9 Best Sights in Madagascar

This dry, dense forest 114 km (71 miles) east of Mahajanga is a haven for the nocturnal Microcebus lemur, the world's smallest primate, along with 129 bird, 10 amphibian, and 44 reptile species, including the big boa. Among the 823 plant species, look out for the mighty Mpanjakabenitany trees, up to 15 meters (50 feet) tall. Wear a hat, light clothes and good walking shoes and bring water, food, and your camera. Night visits are possible, as is camping and staying at a lodge, and English-speaking guides are available for two- and three-hour tours.

In the 1980s, Swiss amateur botanist Hermann Pétignat I began turning the poor soils here, 12km (7 miles) southeast of Tulear, in order to cultivate and preserve more than 900 native species of plants. Many succulents and endangered species are included, and the arboretum provides a habitat for numerous birds, reptiles, and mammals, including lemurs. An interpretive center has displays about the rich local environment and the importance of conservation.

The tall, imposing facade of Mahajanga's Catholic cathedral is one of a few modern buildings in the city. The boxy white structure, built in the mid-1900s, dominates the garden area of Mangarivotra. A maze of rectangles marks the façade, and vented segments set in vertical lines add artistic character to what might otherwise look like a stack of blocks.

Lots of lemurs bounce among the palms in the low hills of this southeastern Nosy Be park. Always look up—chameleons and boa constrictors hang out on the canopy, too. Seeing wildlife here is typical, but the plantlife, such as wild vanilla, is interesting too. The aromas are as refreshing as the sights are thrilling, but you'll get the best out of the experience if you book a guide. Many of the tours include a swim on Lokobe’s wild beach and a delicious meal after the hike.

If Nosy Be is getting away from it all, this collection of small islands 72 km (45 miles) to the northeast is absolute escape. Here, you can discover white-sand beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and huge basalt columns resembling organ pipes. Each island has its own character, and only two are inhabited. La Grande Mitsio hosts small farming villages. Nosy Ankarea is known for scuba adventures. Quatre Frères’ mighty silver basalt rocks contain huge caves and overhangs that captivate birdwatchers. Nosy Tsarabanjina is the lap of luxury; the place to land on the private island is the helipad at tony Constance Lodge (www.tsarabanjina.com). Visiting the islands from Nosy Be is usually best done over a couple days. Some resorts arrange day trips, and private charters offer multi-day excursions. Mozambique Yacht Charters (www.mozambiqueyachtcharters.com) has been running boats to the islands for a decade. Ask the Nosy Be Regional Tourism Office about others.

The highest peak on Nosy Be presents outstanding views of the coast and the island's emerald green lakes that are said to be sacred and home to crocodiles. You could walk the rough road to the top of the 329-meter (1,080-foot) mountain, but lots of people choose to drive or let a guide transport them to the summit. Smiling children and adults are usually in the area peddling jewelry, vanilla, and ylang-ylang perfume. Hotels can usually arrange tours, or you can find guide via the Nosy Be Regional Tourism Office.

A prehistoric Coelacanth fish, thought to be extinct since the end of the Cretaceous period until one was found in 1938, is among an impressive display here. The fish is not so well preserved, but other specimens, as well as seashells and maritime art, including cameos, are in good shape. A rare conus milneedwarsdii shell—a type of sea snail also known as the Glory of India—once moved a collector to offer his Land Rover in exchange for the piece.

Go fast and get down to earth on a dirt bike, motorcycle, or all-terrain vehicle. Guides lead you on easy rolls and thrill rides to off-the-beaten path locations. Bounce around on hills and dirt tracks in remote corners. Cool off in natural aqua pools. Excursions last one to six days, and you have to know how to ride. You will be tested. Gear is available.

The bizarre baobab tree may be the most noticeable attraction at this 60-hectare (148-acre) park managed by the environmental group Reniala (the name means baobab in Malagasy), but the area shelters many other curiosities native only to southeastern Madagascar. Lemurs, odd insects, 60 bird species, and a number of orchids exist on the property. Night visits can be arranged to view the nocturnal creatures. The reserve is 29 km (18 miles) north of Tulear.