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Is it a New World or an Old World? It’s both! The country of Madagascar is a mix of both. It has everything from old-world architecture, to new-world technology. It also has old-world traditions mixed with new beliefs and cultures.
But what is even more surprising about this island nation in the Indian Ocean is how much it feels like an entirely different planet! There are some amazing natural wonders that you won’t see anywhere else on Earth. If you want to get off the beaten track and visit somewhere truly unique, then read on for our list of the top 5 places to go in Madagascar that will blow your mind!
Tsiranana Falls
Tsiranana Falls are named after Madagascar’s first president, a man named Philibert Tsiranana. The Tsiranana Falls are found in Ankarana National Park, which is about a 5-hour drive from the capital city of Antananarivo, taking the RN7 highway north. The park itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since it is the largest intact coastal desert in the world.
The desert climate in this area has preserved the fossils of many species of marine life dating back over 20 million years, making it the perfect location to visit for anyone who loves the study of fossils. But even if fossils aren’t your thing, you will still find Tsiranana Falls to be an amazing place to visit. You can hike along a trail that takes you right up to the waterfalls, where you can see them in all their roaring glory.
Sakomoyana Turtle Reef
The Sakomoyana Turtle Reef is part of the Sakomoyana Turtle Reef and Marine Conservation project, operated by the local organization, Rara-Tilorintany. The reef is located in the southeastern part of the island, in the city of Tulear, about a 5-hour drive from the capital city of Antananarivo. If you are an animal lover and want to see some truly amazing marine life, then a visit to the Sakomoyana Turtle Reef is a must. The conservation project works to protect endangered sea turtles from poaching and the destruction of their natural habitat. Here, you will be able to see green sea turtles, hawksbill sea turtles, and olive ridley sea turtles. There are also other marine species like seahorses, octopuses, and rays.
Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve
The Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most amazing places in Madagascar. The word “tsingy” is Malagasy for “jagged”, and these limestone tsingy formations are truly a sight to behold. The tsingy are thousands of years old, and they have been carved by nature into some of the most amazing rock formations you will ever see.
There are many different types of tsingy, including tsingy vertical, tsingy à sucre, and tsingy couloir. The tsingy verticals are the most famous and most visited. The vertical tsingy are the ones that you see in most photos of the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve. You can hike along trails that take you through these amazing formations, and you will definitely have some photo ops!
Ruins of Fort-Dauphin
The Ruins of Fort-Dauphin are found in the city of Fort-Dauphin, a city on the southeastern coast of Madagascar. This city was once a very important place, serving as both a trading post and a political capital for over 100 years. It was also where the first French settlers in Madagascar built their fort, hence the name. The ruins of this fort are one of the most interesting places to visit in Madagascar, and they are also the most haunted.
There are many ghost stories surrounding the ruins of Fort Dauphin, and they are a great place to explore the paranormal side of this amazing country. There are many different tours available that take you to the ruins of the fort, where you will hear the most famous ghost stories of the city.
Merina Culture Show
The Merina Culture Show is a must-see for anyone visiting Antananarivo or anywhere near the city. This show features traditional dances and music from the Merina people, who are the largest ethnic group in Madagascar. The show also gives you some history of this culture of people and the beautiful island they call home.
This show is exciting and full of color, and it is sure to get your heart racing. The costumes worn during the show are truly amazing, and they will make you wonder how they were able to create such elaborate pieces of art. This show is perfect for anyone of any age, and it is a great way to learn about the unique culture of the Merina people.
Antananarivo
Antananarivo, or just “Tana” as the locals call it, is the capital city of Madagascar. This is also where you will find the Antananarivo Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the country. The cathedral was built in the 19th century, and you can tell by the amazing architecture and intricate carvings that it is a true masterpiece.
The cathedral is also known as “The Cathedral City”, due to the fact that it is the largest church in the country and there is nothing else even close in size. You can also visit the nearby Isoraka Sacrarium, which is a temple that honors the ancestors of the Merina people. This is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is a great place to get a true feel for the culture of the Merina people.
Stone Forest
The stone forest is a truly one-of-a-kind place, and it is one of the most amazing places in Madagascar. The stone forest is made up entirely of giant stone termites. These termites have been carving out their homes and creating this amazing forest for more than 20,000 years.
The stone forest is found in the southern part of the country, and it is about a 3-hour drive from the capital city Antananarivo. If you are interested in seeing the amazing work of these termites, then a visit to the stone forest is a must. It is a great place for hiking and exploring, and it is something that you really can’t miss.
Lokobe Nature Special Reserve
The Lokobe Nature Special Reserve is a great place to see a unique mix of both man-made and natural wonders. The Lokobe Nature Special Reserve is located in the southeastern part of the country, and it is about a 6-hour drive from the capital city of Antananarivo.
The most famous attraction in the Lokobe Nature Special Reserve is the Mangrove Explorers Trail, which takes you through a mangrove forest and gives you a great look at the local wildlife. There are many other attractions in the Lokobe Nature Special Reserve, including the Coastal Trail and the Saltwater Crocodiles Trail. The Coastal Trail takes you to a nearby beach, where you can see a great view of the Indian Ocean.
Isalo National Park
The Isalo National Park is located in the western part of the island, about a 6-hour drive from the capital city of Antananarivo. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many unique plants and animals, as well as Andean geology which is unlike anything you will find anywhere else in the world.
The most famous attraction in the park is the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, but visitors can also explore the amazing Andean geology found here. The park is great for hiking, bird-watching, and exploring, and it is a must-see for anyone who visits the island.
