Discover 5 Amazing Experiences in Madagascar!

When people think of Madagascar, they usually imagine Nosy Be or St Marie, but there is so much more to explore on this incredible island. Join me as I take you through five unique experiences that you can’t afford to miss!

Step into Lemurs’ Park

No journey to Madagascar is complete without a magical encounter with lemurs. These incredible creatures, who are native only to Madagascar, are like distant relatives of monkeys. Experience the wonder of Lemurs’ Park, located on the outskirts of Antananarivo, or as the locals affectionately call it, ‘Tana’. Home to eight different lemur species, including the captivating Coquerel’s sifaka (pictured above), this park is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Unmask the Underwater World at 10 Mile Beach

If the sea allows, you could hop on a boat and take a 20-minute trip from Manafiafy to the nearby islands. They’re totally empty, so it’ll feel like a secret adventure just for you. Or, if you prefer, you can head over to the 10 Mile Beach. The name says it all. The snorkeling there is incredible! The water is filled with all kinds of colorful tropical fish that seem like they’re straight out of a fairy tale. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might even spot some whales passing by between June and December. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

Imagine yourself snorkeling among vibrant tropical fish in the crystal-clear waters of 10 Mile Beach.

Discover Tana

Tana, the bustling capital of Madagascar, is a fascinating blend of Afro-Indonesian culture and colonial French architecture. Nestled on hillsides, the city is a colorful sight, with traditional wooden houses and elegant French buildings. Down in the low-lying fields, you can find rice paddies stretching as far as the eye can see. Despite its name meaning “city of a thousand,” Tana is actually home to around two million people. The traffic here is a sight to behold, with narrow and steep roads often dotted with shops selling all kinds of treasures. It’s not uncommon to witness the incredible spectacle of locals pushing old Citroën and Peugeot cars up these challenging slopes.

Explore Fort Dauphin

Let me tell you about Fort Dauphin, or as it’s sometimes called, Taolagnaro. This little town sits right on a narrow peninsula, with beautiful beaches curving all around it. And if you look up, you’ll see the majestic Pic Saint Louis mountain, covered in lush forests.

Fort Dauphin has a fascinating history. Back in 1643, French settlers came here and established a colony. It was one of the very first French territories. Today, when I had some free time, I decided to explore the old town. Walking through its streets, I couldn’t help but notice the worn-down buildings, slowly falling apart. It made me realize that this town has seen better days.

The people here are facing some tough times. Poverty is an everyday struggle, and even finding a proper supermarket is a challenge. The closest thing they have is a Total garage. It’s hard to imagine living without easy access to everyday necessities, isn’t it?

Despite these hardships, Fort Dauphin has its own unique charm. The blend of history, natural beauty, and the resilience of the people create a sense of mystery and wonder. As I walked along the beaches, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of perplexity and admiration.

Hey there! Have you ever considered visiting Tana and Fort Dauphin? They are both incredible towns with their own unique charm.

Ready for a Night Adventure in Ambato Atsignana Nature Reserve?

Imagine exploring the wild and mysterious Ambato Atsignana Nature Reserve near Manafiafy as the sun sets and the coolness of dusk sets in. It can get quite humid here among the dense trees, but that’s what makes it even more exciting. One of the most incredible experiences we had was spotting a red-collared brown lemur clinging to a tree. As we watched, its family joined in and they gracefully glided through the treetops, their calls breaking the silence of the night. This place is also home to other lemur species like the woolly, common brown, mouse, dwarf, and sportive lemur. Keep your eyes open and you might catch a glimpse of reptiles, insects, colorful orchids, or even the majestic Madagascar pygmy kingfisher.

Imagine this: you’re exploring the Ambato Atsignana Nature Reserve on a night forest walk, and suddenly, you catch a glimpse of a magical creature – the Madagascar pygmy kingfisher.