Regions at a Glance

Madagascar can be divided into four major travel regions, each with its own character:

Antananarivo & Highlands

For whom: Culture enthusiasts, history fans, travelers
The capital at 1,200 m altitude is the vibrant center of the country: royal palaces, colorful markets, the spiritual Ambohimanga (UNESCO), and the green highlands with rice terraces reminiscent of Bali. Antsirabe and Ambositra are worthwhile stops on the way south.

East Coast & Rainforest

For whom: Nature lovers, lemur fans, whale watchers
The humid east coast is home to Madagascar's most species-rich rainforests. The Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is only three hours from Tana and offers almost guaranteed Indri sightings. The Île Sainte-Marie attracts humpback whales from July to September right off the coast.

South

For whom: Adventurers, landscape photographers, off-road fans
The south is Madagascar's most contrasting region: the spectacular sandstone gorges of the Isalo National Park, the razor-sharp limestone needles of the Tsingy de Bemaraha (UNESCO), the beach idyll of Ifaty, and the surreal world of the thorn forests.

North & Islands

For whom: Beach lovers, divers, those seeking relaxation
Nosy Be is Madagascar's most popular beach region with offshore dream islands like Nosy Komba and Nosy Iranja. Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) offers the breathtaking Emerald Bay and the Ankarana National Park with more Tsingy formations and crocodile lakes.