Madagascar Tourist Attractions
Complete guide and information on Madagascar tours and all Tourist attractions on the Island nation of Madagascar. Are you considering going on holiday in Madagascar or in search for tour places in on this Island nation? Your choice of Madagascar is equally enthralling. Find the most resourceful information on holiday guide and places in Madagascar with Guideforafrica.
ATTRACTIONS IN MADAGASCAR
Antananarivo
Antananarivo
Located in central region of the island, Antananarivo is the capital of Madagascar. Also known as simply Tana, Antananarivo is a popular tourist destination. The Royal Palace is one of the popular tourist spots in city. Some of the other ancient monuments in the city include Manjakamiadana, Manampisoa and Mahitsielafanjaka. The Prime Minister’s palace is another tourist spot situated near Rova. Local tour guides will provide you with some interesting historical information for a small fee. Antananarivo is known for its hiking terrains.
Ambohimanga Royal Hill
Ambohimanga Royal Entrance
The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is an archaeological and historical site of great significance in Madagascar. It is located approximately 24km to the east of the capital city and contains burial sites and assorted sacred features. The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga consists of a royal city and burial site, and an ensemble of sacred places. It is associated with strong feelings of national identity, and has maintained its spiritual and sacred character both in ritual practice and the popular imagination for the past 500 years. It remains a place of worship to which pilgrims come from Madagascar and elsewhere. The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is the most significant symbol of the cultural identity of the people of Madagascar.
The Central Highlands
Central Highlands
The Central Highlands are a mountainous bio geographical zone in central Madagascar. They include the contiguous part of the island’s interior above 800m altitude. The Central Highlands are separated from the Northern Highlands of the northern tip of Madagascar by a low-lying valley, the Mandritsara Window, which has apparently acted as a barrier to dispersal for species in the highlands, leading to species pairs such as Voalavo gymnocaudus and Voalavo antsahabensis in the Northern and Central Highlands. Species restricted to the Central Highlands include the bats and the rodents. Because of the continuous habitat of the Central Highlands, there is little local endemism, unlike the Northern Highlands.
La Colline Sacred
Tsarantanana
Tsarantanana, the island’s highest at 2880m, is covered with the giant ferns and lichens peculiar to high-altitude rainforests. Montagne d’Arbre is a national park and is famous for its orchids and lemurs. The adjacent town of Mahajanga has lots of tourist attractions. Tsarantanana is one of the best places to check out rainforests and trekking in Madagascar.
Parc National de Ranomafana
Another ‘MUST VISIT’ in Madagascar is the biologically rich Parc National de Ranomafana. Because of its being separated from mainland Africa, the island-nation’s diverse wildlife has continuously evolved by itself. With 80% of the nature unique to Madagascar soil, this is the ideal spot for any nature and animal lover. Parc National de Ranomafana (41,500 hectares) is celebrated for its 118 bird species and 12 lemur species including the red-bellied lemurs, golden bamboo lemurs and broad-nosed gentle lemurs.
Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve
Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve is a World Heritage Site situated in Madagascar.
This is 60-80km inland reserve from the west coast in the northern part of the Anstingy region of the Bemaraha Plateau and has dense virgin forests across a rocky landscape and limestone peaks, with lakes and mangrove swamps. It is home to some rare and endangered birds and lemurs. Birding and forest walks are the most common activities in the reserve. The karstic landscapes and limestone uplands are impressive features of the reserve.
Antseranana
Antseranana is a highly human settled cosmopolitan seaport in Toamasina, Madagascar. Antseranana is the second-largest town and provincial capital of Madagascar. It stands on a fine natural harbour overlooking a fine-looking gulf at the northernmost tip of the island. It has numerous lakes, waterfalls and grottoes in the rainforests above the port. Formerly a French naval base, hosts diverse wildlife and plant species such as lemurs, crocodiles, orchids, etc. However, sharks are the major problem on this seaport.
Mahajanga
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Stretching over an area of 150023 sq km, Mahajanga is a city and major port situated on the north-west coast of Madagascar. This provincial capital is nestled at the opening the Betsiboka River, the largest river in Madagascar. Mahajanga boasts nice colonial structures in an oriental ambience. It is common with honeymooners, vacationers and water activities.
Boats set off for Nossi Bé and several other islands from here. Mahajanga beach is said to be free of sharks. Available also is Ankarafantsika, a nature reserve. There are few residents on this port.
Ivolina Zoological Park and Botanical Garden
Ivolina Zoological Park and Botanical Garden hosts an array of vegetable species from the eastern forests and a variety of colourful flora and fauna species. Swimming is prohibited because of the availability of several sharks. More wildlife waits in the Ivolina Zoological Park and Botanical Garden.
Nossi Bé Island Resort
Nossi Bé is the largest tourist resort and the most important holiday resort in Madagascar. It is an island resort bounded by numerous minor islands just off the northwest coast. Its principal town is Hell-Ville. Nossi Bé is said to be a perfumed island because of the emissions by Ylang Ylangs, the coffee plantation and pepper plantation. Boat cruises are the most popular activity.
Madagascar National Parks
Ranomafana National Park, Amber Mountain National Park, Andohahela National Park, Baie de Baly National Park, Bemaraha National Park, Isalo National Park, Mananara Nord National Park (marine), Marojejy National Park, Midongy du sud National Park, Zahamena National Park, Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park, Sahamalaza National Park, Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
