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 Madagascar’s Vakinankaratra Region, the city of Ambatolampy is tucked in the scenic Central Highlands area of this magical island. It serves as the administrative capital of the district and provides an excellent base from which to explore the spectacular surrounding region. Ambatolampy, meaning the ‘town at the foot of the rocks’, also serves as the jumping off point for hikes and trekking expeditions to the soaring peak of Tsiafajavona, which is the third highest mountain in Madagascar reaching an impressive height of 2642 metres. Other highlights include: browsing the colourful Zebu market for an authentic Malagasy experience, visiting the historic site of Tsinjorivo, just 46 kilometres out of town; and viewing the amazing collection of over 6000 insects from around the world at the Museum of Nature, also called the ‘La Cigale and Mygale’.
The lush, hilly town of Miandrivazo is found in the district of the same name, towards the centre of the island. This is said to be the hottest region in Madagascar, making breezy boat trips on a pirogue or motorboat, down the nearby Tsiribihina River, the area’s most popular activity. The journey offers great opportunities to view birds and wildlife including lemurs swinging through the trees and crocodiles lurking silently in the shallows. Visitors can catch glimpses of daily local life in villages nestled on the river bank and visit a beautiful waterfall at Anosin’ Ampela.
The Tsiribihina River winds through the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in western Madagascar and offers a variety of incredible outdoor experiences along its banks. Three- to five-day tours along the water are popular, with traditional canoes, modern kayaks and rafts, or larger river boasts that have onboard facilities. Surrounded by the UNESCO-listed park, home to incredible geological sites, diverse flora, and mangrove forests, the river and its surrounding area constitute one of Madagascar’s top wilderness destinations. Visitors can camp under clear starry skies, take showers in the waterfalls, and see a variety of astonishing birdlife. Don’t miss the opportunity to walk through the Avenue of the Baobabs, some of which are thought to be as old as 2800 years and include the legendary ‘pair of lovers’ - two trees intertwined over hundreds of years.
Set close to the southern boundary of the Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park, the town of Bekopaka lies in the district of Antsalova, Madagascar. It offers visitors a host of comfortable accommodation options and serves as an excellent base for exploring the spectacular Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park, a world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is known for its unique geology boasting forests of ‘tsingy’, which are spiky limestone karsts creating an otherworldly landscape for visitors to discover. Other attractions include the park’s untouched woodlands, mangroves and glistening lakes abundant with an array of wildlife such as the endemic lemur and almost 100 different bird species.
As previously described
As previously described
Tsangajoly is a tiny rural town just east of the Mania River, within the exquisite Menabe Antimena Protected Area on Madagascar’s northwestern coast. Set among vast salt pans and open plains, this is a unique getaway destination where visitors can quietly discover the richness of Madagascan landscapes and wildlife. Dry deciduous forests and groups of enthralling Lemurs make this a truly special place. It also offers a chance to learn about salt harvesting and the authentic traditions of the area. Tsangajoly is also known for its exceptional seafood.
Situated in the heart of Madagascar’s Menabe region, Marofandila is a biodiverse treasure known for its dry deciduous forest. This unique landscape is dotted with towering baobabs and a variety of endemic flora and fauna, including lemurs and chameleons. Marofandila lies approximately 200 kilometres northeast of Morondava, making it accessible yet remote enough to retain its natural splendour. Historically, the region has been shaped by the traditional livelihoods of local communities, including sustainable forest management. Visitors can explore the area through guided forest hikes, during which they can learn about conservation efforts while spotting rare species. For those interested in local culture, nearby villages offer insights into the traditional customs of the Sakalava people.
The seaside town of Morondova is situated on the west coast of Madagascar. The town serves as a gateway to the area’s claim to fame and main attraction: the world-renowned ‘Avenue of the Baobabs’. These massive, ancient Baobab trees tower over the terrain and create magical otherworldly silhouettes at sunrise and sunset. Other places to explore in the surrounding area include: Kirindy Forest, home to a host of endemic lemurs; and the magnificent Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park to the north, featuring unique, spiny rock formations. Don’t miss the opportunity to browse Morondava’s local market for a selection of locally made textiles and other sought-after Madagascan handicrafts.
The remote village of Belo Sur Mer is set on a scenic peninsula in Madagascar. Belo Sur Mer also refers to the surrounding commune in the district of Morondava. The village fringes a small tranquil lagoon and is completely cut off from the mainland during the rainy season. Belo Sur Mer is a regional shipbuilding centre and one of Madagascar’s main salt-producing areas. Visitors can look forward to viewing the traditional, centuries-old construction techniques used to build the local dhow boats on the beach, snorkelling through the beautiful translucent turquoise waters, and exploring the pristine beaches, glistening lakes and baobab forests of the nearby Kirindy Mitea National Park. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch a spectacular sunset over the Mozambique Channel and explore the surrounding mangrove swamps home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos and lemurs.
As previously described
As previously described
As previously described
