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.
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.
A quaint farming community surrounded by verdant valleys on the banks of Namorona River, the small town of Ranomafana is situated in the district of Ifanadiana in the Vatovavy-Fitovinany Region of southeastern Madagascar. Just a few kilometres away from town is the famous Ramofana National Park, a 41 600-hectare expanse of thriving rainforest. Nature lovers can enjoy hiking through the mountainous terrain, enjoy a leisurely soak in the thermal hot waters and view the abundant wildlife that inhabits the area including twelve lemur species, varying species of bats, tenrecs, mongooses, chameleons, spiders and over a hundred species of bird. Located east of Ranomafana is the picturesque Ranomafana Arboretum, an impressive botanical garden that boasts over 250 plant species and 36 tree species that thrive in this pristine paradise.
Set along Madagascar's east coast, the city of Manakara serves as the capital of the Vatovavy-Fitovinany region. It makes for a convenient stopover for visitors travelling on the famous Fianarantsoa-Cote Est (FCE) Railway. It provides an excellent base and jumping off point for those wishing to explore the natural riverscapes and waterways of the renowned Pangalanes Canal. Visitors can look forward to exploring the sandy streets of this multifaceted town, soaking up the laidback island-style atmosphere and browsing the daily market.
As previously described
As previously described
Situated at the mouth of the Manampatrana River, along Madagascar’s southeastern coast, the city of Farafangana serves as the capital of the Atsimo-Atsinanana region. It is located at the southern end of the magnificent Pangalanes Canal, which is a series of waterways known for their spectacular natural scenery. It serves as an excellent base from to explore the surrounding area including Manakara, Fianarantsoa, Ihosy, Ambositra and Fort Dauphin. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Manombo Reserve filled with exotic fauna and flora. This laid-back coastal city is easily accessible with the local airport situated just 2 kilometres north of the town’s centre. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities including relaxing on the long stretch of golden-sand beach, fishing along the river and on Madagascar's pristine shores, taking a guided nature walk and sampling traditional Malagasy cuisine.
As previously described
Located on the southeastern coast of Madagascar, the city of Tolanaro, formerly known as Fort Dauphin, rests on a scenic peninsula sandwiched between a sparkling sea and spectacular mountains. It was the first French settlement on the island and serves as the capital of the Anosy Region. This port city has an ancient maritime past dating back to the early 16th century. Explore the dramatic surrounding hinterland, sunbathe on beautiful Libanona Beach, sample mouthwatering Malagasy cuisine, and enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife. Other popular activities include shopping, surfing, hiking, windsurfing, sightseeing, quad biking, and lemur tours.
As previously described
As previously described
The Berenty Reserve is a small private forest along the Mandrare River in Southern Madagascar. It is renowned for its tamarind forest, making up one-third of Madagascar's remaining tamarind population. Berenty Reserve is a pioneer in ecotourism, providing a sanctuary for six species of lemur, the south's largest colony of Madagascan fruit bats, and over 100 species of bird. This reserve is ideal for bird enthusiasts as it attracts a wide range of endemic bird species. The Berenty Reserve offers comfortable accommodation idyllically set in the forest amidst an array of fantastic forest trails to explore. Don't miss the informative anthropological museum providing unique insights into local Antandroy culture.
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.
As previously described
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
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
As previously described
As previously described
