Madagascar
Madagascar's appeal centers on unique wildlife like lemurs found nowhere else. Distances between towns are long and road conditions unpredictable, so travel takes considerable time.
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Madagascar currency guide — today's rate & payment tips
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Average temperature by month
Based on Antananarivo · 5-year average
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Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Antananarivo
Antananarivo is Madagascar's capital, set in the island's central highlands at an elevation of over 1,200 meters. Strolling past the old Rova palace, Lake Anosy, and the botanical garden lets you take in the charm of this highland city.
10 sights 9 guides Ivato Airport (TNR)
Toamasina
Toamasina is a port city on Madagascar's eastern Indian Ocean coast and the capital of Toamasina Province. It is the second-largest city in Madagascar by population.
1 sight 9 guides Toamasina Airport (TMM)
Antsiranana
Antsiranana is a port city at the northern tip of Madagascar, known for the scenic Bay of Antsiranana and the small island of Nosy Lonjo. It offers the charm of a quiet coastal town.
2 sights 9 guides Arrachart Airport (DIE)
Antsirabe
Antsirabe lies in Madagascar's highlands but enjoys a milder climate than other parts of the region, serving as the capital of the Vakinankaratra district. Its hot springs, discovered in the 19th century, make it a pleasant place to rest.
3 sights 9 guides Ivato Airport (TNR)
Tôlanaro
Tôlanaro is a port city on Madagascar's southern Indian Ocean coast, formerly known as Fort-Dauphin. Located at the gateway to nearby nature reserves, it sees many travelers passing through.
2 sights 9 guides Tôlanaro Airport (FTU)
Top sights in Madagascar
Castles & palaces
Rova of Antananarivo
A royal palace complex that housed Madagascar's monarchy from the 17th to 19th centuries, perched atop the highest hill in Antananarivo. It offers sweeping city views along with a sense of the kingdom's history.
Temples & religious sites
Roman Catholic Diocese of Tôlagnaro
This is a Catholic missionary diocese located in Tôlagnaro, Madagascar. Visiting its cathedral offers a glimpse into the modest, welcoming atmosphere of the local faith community.
Temples & religious sites
Roman Catholic Diocese of Antsirabé
A Catholic diocese located in Antsirabe, Madagascar, serving as a spiritual center for the local faithful. It's a good place to experience a calm, devotional atmosphere while exploring the city.
Nature
Antsiranana Bay
Antsiranana Bay stretches nearly 20 kilometers north to south along Madagascar's northeastern coast. Its narrow entrance shelters the water from the strong Indian Ocean winds, making it a great spot to enjoy calm seas and scattered headlands.
Nature
Lake Anosy
Lake Anosy is an artificial lake in the southern part of downtown Antananarivo. It's a pleasant spot for a leisurely stroll in the heart of the city.
Castles & palaces
Andafiavaratra Palace
This former prime minister's residence sits atop the highest hill in downtown Antananarivo. Now a museum, it houses around a thousand artifacts rescued from the 1995 royal palace fire.
Castles & palaces
Iavoloha Palace
This is the presidential palace of Madagascar, located 15 km south of the capital, Antananarivo. Modeled after the Rova of Antananarivo, it was built in the 1970s with assistance from North Korea.
Zoos & aquariums
Botanical and Zoological Garden of Tsimbazaza
A botanical and zoological garden located in the Tsimbazaza district of Antananarivo, home to a wide variety of Madagascar's plants and animals. Its proximity to downtown makes it an easy spot for a casual visit.
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Local data
Get an eSIM for Madagascar before you go
Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.
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