Madagascar Landmarks

1. Gare de Soarano

Converted into an uptown mall, Gare de Soarano used to be the main train station in Antananarivo. It’s a great destination for families and cultural enthusiasts alike with the train themed restaurant and local art in the mall.

2. Red Tsingy

Made out of pink and red clay, the Red Tsingy is attributed to climate change. Regardless of its cause, this landmark is still stunning.

3. Royal Hill of Ambohimanga

A fortified royal settlement atop a hill, the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga consists of a city and burial sites. This landmark remains a place for pilgrimage and national pride.

4. Baobab Avenue

A natural wonder, Baobab Avenue consists of two rows of Baobab trees. This makes for the perfect nature walk or photography opportunity.

5. The Andafiavaratra Palace

 The former residence of Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony, the Andafiavaratra palace now serves as a museum. Visitors can find nearly 2,000 historical objects inside.

6. The Trano Gasy Houses

Constructed during the time of Queen Ranavalona II, the Trano Gasy houses served as accommodations for missionaries. They are unique in structure with a box shape and grass thatched. 

7. The Ambohitsorohitra

A former presidential palace in the capital, the Ambohitsorohitra no longer serves as an actual residence but it’s still iconic. It stands as a museum with a rich history and fun story behind it.

8. The Mahandrihono Palace

Designed by a former king for his children, the palace included many houses inside for his children to stay. A nice gesture on the surface, the king is said to have done it to monitor them to avoid a coup.

9. Lemurs’ Park

This landmark is a small botanical garden and lemur reserve. Travelers can go on a tour, eat at the restaurant and purchase souvenirs at the gift shop.

10. Nosy Be

A popular tourist destination, the Nosy Be is a beach resort. This landmark is iconic for its strong smells of cacao, coffee and vanilla among other local agriculture.

11. Ranomafana National Park

One of the most iconic parks in the entire country, Ranomafana National Park is very scenic with streams and dense forests. Here travelers might get a sight of the endangered golden bamboo lemur.

12. Masoala National Park

This destination includes rainforests and marine parks. The Masoala National Park is home to many kinds of lemurs, birds and reptiles.

13. Tsingy de Bemaraha

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Tsingy de Bemaraha consists of limestone karst pinnacles. To get to this landmark, travelers will need to hike which includes steep climbs, narrow passageways and a protected climbing route where they will be hooked into a harness.

14. Isalo National Park

Full of differing terrain, this national park grasslands, canyons and sandstone formations. Travelers will be escorted by a guide while visiting.

15. Amber Mountain

Home to lakes, waterfalls and forests, this destination is a nature wonderland. It’s a great place for hiking and wildlife viewing.

16. Spiny Forest

A unique set of terrain, this forest is controversial on whether its a forest or a desert. Here travelers can find spiny octopus and baobab trees and lemurs.

17. Diego-Suarez

A town surrounded by a bay, Diego-Suarez is home to beaches and old colonial architecture.

18. Ifaty

Two fishing villages, Ifaty has a 60-mile long coral reef just offshore. This makes for perfect water for those interested in snorkeling and fishing.

19. Ile Sainte Marie

This destination is not only a stunning area of water, but a fascinating historical experience. Under the water you can still see shipwrecks of pirate ships from the 17th and 18th centuries.

20. The Soarano Train Station

This train station used to be the main means of transport in the capital city. Now it’s mostly used for commercial purposes where you can go inside and see the marks of the past and where tickets used to be sold.

21. The Andohalo Cathedral

Constructed during the French colonial era, the cathedral is like a miniature version of Notre Dame. The marble inside is stunning and makes this landmark a must-see historical destination.

22. The L’Avenue de I ‘independence

Surrounded by market places, this street is full of colonial houses that will transport you into the past.

23. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Known for its rich biodiversity this park is home to the indri - the largest species of lemur. This is a very accessible destination for nature travel.

24. Marojejy National Park

This park is full of differing elevations which cause rich diversity in wildlife. There are lowland rainforests as well as mountain ranges.

25. Berenty Reserve

A small private park, this reserve has dense forests and rich diversity in wildlife. Travelers will have ample opportunity to spot and photograph many kinds of lemurs.