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.
Antananarivo, also known as Tana, is Madagascar’s capital city. It is perched at 1400 metres above sea level crowning a spectacular mountain range. Founded in 1625, Antananarivo, often considered only as a starting point to the South, North, East and West regions, Antananarivo still has a rich historical heritage that is complemented by scenic landscapes covered in a large network of popular hiking routes.
Known for its vibrant nightlife, Antananarivo features local live music at a variety of clubs and bars.
The city is divided into 3 parts, the upper, middle and lower city. The upper town is the most visited part with its Rova or Queen's Palace which dominates the whole city and offers an exceptional panorama. Another curiosity not to be missed is the large market of Tana or Zoma located in the lower town and whose scents and colours will delight you.
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.
As previously described
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.
Own Arrangement
As previously described
Neighbouring the Andringitra National Park in southern Madagascar, the Tsaranoro Valley is best known for its excellent rock climbing routes and its spectacularly scenic hiking trails. Climbers flock to the valley from all corners of the globe for a chance to traverse the impressive rock walls. Nature lovers can look forward to immersing themselves in the breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, while thrill seekers can look forward to more adrenaline-filled activities such as base jumping and paragliding. The mostly arid valley is dotted with mango trees, open savanna and tropical dry forest meeting the rugged granite walls of the Tsaranoro Massif reaching up to 800 metres in height. Visitors can also look forward to exceptionally scenic day treks, overnight multi-day hiking trails and spotting endemic wildlife such as ring-tailed lemurs and various other species of chameleon, lizard and falcon.
As previously described
As previously described
As previously described
As previously described
Set in the Central Highlands of Madagascar, within the Matsiatra Region, Ambalavao is an attractive little town known as the centre of the country’s Antaimoro paper-making industry, which is paper made out of papyrus and wildflowers. It serves as a convenient stopover for visitors heading to the impressive Andringitra National Park and features an Old Town with traditional buildings known as Betsileo houses decorated with photogenic verandas. Visitors can swing by the paper making factory; explore the Anja Community Reserve, featuring three mountain-sized boulders creating a beautiful backdrop for a lush forest packed with ring-tailed lemurs; and check out the Zebu Market held every Wednesday (Madagascar's largest zebu market - which is a breed of humped cattle).
Situated in Central Madagascar, surrounded by rice paddies, the pretty town of Ambositra is considered to be the heart of Madagascar’s wood carving industry. Local houses featuring ornately carved wooden balconies and shutters, along with the architectural marvels of the Benedictine Chapel, make for a most attractive setting. Ambositra serves as an excellent base from which to explore the traditional Zafimaniry villages. Some of the best shops are found opposite the Grand Hotel, which in itself is worth visiting for a cold beer. Hotely ny Tanamasoandro offers outstanding decor, a warm atmosphere, good and reasonably priced meals as well as an opportunity to purchase silks, wood carving, embroidery and other typical Malagasy items.
As previously described
As previously described
As previously described
As previously described
