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.
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.
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
Set on the eastern coast of Madagascar, the city of Vatomandry is situated just southeast of Antananarivo, the capital and largest city of the island. The town’s name means ‘sleeping rocks’ after the two unique black rocks on the shoreline. It serves as the administrative centre of the Vatomandry District in the Atsinanana Region of Madagascar. It provides an excellent base from which to explore some of the island’s natural wonders including the Perinet special Reserve known for its endemic wildlife and jungle vegetation and the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, home to rare orchids. Watch a beautiful sunset over the Ocean while fishermen set off for their evening fishing shift, stroll the vast stretch of golden-sand beach and enjoy exploring the charming streets lined with vibrant market stalls and traditional homes.
Located at the mouth of the Mananjary River in the Vatovavy-Fitovinany region, Mananjary lies on the banks of the famous Pangalanes Canal. Lying in the heart of Madagascar’s Vanilla Route the area is known for its vanilla, coffee, cacao, olives, rice, and spice production. Visitors cruising the canal, en route to or from Tamatave, can enjoy a pleasant stopover in this little town. Some highlights include: exploring the surrounding spice plantations, learning about local Malagasy culture, and sampling traditional cuisine.
As previously described
As previously described
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.
Resting in the southeastern inland region of Madagascar, the quiet village town of Sahambavy is known for its stunning scenery and picturesque farms. It is also an excellent base for travellers wishing to explore the town of Fianaratsoa. Surrounded by purple mountain peaks juxtaposed against rolling green tea fields, the undeniable charm of the town lies within it being Madagascar's only tea plantation. Alongside this, the village produces rice, cassava and potatoes, creating vast hilly landscapes of verdant crops. The famous antique Fianaratsoa-Cote Est Railway makes one of its last stops here, running through Sahambavy from the town centre of Fianarantsoa to the delightful coastal town of Manakara on the Indian Ocean coast. Don't miss the opportunity to visit neighbouring Fianarantsoa's historic Upper Town, which features enthralling churches and breathtaking views.
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 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.
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.
As previously described
As previously described
