Antananarivo (or Tana as it is affectionately known), with its brightly coloured houses stacked up the hillsides and the mauve jacarandas, is an attractive capital city. The rice paddies and zebu-carts on the outskirts provide a stark contrast to the noisy traffic, bustling markets and colourful people in the narrow cobbles streets of the city centre. Despite the fact that Antananarivo was founded in 1625, the city has relatively little to offer in terms of conventional sightseeing. Activities in the city tend to revolve around shopping and a visit to the artisans market is well worthwhile. Here one will find an enormous array of quality Malagasy handicrafts. If shopping is not your thing, take your camera along as wonderful portrait, cultural and scenic photographic opportunities will present themselves. The Tsimbazaza Botanical and Zoological Gardens are only worth a visit if you have the time and don’t have much opportunity to visit the outlying areas. Antananarivo is known for its excellent nightlife, with live music played regularly at various clubs, bars and hotels. The city also boasts a wide selection of fine restaurants, bistros, cafes and patisseries.
Perched in the central highlands, Antsirabe serves as the capital of the Vakinankaratra region. Known as the ‘Malagasy Vichy’ because of its numerous hot springs and thermal baths, Madagascar’s third largest city offers tourists a bustling and gritty atmosphere in a setting reminiscent of the Belle Epoque. The city can be experienced on foot or on one of the many colourful pulled rickshaws - referred to locally as pousse-pousses. The city’s charming attractions include: French colonial buildings dating back to the early 20th century, Scandinavian villas, vibrant markets and artisan workshops. A visit is incomplete without a trip up Ivohitra hill, where a panoramic view of the highlands awaits.
A quaint farming community surrounded by verdant valleys on the banks of Namorona River, the small town of Ranomafana is situated in the district of Ifanadiana in the Vatovavy-Fitovinany Region of southeastern Madagascar. Just a few kilometres away from town is the famous Ramofana National Park, a 41 600-hectare expanse of thriving rainforest. Nature lovers can enjoy hiking through the mountainous terrain, enjoy a leisurely soak in the thermal hot waters and view the abundant wildlife that inhabits the area including twelve lemur species, varying species of bats, tenrecs, mongooses, chameleons, spiders and over a hundred species of bird. Located east of Ranomafana is the picturesque Ranomafana Arboretum, an impressive botanical garden that boasts over 250 plant species and 36 tree species that thrive in this pristine paradise.
Situated in the south of Madagascar, the small town of Ranohira serves as the gateway to the beautiful Isalo National Park. Surrounded by sprawling grasslands and rocky mountain outcrops, Ranohira is a tranquil outpost that provides an excellent spot to catch your breath before embarking on an adventure into the park, which could last anything from several hours to several weeks. In and around Ranohira, visitors are offered a variety of accommodation options ranging from simple rooms to luxurious bungalows and even camping for the more adventurous. While here, take the opportunity to soak up the authentic rural atmosphere of this unassuming settlement, which is mostly populated by the nomadic farming Bara people.
Fondly known by locals as the ‘City of the Sun’, this coastal city is most commonly used as a base for exploring the Great Reef. Toliara (also known as Tuléar) is located on a broad coastal plain, surrounded by towering dunes and gorgeous mangroves. It is home to some excellent restaurants where you can sample the fabulously fresh and flavourful local cuisine. The city is characterised by a bohemian, tropical ambience, colonial style buildings, and dusty lanes teeming with innumerable brightly coloured rickshaws called ‘pousse-pousse’. Popular local attractions include: the Arboretum d'Antsokay, an impressive botanical garden with more than 920 plant species, lemurs, radiated tortoises, and chameleons; the nearby Ifaty beach, famous for its crystal clear waters, stretches of golden sand and wonderful diving and snorkelling opportunities; as well as a local market, on the waterfront, which showcases various skilfully made local handicraft products.
Located in eastern Madagascar in the Moramanga District, the small village of Andasibe is surrounded by a belt of protected rainforest and several parks boasting incredible natural scenery and an array of exotic Madagascan wildlife. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the spectacularly scenic surrounds. Visitors can look forward to discovering the natural wonders of the nearby Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Analamazaotra Reserve and Perinet Special Reserve. Don't miss the opportunity to hear the unique song of the large indri lemur, explore a network of incredible trails that wind past glistening lakes and magnificent waterfalls and discover the rich biodiversity in the local flora and fauna.
Also known as the Palmarium Reserve, Akanin'ny Nofy Reserve is located on the banks of the Ampitabe Lake on the eastern coast of Madagascar. The literal translation from Malagasy is ‘the nest of dreams’ - an apt name for this slice of paradise - which boasts coastal dunes, lush forest, and a well-maintained trail for visitors to explore. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna as well as a variety of reptiles, frogs, palm trees, carnivorous pitcher plants and an array of orchids. The reserve also features some rare and unique animal species, including the famous dancing sifaka, and seven lemur species including the Indri. Nature enthusiasts will delight in the breathtaking natural scenery and abundant wildlife. The reserve is only accessible via boat, making for a wonderfully adventurous entry into this wild wonderland.
This long, narrow island off Madagascar’s east coast might be just the piece of heaven you’re looking for. Also known as Nosy Boraha, its lush islets, bays and coves will provide the same privacy and mystique they did for the legendary pirates that held out here after their plunders in days gone by. The waters are endowed with significant coralline growth and offer first-class diving; or if you prefer being ‘onboard’, take a traditional pirogue ride in the calm bays – from July you can witness the migration of substantial groups of humpback whales and for history lovers, a visit to the pirates’ cemetery of Saint-Pierre is a must.
As previously described
