Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, is known fondly as Tana and crowns a majestic mountain range at around 1400 metres above sea level. The city boasts a rich historical heritage that is complemented by scenic landscapes and a large network of sublime hiking routes. From here, it is possible to explore several nature reserves (don’t miss Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, which contains incredible limestone karsts). Known for its vibrant nightlife, Antananarivo features exciting local live music at a variety of clubs and bars. History and architecture enthusiasts have plenty to see - from the remnants of the French colonial era in the old heart of the city to ancient Malagasy palaces and forts. Other bucket-list items include the fascinating Musée de la Photo; the popular Parc de Tsarasaotra (an excellent bird sanctuary), and the vibrant 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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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