There are some places in the world that feel like they belong to another planet — and Madagascar is one of them. Floating off the coast of East Africa, this vast island is a living time capsule. Around 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth. Lemurs leap through rainforests, fossas prowl the undergrowth, and baobab trees tower like natural skyscrapers.
But Madagascar isn’t only about wildlife. Its people, culture and traditions are just as fascinating, giving you an experience that goes far deeper than nature alone. This Madagascar travel guide takes you through the highlights — from the bustling capital of Antananarivo, to the lemur-filled forests of Andasibe-Mantadia, and south to Ifotaka, where the Antandroy people keep centuries-old traditions alive.
It’s not just a trip — it’s an adventure that stays with you.
Antananarivo: A Capital Full of Character
Most journeys begin in Antananarivo (or “Tana”), a city sprawled across rolling hills. At first glance it might seem chaotic, but look closer and you’ll find a place rich in character. Markets buzz with traders selling spices, textiles and fruit piled high in baskets. Streets twist between old colonial mansions and traditional Malagasy houses.
Take time here to soak up the rhythm of daily life. Wander through the Analakely Market, sample local dishes like romazava (a beef and greens stew), or climb up to the Queen’s Palace for sweeping views across the city. Antananarivo is a lively introduction to Madagascar — noisy, colourful and brimming with personality.
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park: Into the Lemurs’ World
From Tana, it’s only a few hours’ drive east to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, one of the most biodiverse corners of Madagascar and arguably the best place to see lemurs in the wild. This rainforest is alive with sound — birds calling, insects buzzing, and, if you’re lucky, the haunting cry of the indri.
The indri lemur is Madagascar’s largest lemur, famous for its teddy bear-like face and loud, eerie call that echoes through the forest. Seeing them in the Perinet Special Reserve is a highlight for many visitors. Alongside indri, you might also spot grey bamboo lemurs munching on shoots, or the striking black-and-white ruffed lemur swinging effortlessly from branch to branch.
And the adventure doesn’t end when the sun goes down. On a nocturnal lemur night walk in Madagascar, the forest reveals a whole new cast of characters: tiny mouse lemurs with glowing eyes, colourful chameleons and insects straight out of a science fiction story. It’s one of those experiences that makes you realise just how alive the forest is.
Ifotaka: Traditions of the Antandroy People
While Madagascar’s wildlife is its biggest draw, its culture is equally compelling. Travel south and you’ll reach Ifotaka, home to the Antandroy people — one of Madagascar’s traditionally semi-nomadic ethnic groups.
Spending time here offers a glimpse into a way of life that has remained close to the land for generations. You might watch a community ritual filled with dancing, drumming and singing, or sit down with locals to hear stories passed down over centuries. The Antandroy’s deep connection to their ancestors and the land gives you a sense of continuity that feels rare in today’s world.
Evenings here are unforgettable. Picture yourself at Mandrare River Camp, drink in hand, as the sun dips behind the iconic baobab trees of Madagascar. Their silhouettes stand like ancient guardians, the sky glowing pink and gold behind them. It’s a moment of stillness that stays with you long after you’ve left.
A Land of Curiosity and Wonder
What makes Madagascar so extraordinary is its uniqueness. Roughly nine out of ten species found here exist nowhere else. From the mysterious fossa — a cat-like predator — to colourful frogs, rare orchids and countless birds, the island fizzes with life.
The landscapes are equally diverse. In one day you could be walking through misty rainforest, crossing a limestone plateau dotted with caves and canyons, and ending among giant baobabs. The contrasts are astonishing, and yet everything feels deeply connected — an island where evolution has written its own rules.
But Madagascar is also about the small moments. Watching the morning mist rise through the trees. Sharing laughter with a local guide who knows every track and sound of the forest. Listening to the call of the indri as the light fades. It’s these moments, just as much as the wildlife sightings, that leave their mark.
Why Madagascar Should Be on Your Bucket List
Travelling to Madagascar is not like visiting a polished resort destination. It’s raw, wild and sometimes unpredictable — and that’s what makes it so rewarding. It’s a place that challenges and surprises you, offering experiences you can’t find anywhere else.
If you’re looking for the best places to see lemurs in Madagascar, Andasibe-Mantadia tops the list. If you want to understand the island’s culture, Ifotaka gives you an authentic connection to the Antandroy people. And if you simply want to stand in awe of nature, the baobab-studded landscapes and rainforest trails will deliver in ways you never imagined.
Madagascar isn’t just a destination. It’s an adventure into the heart of the wild — where nature and culture intertwine in the most unforgettable ways.
At Journeys Made, we believe experiences like this should be remembered forever. That’s why we create handcrafted travel keyrings with engraved tokens, so whether it’s Antananarivo, Andasibe or Ifotaka, you can carry a piece of Madagascar with you every day.
