Madagascar
A World Apart, A Journey Together
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10
Highlights
Wild Lemurs
Madagascar boasts the world's only natural habitat of wild lemurs, evolving in isolation for millions of years. Remarkably, these primates are found nowhere else on Earth. With over 100 species ranging from the tiny mouse lemur to the charismatic ring-tailed lemur, Madagascar's biodiversity is unparalleled. Protecting these endemic creatures is crucial, as they play a vital role in the island's delicate ecosystems and cultural heritage.
Where one cannot walk barefoot
Madagascar's Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park features a surreal landscape of limestone formations known as "Tsingy," which translates to "where one cannot walk barefoot" in Malagasy. These jagged pinnacles, formed over millions of years by erosion, create a maze-like environment that's both awe-inspiring and challenging to navigate. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a truly unique adventure for intrepid travelers seeking unparalleled geological wonders.
- Explore the unique biodiversity of Madagascar by visiting its national parks, such as Ranomafana and Andasibe-Mantadia, home to diverse flora and fauna, including lemurs and endemic species.
- Embark on a journey to the Avenue of the Baobabs, a striking landscape featuring ancient baobab trees lining a dusty dirt road, perfect for photography and sunset views.
- Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Nosy Be and its surrounding islands for world-class snorkeling and diving, where vibrant coral reefs and marine life await exploration.
- Discover the cultural richness of Madagascar by immersing yourself in the vibrant markets and bustling streets of Antananarivo, the capital city, where local crafts and cuisine abound.
- Trek through the otherworldly terrain of Isalo National Park, characterized by dramatic sandstone formations, natural pools, and canyons, offering unforgettable hiking experiences.
- Experience the adrenaline rush of wildlife spotting on a river safari in the Pangalanes Canal, a network of waterways teeming with birdlife, crocodiles, and lush mangroves.
- Unwind on the pristine beaches of Ifaty and Anakao along Madagascar's western coast, where turquoise waters, white sand, and tranquil surroundings create the perfect tropical escape.
- Witness the traditional Malagasy craftsmanship firsthand at the village of Ambalavao, renowned for its Antaimoro paper production and silk weaving, preserving age-old techniques.
- Delve into Madagascar's fascinating history and archaeology at sites like the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing ancient palaces and sacred relics.
- Take a scenic road trip along the iconic RN7 highway, traversing diverse landscapes from lush rainforests to highland plateaus, and encountering charming villages and local communities along the way.
Capital
Antananarivo
Time
GMT +3
Currency
Malagasy Ariary
Religion
Christianity
Population
26 Million
Language
Malagasy
International Airports
Antananarivo
Weather
Madagascar is a large island located in the Indian Ocean, and has a tropical climate, rainy along the east coast, arid in the south-west, and temperate in the mountains. In inland areas, mountain ranges mitigate the climate, while rainfall varies depending on slope exposure. Being in the Southern Hemisphere, the country has reversed seasons compared with Europe or North America.
Essence of Vietnam & Cambodia
Journey along the meandering canals and meet the local people as you discover the beauty of the Mekong Delta on an one night river cruise before a speedboat journey to bustling Phnom Penh. Take a Tuk Tuk to Angkor Wat and explore the grounds by torchlight, something few travellers get to explore. Travel like a local as you glide through Saigon‘s fascinating streets on a traditional tuk tuk
Essence of Vietnam & Cambodia
Journey along the meandering canals and meet the local people as you discover the beauty of the Mekong Delta on an one night river cruise before a speedboat journey to bustling Phnom Penh. Take a Tuk Tuk to Angkor Wat and explore the grounds by torchlight, something few travellers get to explore. Travel like a local as you glide through Saigon‘s fascinating streets on a traditional tuk tuk
Essence of Vietnam & Cambodia
Journey along the meandering canals and meet the local people as you discover the beauty of the Mekong Delta on an one night river cruise before a speedboat journey to bustling Phnom Penh. Take a Tuk Tuk to Angkor Wat and explore the grounds by torchlight, something few travellers get to explore. Travel like a local as you glide through Saigon‘s fascinating streets on a traditional tuk tuk
Essence of Vietnam & Cambodia
Journey along the meandering canals and meet the local people as you discover the beauty of the Mekong Delta on an one night river cruise before a speedboat journey to bustling Phnom Penh. Take a Tuk Tuk to Angkor Wat and explore the grounds by torchlight, something few travellers get to explore. Travel like a local as you glide through Saigon‘s fascinating streets on a traditional tuk tuk
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Top Places to Visit
Nosy Be
The seaside spot par excellence with beautiful properties, sublime landscapes, charming neighbouring islands and a very relaxed atmosphere. Located in the Mozambique Channel, near the north-western coast of Madagascar, the island is also called Ambariobe (big island) by its inhabitants. Nosy Be holds a lot of surprises in store for visitors. Forests with exceptional fauna and flora, the Lokobe Park and some volcanic lakes.
Baobabs Avenue
7 species of baobab trees are present in Madagascar, some are up to 800 years old. Along the dirt road between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina in western Madagascar, these trees are one of Madagascar's most-seen attraction. They did not originally grew in isolation but stood in a dense tropical forest decades ago. The forest was cleared over the years for agriculture, leaving only these famous trees.
The Tsingy of Bemaraha
An ancient coral reef which was transformed into a stone forest sculpted by water, wind and time. It is one of the most astonishing landscapes in Madagascar and part of the country's largest natural reserve, the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve. Also, the park is home to seven Lemur species, which of one is the Deckens sifaka, known for its creamy white fur and black face.
Andasibe-Mantadia
Split into two areas, the Mantadia National Park and the Analamazoatra Reserve, this national park is located near to Madagascar's capital city. The forests of Andasibe-Mantadia impress with moist moss, ferns, trees of impressive heights and more than a hundred species of orchids that bloom between September and January. The unbeaten highlight, however, is the country’s largest lemur, the Indri.
Ranomafana National Park
Located in the south-eastern part of the island, this is the country's most popular national park. The landscape in the eastern part of the park is the most scenic, covered by densely forest hills, traversed by countless streams. Numerous birds, butterflies, bats and lemurs are living in this park, which of one is the endangered bamboo lemur.
The Malagasy Highlands
From Tana, the capital, southwards on the Route Nationale 7, they stretch across the centre of the island. At an average altitude of 1,300m, it is the emblematic landscape of Madagascar with its rice terraces and small villages with red earthen houses and their thatched roofs. The atmosphere is one of pastel colours and shimmering light. An amazing road trip.
