Tulear

Hiking in Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park offers a unique and adventurous experience through Madagascar’s iconic limestone formations. The park features a variety of trails catering to different fitness levels and interests.​

Popular Hiking Trails

• Petit Tsingy (Andadoany Circuit): Ideal for beginners, this 1.6 km trail takes approximately 4 hours to complete. The hike begins with a canoe tour on the Manambolo River, leading to a limestone cave, followed by a walk through the smaller Tsingy formations. ​

• Grand Tsingy (Andamozavaky Circuit): This trail offers a more challenging hike through dense forests and sharp limestone pinnacles. Hikers are often required to wear harnesses for safety. ​

• Ranotsara Trail: A 2-mile trail that takes about 4 to 6 hours to complete, offering panoramic views of the park’s unique landscape.

Embarking on a jungle safari in Eastern Madagascar offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the world’s most biodiverse rainforests, teeming with endemic wildlife such as lemurs, chameleons, and rare bird species. Two premier destinations for such adventures are Andasibe-Mantadia National Park and Kirindy Forest.

Scuba diving in Ifaty and Anakao, located along Madagascar’s southwest coast, offers an exceptional underwater experience characterized by vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and a range of dive sites suitable for all skill levels.​

Diving in Ifaty (Mangily)

Ifaty, situated near the Bay of Ranobe, is renowned for its extensive coral reef system and accessible dive sites.​

Key Dive Sites:

• Ankarandjelita & Rose Garden: Shallow reefs (6–8 meters) ideal for beginners, teeming with goatfish, snapper, eels, and rays. ​

• Be Vato & Canyons: Intermediate sites (20–26 meters) featuring wall dives and spur-and-groove formations, home to marbled groupers, Napoleon wrasse, and colorful nudibranchs. ​

• Cathedral: A renowned site with caves and swim-throughs, accessible on calm days, offering encounters with emperors, sweetlips, and trevally.

Dive Centers:

• Mangily Scuba: Offers PADI courses from Open Water to Divemaster, as well as snorkeling and whale-watching excursions. ​

• Le Grand Bleu: Caters to all certification levels, providing dives in both shallow protected reserves and deeper reef areas. ​

Diving in Anakao

Anakao, a traditional Vezo fishing village, boasts pristine coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystems.​

Highlights:

• Coral Reefs & Caves: Dive sites range from shallow reefs to deeper caves (20–65 meters), inhabited by lobsters, moray eels, and a variety of reef fish. ​

• Nosy Ve Island: A nearby island offering excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities, with vibrant coral gardens and abundant marine life. ​

Dive Centers:

• Madagascar-Anakao Scuba Diving School: Provides CMAS-certified courses and guided dives for all levels, emphasizing safety and quality equipment.

• Il Camaleonte: A modern watersport center offering scuba diving, snorkeling, and other aquatic activities.

Madagascar offers a wealth of sightseeing opportunities, from unique natural wonders to rich cultural heritage sites. Here are some top attractions to consider:​

Avenue of the Baobabs

Located near Morondava in western Madagascar, this iconic dirt road is flanked by towering Grandidier’s baobab trees, some reaching 30 meters in height. These ancient trees, estimated to be over 800 years old, create a surreal landscape, especially captivating at sunrise and sunset. ​

Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park is renowned for its unique limestone formations known as “tsingy,” which form a labyrinth of sharp pinnacles. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including several lemur species. ​

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Situated east of Antananarivo, this park is a prime location to observe Madagascar’s endemic wildlife. It’s particularly famous for the indri, the largest living lemur species, whose distinctive calls resonate through the rainforest. ​

Nosy Be

An island off Madagascar’s northwest coast, Nosy Be is a tropical paradise known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and vibrant marine life. It’s a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, and whale watching. ​

Royal Hill of Ambohimanga

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic royal city and burial site is considered a sacred place by the Malagasy people. It offers insight into the country’s pre-colonial history and traditional architecture.