Most people know little about Madagascar besides the titular movie—the remote Indian Ocean country has stayed off the radar for most visitors despite its lush jungles, warm waters, and friendly people. Here, French-influenced cooking and incredibly fresh seafood make for an excellent culinary scene, art markets are full of delicate pulled-thread lacework and intricate wood inlay, and lemurs peer down at you from the trees. Things to do in Madagascar include snorkeling with giant manta rays, hiking through the flower-filled forests, and dancing in beach bars while drinking spiced rum.
Located off the coast of Mozambique, Madagascar’s weather is determined by the winds and storms of the Indian Ocean. Avoid traveling during the rainy season (November to February), as the winds and rain make for poor underwater visibility when snorkeling or diving. Instead, aim to visit from April through October, when the seasonal trade winds ease and the weather stays dry and warm.
For centuries, sailboats have been the main method of travel in Madagascar, and you’ll still see traditional wooden dhows with their sharply pointed sails gliding from port to port. In the larger cities of Antananarivo and Hell-Ville, taxis are easy to find and very affordable. There's little in the way of convenient public transit, so organized tours are a good option if you want to explore outside the cities.
Lokobe National Park on the small island of Nosy Be is an ideal place to observe Madagascar's unique flora and fauna in their natural habitat. Spread across 1,830 acres (740 hectares) of old-growth forest, the park is home to three lemur species—black lemurs, sportive lemurs, and mouse lemurs—plus chameleons, geckos, snakes, birds, and other wildlife. When planning your trip, keep in mind that you can only tour the park with a guide, and make sure to pack bug repellant and plenty of water.
