When you hear the word Madagascar, what comes to your mind can be the endless jungle, safaris, and all the great animals. With the popular cartoon named after the place and tickling our imaginations, it is no surprise to think that way. Madagascar is indeed a place gifted with nature’s magnificence…places that you can indulge with if you are a lover of nature.
Before traveling to Madagascar, it pays off to know a bit of the country. Madagascar is an island in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of South Africa, it is the 4th largest island in the world and is twice the size of Arizona. It has a tropical climate along the coast and arid in the south of the country.
There are lots of animals living in Madagascar, the natural and ecological diversity makes the country a great destination to explore the wild. When visiting the island, immerse yourself to the beautiful coral reefs and the vibrant coastal culture. You can explore the place by an overland tour to witness the natural attraction that Madagascar offers to its visitors.
1. Ile Sainte Marie
An island also known as Nosy Boraha, Ile Sainte Marie lies off the east coast of Madagascar. It is a narrow gigantic island spanning 57 kilometers long. Like a sleepy island ringed by deserted beaches with soft white sand, the place is popular for Europeans since the days it was inhabited by pirates. Today there are numerous ship wrecks of pirate ships that can be viewed from the shallow waters of Baie des Forbans. An atmosphere of relaxation is prevailing in the island with its tranquillity and pure natural beauty.
2. Isalo National Park
Isalo National Park invites its visitors to experience its popular terrain. Approximately 700 kilometers southwest of Antananarivo, the national park protects for about 815 kilometer-squar of sandstone massif formed by nature through series of erosions, wind and rain. The park is one of the most visited in the country for its Jurassic feel rich with sightings of sandstones and wildlife. There are also wild plants that can be seen in the park.
3. Tsingy de Bemaraha
Tsingy de Bemaraha is a strict nature reserve park located at the western coast of Madagascar. This wonderful park is a labyrinth of limestone needles, hence the name Tsingy, a Malagasy word for “walking on tiptoes.” The park is designated by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1990. It is a great vacation destination as it is a hotspot for interesting animals as numerous species of lemurs, reptiles, and amphibians. Ninety percent species of animals in here are endemic, and they cannot be found nowhere else on Earth. With a thick mangrove forest, the park’s unique needle-like limestone formation, and its spectacular canyon, Tsingy de Bemaraha is undoubtedly one of the best natural architectures in the planet.
4. Avenue of the Baobabs
This outstanding group of baobab trees are lining the dirt road of Morondova and Belon’i Tsiribihina located in western Madagascar. The trees lives up to 800 years of age and reaching a height of 30 meters. Sunset is the perfect time to witness the wonderful view of these spectacular trees. The place draws tourists from around the world for its striking landscape.
5. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Andasibe-Mantadia is the national park in Madagascar that is the most popular for its natural reserves. Consisted of two different area of damp montane forest and located near Madagascar’s capital city, the Antananarivo. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is home to many species of lemurs and other diversity of wildlife such as birds, reptiles and invertebrates. Sightings of these animals is perfect to be enjoyed with the kids. The park protects the largest species of lemur, the Indri indri specie that are truly a delight to look at.
Visit Madagascar and experience its natural wonders. Aside from these five natural reserves, there are other places you can set your traveling feet! Madagascar is also home to spectacular beaches you can relax with. Plan your vacation early on and experience a one of a kind holiday in Madagascar!