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Eastern Madagascar
Madagascar’s luxuriant eastern region is perhaps the most popular of destinations for the first time visitor. Within a week, you can explore lush, tropical rainforests in Perinet, Maromizaha or the Mantadia National Park, all situated some three hours by road east of the bustling capital, Antananarivo. Generally known as Tana, Antananarivo is the largest city in Madagascar with over two million inhabitants. As Tana is the centre for the majority of international and domestic flights, most visitors will pass through it at some point and have the chance to enjoy this interesting city and its host of excellent hotels and restaurants. There are many sites of interest to visit here including the shell of the Old King’s Palace, Ambohimanga Royal Palace (a World Heritage Site), Tsarasaotra Lake (exceptional for birding), the train station, the Presidential Palace and the main market, or zoma. Off the east coast is Ile Sainte Marie, an idyllic holiday island, formerly one of the world’s most important pirate hideouts and now famous for its secluded coves and relaxed and deliciously informal ambience.
Northern Madagascar
The picturesque city of Diego Suarez is the gateway to this fascinating area and offers the visitor a combination of interesting shopping, excellent restaurants and good nightlife. In 1958 the French colonial government recognised the unique nature of the volcanic massif and forest lying to the south of the city and formed the Montagne d’Ambre National Park. Fifty years on, the reserve remains a fine example of montane rainforest and is well known for its crater lakes and spectacular waterfalls. It is also home to Madagascar’s smallest chameleon. By contrast, the limestone pinnacles of the Ankarana Reserve (100 miles from Diego) rising abruptly from the savannah-like plain are pierced by forest-filled canyons, which harbour a selection of endemic plants, reptiles, lemurs and birds.
Southern Madagascar
Also known as the ‘spiny desert’, this area is a veritable paradise for botanists and hikers and is home to the intriguing graves of the Mahafaly tribe. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the Berenty Reserve, where the tame ring-tailed lemurs and bounding sifakas provide tremendous entertainment. Berenty also boasts a wide variety of plant life, reptiles and birds. The Isalo National Park with its combination of sandstone rocks, rare endemic plants and dry weather is of particular interest and quite intriguing as this area has no birds, insects or other animals. Further south, along the coast, Ifaty Beach offers a selection of charming beach bungalows, excellent seafood and a range of water activities including good diving. One of the largest barrier reefs in the Indian Ocean is located off the southern coast.
Western Madagascar
The Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park is a largely unexplored area, closed to tourists until 1998 and it has therefore remained remarkably untouched. The park lies to the south of the Maintirano and the River Manambolo forms the southern border of the park. This combination of terrain provides a suitable environment for a wide variety of animals and plants. In addition to the aquatic and woodland environments there are striking rock formations whose peaks can reach over 150 feet with deep vegetation growing in the gorges. Ankarafantsika is home to an abundance of wildlife of all kinds and a well organised trail system through the national park offer visitors the best of worlds, easy hiking and rewarding wildlife sightings. The park is also a must for bird enthusiasts. Morondova, a vibrant west coast town is the centre of this prosperous rice growing area and has the atmosphere of a laid back coastal town with wide deserted beaches offering visitors superb diving and swimming. The spectacular Avenue of the Baobabs lies 45 minutes north of Morondova and beyond that is a lake which offers excellent birding opportunities. Thirty miles to the north by sand road is the Kirindy Forest, one of the last dense and dry forests remaining in Madagascar and the largest stretch of forest in the west coast region
The Islands
Having over 3000 miles of coastline and benefiting from near all year round sunshine, the tropical islands of Madagascar offer visitors the perfect location to enjoy total relaxation and a full range of water based activities including fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, yachting and island hopping.
Isle Sainte Marie
Known as the ‘garden island’, Isle Sainte Marie is the epitome of a paradise location, with waving coconut palms, lush vegetation, pristine beaches and secluded bays. With just one small town a few minutes drive from the airport, Isle Sainte Marie offers a superb selection of accommodation in the form of hotels ranging from comfortable and charmingly simple to luxurious and exclusive. The best way to explore the island is by canoe, bicycle or scooter. Diving, snorkelling and a full range of water based activities are available and between July and October humpback whales can be seen in the channel between the island and mainland Madagascar.
Nosy Be
Commonly known as the ‘big island’, the Nosy Be Archipelago is located just off the North West coast of Madagascar and includes numerous smaller surrounding islands. A mystical island with a wonderfully tropical climate, this classical ‘Indian Ocean holiday island’ is probably Madagascar’s premier sea, sun and sand destination. To make the most of your stay on Nosy Be, a visit to some of the beautiful surrounding islands is high on the itinerary. Nosy Be boasts an excellent selection of hotels ranging from upmarket resort establishments to small intimate island style boutique hotels offering accommodation to suit all budgets.
Nosy Iranja
Nosy Iranja is found some thirty miles off the south coast of Nosy Be and is divided into two islands – Nosy Iranja Be and Nosy Iranja Kely which are linked by a path of white sand submerged during high tide. The Nosy Iranja Lodge on Nosy Iranja Kely, is a charming hotel on the edge of the crystalline waters of the ocean Indian, constructed primarily using wood and local natural materials and is set in the middle of beautiful tropical gardens. The hotel offers a high standard of accommodation and facilities in a stunningly beautiful setting. Situated on the northern part of the island, the bar and restaurant face the white sand beach and offer a panoramic view of the ocean with unforgettable sunsets. There is a Padi dive centre and other water sports are available on the island.
Nosy Komba
This island boasts stunning accommodation in the form of Tsara Komba Lodge. Accommodation is comprised of six lodges skilfully constructed using local materials giving a truly authentic tropical hideaway feel. The lodges are situated on a hillside affording breathtaking ocean views and surrounded by exquisite tropical gardens. Each lodge has its own private sundeck and king-size four poster bed with mosquito netting.
