Caving:
One of the many unusual Madagascar activities! Fantastic caves, potholes and underground lakes can be found at Ankarana National Park near Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) in the north of Madagascar, there are walkways and also guides available for more daring caving; also Mantasoa Peninsula and Ile Ste-Marie (Sainte Marie Island) on the east coast; St Augustin Bay on the south-west coast, and Mahajanga on the north-west coast. Trekking, hiking and climbing:
There are many opportunities to explore magnificent scenery on a Madagascar Island holiday. The central and southern highlands offer mysterious mountain peaks, lakes, forests and waterfalls. Some suggestions: Andringita Mountains in the south-east of Madagascar; Andasibe (Perinet Rain Forest) east of the capital Antananarivo; Isalo National Park in the south-west; Mahajanga and the forestry reserve, and Lokobe Reserve near Nosy Be all in the north-west of Madagascar. Canoeing and river rafting:
On a Madagascar adventure holiday, visitors can enjoy a relaxed and fun canoe trip through the central highlands from the capital Antananarivo, moving south-west toward Morondava and the delights of the coast. Other similar excursions take place along the Pangalanes Canal east of Perinet Rain Forest. River rafting is offered at Lily Falls, a superb spot just 100km (62 miles) south-east of Antananarivo. Whale watching:
Superb whale watching in Madagascar takes place generally from June or July through to September or October. Best sites include the Baie d’ Antongil (Antongil Bay) on the far north-east coast of Madagascar - the deepest bay in the country, and also in the channel along the east coast between Ile Ste-Marie (Sainte Marie Island) and the mainland. Whale watching is also possible from Ifaty and Nosy Ve on the south-west coast. Sightseeing, cultural and historic:
Apart from the splendid flora, fauna and natural wonders to be seen on a Madagascar Island holiday, there are a number of historic attractions around the country.
Highlights in and around Antananarivo:
Le Rova The Queen's Palace; Palace of Justice; Palace of Andafiavaratra; Art and Archaeology Museum of Isoraka; National Museum of Geology; Archaeology and Art Centre of Analakely; Ambohimanga (Queen's Summer Palace); Royal Palace of Tsinjoarivo.
Location of Tombs and historic sites around the country:
Antsirabe; Mantasoa; Ambohidratrimo; Antsahadinta; Ilafy; Foulpoint; Ile Ste-Marie (Saint Marie Island); Morondava; Fort Dauphin (Taolanaro).
Cultural tours:
Madagascar has a rich culture and history with many different tribes and religious followings which can be experienced anywhere. Interesting and diverse tours are offered from Antananarivo moving south through the highlands and on to the south-west coast. On these tours visitors can see the many types of hand crafts produced locally. Speciality tours include visits to the Antandroy Village - these people living in the far south have very different and unusual customs which evolved during many years of isolation. Market shopping:
Zoma Market in the capital Antananarivo, Madagascar is the 2nd largest in the world. Just about anything can be bought here! Stalls and shops are arranged according to what is being sold - a great time saver. Beware of pickpockets! The Andravoahangy Market (Artisan Market) is superb for watching the crafters while they work. Visitors are advised to avoid rare or endangered woods and research arrangements for taking products using the natural flora and fauna, out of the country.
Wonderful Madagascar speciality items include textiles, woodcraft, jewellery (shells and gems), marquetry and Antimore paper. All towns and cities have a zoma market but the ones in Antananarivo are the biggest and most famous. Government stores give a good general indication of prices for items and what to aim for at the market – bargaining is part of market life! | 
