Western Madagascar

Why Visit Western Madgascar?

The dry west coast of Madagascar contrasts markedly with the lush humidity of the rainforests in much of the country. A western Madagascar itinerary offers some of the most remote highlights of the country, yet also the most extraordinary. But expect to put in some effort to get there!

Avenue of Baobabs: Madagascar’s Most Iconic Trees

The Avenue of Baobabs is perhaps the most famous scenic highlight on the west coast.

And these are some of the most famous photogenic trees in the word. These 800-year-old giants reach up to 30 metres high, and sunset transforms the landscape into a photographer’s dream with fiery red skies and dramatic silhouettes.

Kirindy Forest: Lemurs, Fossa & Nocturnal Adventures

Approx 1 to 1½ hours north of Baobab Alley lies the Kirindy Forest. Kirindy is one of the best places to spot the elusive fossa, a predator that looks like a cross between a cat and a mongoose.

Kirindy is a rewarding wildlife experience with lemurs, the fossa and other rare mammals, This tropical dry deciduous forest is one of the world’s most threatened habitat type.

We recommend staying overnight to enjoy both daytime wildlife walks and a guided night expedition.

Tsingy de Bemaraha: Madagascar’s Stone Forest

Up for an adventure?

The Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is well worth the ( considerable) effort of getting there, if you love hiking and adventure.

This forest of towering limestone pinnacles (known as tsingy) —some over 100 metres tall—is not just visually stunning. It’s also a treasure trove of rare plants and geological wonders. Under the tsingy, there are undiscovered caves, rivers, and canyons.

You can drive north from Kirindy. Or you could take an overnight rustic boat journey on the way in – as an alternative. See Later.

If you are interested - and have the budget - we can also fly you into this area. Well worth considering!

Thinking of including the west in your Madagascar tour? Let us help design the perfect itinerary.

How to Include Western Madagascar in Your Trip

Most of our guests have big expectations of what they want to see. But not nearly enough time. As travelling in Madagascar is a slow process. Nowhere is this more acutely felt than when trying to see some of the Western Madagascar highlights.

• Baobabs & Kirindy Add-On – Add 3 nights to another itinerary for a taste of the west – 2 nights in the West and probably an overnight stay in Tana as the return flight is the afternoon.
• Western Madagascar Focus – Combine Avenue of Baobabs, Kirindy, and Tsingy (ideal for adventurous travellers with 9+ days).
• Fly-In Option – Save travel time and access more remote highlights with a private charter. Or take our Fly-in Madagascar safari tour

So you can either make the Western side your primary destination and cover all the highlights (see our Western Madagascar Adventure tour). You can even add on Andasibe for the rainforest wildlife if you have time.

For the Adventurous: River Journey to the Tsingy de Bemaraha

There are two options to get here. Either travel north from Kirindy and back. These are adventurous travel days so we recommend at least 2, preferably 3 nights in Bekopaka (near the park).

Or more adventurous souls can take a rustic boat cruise down the river, camping out on the river shore at night. This is scenic and cuts out one of the dusty travelling days. But it's not for everyone!

Private flights are also now available!