Tour guides Madagascar

5 ideas for guided tours in Madagascar

• Tsingy of Bemaraha

  

  At the end of the track, the Tsingy de Bemaraha rise like blades of limestone — thin, sharp, almost unreal. You move forward in small steps, hands on the warm rock, sometimes clipped into a harness, sometimes crossing footbridges with nothing below. Silence seems trapped in the crevices, then escapes again with the wind.

  Between the ridges, pockets of forest offer shade — quick cries of lemurs, birds darting past. The rock spires turn into cathedrals, then lacework, then narrow walls. You look up, crouch down, move forward again — your body following the contours.

  The base is from Bekopaka, with a pirogue ride on the Manambolo River, powdery cliffs, and cool caves. Many travelers link this stop with Morondava and the Avenue of the Baobabs, a stark contrast — horizontal after the vertical. Others prefer heading toward Kirindy, with its dry nights and glowing eyes in the undergrowth.

• Sainte Marie Island

  

  Sainte-Marie Island, in the northeast of Madagascar, is a paradise for travelers. It offers unspoiled nature, stunning beaches lined with coconut palms (especially around Ampanihy Bay, famous for its turquoise waters), and beautiful lagoons perfect for diving.

  The highlight: the seasonal gathering of humpback whales between July and September. The island remains calm, and strolling through its fishing villages is a real pleasure. Ambodifotatra is the liveliest spot on the island.

  A little harder to reach, in the north of Sainte-Marie, you’ll find the three beautiful natural pools of Ambodiatafana near the Eiffel Lighthouse, where the waves crash dramatically. At the island’s far south, the tiny Île aux Nattes is the perfect place to admire coral reefs and enjoy total tranquility in a car-free setting.

• Baobab Alley

  

  When red dust rises behind a zebu cart, the silhouettes of the baobabs appear — straight, massive, almost unreal. The Avenue of the Baobabs is more than just a row of trees; it’s a scene that changes with the time of day. Their swollen, silvery-gray trunks slice effortlessly through the sky.

  In the morning, cool air drifts between their bare branches, and the quiet feels timeless. By evening, the colors catch fire, shadows stretch long, and the red earth deepens. Villagers pass by unhurried, seemingly indifferent to the spectacle, as if it were simply part of daily life.

  Some travelers continue on to the Kirindy Reserve, home to lemurs and dry forests. Others head toward Belo-sur-Tsiribihina before venturing into the Tsingy. But the dusty road lined with baobabs has a power of its own — enough to make the journey complete.

• National Park of Isalo

  

  The Isalo National Park stretches across southern Madagascar, a vast land of ochre rocks and canyons carved by time. From Ranohira, the entrance opens onto a landscape of striking contrasts — dry and stony in places, lush and green where water lingers. Not far away, the town of Ilakaka recalls the recent history of precious stones that shaped the region.

  As you walk, the rock formations take on strange, almost cinematic shapes, earning the park its nickname of “Madagascar’s Colorado.” Down in the valleys, rivers form natural pools where hikers often stop to cool off. Lemurs dart through the trees, almost unnoticed despite their constant presence.

  Among the routes, the one linking the Rat Canyon to the Monkey Canyon is a highlight. Along the way, you’ll pass a refreshing waterfall and reach a panorama opening onto the rice fields and surrounding forest. For a more challenging adventure, the Long Hike leads to the Grotte des Portugais, where archaeological traces mix with the calls of rare birds.

• Ambositra

  

  In Madagascar’s highlands, Ambositra stands out for its carved wooden houses and workshops where the sound of artisans at work still echoes. The streets come alive with markets and shops stacked with statuettes and finely crafted woodwork. Zafimaniry art, recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, is passed down here from one generation to the next.

  Around the town, rolling hills form a patchwork of rice fields and forests. You can stop in nearby villages to meet woodcarvers working in front of their homes — simple tools, infinite patience. Each piece tells a story, sometimes literally carved into the wood.

  Heading south takes you to Fianarantsoa, another town of the highlands, where architectural heritage meets vineyards. To the east, trails lead to Ranomafana and its national park, a lush rainforest home to lemurs. These detours make a perfect complement to a stay in Ambositra.