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
Set close to the southern boundary of the Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park, the town of Bekopaka lies in the district of Antsalova, Madagascar. It offers visitors a host of comfortable accommodation options and serves as an excellent base for exploring the spectacular Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park, a world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is known for its unique geology boasting forests of ‘tsingy’, which are spiky limestone karsts creating an otherworldly landscape for visitors to discover. Other attractions include the park’s untouched woodlands, mangroves and glistening lakes abundant with an array of wildlife such as the endemic lemur and almost 100 different bird species.
With the Mozambique Channel to its west and encircled by lush natural landscapes, the Kirindy Private Reserve lies on Madagascar's beautiful western coast. This privately managed reserve provides a sanctuary for a host of endangered ecosystems namely dry deciduous forests, and a collection of wildlife which includes the giant jumping rat, seven endemic lemur species and an array of bird species that inhabit this swathe of unique vegetation. Known for its extreme seasonal changes, this reserve is most popular after the rainy season when verdant landscapes explode into existence. Visitors can look forward to night hikes, spotting the giant umbrella-branched baobab tree, catching a glimpse of a variety of nocturnal mammals, reptiles, and insects filling the spectacular night skies.
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.
As previously described
Located on the western coast of Madagascar, the resort town of Ifaty offers visitors the perfect laidback setting in which to wind down and get away from it all. The town is comprised of two small fishing villages: Mangily and Madio Rano. Thanks to an extensive coral reef that keeps rough conditions away, the surrounding waters are calm and offer fantastic diving, fishing and snorkelling opportunities. Towards the interior, birdwatchers and botanical enthusiasts will enjoy the spiny forests dotted with spectacular baobab trees and home to a large number of interesting bird and plant species. Throughout July and August, lucky visitors can spot migrating whales as they pass through the Mozambique Channel.
The charming fishing village of Anakao is set on the scenic southwestern coast of Madagascar. The shoreline boasts a string of crescent-shaped white-sand beaches, lapped by crystalline turquoise waters. This popular holiday destination is the quintessential laid-back Malagasy beachside paradise. Visitors can look forward to a host of activities such as world-class surfing five kilometres offshore; early morning strolls past the fishermen preparing their boats for the day; and traditional fishing pirogue adventures to the offshore island of Nosy Ve, home to a variety of tropical birds and unspoilt beaches. Take a boat trip through the mangroves to the south; go snorkelling through multi-coloured coral reefs teeming with surgeonfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish; and catch a glimpse of Madagascar’s endemic ring-tailed lemurs, chameleons, tortoises and flamingos at the nearby Tsimanampetsotsa National Park.
As previously described
