Recommended tourist Activities In Madagascar

Some of the most interesting activities here around this part of the world are diving, whale watching and relaxing on the beach. Madagascar has some fabulous diving and snorkelling locations relatively unscathed despite environmental depredations. The best opportunities are around the islands and islets surrounding Nosy Be. Cycling is another popular pastime as the island has picturesque areas all within cycling distance though die-hard bikers will need to carry spares and a maintenance kit. Taolognar and the Ile Ste. Marie are great places to see whale pods in their natural habitat as they travel past Madagascar enroute to cooler climes. Hiking and trekking through the rainforests, bird watching in the national parks are some other enjoyable ways to see the strange flora and fauna of this unusual island.

Special Events

The celebrations and festivals that give travellers and tourists a taste of the local culture are Alahamady Be- the low key Malagasy New Year celebrated in March. The Donia is the traditional music festival held on Nosy Be in the months of May or June. Other festivals include the Christian celebrations of Christmas and Easter and the ethnic festivals of Fisemana and Famadihana. The former is a ritual purification ceremony practised by the Antakàrana people in June and the latter is the traditional 'turning of the bones' burial ceremony takes place from June to September. The Gasytsara is a contemporary music festival held in the capital Antananarivo and is a popular tourist attraction.