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
Situated in western Madagascar, the subject of geological fascination and scientific wonderment, the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is well-suited for the robust explorer. Its canyons, gorges, swamps, forests and lakes are home to an astonishing array of fauna and flora, many of which have not been fully recorded. This is mainly due to the largely impenetrable labyrinth of limestone ‘forests’ that make up the Great and Little Tsingy of which the park consists. The tsingys (tsingy means ‘where man cannot walk barefoot’) are karstic plateaus whose groundwater has gouged out caverns and fissures into the limestone over millennia. It may be a tough trek, but it’s worth it to see the diverse variety of lemurs, more than 100 bird species – including the endangered Madagascar fish eagle – and around 45 reptile and amphibian species.
The seaside town of Morondova is situated on the west coast of Madagascar. The town serves as a gateway to the area’s claim to fame and main attraction: the world-renowned ‘Avenue of the Baobabs’. These massive, ancient Baobab trees tower over the terrain and create magical otherworldly silhouettes at sunrise and sunset. Other places to explore in the surrounding area include: Kirindy Forest, home to a host of endemic lemurs; and the magnificent Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park to the north, featuring unique, spiny rock formations. Don’t miss the opportunity to browse Morondava’s local market for a selection of locally made textiles and other sought-after Madagascan handicrafts.
Within the southwestern Ihorombe region, this national park is known for its varied and unique terrain. Centuries of wind and rain erosion have whittled the landscape of Isalo National Park into a series of deep gorges, vast canyons and bizarrely shaped sandstone rock formations, punctuated by palm-lined oases and sprawling grasslands. This spectacular scenery makes the park a magnet for hikers, with treks ranging from a few hours to several days. Besides the striking vistas the park affords, visitors will also be able to enjoy cooling off in the natural swimming holes dotted across it and catch glimpses of the resident lemurs and other endemic wildlife species.
As previously described
Dotting the ocean just off the northwest coast of Madagascar, Nosy Komba is a spectacularly scenic volcanic island sandwiched between Nosy Be Island and the mainland. This popular tourist destination is known for its remarkably beautiful landscapes featuring a rugged coastline covered in forested hills meeting the crystalline waters and interrupted by magnificent white-sand beach beaches hidden in picturesque coves. Visitors can look forward to an array of activities including visiting the friendly black lemurs at the Black Lemur Sanctuary, discovering a host of fishing villages scattered along the shoreline and exploring the dusty streets of Ampangorinana, the main village, where visitors can browse the market stalls for beautifully embroidered goods, intricate wood carvings and woven baskets. Other highlights include: bird watching, whale spotting, diving, and snorkelling.
