Madagascar
"I like to move it, move it. Ya like to MOVE it!!". Madagascar is an island mostly known because of a lion, hippo, giraffe, zebra and penguins are arriving, but it is way more than that movie. Madagascar is an incredible country to visit, with fantastic nature, lovely beaches, nice people, and very special wildlife. Although many people look for mainland Africa when visiting this part of the world, this country is fantastic and should not be overlooked.
In terms of wildlife, lemurs are the name of the game. There are around 110 different species on the island, and depending on the species, they are diurnal or nocturnal. They are always fun to find and active when you spot them. They are endemic to Madagascar (except for 2 species, which are also on the Comores). Besides, more than 50% of the chameleon species in the world occur here, and you are very likely to find several species when travelling here. Birds, reptiles, fossa, mongoose, and marine animals are also present and can be found throughout the country.
I travelled here for 7 weeks, visiting many areas of Madagascar. I mostly travelled with a rental car and driver, but we could make our own itinerary. I was here from late October until the middle of December, which are pretty dry months, without many tourists. This is a perfect time because you will be alone in many places and the weather is pleasant, although it can be very warm in some places.
If you want to know more about this amazing country, check out:
Madagascar
Things to do
Madagascar is a big country and has many great things to do. Most of the sights are national parks.
National parks
Madagascar has a lot of national parks and I have visited many of them. Here you have an overview of these.
Itineraries
Madagascar is a large country and to choose the route may be difficult. Here is a guide to help you make your trip!
Wildlife
In Madagascar are a lot of endemic flora and fauna. Lemurs, tenrecs, and fossa are only the tip of the iceberg.
National Parks Madagascar
Amber Mountain
Amber Mountain lies in the north of Madagascar and is mostly famous for two lemurs, chameleons and flora.
Andasibe
Andasibe region has several national parks close to each other and most people are trying to find the indri.
Ankarafantsika
Ankarafantsika has a great canyon and 8 different lemur species to find. The park may be the most underrated.
Ankarana
Ankarana has tsingy, the great stones which give fantastic sights. The park is also good for wildlife.
Farankaraina
Farankaraina is not popular, but it has the best chances to find aye ayes in the wild. There are different lemurs as well.
Isalo
Isalo is mostly famous for its fantastic views and great hiking opportunities, but it has lemur species as well.
Kirindy Forest
Kirindy is famous for the elusive fossa and the fabulous night hikes with many mouse lemurs and others.
Masoala
Masoala may be the most beautiful park in the country. Threshold species are the red ruffed lemur and tenrecs.
Nosy Mangabe
This island is great for a one night stay to do a day and night hike to find lemurs and leaf tailed geckos.
Ranomafana
Ranomafana is a great tropical rainforest with many lemur. The golden bamboo lemur is the most important.
Tsaranoro Valley
Tsaranoro Valley is a great hiking region with the big chameleon as highest point and some chances on lemurs.
Tsingy de Bemaraha
Tsingy de Bemaraha has the fantastic tsingy and hiking here is a treasure, especially when you also find wildlife.