Evolution has occurred more or less in isolation on this remote island – located 400 kilometres of Africa’s east coast – with the result that much of its indigenous wildlife is found nowhere else on earth. Madagascar’s menagerie of weird and wonderful creatures includes the world’s biggest and smallest chameleons, the near-extinct elephant bird, and over 70 species of lemur – long-tailed primates endemic to the island. The Madagascan landscape is no less compelling than the resident wildlife, with terrain ranging from lush jungles and palm-fringed beaches to the knife-edged tsingys of Bemaraha National Park’s ‘stone forests’.
Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, is known fondly as Tana and crowns a majestic mountain range at around 1400 metres above sea level. The city boasts a rich historical heritage that is complemented by scenic landscapes and a large network of sublime hiking routes. From here, it is possible to explore several nature reserves (don’t miss Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, which contains incredible limestone karsts). Known for its vibrant nightlife, Antananarivo features exciting local live music at a variety of clubs and bars. History and architecture enthusiasts have plenty to see - from the remnants of the French colonial era in the old heart of the city to ancient Malagasy palaces and forts. Other bucket-list items include the fascinating Musée de la Photo; the popular Parc de Tsarasaotra (an excellent bird sanctuary), and the vibrant Analakely Market.
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.
As previously described
Close to the northern tip of Madagascar, the French colonial city of Antsiranana, also known as Diego Suarez, is home to the second largest natural bay in the world. Antsiranana offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and has its very own offshore Sugar Loaf Island, or Nosy Lonja. Visitors can wander through the wide sleepy streets and explore what remains of the city’s colonial buildings, discover the old market, and absorb a culture that draws its influences from indigenous tribes, Creole, Indians and Comorians amongst others. Antsiranana is surrounded by some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes and is also close to two UNESCO recognised national parks, making it a great destination for nature lovers.
Neighbouring the Amber Mountain National Park, the Joffreville village lies four kilometres from its entrance. This former French colonial town offers comfortable accommodation options in character-filled heritage buildings. The surrounding landscape features forested mountains, valleys and lush woodlands. The sleepy town of Joffreville serves as an excellent base for those wishing to explore the beautiful surroundings including the Amber Mountain National Park, which is home to several endemic species. Visitors can look forward to browsing a smattering of small shops, viewing the old church and strolling through the streets of the town dotted with fruit stalls selling locally grown seasonal fruit such as avocados, mangos, litchis, guavas and bananas.
Situated in northern Madagascar, the Ankarana Reserve lies on a magnificent plateau consisting of 150-million-year-old Jurassic limestone. This unspoilt landscape is known for its otherworldly fields of ‘tsingy’- spiky karst pinnacle rock formations - cloaking hidden forested canyons and a network of subterranean rivers. These isolated canyon pockets are home to some of the world’s most protected and untouched endemic fauna and flora. The reserve is renowned for this unique terrain and is said to have the highest density of primates of any forest in the world. Commonly spotted wildlife includes a variety of chameleons, the rare leaf-tailed Uroplatus, the crowned lemur, Sanford's brown lemur, Perrier's black lemur, the northern sportive lemur, and dwarf lemurs.
Nosy Be is Madagascar’s most popular tourist destination. Located off the island's northwestern coast, this small island is blessed with exquisite sand beaches, glittering volcanic lakes, and diverse flora and fauna. Nosy Be has remained refreshingly unspoiled and free of development, with low-key beach bungalows outnumbering commercial resorts. Most visitors simply relax on idyllic beaches, go swimming or snorkelling in the calm azure waters, and enjoy seafood feasts at oceanfront restaurants; however, if you enjoy sightseeing, it’s worth paying a visit to the bazaar in Hell-Ville to pick up samples of fragrant spices (Nosy Be is nicknamed ‘The Perfume Island’). The Lobeke nature reserve, coral reefs, and surrounding islets make for enchanting day trips and offer active, outdoor adventure opportunities.
As previously described
