Set across a series of hills in Madagascar's central highlands, Antananarivo is the country's vibrant capital and cultural heart. Often referred to as "Tana", the city combines a rich history with a lively urban atmosphere, where colourful markets, colonial-era buildings, and bustling streets reflect a blend of Malagasy traditions and past influences. Visitors can explore the historic Upper Town, admire panoramic views from the restored Queen's Palace, and browse local crafts, spices and produce in the city's markets. The scent of street food drifts through the air, while narrow lanes and steep stairways reveal hidden corners of everyday life. Dynamic and energetic, Antananarivo offers an authentic introduction to Madagascar's culture, history and distinctive character.
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.
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.
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.
