Madagascar, officially known as the Republic of Madagascar, is an island country just off the eastern coast of Africa, in the Indian Ocean. Many people might never even think that Madagascar could be an amazing travel destination, but I’m here to tell you that it is! With captivating wildlife, stunning beaches, and thick jungles to explore, Madagascar is quickly becoming the perfect expedition spot. And to prove it, here are 8 good reasons you NEED to visit Madagascar!

Lemurs - Really, need I say anymore than this? Madagascar is home to over 100 species of lemur, all endemic to the country! This means they don’t occur naturally anywhere else in the world! The most well-known species would have to be the ring-tailed lemur, known in Malagasy as the maki catta. It’s hard not to spot these little guys, with their famous black-and-white-ringed tail. On a safari through Madagascar, you’re bound to have some amazing lemur encounters!

Isalo National Park - Madagascar has its own national park that might even rival the Grand Canyon! Millions of years ago, the 80,000 hectares in the south of Madagascar now known as Isalo National Park was once underwater. Today, it is a hiker’s paradise filled with hidden pools, amazing views, and countless species of wildlife. You could easily spend your entire expedition in Isalo and still not have enough time to see it all! This is the place to be for adventure lovers!

Paradise Beaches - In the north of Madagascar, lies Nosy Be, an archipelago of about a dozen small islands, home to the most stunning beaches! Nosy Be has been nicknamed the “Island of Perfumes” because of the scents of ylang ylang, sugar cane, and spices in the air! The long golden-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and surrounding jungles, make this a popular location for marriage proposals and honeymoons, or to simply relax and enjoy a fun beach day!

Baobab Alley - The baobab tree, also known as reniala in Malagasy, is the “mother of the forest”. These trees are sacred, and have been used locally in medicinal remedies as well as a source of water for centuries. Although these majestic trees can be found throughout the country, the most ideal location for photographers is the Avenue of Baobabs in Kirindy! Here’s a photography tip: for the best lighting, try to visit at either sunrise or sunset!

Swimming with Whale Sharks - Both Nosy Be and Ile Sainte Marie offer amazing opportunities for diving and snorkeling in bright and colorful coral reefs. You will be able to see plenty of Indo-pacific fish species such as angel fish, clown fish, surgeonfish, and many others! But perhaps the most amazing marine life encounter you could have in Madagascar, is to dive or snorkel alongside whale sharks in the deep waters off the coast of Nosy Be! Seeing these gentle giants with your own eyes is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Tsingy de Bemaraha - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this place is a geological mystery! Named Tsingy, which means “walking on tiptoes” in Malagasy, this giant labyrinth of limestone formations is nearly impenetrable. It has piqued the interest of geologists and botanists alike for decades due to the odd vertical “needle” shape of the limestones. The park is also home to over 90 species of bird, eight types of reptiles, and 10 species of lemur!

Antananarivo - Nicknamed Tana, Antananarivo is the capital city of Madagascar, and is full of life, color, and culture! Visiting this city is a totally unique experience compared to visiting the bigger cities in Europe, for example. One of the main reasons for this is that there are no big tourist attractions or massive architectural masterpieces in Tana. Instead what you’ll find is friendly locals, delicious food that’s accessible at any budget, and cool markets to explore! When visiting Madagascar, you don’t want to skip Antananarivo!

Rainforests - On the eastern side of Madagascar, lies six national parks in the Atsinanana rainforest region. The forests are ancient and full of unique biodiversity, which means that the species of plants and animals here are a result of centuries of evolution! The Atsinanana rainforests are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While exploring these jungles you will most likely come across some cool wildlife, specifically primates and lemurs!

If reading this article hasn’t already convinced you that Madagascar needs to be on your travel bucket list, I don’t know what will! But if I have managed to pique your interest, did you know that Acanela Expeditions has just launched a new trip to Madagascar? On a trip with Acanela, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Antananarivo, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, the Vakona Forest Reserve, and Ranomafana National Park! Click here to learn more, or send an email to expeditions@acanela.com!