

For those seeking adventure, romance, and luxury in equal measure, Madagascar is the Indian Ocean’s most extraordinary secret – waiting to be discovered.