madagascar points of interest
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Madagascar
Madagascar (/ˌmædəˈɡæskər, –kɑːr/; Malagasy: Madagasikara), officially the Republic of Madagascar (Malagasy: Repoblikan’i Madagasikara, Malagasy pronunciation: [republiˈkʲan madaɡasˈkʲarə̥]; French: République de Madagascar), and previously known as the Malagasy Republic, is an island country in the Indian Ocean, approximately 400 kilometres (250 miles) off the coast of East Africa across the Mozambique Channel.
At 592,800 square kilometres (228,900 sq mi) Madagascar is the world’s second-largest island country, after Indonesia. The nation consists of the island of Madagascar (the fourth-largest island in the world) and numerous smaller peripheral islands. Following the prehistoric breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana, Madagascar split from the Indian subcontinent around 88 million years ago, allowing native plants and animals to evolve in relative isolation.
Diverse ecosystems
Consequently, Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot; over 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth. The island’s diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife are threatened by the encroachment of the rapidly growing human population and other environmental threats.
Human settlement of Madagascar occurred during or before the mid first millennium AD by Austronesian peoples, arriving on outrigger canoes from present-day Indonesia. These were joined around the 9th century AD by Bantu migrants crossing the Mozambique Channel from East Africa. Other groups continued to settle on Madagascar over time, each one making lasting contributions to Malagasy cultural life.
19th century
Until the late 18th century, the island of Madagascar was ruled by a fragmented assortment of shifting sociopolitical alliances. Beginning in the early 19th century, most of the island was united and ruled as the Kingdom of Madagascar by a series of Merina nobles. The monarchy ended in 1897 when the island was absorbed into the French colonial empire, from which the island gained independence in 1960.
1992
The autonomous state of Madagascar has since undergone four major constitutional periods, termed republics. Since 1992, the nation has officially been governed as a constitutional democracy from its capital at Antananarivo.
Madagascar is a member of the United Nations, the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie.
The official language of Madagascar
Madagascar belongs to the group of least developed countries, according to the United Nations. Malagasy and French are both official languages of the state. The majority of the population adheres to Christianity, traditional beliefs, or an amalgamation of both. Ecotourism and agriculture, paired with greater investments in education, health, and private enterprise, are key elements of Madagascar’s development strategy.
East coast of Africa
Located off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is home to thousands of plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world.
Madagascar’s extraordinary natural diversity has earned the country the nickname “the eighth continent”. Visit the top tourist attractions in Madagascar to discover for yourself the natural, cultural and historical diversity that is Madagascar.
Ranomafana National Park
Located in the southeastern region of Madagascar near the village of Ranomafana, the Ranomafana National Park is one of the nation’s most popular parks. The eastern section of the park is the most scenic, with numerous streams splashing through densely forested hills. The park is home to the endangered golden bamboo lemur, an animal whose diet includes bamboo shoots that contain doses of cyanide that would be lethal to other animals, yet the charming golden lemur feeds on the bamboo with no ill effects.
Masoala National Park
Situated in the northeast Madagascar, the Masoala National Park covers nearly 250 miles of rainforest and includes three marine parks as well. The park features ten species of lemur, including the Aye-aye, the world’s largest nocturnal primate. The park is also home to a diverse array of birds and reptiles, including the Tomato frog, named for its bright red color. The Tampolo, Ambodilaitry and Ifaho marine parks are ideal for snorkeling and kayaking adventures.
Andasibe-Mantadia
Encompassing around 100 miles of land in eastern Madagascar, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is home to eleven lemur species, including the country’s largest lemur, the Indri. Located near Madagascar’s capital city of Antananarivo, Andasibe-Mantadia is one of the easiest parks to visit. Local guides conduct 1- to 6-hour tours of either area.
Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
Considered one of the country’s most sacred spots by the Malagasy people for 500 years, the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is a historical village that was once home to Madagascar royalty. The Mahandrihono compound includes the former home of King Andrianampoinimerina, with walls made of solid rosewood, and artifacts of the island’s great king, including drums, weapons and talismans.
Ifaty
Offshore, a 60-mile long coral reef is a natural barrier to rough sea waves. Creating coastal waters that are ideal for diving, snorkeling and fishing.
Avenue of the Baobabs
The Avenue of the Baobabs is a group of trees lining the dirt road between Morondava. And Belon’i Tsiribihina in western Madagascar. Its striking landscape draws tourists from around the world, making it one of the most visited locations in the region. The Baobab trees, up to 800 years old, did not originally tower in isolation over the landscape. But stood in a dense tropical forest.
Isalo National Park
This national park is famous for various reasons. And one of them is the fact that it has a huge variety landscapes. From canyons, refreshing mountain pools, palm trees and eclectic sandstone formations. Most of Madagascar’s national parks mandatorily require one to travel with a guide, this park is no different. On what you wish to experience. And how much time you have to spend on the island.
Nosy Be
The small island of Nosy Be is one of Madagascar’s premier tourist spots attracting thousands of tourists from across the globe year round. Although Nosy Be’s beaches don’t look as picture perfect as some other tropical beaches. They do win points for tranquility, clear turquoise water and excellent seafood restaurants serving seafood diner on the sand.
Ile Sainte Marie Madagascar:
The number 1 tourist attraction in Madagascar is Ile Sainte Marie that lies off the east coast of the country. This island is an array of protected bays and the inlets here used to draw many pirates towards the Ile Sainte Marie. During the 17th century and 18th century. You can still see several pirate ship wrecks in the place where the waters of Baie des Forbans are shallow. At present, this island is one of the top tourist attractions of the country. And the clear still waters of the island make it the ideal spot for snorkeling. You can get to see the humpback whales during summer and early fall.
Queen’s Palace at Antananarivo
The Queen’s Palace at Antananarivo was built for Queen Ranavalona in the 17th century. She was referred to as the “Wicked Queen” and “Bloody Mary of Madagascar”. Due to the viciousness with which she punished missionaries and executed her own subjects. The palace itself, locally known as Manjakamiadana, is the largest of several buildings in the royal complex. Although much of it burned down in 1995 after an accidental fire broke out.
Marojejy National Park
Located near the northern tip of Madagascar, Marojejy National Park is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rainforests of the Atsinanana. Due to the parks variations in elevation, the park is very bioverse. The park, in its low elevation areas, has a lowland rainforest and a montane rain forest. At its higher elevations, the park has a cloud forest and mountain range. This unique park is a must-see for its biodiversity and stunning views.
Top Tourist Attractions in Madagascar
Ranomafana National Park
It is Located in the southeastern region of Madagascar near the village of Ranomafana, the Ranomafana National Park is one of the nation’s most popular parks. The eastern section of the park is the most scenic, with numerous streams splashing through densely forested hills.
Andasibe-Mantadia
Encompassing around 100 miles of land in eastern Madagascar, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is home to eleven lemur species, including the country’s largest lemur, the Indri. Located near Madagascar’s capital city of Antananarivo, Andasibe-Mantadia is one of the easiest parks to visit. The park is split into two areas, the Mantadia National Park and the Analamazoatra Reserve. Local guides conduct 1- to 6-hour tours of either area
Ifaty
Ifaty is the name given to two dusty fishing villages on the coast of southwest Madagascar. Offshore, a 60-mile long coral reef is a natural barrier to rough sea waves, creating coastal waters that are ideal for diving, snorkeling and fishing.
Tsingy de Bemaraha
The Tsingy de Bemaraha Reserve lies in the southern region of Madagascar’s largest natural reserve, Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve. The word “tsingy” refers to the pinnacles that dot the park’s limestone plateau. Located near the country’s west coast, the park features a broad expanse of mangrove forest. The park is home to seven lemur species, including the Deckenssifaka, a genus of lemur notable for its creamy white fur and black face.
Nosy Be
The small island of Nosy Be is one of Madagascar’s premier tourist spots attracting thousands of tourists from across the globe year round. Although Nosy Be’s beaches don’t look as picture perfect as some other tropical beaches, they do win points for tranquility, clear turquoise water and excellent seafood restaurants serving seafood diner on the sand.
Ile Sainte Marie
The Ile Sainte Marie lies off the east coast of Madagascar. Today the island is one of the top tourist attractions in Madagascar. The still, clear waters of the island’s bays make ideal spots for snorkeling. Migrating humpback whales visit the island waters during summer and early fall.
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