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.
De hoofdstad van Madagaskar, Antananarivo, staat bekend als Tana en bekroont een majestueuze bergketen op ongeveer 1400 meter boven de zeespiegel. De stad heeft een rijk historisch erfgoed dat wordt aangevuld met schilderachtige landschappen en een groot netwerk aan sublieme wandelroutes. Vanaf hier is het mogelijk om verschillende natuurreservaten te verkennen (mis het Nationaal Park Tsingy de Bemaraha niet, dat ongelooflijke kalksteenkarsten bevat). Antananarivo staat bekend om zijn bruisende nachtleven en biedt spannende lokale livemuziek in een verscheidenheid aan clubs en bars. Liefhebbers van geschiedenis en architectuur hebben veel te zien - van de overblijfselen van het Franse koloniale tijdperk in het oude hart van de stad tot oude Malagassische paleizen en forten. Andere items voor de bucketlist zijn het fascinerende Musée de la Photo; het populaire Parc de Tsarasaotra (een uitstekend vogelreservaat) en de levendige 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.
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.
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.
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.
