Hey strangers!!! Hope your week is starting well. Today I’m finally sharing my diary about my adventures in Madagascar where I had the opportunity to explore this beautiful country for a month and a half, discovering amazing places with the tourism board of Madagascar @my_madagascar.
In my previous post I mentioned that this destination became super popular since the film was launched where we all imagine another beautiful country in Africa with its wild life right?
Well let me confess that from the first time I visited Madagascar during March of this year this turned out to be completely different than the movie. Although it is considered an African country, this is a totally opposite country in terms of its culture and its neighboring countries. For starters people have influence from Southeast Asia, so you will find many rice fields all over the country.
Wild life like in other African countries you will not see here, instead it has a unique mix of endemic wildlife and plant species in a variety of rainforest habitats. This destination is famous for being the home of the adorable Lemurs. It is the fourth largest island on Earth and also has a number of small, outlying islands on its coast.
Although Madagascar is considered to be one of the poorest countries in the world, this is not an obstacle for you to visit. The truth is that many people (bloggers, influencers and travelers) are used to visiting the classic countries saturated throughout Instagram, but why not leave your comfort zone and visit different and unique places like this beautiful country.
Many people have this belief that when a country is poor there is much danger because it is not safe and there is nothing to explore, but let me confess that sometimes it turns out to be totally the opposite like in Madagascar. To this day I believe that Madagascar is one of the countries with the greatest potential that I have visited and if its economy comes to improve, for sure it would be the most visited country in Africa because it offers truly unique, paradisiacal destinations that no other country could offer. All the destinations I visited really were out of this world. The culture, the gastronomy and the people are truly amazing!
If any of you are thinking of exploring this beautiful island I would like to share some things you need to know before you visit:
- Plan to stay a lot of time: many people say that they visited a country when they really only went to one small part of the country. If you really want to explore a country take your time to explore it and see its beauty with your naked eyes. Madagascar is a huge country and even though there are many undiscovered destinations, the distances are really long to reach them. My recommendation is at least stay 3 weeks as minimum if you really want to see the popular destinations only. Robert and I stayed six.
- There are no 5-4-3 star hotels in the interior of the country: this is something I have to admit that I struggle with a bit. But I would not have done it if I had not traveled with someone like Robert who is an experienced traveler and always says this is how a real experience should be lived. Visiting the interior of the country sometimes required sleeping in small villages or mini hotels near the National Parks that we wanted to visit. Even so, they are not big or famous hotels these were quite clean and provided us with a place to rest and continue with our journey around the country.
- The best time to visit is around June to December: In our case we had to return again because the first time we visited was in March and it was rainy season so many national parks were closed. Avoid going from January to May.
- Try to carry enough money: Although you will find ATMs in the capital or in Nosy Be, in more remote areas there are no ATMs. In these areas people only accept cash. If you find an ATM also these have a limit that in the end you end up having to draw out of them several times.
- Be patient about transportation: the best method of transportation is car. Rent a car to visit some of the best national parks. There are flights with Air Madagascar that is the national airline, but these do not go every day, there are some that are only once or twice a week depending on the destination. In all the month and a half that I was exploring this country I only caught a flight 3 times. If you do not have a lot of time my best recommendation is to rent a car because if not you will end up waiting more time for the flights for many days and for sure with the car you will explore more and it will take you faster. When it comes to renting a car this always comes with your driver so do not be surprised because that’s how they handle it across the country.
- Forget about staying connected: Only the capital and Nosy-Be can find places with good Wi-Fi, it is still difficult to stay connected in the rest of this country.
As I mentioned I visited Madagascar for almost a month and a half, but I did in 2 periods of time. The first time I came in March where I was around 3 weeks and then in August I also came back around 3 weeks. During my entire journey, I always visited a different place so would like to make a quick guide of the places that should definitely visit:
Antananarivo: the beautiful capital of Madagascar known as Tana. Without a doubt after visiting East Africa when I made my first trip to Madagascar this destination made me feel like a mini France. Super quaint with its cute colorful houses, croissants and coffee everywhere. Failing to visit this charming capital would be a mistake, you can learn about its history and culture in various excursions that you can do in the day time. Take into account the traffic that is quite heavy, but you can also distract yourself by visiting colorful markets, nice restaurants or cafes.
Where to stay? Tana has a great variety of amazing hotels some of my recommendations are:
- Carlton Hotel: the only large 5-star hotel in town with a spectacular view of Lake Anossy and a fabulous bakery.
- Grand Urban Hotel: a super comfortable hotel, nice and convenient for its location. It has an amazing view of the beautiful city from the terrace and the food is really good. If you are Spanish speaking, this hotel will charm you because it is Spanish and they serve Spanish dishes.
- Palissandre Hotel: another of the best luxury hotels in the city with a great location. They have good traditional food.
- Sakamanga Hotel: If you are looking for a more boutique hotel with a more relaxed but cute vibe this is definitely the right choice. This has a great location, a terrace and super cute pool.
- Le Citizen: another boutique hotel run by a charming French family. This is famous for its delicious restaurant and especially the brunch. The rooms are charming and also with beautiful views of Lake Anossy.
Andasibe National Park: only 4 hours from the capital, which makes it one of the most visited national parks where you can find 11 Lemurs species. I remember seeing Lemurs in their natural habitat for the first time in this national park and it was a totally unforgettable experience. The sound they make as they are calling each other is special and unique. If you plan to visit this national park my best recommendation is to stay at the Vakona Forest Lodge which has some rooms in the middle of nature with a good restaurant.
Ranomafana National Park: meaning “hot water” in Malagasy. It is without a doubt one of the most spectacular national parks in Madagascar. Due to the good access and location with a great biodiversity with 12 species of Lémurs and the infrastructure well-developed, it has become one of the most visited places of the island. We stayed at Setam Lodge which is super close to the park, with a good restaurant and with its comfortable and nice rooms with beautiful views of nature.
Anja Reserve: known as the rock park it is about 9 hours by car from Tana. Definitely one of the most beautiful places to do hiking where you can see views of vast landscapes and see lemurs sunbathing on the rocks.
Isalo National Park: Definitely my favorite national park in all of Madagascar and I recommend 100% to visit. Really scenic with its beautiful landscapes and all the waterfalls inside the national park. Perfect for hiking, rock climbing, exploring waterfalls and natural pools. Known for its wide variety of terrain, which includes sandstone formations, deep canyons, an oasis lined with palms and grasslands. The best hotel I would recommend is Isalo Rock Lodge which is located inside the park and is quite modern, with all the best facilities to make your stay more pleasant. This has amazing views from its pools and also offers activities such as rock climbing and horseback riding within the park.
Ifaty: it is a smaller tourist destination but worth to visit. The popularity of this area is due in large part to its location near Tuléar and the road that connects them. The beaches are actually quite rocky at times, very shallow for much of the day and with beds of seaweed. The diving is good and the whale season comes through this area. One of the hotels I recommend in the area is Le Paradisier, facing the sea with an infinity pool and rooms with two-story villas quite rustic on the outside, but modern.
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park: The spectacular rock forest is located on the western coast of Madagascar. Tsingy is the Malagasy word meaning “to walk on tiptoes” and the almost impenetrable labyrinth of limestone needles justifies this name. The whole protected area was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990. Its formation is due to the seabed of limestone that rose to create a plateau about 200 million years ago, which was eroded little by little by the heavy rains until it became its current form. It has spectacular views where you can also find cliffs and the famous white Lemurs in this area. We stay in the best hotel in the area Le Soleil des Tsingy Lodge with stunning big villas with cute terraces that offers beautiful views from the rooms and the main area. The food is amazing as well for an afternoon dip in their pool for sunset watch.
The Baobabs Avenue: The famous avenue of Baobab trees that you have surely seen in Pinterest or the famous trees of the Little Prince book. Definitely my favorite place in all of Madagascar and one of the most magical places I’ve ever had the chance to visit. The best time certainly is during sunset and after sunset when the sky turns pink.
Nosy Be: Undoubtedly the most popular area and the number one beach destination in Madagascar and the one with the most tourism and money in the country, making it the most expensive area of the country. It’s like a mini Thailand with lots of people, lots of shops, restaurants, bars and tuk tuks all over the streets. This destination has extremely paradisiacal places and I recommend you to take a tour to the different islands. The waters are heaven and for sure you will find islands with the famous sand banks like Nosy Iranja and Nosy Antanimora.
Where to stay in Nosy Be?
- Private Island Nosy Saba: You can arrive by plane or boat, but the hotel can arrange a private plane to pick you up on the main Nosy Be island. Definitely a pretty luxury local experience with its incredible huge rooms and beautiful beach views to be able to switch off for a few days.
- Sarimanok Hotel: a small, personalized and cute boutique hotel. This is super well located in the center of the area where all the bars and restaurants are.
- Vanilla Hotel: This is a more luxurious hotel offering beautiful views from its beach, and incredible views from its different pools. The perfect hotel for great relaxation and yet still minutes from the main area. This was our favorite on Nosy Be!
Antiranana: known as the famous Diego Suarez and one of the areas of greatest growth and potential of the country. It has wide streets surrounded by its old colonial buildings, graffiti on the streets and colorful house. Diego Suarez is a great destination for exploring the northern region of Madagascar like the amazing Red Tsingy. We stayed at the Alamanda Hotel with great sea views.
Tsingy Rouge Park: a red laterite stone formation formed by erosion. These natural chimneys of sand and red clay set against blue skies are particularly noteworthy in the afternoon sunlight. The beautiful rocky landscape formed by different oxides with high white columns with dyes of clay and sand is certainly something that can’t fail to see. It is located approximately 60 km south of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez). I recommend staying at Ankarana Lodge with beautiful private villas, pool and excellent food.
Time and Tide Miavana: the best private island of all of Madagascar and the only one on the eastern part of the country. Undoubtedly a totally unforgettable experience to close this destination with a great golden finish and take a totally unique experience in Madagascar. Read more about this island here.
So what do you think of Madagascar? If you do not have this destination in your bucket list I hope that after reading this guide and recommendations you can add it and explore it before it is too late and becomes viral all over Instagram!
Thank you very much for reading.
xoxo
Marcy
Genial artículo sobre nuestra amada Madagascar. ¡Bravo!
http://www.baobabadventure.com
Wow these photos are so beautiful. I’ve never been to Madagascar but I love wildlife and nature and it looks like a wonderful place to visit, unplug and enjoy some hiking and take in mother nature.
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
http://mikialamode.com
Wow I love your photos and the comprehensive guide to Madagascar. I personally actually love hostels but don’t go when I have valuable items on me. The lack of 5-4-3 star hotels would be okay with me knowing that in advanced. The first photo is so cute. It reminds me of when I went to Bali 9 years ago and went to the Monkey Kingdom. 🙂 Those beaches though, how gorgeous! I’ll have to come back to this post. You always have great points. Thanks for sharing!
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode com
http://mikialamode.com
Madagascar looks like a place that everyone should visit. It looks so bloody amazing. I would love to visit it. Photography in here is soo beautiful!
http://www.beautystuffbyana.com
Mil veces WOW!! Marcy que increible experiencia tuviste, muchas gracias por compartirlo. Las fotografias estan bellisimas, como quisiera estar ahi!!
Wow, this is definitely in my bucket list now! What a beautiful place to visit, can’t get over the pictures and the Baobab trees from the little prince aww really adorable, so happy for you sweetie, you’re so adventurous. thank you thank you for the inspirations…
xoxo
http://www.styletolove.com
Madagascar is definitely on my wish list and you’ve got ome great photos. I love forests/jungles plus this has beaches so I think it’s just a win-win all around.
thelollychase.com
http://thelollychase.com
I’ve always wanted to visit Madagascar! Based on these gorgeous photos, it seems like absolute paradise. The beaches look incredible, and I love the authenticity of the city. I will definitely have to add this to my list of places to travel.
~xo Sheree
PoshClassyMom.com
http://poshclassymom.com
Como te imaginarás ya guardé el post como favorito para cuando vaya a Madagascar, súper completo.
Como siempre… tu con fotos tan espectaculares. Dejandonos con ganas de ir ya a conocer todos esos lugares. Qué hermosura de sitio! Gracias por compartir.
Besitos…
Yaimar Pérez
http://yaimarperez.blogspot.com
http://yaimarperez.blogspot.com
NO puedo de la emoción al leerte tus viajes cada ves mas increíbles by las fotos simplemente fantásticas. Gracias por compartirnos tanto
Tus viajes cada vez son mas impresionantes! Ame todas las fotos! De verdad que este post esta fascinante! Muchísimas gracias por compartir! Xox, Scar
http://Www.scarlemmateo.com
muchsimas gracias por compartir este sitio tan maravilloso, es increíble paisajes , fauna y como no tu estas sensacional un besin
Siempre estoy deseando que llegue este momento para leer tus aventuras y ver todas las fotos que nos has preparado. Que te voy a decir… es todo increíble. ¡Estoy enamorada!
Besitos
http://www.pinnahana.com
Me transporté a este mágico lugar…. me encantó!!!!
¡Que maravilla de sitio! Tus fotos no pueden ser más espectaculares y la información es muy detallada. Siempre me entran ganas de viajar cuando te leo. ¡Genial post! ¡Besitos!
http://www.elrincoderachel.com
Marcy, espectacular tu post! El lugar es un la maravilla terrenal! Gracias por toda la información! En cuantos días o semanas crees que puede recorrerse todo lo que nos mostraste?
Wooow Me pareció espectacular el post, me quedé con ganas de visitar Madagascar, sin duda ahora estará en la lista de mis viajes pendientes!! Me encantaron los lugares que visitaste y espectaculares la fotos aéreas!!! Gran trabajo wapa!!! Besos xxx♥♥♥
http://mireiambeyourself.com
waoo! amé todas las fotos los lugares, los animales, tus outfits Wao wao tomuch para un solo post. Veo las fotos y las vuelvo a ver. Me encantas! Con toda esa info nada se pierde. Excelente trabajo.
Un abrazo.
http://www.madewithstyle.net
Wow! Que bellezaaa y que experiencia tan increíble ? Amé todas las fotos ?
Te invito a mi utopía ?
http://www.stephtopia.com.ve
http://www.stephtopia.com.ve
I was definitely one of those people who thought poorer countries meant “unsafe,” mainly because my fiancé is so particular about this type of thing and I was inclined to listen to him. I’m so glad that’s not the case about Madagascar! How amazing that you two got to spend so long there to fully experience everything! I’ve never had a car come with a driver before, so that would definitely be new to me!
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Wow! These pictures are so inspiring!! On my wishlist! <3
X Merel
http://www.andathousandwords.com
http://www.andathousandwords.com
Madagascar has been on my bucket list for sure! These are just incredible pictures and shows every aspect of the place. Ah! how I wish to be there now! The rice paddy fields look so much like Bali . Great to see a different travel destination!Also, the Baobas tress are breathtaking! xx shalini
Hola guapa, de verdad me encantas! Me apasiona como haces todo tan fácil. Sigue así, tus viajes me encanta n
Pero que maravilla todo el viaje, una vez más nos vuelves a sorprender con sitios idílicos. Nos encanta tu fotografía y poder de redacción para contar cada detalle. Queremos más post de viajes así =)
http://www.LosArys.com
What an amazing place Madagascar! Thanks for sharing this extensive guide about his incredible destination. It is now on my bucket list for sure. I want to visit it as soon as possible. Your shots are absolutely stunning. Love all the photos. Xx. Gina
happy week ahead!
xx. Gina
http://www.artsyrunway.com
Madagascar looks otherworldly. Sometimes I can’t believe such a beautiful place exists in this world. You are so lucky to have experienced this amazing place, and the sunset photos are just breathtaking! What a perfect guide 🙂
xo Samantha
http://www.samanthamariko.com
Wow Marcy! So many beautiful photos in this post! Giving me major wanderlust vibes haha. My favorite travels are ones that give the wonderful opportunity to interact with the animals! Looks like you had a blast xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/beauty/body-merry-holiday-beauty-haul/
That first shot is everything! I really appreciate that you go to places off the beaten track – so many people share the same photos – and I love that you always have the most unique travel photos. Nobody else gives me wanderlust like you do! Great guide to Madagascar! How unusual are those Baobas trees! And those stone formations are gorgeous! Another place to add to my bucket list…
XO
http://www.lehoarder.com/
http://www.lehoarder.com
I am completely mesmerized by the photos of this trip, the landscape it’s beautiful beyond words can explain.
Funny enough, the first time a heard about this island was with the movie Madagascar, that’s opened my curiosity I started researching about this place. I love haw exotic and wild nature is, and how you can have from the most beautiful beaches to most incredible forrest.
I hope I can visit one day because is certainly in the top of my bucket list!
Massiel
http://www.massielfelizivas.com
Wow i want to visit Madagascar so bad, my in-law visit twice in two are and they absolutely loved it. You and Michael have the best travel photos.
@rachelvogttrends
http://rachelvogttrends.com
http://www.rachelvogttrends.com
Thanks so much for this guide! I’m totally bookmarking this as I would love to visit Madagascar one day. It looks so beautiful there. I love its simplicity, wildlife, and charm.
xo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic.com
Wow, Marcy! Que increible, de verdad no sabes como amo checar tus post. Es increible conocer lugares nuevos e inimaginables a traves de tu lente con tan increibles imagenes y contenido. Sin duda Madagascar esta en el top de mi Bucket list, es un autentico paraíso, que bueno que te tomaste el tiempo suficiente para conocer mas a fondo este increibe destino. Tu foto con los changos es lo máximo.
Gracias por compartir tu aventura!
Vanessa
http://thefashionstatement.net
http://thefashionstatement.net
What an incredible post. And what an experience. Your photography and landscape is over the top – amazingly beautiful. Looks like you journaled it so well.
Xxgracie
snappedbygracie.com
http://snappedbygracie.com
Such an incredible beautiful vacation. Your pictures looks like a National Geographic. Absolutely agree with stay a long period to can discover all this unique places. Africa affascinating me and other a lot.
Congrats amazing journey!
Xx
Eva
http://www.themermaidfashion.com
It seems like you had an incredible time! Thank you for sharing your experience at Madagascar 🙂 The National Park looks amazing and the scenery is worth visiting alone!
http://Www.mariannyc.com
Hey Darling,
How are you?
So obsessed with your Travel Posts, Madagascar was already on my Bucket List and now even More:)
The Photos and the Nature just Gorgeous:)
So much to see there, I want to Visit Everything, what you showed:)
The first photo is so Cute with the Monkeys, but all are so Beautiful:)
Such a Dream Place Madagascar:)
Happy Week
Love Kisses Karina
http://www.openklosetfashion.blogspot.pt
If I was to name one “this has it all” guide to Madagascar it would be yours. Spending so much time in the country you know all that there is to know about it and give great tips to us who want to go there. Nosy Be looks like a paradise, but I’d want to see the places inland too for sure and I do hate it when people say they’ve been to Europe (an entire continent) when they in fact just visited Paris and Rome, haha. As for bloggers (and everyone else) stepping out of their comfort zone when traveling I can only agree. We should take more “risks” and discover new places! Thanks for this extensive and thorough guide which I’ll bookmark!
Thomas xx
http://thomasfalkenstedt.com
I love seeing your photos on Instagram, then reading your blog posts later! Madagascar truly is a hidden gem! The country does look beautiful and it is amazing that you were there for a month and a half! Your photo gallery is absolutely magnificent! When you think of Africa, I definitely don’t think of stunning beaches! Madagascar is now on my list of places to visit.
Thanks for sharing!
XO
Tandya
http://www.simplytandya.com
Madagascar looks truly amazing!!! I was just in Mauritius not long ago and I wanted to fly across to visit Madagascar so badly, but unfortunately I didn’t have enough to visit that country. Your travel photos are truly amazing and made me regrading so much for missed out on Madagascar. I will definitely save your list for next time!
xx, Jessie
http://4evajessie.com/stay-timeless-with-mont-blanc/
http://4evajessie.com
Madagascar is definitely only my bucket list now that you have showed us what we are missing out on! From the beautiful beaches to the nature of wildlife and all the exotic animals, I am blown away by how much there is to see there! I know that it is a destination that you are so passionate about especially since you went twice in one year. Your tips are great especially about when to go and how long you should stay. I think most people think you can travel a country or region in a few days, but seeing that you stayed six weeks you really had the opportunity to see everything and be like a resident there. Thanks for sharing your adventures into these remote destinations that we would possibly never see otherwise. I can’t wait to go visit Madagascar someday! xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
http://dailykongfidence.com/
This looks so amazing. As I mentioned last time I totally want to go especially now after seeing this posts. Love all the wildlife and that you can completely disconnect. I’m fine with not having some luxe hotel. I think the beauty in traveling sometimes is becoming kind of like a local and just experiencing a country the way the natives do. Thanks for sharing your travels!
Ahhh Madagascar has forever been on my list of places I would love to visit and I absolutely love the first picture of you with all the lemurs!! They are seriously the cutest and it actually looks like a travellers dream to visit.
Helen xx
http://helenchik.com
http://helenchik.com
Espectacularrrrrrr!!! bravooo
http://www.pilarsinclairdesign.com