Madagascar Elevation Facts
| Average elevation |
615 m (2,018 ft) |
| Highest point |
Maromokotro: 2,876 m (9,436 ft) |
| Lowest point |
Indian Ocean: 0 m (0 ft) |
| Elevation range |
2,876 m (9,436 ft) from the lowest point to the highest |
| Highest-elevation city |
Soanindrariny: 1,788 m (5,866 ft) |
| Lowest-elevation city |
Antsiranana: 3 m (10 ft) |
Madagascar is known for its diverse topography that ranges from coastal plains to mountains and plateaus. The country lies on the eastern edge of the African tectonic plate and has been shaped by volcanic activity and erosion.
Its central highlands are particularly noteworthy, featuring numerous peaks and valleys, with elevations reaching as high as 9,435 feet (2,876 meters). The terrain is rugged and densely forested, with steep slopes and deep gorges carved out by rivers and streams.
The western coast is marked by low-lying plains that give way to rolling hills as they meet the central highlands, and it is fringed by long sandy beaches and coral reefs. The eastern coast, on the other hand, rises abruptly from the sea in a narrow, steep escarpment covered in dense rainforest.
Overall, the elevation map of Madagascar is varied, with natural wonders to be found in every corner of the island.
Highest Point in Madagascar
The highest point in Madagascar is Maromokotro, which stands at 2,876 meters (9,435 feet). It is located in the central highlands, in the Ankaratra Massif, and is the highest point in the country.
Lowest Point in Madagascar
The lowest point in Madagascar is the Indian Ocean, which surrounds the island. The coastline is mostly flat with a few small hills and cliffs in certain areas.
Countries with Similar Topography to Madagascar
Madagascar's topography is similar to other large islands in the region such as New Guinea and Sri Lanka. All share a diverse landscape with unique flora and fauna, where mountainous terrain also plays a role in regulating local climates and groundwater availability.
Highest-Elevation Cities in Madagascar
Soanindrariny is the highest-elevation city in Madagascar, at 1,788 m (5,866 ft) above sea level. The table below lists the major cities with their elevations, from highest to lowest.
| City |
Elevation |
Elevation in feet |
| Soanindrariny |
1,788 m |
5,866 ft |
| Antsirabe |
1,437 m |
4,715 ft |
| Ambositra |
1,335 m |
4,380 ft |
| Antananarivo |
1,280 m |
4,199 ft |
| Fianarantsoa |
1,113 m |
3,652 ft |
| Moramanga |
805 m |
2,641 ft |
| Toliara |
12 m |
39 ft |
| Mahajanga |
8 m |
26 ft |
| Morondava |
6 m |
20 ft |
| Toamasina |
3 m |
10 ft |
| Antsiranana |
3 m |
10 ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest point in Madagascar?
The highest point in Madagascar is Maromokotro, at 2,876 m (9,436 ft) above sea level.
What is the lowest point in Madagascar?
The lowest point in Madagascar is Indian Ocean, at 0 m (0 ft).
What is the average elevation of Madagascar?
The average elevation of Madagascar is 615 m (2,018 ft) above sea level, based on the CIA World Factbook.
What is the highest-elevation city in Madagascar?
Soanindrariny is the highest-elevation city in Madagascar, at 1,788 m (5,866 ft) above sea level.
What is the lowest-elevation city in Madagascar?
Of the cities listed for Madagascar, Antsiranana is the lowest, at 3 m (10 ft) above sea level.
What is the elevation range in Madagascar?
Elevation in Madagascar ranges from 0 m (0 ft) at Indian Ocean to 2,876 m (9,436 ft) at Maromokotro, a difference of 2,876 m (9,436 ft).