Lemurs, baobab avenues and forests found nowhere else on Earth.
Madagascar broke away from Africa millions of years ago, and most of its wildlife exists nowhere else. Lemurs leap through the rainforest of Andasibe and Ranomafana, the Avenue of the Baobabs near Morondava glows at sunset, and the limestone pinnacles of Tsingy de Bemaraha form a jagged stone forest. Nosy Be and Île Sainte-Marie offer beaches, reefs and humpback whales.
Distances are vast and roads can be slow, so trips are best planned around one or two regions or with domestic flights. Meals centre on rice, zebu stews and fresh seafood, with French touches in towns. April to November is the dry season and the best time to visit, with whales off Sainte-Marie from July to September; January to March brings heavy rain and cyclones.
Best time to visit Madagascar
May, June, July, August, September, October.
Places to visit in Madagascar
Avenue of the Baobabs: A dirt road near Morondava flanked by towering Grandidier's baobabs, Madagascar's most photographed sight.
Antananarivo: Madagascar's capital, spread across hills crowned by the Rova royal palace, with rice paddies reaching into town.
Nosy Be: Madagascar's main beach island, with perfumed ylang-ylang plantations, dive sites and boat trips to smaller islands.
Tsingy de Bemaraha: A UNESCO-listed labyrinth of limestone needles crossed by suspension bridges, ladders and via ferrata routes.
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park: A rainforest park east of the capital, home to the indri, Madagascar's largest lemur, and countless chameleons.
Essentials
Currency: Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
Language: Malagasy and French
Plugs: Type C / D / E / J / K, 220 V
Driving: Right side
Time zone: UTC+3
Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants; tips for guides and drivers are customary
Getting around: A hired car with driver is common; domestic flights for longer distances
Entry: Check the official rules for your passport before booking