Discover the best parks and attractions in Madagascar

As the fourth largest island on earth protecting a spectacular array of wildlife and the highest biodiversity on the planet, Madagascar’s attractions lie largely in its national parks and special reserves. The habitats are wide-ranging and shelter thousands of species of plant and animal life, of which an estimated 80% are not found anywhere else on earth, due to its astonishing isolation. So important is the preservation of Madagascar’s national parks and sanctuaries and their endemic species, that the institution ‘Madagascar National Parks’ was founded in 1990 to assist in conservation of natural resources across all national parks and reserves. The parks and attractions themselves range from the popular Andasibe which almost guarantees indri lemur sightings, and Berenty Reserve with its dancing sifakas, to private islands such as Nosy Tsarabanjina and the mountainous waterfall-clad terrain of Amber Mountain.

Madagascar’s national parks are some of the most unique in the world, unfortunately however they are also some of the most threatened, with illegal logging and mining destroying some of the island’s pristine habitats. Visiting Madagascar ensures that resources are directly invested back into this unique island and gives it a chance of surviving as one of the world’s truly unique bio-diversity hotspots. .

Andasibe National Park – only 3hrs or so drive from the capital of Antananarivo, Andasibe National Park and Mantadia Reserve offer you a truly unique insight into the initial fauna and flora of Madagascar. The emotive morning calls of the indris – the largest living lemur – are a hauntingly beautiful reminder of how fragile our planet’s wildlife is…

Ranomafana National Park – one of Madagascar’s prime examples of lush rainforest. Home to the rare golden bamboo lemur as well as approximately 11 other lemur species and 30 endemic species of bird. The fossa can also be found here and is Madagascar’s largest mammalian carnivore. They like forests and can be found at altitudes of over 2,000 metres. November to March, during the hot and rainy season, Ranomafana is also an excellent spot for reptiles.

Isalo National Park – one of our favourites, not so much for its wildlife, but through what it exudes in its diversity. A huge rock massif and savannah plains, setting off an extraordinarily contrasting climate to the rainforests of the east. October and November see the peak of lemur birthing season. Isalo and the Anja reserve are best for this.

Ile Sainte Marie – set off the east coast of the Madagascan mainland, Ile Sainte Marie is a great island getaway either at the start or end of your safari. An ideal spot for whale watching during the months of July – September…

Masoala National Park – not for everyone, but definitely for us! Masoala National Park remains rustic – but that is what we like - and provides the last remaining primary rainforest of Madagascar. Huge trees, wild lemurs and exotic coastlines with whale watching in the Bay during the season.

Anatananarivo – also abbreviated to ‘Tana’, this is the capital of the island. Whilst most African cities are a big ‘turn off’, Tana has atmosphere with its red tiled roofs, Parisian boulevards and never-ending buzz…

Ankarana National Park – unique limestone rock pinnacles, wild jungles and fast flowing rivers, Ankarana is a truly remarkable place to visit. With 11 species of lemur to add to this, Ankarana is one to watch.

Ifaty – one of the original beach destinations when Madagascar opened up, Ifaty is located in the south east of the island and has a number of properties overlooking the sand beaches.

Mikea National Park – with 63 speices of bird and 9 species of lemur, Mikea is one of Madagascar’s newer parks and provides a welcome break from the more well-known parks of Andasibe and Ranomafana. Definitely worth a visit for a more rugged experience.

Nosy Be – whilst Nosy Be does suffer from being visited from a number of cruise ships, it still has an alluring quality that is easy to fall for. With its street lined cafes, vanilla plantations, and beach getaways, Nosy Be is a nice place to stop, take a breath and relax.

Amber Mountain National Park – located in the northern reaches of Madagascar, Amber Mountain is a beautifully cool park with volcanic lakes, waterfalls and jungle scenery. A variety of lemurs and amphibians abide here providing for a great helicopter visit from ‘nearby’ Miavana.

Makay -  just go there. Unexplored, unheard of and few have ventured into he Makay. Basic camping but with some of the most stunning scenery and unhabituated wildlife on the island of Madagascar.