Madagascar — the fourth largest island in the world, which should be visited by absolutely everyone who wants to experience, without exaggeration, emotions and impressions that are completely unlike anything else. You will be fascinated by Madagascar because it offers something special for absolutely everyone! We have prepared for you TOP 5 reasons why travelers choose Madagascar.
 
1. Birdwatching

There are about 265 species of birds in Madagascar, of which 120 are endemic to this island. Madagascar was once home to giant epiornis birds, which looked like an ostrich but weighed around 500 kg and were 3 to 5 m tall. during the autumn season, so most bird watchers come to Madagascar from late August to December.
If you want to go birdwatching in Madagascar, we recommend you visit the Andasibe Martadia and Masoala National Parks.
 
2. Island walks and hikes

Madagascar boasts spectacular landscapes — mountain peaks and extinct volcanoes, stunning flora and fauna. 70% of the island's land is located at an altitude of 1000 m to 1500 m above sea level.
Lonely Planet has rated Masoala National Park and Isalo National Park as two of the best hiking destinations in the world. Masoala is the largest nature reserve on the island and is famous for its scenic trails through dense forests that wind along the peninsula. Isalo is known for its unique landscape, an amazing combination of rare vegetation, tropical savannahs, outlandish rocks, caves and crystal clear waters.
Madagascar has it all — from sunset walks along the coast to multi-day marathon hikes!
 
3. Wildlife Watching

Thanks to the unique geological history of Madagascar, you can see animals here that you will not find anywhere else in the world. Masoala National Park is the largest protected area in Madagascar and home to many wildlife, from chameleon and gecko to aye-aye, fossa and fanaloka.
Many travelers look forward to meeting the Madagascar lemur. In the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park you will find 14 different species of lemurs. We also recommend that you visit the Ranomafana National Park because there are less than 200 golden bamboo lemurs left in the wild — this is your chance to see them in their natural habitat.
 
4. Fine cuisine

Did you know that Madagascar — heaven for gourmets? It is a place in the Indian Ocean where traders from Africa, the Middle East and India have stopped over the centuries to share their recipes. Traditional Madagascar cuisine may not seem very refined and simple, but over the centuries, it has been shaped by the influence of several cultures and has absorbed both the flavors of French bread rolls and African spices.
The national dish of Madagascar is Ravitutu — assorted stewed pork or beef with cassava. You may also like “Ro” – a traditional salad of rice seasoned with spices and herbs, “Anana” – rice salad with shrimp, vegetables, bananas, potatoes and cassava leaves, “Kitoza” – fried or cured meat cut into strips.
 
5. Beach and water activities

This island has crystal clear waters, soft white sand beaches and light blue skies. The water world of this magical place attracts diving enthusiasts, snorkelers and avid fishermen. Here, humpback whales swim very close to the shore and miracle fish are found.

Madagascar has many secluded beaches and coves. We recommend you to visit the island of Nosy – Be and the island of St. Mary, which are famous not only for their cozy sandy beaches, but also for their luxurious hotels, nightclubs, good restaurants, waterfalls, nature reserves, many lakes, National underwater parks.