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.
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.
