Madagascar
Madagascar is the kind of place where planning starts with a question: what do you most want to experience? Rainforest walks, baobab landscapes and the islands around Nosy Be each offer a different kind of trip, and the distances between them deserve some thought.
On our trip, we based ourselves on Nosy Be and spent four days exploring the island and its surroundings. From a boat trip to Nosy Iranja to the forest at Lokobe, it gave us a mix of adventures while returning to the same hotel each evening.
Where is Madagascar?
Madagascar is an island country in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern coast of Africa. Antananarivo is its capital. Nosy Be is a smaller island off Madagascar’s northwest coast and a popular base for exploring the surrounding islands.
Where to go in Madagascar
Nosy Be and the northern islands: A good starting point for beaches, boat trips, snorkelling and forest visits. Our trip included Nosy Iranja, Lokobe, Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely.
Andasibe: Consider this eastern rainforest region if guided forest walks and the chance to see lemurs are high on your list.
Morondava: A base for visiting the Avenue of the Baobabs and exploring Madagascar’s western landscapes.
These places are far apart, so choose the regions that fit your time and interests and check connections before booking.
When to visit
April to October is a broad dry-season window, but weather varies across Madagascar and eastern rainforests can be wet year-round. Check conditions for your route, particularly if it includes boat trips or seasonal roads.
Planning your stay
For our Nosy Be trip, we stayed at Andriana Resort & Spa and used it as our base for four days of excursions. When choosing a hotel, look at where your trips depart from and confirm pickup, transfer costs and meal arrangements.
Travel within Madagascar can take longer than a map suggests. Allow time for transfers and weather-related changes, and check current entry requirements and travel advice for your passport before departure.
Explore my Madagascar guides
- Madagascar Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Do, and How to Plan Your Trip
- 4-Day Nosy Be Itinerary: Island Tours, Lokobe & Snorkeling
- 10 Best Hotels in Nosy Be
November 15, 2026
