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Humpback whale, Île Sainte-Marie

Things to do in Madagascar

Humpback whale, Île Sainte-Marie
An isolated island sitting off the east coast of Africa, more than 80 per cent of Madagascar’s wildlife is endemic. It’s no surprise then that many of our recommendations of what to do in Madagascar focus on the island’s animal inhabitants.

No trip to the country would be complete without spotting the many species of lemur present in Andasibe National Park or taking to the water on the trail of humpback whales. In a remote corner of Madagascar, the Avenue of the Baobabs is well worth the journey. Soaring baobab trees, some 30 metres (98 feet) high, line a dirt track between Morondava and Belon’I Tsiribihina.
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Audley Travel specialist Chris

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Ideas for experiencing Madagascar

Experiences you have as you travel often hold the longest memories. As part of their research trips, our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know Madagascar, and the best local guides. These activities reflect some of their best-loved experiences.

  • Whale Watching
    Whale watching, Île Sainte-Marie, Madagascar

    Whale Watching

    Île Sainte-Marie

    Whale Watching

    In June, humpback whales come from the waters of the South Pole to the Ste Marie Channel, not far off the coast. The channel is protected by the East coast of Madagascar and by Sainte-Marie, ideal for whales who come to breed and calve.

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  • Hiking in Isalo National Park
    Isalo National Park, Madagascar

    Hiking in Isalo National Park

    Isalo National Park

    Hiking in Isalo National Park

    Hiking in Isalo is superb. In the late afternoon your guide may suggest visiting the natural rock window to watch the sunset.

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  • Moramba Bay Boat Trip
    Avenue of the Baobabs, Morondava

    Moramba Bay Boat Trip

    Anjajavy Private Nature Reserve

    Moramba Bay Boat Trip

    The boat heads north up the coast which is deserted save one or two fishing villages and two private houses. The rest of the coastline is wild and untouched with beaches covered in ghost crabs, tiny coves with white sand, islands covered in lush vegetation and tall baobab trees and rocky outcrops where you may see the Madagascar fish eagle.

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  • Andasibe National Park Night Walk
    Chameleon, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Madagascar

    Andasibe National Park Night Walk

    Andasibe National Park (Perinet)

    Andasibe National Park Night Walk

    Despite the National Parks and the Perinet Reserve being closed in the evenings it is still possible to see some of the nocturnal species by means of a night walk, accompanied by a local guide.

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  • Antananarivo City Tour
    Antananarivo, Madagascar

    Antananarivo City Tour

    Antananarivo

    Antananarivo City Tour

    A guide will take you on a full day tour of Antananarivo and the surrounds. The exact route of the tour and how long it takes varies depending on what you would like to see.

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  • Indri Walk
    Indri, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Madagascar

    Indri Walk

    Andasibe National Park (Perinet)

    Indri Walk

    The main draw to the Perinet Reserve is the chance of seeing and hearing the indri, the largest surviving lemur species. The indris are only found in this national park.

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  • Anjajavy Nature Reserve Walks
    Lovebirds in Anjajavy Private Nature Reserve

    Anjajavy Nature Reserve Walks

    Anjajavy Private Nature Reserve

    Anjajavy Nature Reserve Walks

    There are a number of marked trails that vary in length. Paths lead you to points of interest including huge baobab trees, fishing villages, tsingy, mangrove swamps, caves and more. Your guide will explain the medicinal use of plants and help you spot birds, chameleons, lemurs and more.

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  • Madavoile Cruise
    Madavoile yachting, Madagascar

    Madavoile Cruise

    Nosy Be

    Madavoile Cruise

    Madavoile is a small privately owned yacht chartering company, who operate out of Crater Bay on the island of Nosy Be.

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  • Nosy Mangabe Day Trip
    White fronted brown lemurs, Nosy Mangabe, Madagascar

    Nosy Mangabe Day Trip

    Nosy Mangabe

    Nosy Mangabe Day Trip

    Keep an eye out for the handsome black and white ruffed lemurs high up in the trees as well as the huge amount of smaller wildlife on the ground among the leaf-litter. Here you will find crabs, frogs, millipedes and tiny chameleons.

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