Know Before You Go: Madagascar Tours

The top wildlife destinations in Madagascar span lush eastern rainforests, dry sandstone canyons, coastal mangroves and coral-fringed marine reserves. Because species are highly localized, seeing a wide variety of Madagascar’s animals requires visiting multiple distinct ecosystems. 

The best areas for Madagascar wildlife viewing include: 

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Located 3–4 hours east of Antananarivo in Madagascar’s humid eastern highlands, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park protects more than 38,000 acres of lush montane rainforest. This easily accessible reserve is known for its towering trees, thick canopy and haunting calls of the indri. Its mosaic of primary and secondary forest supports exceptional biodiversity, making it a must for first-time wildlife travelers to Madagascar. 

• Location: 3–4 hours east of Antananarivo 

• Habitat: Montane rainforest 

• Wildlife highlights: Indris, diademed sifakas, bamboo lemurs, chameleons, tenrecs, endemic frogs 

• Why go: One of the best places to hear and see the indri, Madagascar’s largest living lemur. Close proximity to the capital makes it an essential first stop. 

Ranomafana National Park

In Madagascar’s southeastern highlands, Ranomafana National Park spans nearly 100,000 acres of tropical and cloud forest threaded with rushing streams and waterfalls. The park’s name means “hot water,” referencing its thermal springs, and its steep terrain shelters an astonishing diversity of wildlife. Misty mornings reveal the calls of rare lemurs and birds in one of the island’s most biologically rich rainforests. 

• Location: Southeastern highlands 

• Habitat: Tropical rainforest, cloud forest, high plateau 

• Wildlife highlights: Golden bamboo lemurs, red-bellied lemurs, leaf-tailed geckos, frogs, over 100 bird species 

• Why go: A top site for lemur diversity. The rugged terrain shelters rare and endangered species found nowhere else. 

Isalo National Park 

Stretching across the arid heart of south-central Madagascar, Isalo National Park is a dramatic landscape of sandstone massifs, deep canyons and golden grasslands. This semi-desert environment contrasts sharply with the island’s humid rainforests and reveals how Madagascar’s biodiversity has adapted to extreme conditions. Natural pools tucked between cliffs provide a refreshing reward after long hikes through the park’s rugged terrain. 

• Location: South-central Madagascar 

• Habitat: Arid canyons, sandstone cliffs, grasslands 

• Wildlife highlights: Ring-tailed lemurs, Verreaux’s sifakas, chameleons, endemic plants 

• Why go: A stark contrast to the rainforests—this dramatic desert-like landscape reveals a different side of Madagascar’s biodiversity. 

Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park

Positioned in Madagascar’s southwestern transition zone, Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park bridges the gap between the island’s humid eastern forests and the dry spiny regions of the west. This 90-square-mile remnant of dry deciduous forest serves as a last refuge for several endangered species. Birders prize it for the Appert’s tetraka, a species found nowhere else, while its lemurs and chameleons highlight the resilience of Madagascar’s western ecosystems. 

• Location: Southwestern transition zone 

• Habitat: Dry deciduous forest 

• Wildlife highlights: Zombitse sportive lemurs, Verreaux’s sifakas, Appert’s tetraka, giant coua, Oustalet’s chameleons 

• Why go: A rare refuge for dry forest species in a heavily deforested region. This park is critical for birders and lemur lovers alike. 

Anjajavy Private Reserve

Tucked along Madagascar’s remote northwest coast, Anjajavy Private Reserve encompasses more than 24,000 acres of protected dry forest, mangroves and coral-fringed coves. Accessible only by air, it combines pristine wilderness with comfortable accommodations, offering an intimate experience of Madagascar’s land and sea biodiversity. Guests can walk among baobabs in the morning and snorkel coral reefs by afternoon—a rare dual ecosystem adventure. 

• Location: Coastal northwest Madagascar 

• Habitat: Dry deciduous forest, mangroves, coral reefs 

• Wildlife highlights: Brown lemurs, Coquerel’s sifakas, rare birds, baobabs, marine life 

• Why go: One of the richest and most remote wildlife sanctuaries in Madagascar. This protected coastal region offers intimate wildlife encounters far from tourist crowds. 

Masoala National Park & Tampolo Marine Reserve

Covering over 885 square miles on Madagascar’s northeastern peninsula, Masoala National Park and the adjacent Tampolo Marine Reserve protect one of the island’s last intact lowland rainforests. This UNESCO-listed region is a haven for red-ruffed lemurs, rare birds and marine life. Its rainforest and coral reefs are perfect for travelers seeking both jungle trekking and snorkeling in remote, pristine waters. 

• Location: Northeastern peninsula 

• Habitat: Lowland rainforest, coral reefs, mangroves 

• Wildlife highlights: Red-ruffed lemurs, helmet vangas, geckos, humpback whales (seasonal), marine turtles 

• Why go: Accessible only by boat, Masoala is a biodiversity stronghold both above and below water. It’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Madagascar’s wildest destinations. 

Avenue of the Baobabs

On Madagascar’s west coast near Morondava, the Avenue of the Baobabs is a striking corridor of centuries-old trees rising from the remnants of a once-vast tropical forest. These giants, some more than 800 years old, create a surreal landscape at sunrise and sunset. While not a wildlife site, this natural monument offers photographers and conservation travelers a vivid glimpse of Madagascar’s unique botanical heritage. 

• Location: Near Morondava, west coast 

• Habitat: Former tropical forest and grassland 

• Wildlife highlights: Baobabs, endemic birds, chameleons 

• Why go: Though not a wildlife destination per se, this photogenic corridor showcases Madagascar’s baobabs. Combine with nearby reserves for lemurs and mangroves. 

Coastal Mangrove Ecosystems

Stretching along Madagascar’s west coast, the island’s mangrove ecosystems are among the most extensive in the Indian Ocean. These wetlands provide vital nurseries for fish, crustaceans and marine turtles while protecting coastlines from erosion. They also attract flocks of waterbirds, including the endangered Madagascar fish eagle. Exploring these intertidal zones by kayak or boat offers a quiet window into Madagascar’s interconnected marine and terrestrial life. 

• Location: Various sites along the west coast 

• Habitat: Mangroves, estuaries, intertidal zones 

• Wildlife highlights: Madagascar fish eagle, sacred ibis, marine invertebrates, sea turtles 

• Why go: These vital wetlands are breeding grounds for birds and nurseries for marine species. They also connect land and sea ecologies, making them essential stops for conservation travelers. 

Madagascar Biomes & Wildlife