MADAGASCAR
MADAGASCAR OVERVIEW
Like nowhere else on earth, Madagascar is a place of surreal landscapes, ancient forests, and unique wildlife.
Often called the "eighth continent," this vast island off Africa’s eastern coast captivates visitors with its dramatic contrasts, from towering baobab trees to pristine coral reefs, and from bustling Antananarivo to the untamed wilds of its national parks.
Here's what we think should form the core of your experience:
Antananarivo: The Madagascar Gateway, & a Culinary Introduction
Most journeys begin in Antananarivo, the vibrant capital affectionately called “Tana.”
Built across a series of hills, it offers glimpses of Madagascar’s layered history, from its colonial past to its modern identity.
A visit to the Presidential Palace provides a sense of the city’s grandeur and political significance, while bustling markets like Analakely offer a colorful introduction to Malagasy culture.
Madagascar’s cooking is as diverse as its landscapes. Rice forms the staple of most meals, often paired with flavorful stews, fresh seafood, and tropical fruits. Try ravitoto (cassava leaves with pork), romazava (a fragrant zebu cattle stew or broth), or mokary (rice flour pancakes) for a taste of authentic Malagasy cuisine.
Natural Wonders & Parks
Madagascar’s national parks are its crown jewels, each offering unique ecosystems and opportunities for adventure.
Ranomafana National Park: A lush rainforest teeming with endemic species, including the rare golden bamboo lemur. Trek through misty trails surrounded by waterfalls and listen to the hum of life in one of Madagascar’s most biodiverse regions.
Avenue of the Baobabs: This iconic corridor of ancient baobab trees is particularly stunning at sunrise or sunset, when the light casts long shadows and paints the landscape in warm hues.
Tsingy de Bemaraha: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this labyrinth of limestone pinnacles is otherworldly.
Isalo National Park: Often likened to a desert oasis, Isalo’s sandstone formations, canyons, and natural pools create a striking backdrop for hiking and wildlife spotting.
Andasibe National Park: Famous for its indris, the largest living lemurs, this park emphasizes a “hands-off” conservation approach, which is something we suggest the visitor bear in mind and not take for granted.
Marine Life & Coastal Beauty
Madagascar’s coastline offers spectacular opportunities for underwater exploration and of course a bit of sheer enjoyment of the beauty of it all.
Île Sainte-Marie (Nosy Boraha): A haven for marine life, this idyllic island is a prime spot for humpback whale watching (June to September) and encounters with turtles, manta rays, and dolphins. Scuba diving reveals vibrant coral reefs and shipwrecks hidden beneath the waves.
Tuléar Reef: One of the largest coral reef systems in the world, this area is a paradise for divers and snorkelers, showcasing Madagascar’s extraordinary marine biodiversity.
Skip the Middleman. Meet the Best Guides in Madagascar
GGG MEMBERS SECTION
Our GGG guide can take you hiking in Isalo, boating through the Tsingy via traditional pirogue, or snorkeling the coral-rich waters off Île Sainte-Marie.
Visit Ranomafana’s rainforest, track humpback whales, or explore sacred sites.
Lemurs, of course...
From rare orchids to reef systems, this is one of Earth’s last great frontiers—and our guide can help you experience it with care, depth & wonder.