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    Tourist Attractions in Madagascar

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Madagascar. Photos and a brief description.

    About Madagascar

    Madagascar is often called a “continent in miniature” because of the unique nature and wide variety of endemic animals inhabiting the island. Excursions to the national parks of the state will interest tourists who are inclined to research and contemplation, as well as active travelers who are fond of tracking.

    Madagascar can also be considered as a place for a beach holiday, but you need to know that the base of hotels on the island is quite scarce, and the beach infrastructure is very poorly developed. Few tourists prefer to stay on the island of Nusi Be, where there is more entertainment and better service.

    Often people come to the island as part of a combined tour, after visiting mainland Africa. Travelers are taken to Antsirabe, Murundava, St. Mary’s Island (Nozi Boraha) and some other places.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Madagascar

    City of Antananarivo

    The capital of the state, translated from the local language as "the city of a thousand". Among the residents there is an affectionate diminutive name of the city "Tana". The influence of the French, who left here only in the 1960s, is strongly felt in the city. In the center you can find many shops with French names, there is also a French hotel and many bakeries offering fresh croissants.

    City of Antananarivo
    Qingzhi du Bemaraha Nature Reserve

    Qingzhi du Bemaraha Nature Reserve

    An area with unusual karst landscapes (rocks) that resemble a stone forest. The road to the reserve is a separate adventure, as it will have to overcome kilometers of off–road and difficult hiking routes, so physically prepared tourists will master such a trip. There are several species of lemurs on the territory. These animals are considered a symbol of Madagascar.

    Royal Hill of Ambohimanga

    A historical monument, a valuable evidence of Malagasy culture. Previously, there was a large city around the hill, where the royal residence of the rulers of the island was located. It is believed that the settlement flourished by the XVI century. The hill had a ritual significance – rituals and sacred actions have been held here for many centuries. The area is of particular importance for the self-consciousness of Malagasy people, as it preserves the secrets of their traditional culture.

    Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
    Andafiavaratra Palace

    Andafiavaratra Palace

    Located in the capital, it used to be the residence of the country's Prime Minister Rainilayarivuni, who headed the government at the end of the XIX century. Now there is a museum in the building, where 1,466 exhibits are exhibited. These artifacts have important historical significance for the culture and history of the country. Many items were restored and got here after the great fire of 1995 in the Ruva Palace.

    Ruva Palace

    Located in Antananarivo on Mount Analamanga (almost 1.5 km. above sea level). The palace was originally made of wood, later lined with stone. The building was built in the XIX century for the first queen of Ranavaluna Island. After the 1995 fire, it has not yet been restored. Analamanga Mountain offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, from here the whole city is clearly visible.

    Ruva Palace
    Izalo National Park

    Izalo National Park

    The reserve was established in 1962. His landscapes resemble an African savana. There are almost no animals here, the flora is quite poor due to unsuitable weather conditions. Izalo was created in order to preserve the natural landscapes of the area, as they are recognized as unusual and valuable. The reserve has several very picturesque tourist routes along natural riverbeds.

    Atsinanana Rainforests

    Relict (prehistoric) forests located on the east coast of the island of Madagascar. More than 12,000 plant species are recognized as unique and endemic. It is believed that the isolated ecosystem of the region was formed 60 million years ago. Rare species of animals are found here, some of them are facing the threat of extinction. In 2010, forests were included in the list of objects that may soon disappear from our planet.

    Atsinanana Rainforests
    Montagne D'Ambre National Park

    Montagne D'Ambre National Park

    A natural landmark of the northern part of Madagascar. Unlike the adjacent arid valleys, this park has a humid climate and it rains every day. A large amount of water is collected here to provide the nearest city. There are also 70,000 hectares of rice fields cultivated around. On the territory of Montagne D'Ambre, the miniature chameleon Brookesia lives only about 2 cm in length.

    Ankaratra Volcano

    It is part of the Ankaratra mountain range, which was formed as a result of the split of continents millions of years ago during the formation of the modern appearance of the planet. The volcano has been extinct for a long time, now it reminds of itself only with rare earthquakes and steam emissions. The crater, which has become harmless as a natural attraction, attracts tourists who want to "conquer" the once raging Ankaratra.

    Ankaratra Volcano
    Lake Tritriva

    Lake Tritriva

    A volcanic reservoir with many hot springs in the central part of Madagascar. It is located in a former volcanic crater. The maximum depth is about 150 meters. It has unknown sources of replenishment of water reserves (possibly underground), since the water level rises during the dry season. If you throw an object into the lake, then it can be found in a valley lying below the level of the shores.

    Baobab Avenue

    The road between the settlements of Morondava and Beloni, attracting tourists from all over the world. Along the edges of this "avenue" grow giant baobabs, many of which are hundreds of years old. The height of these unusual trees reaches up to 30 meters, the circumference of the trunk can also be a couple of tens of meters. The alley is a protected area. Locals believe that all the Madagascar forests came from the baobab.

    Baobab Avenue
    Nusi Be Island

    Nusi Be Island

    A secluded place with beautiful beaches, popular with foreign tourists. The largest ylang-ylang and coffee plantations in the country are cultivated here. Rare species of lemurs can be found in the local Lukube Nature Reserve. Travelers tired of lying on the beach and traditional vacation entertainment are invited to visit the native village, the ruins of the Portuguese fort and the silver waterfall.

    St. Mary's Island

    It is located seven kilometers from the east coast of Madagascar. In honor of the Virgin Mary, the island was named by the French, the local Malagasy name sounds like "Nozi-Boraha". Nowadays, this place is a beach resort, popular primarily with the Madagascans themselves, but foreigners are also found here. There is a legend that pirates buried treasures worth many millions of pounds on St. Mary's Island.

    St. Mary's Island
    Lemurs are the symbol of Madagascar

    Lemurs are the symbol of Madagascar

    These funny animals live only in Madagascar and the Comoros. They are considered the ancestors of monkeys. There are several species of lemurs on the island. The rarest of them is a small ai–ai, which, according to mythology, was considered a harbinger of death. The animal is distinguished by large "surprised" eyes, a flexible body and a long tail. It was thanks to the funny "facial expression" that the lemur became the hero of many popular Internet memes.