What to do in Madagascar: local expert tips

Imagine stepping onto the shores of Madagascar, an island where nature’s splendor unfolds in its purest form. Here, ancient baobabs stretch towards the heavens, untouched beaches are lapped by clear waters, and a unique wildlife awaits, seen nowhere else on Earth. As you traverse this land of stunning contrasts and rich cultures, each moment is an invitation to discover something extraordinary. Our local expert, Mirindra offers plenty of tips on what to do in Madagascar, so you can start dreaming about a trip filled with wonder and color.

What is your favorite aspect about Madagascar?

One of my favorite aspects of living in Madagascar is the breathtaking diversity of its landscapes. From the pristine beaches of Nosy Iranja to the lush rainforests of Andasibe, the dramatic rock formations of Bekopaka and Isalo, and the picturesque rice fields of the Highlands, the scenery is nothing short of spectacular.

What would you recommend someone visiting your country should do?

I personally believe that Fort-Dauphin, known as Tôlanaro in Malagasy, is one of the must-visit destinations in Madagascar. This region offers not only breathtaking biodiversity, such as that found in Andohahela National Park, where lush rainforests are home to a variety of lemurs, chameleons, and rare bird species, but also an incredible range of landscapes.

From towering mountains and the golden sands of Libanona Beach to arid zones, all within close proximity, Fort-Dauphin is a place of striking contrasts. The city is small and accessible, making it easy to organize excursions on the spot; simply ask a local taxi or tuk-tuk driver to take you to nearby sites.

In addition to its natural wonders, your stay will be enriched by the warmth and hospitality of the Antanosy people, whose traditions, vibrant markets, local crafts, and flavorful dishes offer a genuine cultural experience.

Further north, Maroantsetra invites travelers to discover another side of Madagascar’s natural richness. As the gateway to the magnificent Masoala Forest and the Farankaraina Protected Area, it offers one of the few chances to observe the elusive aye-aye lemur in the wild. With its dense rainforests, incredible biodiversity, and stunning coastal landscapes, this region is a true paradise for nature lovers.

Read more: The wonderful wildlife of Madagascar

What’s one piece of advice you would give someone visiting your country?

If you’re coming to Madagascar, of course you’ll be amazed by its incredible biodiversity, but don’t stop there. You must take the time to experience the local life, too. One of my favorite things to do is head to a local bar in a village like Masoala, order a cold Malagasy THB beer, and enjoy it with some freshly grilled zebu skewers. It’s simple, but so authentic. As the sun sets and the village slows down, you’ll really feel the heart of Madagascar; relaxed, vibrant, and full of warmth. It’s the kind of moment that stays with you.

I also highly recommend experiencing one of the country’s most unique and powerful cultural traditions: the famadihana, also known as the “turning of the bones”. This ceremony is much more than a ritual. It’s a profound moment of reunion between the living and the dead, filled with emotion, music, dance, and deep respect for ancestors. Families gather to exhume the remains of their loved ones, carefully rewrap them in fresh shrouds, and celebrate their memory with joy rather than sorrow. It’s a time for sharing stories, strengthening family bonds, and honoring the legacy of those who came before.

This tradition reflects the Malagasy people’s deep connection to their ancestors, who are believed to influence the future of their descendants. Time, in this context, takes on a sacred meaning; the past, present, and future all come together in this extraordinary event. Famadihana usually takes place during the dry season, from June to September. If you have the chance (because it can’t be planned in advance) to witness or respectfully participate in one, it’s an unforgettable cultural experience that offers a rare insight into the Malagasy way of life.

Personally, I believe that every traveler to Madagascar should make it a point to see the iconic baobab trees, often referred to as upside-down trees. These majestic trees are not only symbolic of Madagascar but also scientifically remarkable. Of the eight baobab species found worldwide, six are endemic to Madagascar; meaning they grow nowhere else on Earth. Witnessing these natural giants is a truly unique experience. They can be found in various regions of the country, particularly in the north, west, south, and southeast.

What highlights would you suggest to travelers looking for what to do in Madagascar?

First, to experience Madagascar is to witness a forest of contrasts, where day and night reveal two completely different worlds. At sunrise, the powerful call of the indri indri, the largest living lemur, echoes through the canopy as it leaps between trees with strength and elegance. Unlike most primates, it has no tail and lives in small family groups. By nightfall, the tiny mouse lemur emerges; the world’s smallest primate, no larger than a tennis ball. With large eyes for night vision and a sharp sense of smell, it navigates the forest in stealth. Over 20 species exist, each incredibly elusive. Together, these two lemurs, one bold and vocal, the other small and secretive, capture the extraordinary diversity and evolutionary wonder of Madagascar.

Then, Madagascar is home to some of the most surreal and dramatic landscapes on Earth, and few are more otherworldly than the Tsingy. These razor-sharp limestone formations, named from the Malagasy word meaning “where one cannot walk barefoot”, are true masterpieces of natural architecture, sculpted over millions of years by water, wind, and time. But not all Tsingy are the same; each region offers its own breathtaking variation, each more fascinating than the last.

Take the Tsingy de Bemaraha, for example: located in western Madagascar and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s the most iconic of all. Towering limestone spires rise like a petrified forest, forming narrow canyons, hidden caves, and suspension bridges that invite the adventurous to explore a landscape like no other. On the journey to Bemaraha, travelers are treated to the unforgettable Avenue of the Baobabs, where giant, ancient trees line the dusty red track like natural guardians, a stunning prelude to the raw beauty of the Tsingy beyond.

While Bemaraha may be the most famous, it’s just one of many. If you want a more quiet Tsingy – Madagascar is also home to the lush and labyrinthine Tsingy of Ankarana, the mystical Tsingy of Iharana, and the fiery Red Tsingy near Diego Suarez, each offering a different face of this geological wonder.

Read more: Best places to go hiking in Madagascar

Lastly, Madagascar’s coastline offers a very nice experience – beaches so pristine they seem untouched by time. The rhythm of life follows the tides, and every sunrise promises a new adventure. One of the most enchanting places along this vast coastline is undoubtedly Nosy Iranja, a dreamlike little island just off the coast of Nosy Be. Nosy Iranja is actually two small islands joined by a dazzling white sandbar that emerges at low tide, creating a natural walkway surrounded by crystal-clear water. It’s a sight so surreal, so picture-perfect, it feels like stepping into a postcard, but even better, because you’re living it.

As you arrive by boat, the sand sparkles under the sun, the water glows in impossible shades of blue, and the scent of sea breeze mingles with the warmth of tropical flowers. The island invites you to slow down and savor every moment, whether you’re swimming in calm lagoons, gently paddling through shallow waters, or simply relaxing under the shade of a palm tree.

Beneath the surface, a whole other world comes to life: vibrant corals, colorful fish, and the occasional sea turtle glide gracefully by, creating perfect conditions for snorkeling or diving. During the right season, you may witness whale sharks or the majestic dance of humpback whales as they pass through on their annual migration. If you’re lucky, and the timing is right, you might also spot sea turtles nesting along the beach, or see baby turtles making their first journey to the ocean at sunset, a moment of pure magic that stays with you forever.

On land, a short walk takes you up to an old lighthouse built by Gustave Eiffel’s workshop, offering panoramic views of the sea and surrounding islets. Along the way, you’ll pass a small village where local Malagasy families live in harmony with the rhythms of nature, offering a warm smile and a glimpse into their peaceful island life.

Every step on this coast is a reminder of Madagascar’s extraordinary richness, not only in its biodiversity, but in the deep connection between people and nature. Unlike crowded tourist destinations, Madagascar’s shores still remain raw, authentic, and full of wonder.

Read more: Visit the islands and beaches of Madagascar

When’s the best time to visit Madagascar?

While Madagascar doesn’t yet suffer from mass tourism in the traditional sense, it does experience a form of “overtourism” in certain areas and seasons; mostly due to its still-developing infrastructure. The country is vast, about 1.6 times the size of Germany, with incredibly diverse and expansive landscapes, but limited accessibility in some regions can create a sense of overcrowding during the high season (from July to October), even though the actual number of visitors remains relatively modest.

Tourism in Madagascar is still in its infancy, and this raw, unspoiled character is part of what makes the destination so unique. However, during peak periods, the accommodation capacity, especially in popular areas like Nosy Be, the southwest parks, or along the RN7, can quickly reach its limits. For travelers with some flexibility, I highly recommend visiting in May or June. These months offer beautiful light, lush landscapes just after the rainy season, pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and therefore a more relaxed and immersive experience.

For those not afraid of a little rain and eager to witness nature at its peak, November to late January can also be a stunning time to visit. This is when nature is in full bloom: everything is green, flowers are vibrant, and lemurs are having their babies, which are already starting to explore their surroundings. Watching them play is a joyful and unique experience.

While road access may be more challenging during this period, it’s a magical season for curious and adventurous travelers seeking a different side of Madagascar. It doesn’t face mass tourism, but rather issues related to uneven tourism flow across regions and seasons. Choosing to travel during the shoulder or green seasons not only helps support more sustainable tourism but also offers a richer and more authentic experience.

What is a must-dry culinary specialty to try on a trip to Madagascar?

When it comes to discovering a country, few things are as powerful and personal as its food. And in Madagascar, one dish captures the essence of comfort, tradition, and local flavor like no other: ravitoto with coconut milk. Made from finely crushed cassava leaves slow-cooked and infused with rich creamy coconut milk, ravitoto is more than just a meal, it’s a taste of Malagasy culture.

The name “ravitoto” comes from the Malagasy word for “pounded leaves”, and it’s a dish that traces back generations, rooted in the island’s rural traditions and shaped by its diverse culinary influences. The coconut milk gives the dish a smooth, velvety texture and a delicate sweetness that perfectly balances the earthy, slightly bitter taste of the cassava leaves. When cooked slowly over a fire or simmered for hours at home, the flavors blend into something deeply satisfying, warm, bold, and comforting all at once.

Ravitoto is most often served with a generous portion of white rice, sometimes accompanied by a side of achards (pickled vegetables), rougail (spicy tomato relish), or even a fried egg for an extra treat. Every Malagasy family has its own twist: some add garlic, ginger, or even small dried shrimp for added depth, but the result is always the same: a dish that brings people together.

To taste ravitoto sy coco (ravitoto with coconut milk) is to understand a piece of Madagascar’s heart. It’s a dish best enjoyed slowly, preferably under the shade of a tamarind tree or in a bustling local eatery, surrounded by laughter, conversation, and the unmistakable scent of home-cooked goodness in the air. So when you visit Madagascar, don’t miss the chance to savor this iconic dish. It’s more than food, it’s a flavorful journey through the island’s heritage, and one bite is all it takes to fall in love. Bon appétit, or as we say here, mazotoa homana!

Read more: A beginner’s guide to Madagascar

Make it happen

Our local experts are ready and excited to help you put together a tailor-made trip you won’t soon forget. Get in touch with them today to iron out the details and get planning.