Evolution has occurred more or less in isolation on this remote island – located 400 kilometres off 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 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 karst tsingys of the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park’s ‘stone forests’. Madagascar is an otherworldly paradise where visitors are offered a unique glimpse into a fantastical one-of-a-kind world.
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.
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.
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. Nno visit is complete without a trip up Ivohitra Hill, where a panoramic view of the scenic highlands awaits.
Located in south central Madagascar, the royal 19th-century city of Fianarantsoa has grown over the years to become Madagascar’s cultural and intellectual hub. Serving as Madagascar’s third largest city, Fianarantsoa is home to numerous schools and academic establishments, impressive colonial architecture, and more churches per square metre than any other city in the country. A popular attraction is the old historic centre of Anatirova, where tourists can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Fianarantsoa is also located in the country’s richest wine-producing region, making wine tours and tastings a popular pastime. Visitors can also enjoy browsing the local market and exploring Haute-Ville, with its cobbled streets and great views.
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 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 brightly coloured rickshaws called ‘pousse-pousse’. Popular local attractions include: the Arboretum d'Antsokay, an impressive botanical garden with more than 920 plant species such as, lemurs, radiated tortoises, and chameleons; the nearby Ifaty beach, famous for its crystal clear waters, stretches of golden sand and wonderful diving and snorkeling opportunities; as well as a local waterfront market, which showcases various skillfully made local handicraft products.
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.
