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.
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
Close to the northern tip of Madagascar, the French colonial city of Antsiranana, also known as Diego Suarez, is home to the second largest natural bay in the world. Antsiranana offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and has its very own offshore Sugar Loaf Island, or Nosy Lonja. Visitors can wander through the wide sleepy streets and explore what remains of the city’s colonial buildings, discover the old market, and absorb a culture that draws its influences from indigenous tribes, Creole, Indians and Comorians amongst others. Antsiranana is surrounded by some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes and is also close to two UNESCO recognised national parks, making it a great destination for nature lovers.
As previously described
Neighbouring the Amber Mountain National Park, the Joffreville village lies four kilometres from its entrance. This former French colonial town offers comfortable accommodation options in character-filled heritage buildings. The surrounding landscape features forested mountains, valleys and lush woodlands. The sleepy town of Joffreville serves as an excellent base for those wishing to explore the beautiful surroundings including the Amber Mountain National Park, which is home to several endemic species. Visitors can look forward to browsing a smattering of small shops, viewing the old church and strolling through the streets of the town dotted with fruit stalls selling locally grown seasonal fruit such as avocados, mangos, litchis, guavas and bananas.
As previously described
Situated in northern Madagascar, the Ankarana Reserve lies on a magnificent plateau consisting of 150-million-year-old Jurassic limestone. This unspoilt landscape is known for its otherworldly fields of ‘tsingy’- spiky karst pinnacle rock formations - cloaking hidden forested canyons and a network of subterranean rivers. These isolated canyon pockets are home to some of the world’s most protected and untouched endemic fauna and flora. The reserve is renowned for this unique terrain and is said to have the highest density of primates of any forest in the world. Commonly spotted wildlife includes a variety of chameleons, the rare leaf-tailed Uroplatus, the crowned lemur, Sanford's brown lemur, Perrier's black lemur, the northern sportive lemur, and dwarf lemurs.
As previously described
A lush wilderness fringed by ivory-sand beaches and azure waters, the Ankify Peninsula, at Madagascar’s northern tip, has remained largely unspoilt by tourism. The peninsula's shores are dotted with charming fishing villages and speckled with thatch-roofed huts, where life has changed very little for centuries. It’s worth spending a couple days on the peninsula en route to the spectacular islands of Nosy Be and Nosy Komba, which are top of the itinerary for many visitors. Soak up the area's authentic Malagasy culture, rich diversity of fauna and flora, Doany, where a pristine coral reef bordering the bay provides a beautiful snorkelling spot.
As previously described
As previously described
Situated off the western coast of Nosy Be island, Nosy Sakatia is a tiny little picturesque island in Madagascar. This slice of paradise features pristine white-sand beaches lapped by impossibly blue waters. The island is also home to lush forests, an array of endemic wildlife and numerous viewpoints which offer stunning views over the pristine coastline scattered with small local villages. Visitors can look forward to snorkelling in the calm crystal-clear waters, scuba dive through the colourful coral reefs, and enjoy the peaceful laidback charm of this tropical hideaway. Other popular activities include: sailing, fishing, boating and orchid spotting.
As previously described
