The eighth continent — 90% of Madagascar's wildlife exists nowhere else on Earth, including 100 species of lemur, and the otherworldly Avenue of the Baobabs where 800-year-old trees line a dirt road at sunset.
- Capital
- Antananarivo
- Population
- 31,727,042
- Area
- 587,040 km²
- Languages
- French, Malagasy
- Currency
- Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
- GDP
- $18,708M
Good to know
Driving side
Right
National dish
Romazava
Annual visitors
87,100 (2020)
Avg temp
22.6°C
Religion
Christianity
Coast
Coastal
Travel guide
Madagascar is a country in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa. It is known for its particularly unique wildlife and flora. Madagascar split from India approximately 88 million years ago, and as a result of its long isolation it is home to a massive number of unique plant and animal species, with over 90% of its wildlife and 80% of its plants found nowhere else on the planet.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore Madagascar
Best time to visit
April–October is the dry season — best for the south and Avenue of the Baobabs. June–September is the best month for all regions. November–March is hot and rainy but the north stays drier. Whale watching near Ile Sainte-Marie: July–September.
Visa
Most nationalities receive a visa on arrival at Antananarivo Airport (30 days, extendable). Citizens of US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia can obtain their visa on arrival or apply in advance.
Highlights
The Avenue of the Baobabs, or Alley of the Baobabs, is a prominent group of Grandidier's baobabs (Adansonia grandidieri) lining the unpaved Road No.8 between Morondava and Belon'i Tsiribihina in the Menabe region of western Madagascar. Its striking landscape draws travelers from around the world, making it one of the most visited locations in the region
Public holidays
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (4)
Book your trip to Madagascar
We may earn a commission when you book through these links.