Healed by the baobab trees of "The Little Prince" 🌳
Madagascar has otherworldly baobab trees and adorable lemurs 🐒. If you want to explore Madagascar without getting lost, this guide is all you need.
💴【Must-Visit Attractions】:
① Morondava: The hometown of baobab trees
⭐️ Baobab Avenue: Madagascar’s absolute signature! At dusk, the sunset turns the baobab trees into golden silhouettes, breathtakingly beautiful. Don’t rush to leave after dark; the starry sky without light pollution is equally stunning.
⭐️ Kirindy Reserve: Besides baobab trees, this is also a great place to see lemurs. You can experience a night tour to find nocturnal animals and chameleons, a very special experience.
② Andasibe: Rainforest lemur adventures
⭐️ Andasibe National Park: Home to the world’s largest lemur, the Indri, and also mini chameleons. Trek through the rainforest to track wildlife, full of adventure fun.
⭐️ Lemur Island / Vakona Private Reserve: Get up close and personal with lemurs! The lemurs here are used to humans, will jump on your shoulder, and you can even feed them, making for a fully immersive experience.
③ Nosy Be Island: Island paradise
⭐️ Nosy Be Island: If you want to see the sea, come here. The water is clear, the beaches soft, perfect for snorkeling and sea fishing. From June to September, it’s also the season for humpback whales, making whale watching an amazing experience.
④ Antananarivo: Capital city charm
⭐️ Queen’s Palace: A landmark building in the capital, a pink palace overlooking the entire French-style city. It’s great for photos or relaxing with afternoon tea at a scenic restaurant.
🚌【Classic Itinerary】
This 7-day route connects the highlights of baobab trees and lemurs, perfect for those with limited time who want to see the essentials!
DAY 1: Arrive in Antananarivo (check into hotel to adjust to time zone, get a SIM card and exchange some cash at the airport)
DAY 2: Antananarivo > Morondava (fly) > Baobab Avenue (shoot giant tree silhouettes at sunset, capture the Milky Way at night)
DAY 3: Morondava day tour: Kirindy Reserve (search for the “dancing lemur”) or Betania fishing village (visit a traditional village to experience simple life)
DAY 4: Morondava > Antananarivo (fly back) > City tour (visit Queen’s Palace, stroll Independence Avenue, soak in the capital’s history)
DAY 5: Antananarivo → Andasibe (private car, about 3-4 hours) > Andasibe National Park (enter rainforest in the afternoon, start adventure, look for lemurs)
DAY 6: Andasibe day tour: Vakona Private Reserve (intimate interaction with lemurs, canoe through waterways, enjoy being surrounded by lemurs)
DAY 7: Andasibe → Antananarivo (return to capital) > Handicraft market (shop for unique souvenirs) > Airport departure (end of a wonderful trip)
👉【Visa & Entry】:
① Visa: Madagascar offers visa on arrival, very convenient. $10 for stays up to 15 days, $37 for 30 days. Be sure to prepare small US dollar bills in advance.
② Currency exchange: Most places don’t accept cards, so bring enough cash! You can exchange US dollars or euros for the local currency “Ariary” at the airport or find Chinese restaurant owners in the capital for possibly better rates.
③ Internet: It’s recommended to get a local SIM card at the airport. Telma and Orange are the two main carriers; Telma’s signal is relatively more stable. Having internet makes map checking and contacting drivers much easier.
④ Flights: Flying from Guangzhou via Ethiopia is a common choice. Island transportation is inconvenient; try to choose flights between cities, but flight times are unstable and often change, so leave some flexibility in your schedule.
🧡【Safe Travel Tips】:
① Transportation: Road conditions on the island are poor, long bumpy rides are normal. For independent travelers, it’s strongly recommended to hire a private car for the whole trip for safety and comfort, which greatly improves the experience. If you want to avoid long bus rides, choose flights between cities.
② Accommodation: Most hotels are basic, may lack hairdryers and toiletries, and electricity and Wi-Fi may have time limits. Be prepared and bring your own essentials.
③ Mosquito and health precautions: When visiting rainforests and national parks, wear long sleeves and pants, and bring mosquito repellent. If you have a sensitive stomach, bring medication and avoid street food.
④ Theft prevention: Overall it’s safe, but in big cities like the capital, avoid going out alone at night. Keep a close eye on your belongings, especially in crowded markets.
⑤ Tipping: After receiving service, it’s customary and polite to give guides or service staff a tip.
Are you more excited to watch the sunset and starry sky at Baobab Avenue, or to interact closely with the adorable lemurs?