Amber Mountain National Park

Set on a large volcanic massif rising from the dry savannah, Amber Mountain is an oasis of rainforest rising to nearly 1500m above sea level.
This is Madagascar’s oldest National Park having been created in 1958 and is the main water resource for this region of North Madagascar as it has 10 times greater rainfall than the surrounding savannah.

The Park is a sacred area for the local inhabitants and offers an interface for them to convene with their ancestors in places such as the sacred waterfall.
The park is easily accessible from both Diego Suarez and Nosy Be and is often visited on day excursions, The Flora and Fauna are typical of Madagascan Rainforest with 7 species on Lemur (including crowned lemur) and a host of birds including The crested Ibis and Forest Rock Thrush.

Ankarana Special reserve

The reserve covers and area of 18,000Ha and is a limestone outcrop of Tsingy (pointed shards of rock). Criss-crossed by canyons and replete with numerous caves, the park is a fantastic hiking area and has some great flora and fauna much of which is endemic.

Analamera Special Reserve

Just south of Amber Mountain National Park this reserve contains the last remaining population of Perriers Black Sikafa Lemur and visits can be organsised to the park on request. The reserve also contains several rare birds including Van Dams Vanga and white-brested mesite.

The National Park of Ankarafantsika and the Forestry Station of Ampijoroa

The National Park is situated at about 120 Km from Majunga and covers 130,000Ha, there are eight species of lemur, snakes and birds are also to be discovered in this deciduous leaf forest.

Among the 129 species of birds, one can quote the Vasa Parrot, the Conas, the Rufous Vanga, the Vanga de Van Dam the Pollen’s Mesite, the Tetrak and many others making this one of the primary Birding areas in Madagascar.

Tsingy of Bemaraha

The Tsingy are an unusual and enchanting lunar-like landscape and like so many things are unique to Madagascar. Pointed and sharp rock formations of limestone whose picks can reach up to 60m High. On these shards of rock Sifakas lemur can often be seen sitting, looking as otherworldly as their surroundings.

The reserve is fascinating, and a visit of the karsic picks and the exceptional vegetation growing into the deep canyons is a natural wonder. A Flight over the top of the Tsingy can be organised which gives an even more spectacular view as you cross back and forth over the park.

Kirindy Forest

Kirindy Forest is one of the last age-old dense and dry forests remaining in Madagascar and is also largest stretch of forest in the west coast region. Flora is quite rich ( baobabs, rosewood trees, ebony trees, and orchids ) and fauna presents an interesting diversity of lemurs ,but also 114 bird species, carnivorous animals and reptiles. The reserve is excellent for a night walk.

Saint Augustine’s Bay

Saint Augustine’s Bay is 37km South of Tuléar, the village is nestled next to the estuary at the foot of towering cliffs. The area is teeming with sea life including blue lobsters, turtles and sharks.

Do not miss the excursions to Nosy Ve which takes a few minutes by boat from the Saint Augustine’s bay. It is the preferred place of many ornithologists to discover the famous Paille en queue bird.

Anakao & Nosy Ve

Situated in the South of Tuléar, the village of Anakao lays in Saint Augustin’s bay, where in the 1600’s pirates used to make a stop for rest and repairing their boats after passing the Cape of Good Hope. Experience an unforgettable scene of Fishermen coming back to the village, building a picture of multicoloured sails and canoes set on a magnificent sunset back ground.

The island of Nosy Ve, a beautiful island protected by coral reef, where you can find a multitude of brightly coloured reef fish, lobsters, shells, a very wide variety of corals, and the famous Paille en Queue bird.

Tsimanampetsotsa park

The Reserve of Tsimanampetsotsa is based around a large shallow Soda Lake which hosts an array of water birds. A little to the south of Anakao the reserve covers an area of 45,000Ha and is reached by way of a dirt road.

The reserve has excellent Flora and Fauna, including several endemic waterfowl, many Flamingos and the Madagascar Plover, the emblem of the reserve is the very rare Grandidier,s Mongoose.
By way of Flora there are some unusual Baobab and Banyan trees and excellent sections of spiny forest. The sacred caves of Mitoho are well worth the visit and there you will see a rare species of blind fish which is endemic to Madagascar.

Berenty Private Reserve

This private Reserve has now been strictly protected for almost thirty years and its natural environment has never been interfered with. You can get very close to several species of lemurs and walking in this forest is a fascinating experience that gives you the opportunity of seeing, snakes (no poisonous species) parrots, eagles and other birds in a lush vegetation that remains Virgin forest.
In the resort that surrounds the lodge, you will find an Antandroy museum and a re–constructed Antandroy village.

Andohahel National Park

Set just to the North West of Fort Dauphin this park is one of the most southerly tropical forests in the world and sits on the transition zone between the highlands and the semi-arid south.
The West of the park is semi arid while the East receives generous rainfall proving a meeting of two worlds and the chance to see both Tropical and Semi-arid Flora and Fauna in the same park.

The park is excellent for hiking and has trails ranging from a few hours to several days.

The National Park of Zombitse – Vohibasia

The forest of Zombitse has been classified a National Park since 1997 while sharing the status with the forest of Vohibasia and Isoky.

The Park is divided into 3 parcels representing an important part of the remains of a dry deciduous forest that once covered the West coast. 85 species of birds are quoted inside the park such as the Giant Coua but the Appert Bulbul is an endemic species only to be seen in the forest of Vohibasia.

Isalo

This solid mass of sandstone is one of the most beautiful Malagasy landscapes, incised with vertical walled gorges, generating deep canyons, such as the 'canyon of the monkeys' and the 'canyon of the rats ', forming a bizarre sites.

Excursions trekking in the solid mass of Isalo are very popular and depending on your fitness can be made hard or easy:
The 'natural swimming pool' 'the waterfall of the fairies' it is up to you to choose where to go and what to see in this stunning park.

Isalo was classified a National Park (in conjunction with UNESCO) in 1962 and covers a surface area of more than 80,000 Ha.
Located between 500m and 1,200m above sea level, it is a sandy solid mass that offers to the glance a single uniform relief in the middle of a great grassy expanse resembling African savanna.
A completely endemic flora, in particular made up of 'Pachypodium' and 'aloe' sharing the territory with lemurs (Lemur Fulvus, Prophitèque the Verreaux), small reptiles (chameleon and geckos) and various insects.
It also contains many sacred burial sites of the local Bara tribe who bury their dead in caves among the cliffs.

The National Park of Andringitra

Situated in the province of Fianarantsoa, this massif is a climatic gate between the highland region and the tropical wet east coast.
The massif was part of the Special protected reserve (out of bounds to visitors) however on 25 May 1998, the zone was classified as National Park and accessible to all.

The WWF has engaged in ecotourism development of this region for many years. The park is more than 40,000Ha and the landscape is spectacular and varied.
A paradise for trekkers and climbers, it is a playground for outdoor activities with immense and savage open spaces (for really exploring you would need at least one night bivouacking in the park – this can be organised).

The National Park of Ranomafana

Created in 1991, to protect primary rainforest, the park contains very rich fauna and flora. Located in an area made up of hills, steep slopes and cliffs, it presents a very significant hydrographic network and has waterfalls and several rivers.
The climate is of wet tropical forest. Its fauna consists of 26 species of mammals (Hapalémur Simus, Hapalémur doré), 96 species of birds (Accipiter Henstii one of the rarest species), and its flora while primarily green forest has special species such as giant ‘fangeons’ and orchids.

*Provide yourself with impermeable clothing, anti-mosquito repellent and boots.

Perinet/Andasibe

Situated in the province of Toamasina between 930m and 1040m of altitude the reserve is a complex of protected areas that can be visited by everyone:
La Réserve Spéciale d’Indri is a reserve especially for the Indri Indri Lemur and also contains other species as well as great Flora.

The Vakona Reserve is a private reserve owned by Vakona Forest Lodge and also contains Lemur Island which is a great opportunity to get up close to Lemurs in a natural setting.

The National park of Mantadia

The National Park of Mantadia is a mass of rainforest and has a damp tropical climate. Its flora is rich with ferns, mosses, orchids and it also has medicinal plants.
Its fauna represents no less than 11 endemic species of lemurs such as Daubentonia Madagascariensis, Indri-Indris or the biggest lemurs in Madagascar, Aye-Ayes, Fulvus lemurs and many diurnal and nocturnal species.

You also might discover the smallest chameleon, and other reptiles in the park as well as the very colorful Mantella frog which is easily spotted.

The private reserve of Antsirakalaloty 'Le Palmarium'

A peninsula which gives a unique look to the endemic fauna and flora of Madagascar. A Nature lover has collected a considerable number of rare floras such as palm trees, xerophyte plants and orchids.

There are also many reptiles and endemic batrachians are gathered in a several species of lemurs live freely in trees however are tame enough to let people come and touch them.

The National Park of North Mananara

Among the many interesting projects dealing with wildlife protection in Madagascar one of the most important is the Biosphere of Mananara Nord.
A reservation that spreads over a surface of 140 000 ha is divided into the land reserve and the marine one.
Being one of the last tropical damp forests in Madagascar, the reserve contains a rich flora and fauna like the endemic palm trees Dypsis Antanambesis.

The marine reserve especially contains several rare seaweeds and during the nocturnal visit, you may discover the strangest of all Lemurs – the Aye-aye with its strange human-like features.

Masoala National Park

Masoala harbours a sanctuary of primary forest covering an area of 230,000Ha, created a National Park in 1997 to protect rainforest, costal forest, mangrove, flooded forest and Marshland this is probably the most biologically diverse National Park in Madagascar.

The park rises from its three Marine reserves protecting Coral Reefs up to a height of over 1300m at its peak. The reserve is teeming with Flora and Fauna including Red-ruffed lemur among the 10 to be seen in the park, Nosy Mangabe is one of the best Locales in which to see the elusive Aye-aye Lemur.

Each year between July and September the bay plays host to hundreds of Humpback Whales who come to the warm Tropical waters to mate and give birth. The park is crossed by a serious of hiking paths from fairly easy day walks to week long treks depending on your level.

The park has been set up as an ecotourism reserve and half of the park entrance fees goes to local community projects and sustainable management of the reserve.

There are 3 marine reserves in the park: Tampolo, Ambodilaitry and Ifaho, one of the best ways of exploring these is through Kayaking and snorkelling.

Tsarabanjina

The name means “good to look at” and this is an incredibly beautiful island. The red, the grey and black volcanic rocks, rising quite high at its centre, have a mass of lush, green vegetation clinging to them, from baobabs and other large trees to pachypodium and tiny rockery plants.

But its real glories are the pure white beaches of coarse sand, along which lap a crystal-clear green indigo sea. Turtles and rays rest near the beaches. Divers can be kept busy for couple of days, and there are walking trails.

Nosy Be

The name means « big island », it is blessed in the driest months, with an almost perfect climate (sunshine with brief showers). Fertile and prosperous, with the heady scent of ylang ylang blossoms giving it the tourist-brochure name of “perfume island”.

This is the place to come for a rest. Nosy Be provides a taste of everything that is special to Madagascar, from wonderful seafood to beaches, from chameleons to lemurs.

Nosy Iranja

Nosy Iranja in Madagascar consists of two islands connected by a 1500 m sandbank that is exposed during low tide.The setting is idyllic, stunning beaches surround a lush tropical island covered with coconut palms, Filaos trees and tropical flowers. The bird life is diverse and remarkable and the island is also home to huge Coconut crabs.
The Island is situated 1 hour and 15 minutes southwest of Nosy Be Island by boat.

The Radama Islands

The Radama Islands, which lie to the far south of Nosy be compete with the Mitsios for the best diving sites in the northeast of Madagascar. They are set in a breathtaking coastline of bay back by high mountains.

Anjajavy

Anjajavy is the only protected area between Mahajanga and Nosy be where the fauna and flora not only survive but flourish. Wildlife viewing here is effortless. There are spectacular caves too.

Then there are the coral reefs, tsingy –like limestone outcrops, pristine beaches and extensive mangrove forest…not to mention a total comfort, service and superb food.

Sambava

The centre of the vanilla- and coconut- growing region, and an important area for cloves and coffee production, sambava merits a stay of few days. The town is charming, the people are friendly and easy-going, and there is plenty to see and do.

Sainte Marie

Ile Sainte Marie is 50 km long and 7 km at its widest point. The only real town is Ambodifotatra.
Here is the cliché of a tropical island with endless deserted beaches overhung by coconuts palms, bays protected from sharks by coral reefs, hills covered with luxuriant vegetation and a relative absence of unsightly tourist development.
One of the best place to rest in paradise.

Antsirabe

Antsirabe is the third largest city in Madagascar. It's the capital of the Vakinankaratra region. The altitude is about 1 500 m, so the climate is rather cool. Antsirabe is an economical centre, the home of Tiko (milk and other food products), Star Brasseries (beverages), Cotona (textiles) and Kobama (grain).

This is an elegant city at the end of the TA (Tananarive-Antsirabe) railway, currently only with freight trains. The line has been extended southwards through Vinaninkarena, but the extension is not used. National road 7 connects the city to Antananarivo (North), Fianarantsoa and Toliara (South).

This is the « pousse pousse » capital of Madagascar, there are warm springs and the city is very famous for its thermal baths and its Hotel des Thermes, an amazing building in both size and architectural style.

The Pangalanes

This enormous stretch of smooth water goes on for 665kms (it starts north of Tamatave and goes down to Farafangana in the south). A multitude of lakes and natural lagoons are seen all along the canal.

It is the primary North/South transportation route and allows the local villagers to carry their goods safely along the coast. You will also see a great many deserted beaches and forests dotted with many orchids and traveller trees as well as many birds along the canal.

Belo Tsuribihina

No description available.

Morondava

Morondava is a city located in the province of Toliara and the centre of the Sakalava Kingdom and their tomb. This is a very popular stopping place for sailors, today it is bet known qs a seaside resort with lay-back atmosphere.

This friendly coastal town is the southern gateway to many of the attractions of the western region and is centre for visiting the western deciduous forest, the famous “allée des Baobabs”, Belo sur mer and the tsingy of Bemaraha.

Belo

This Vezo village 70km south of Morondava is a collection of small houses and huts, on the border of a small lagoon, shrouded in palm trees. Belo is also a base for visiting a cluster of nine interesting offshore island.

Morombe

Morombe is a coastal town in Toliara Province, situated between Morondava y Tuléar. From Morombe you can reach Ihotry Lake, a very good place to observe birds and Lemurs.

Atsimoandrefana

No description available.

Ifaty

Ifaty, situated to the north of Tuléar, is a small paradise where all sorts of fish have evolved in the multicoloured corals, in a landscape where shells abound. It is the ideal sea resort for scuba diving.

Behind the beach, you will find prickly bush in which didieracees, euphorbias, cactacea, and a great many baobabs are to be found, there are also swamps where several species of birds live. The area offers a great many opportunities for walks in the forest and especially in the Ranobe lake area where you may see a great many water birds and lemurs.

Cap Sainte Marie

Cap Sainte Marie is the southernmost tip of Madagascar and is as spectacular as its neighbours, with high sandstone cliffs and dwarf plants resembling a rock garden.

Antananarivo

Also known by its French name Tananarive or by its colloquial short-hand form Tana, Antananarivo is situated in the center of the island. The city occupies a commanding position, being built on the summit and slopes of a long and narrow rocky ridge, which extends north and south for about 2½ miles and rising at its highest point to 690 ft. above the extensive rice plain to the west, which is itself 4060 ft. above sea-level.

It is convenient to divide Tana into two main:
- The lower town: avenue de l’Indépendance is a broad boulevard with shops, restaurants and hotels and the side streets to its southwest. Districts Anakely which used to be famous for its large forest of white umbrellas, under which every product imaginable used to be sold, Tana’s zoma used to be famous world wide, and, Tsaralana a more relaxing area.
- Upper town : Antaninarenina and Isoraka, here are the jewelers, the art shop and the craft boutiques.

Dominating, the skyline of Tana the queen’s palace, or Rova, the spiritual centre of the Merina people. In 1995, it was destroyed by fire.
Prime Minister’s Palace, built in 1872, now houses the few items that were saved from the Rova fire.
Tsimbaza, natural history and ethnology museum, botanical garden and zoo exhibiting – with a few exceptions – only Malagasy species.

Fianarantsoa

Fianarantsoa is the capital city of the Fianarantsoa Province of southeastern Madagascar. It is at an average altitude of 1200 meters. Fianarantsoa means "Good education" in Malagasy. It is home to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Fianarantsoa.

The province is home to four major national parks, Ranomafana National Park, Midongy Du Sud Isalo National Park and Andringitra. It is frequently referred to in its abbreviated form: Fianar.

Majunga

Mahajanga or Majunga is a city and seaport on the north-west coast of Madagascar. It is the capital of the Mahajanga Province. It is located on Bombetoka Bay.

Bombetoka Bay is a bay on the northwestern coast of Madagascar near the city of Mahajanga, where the Betsiboka River flows into the Mozambique Channel. Numerous islands and sandbars have formed in the estuary from the large amount of sediment carried in by the Betsiboka River and have been shaped by the flow of the river and the push and pull of tides.

Along coastlines and on the islands, the vegetation is predominantly mangrove forests. In fact, Bombetoka Bay is home to some of Madagascar's largest remaining communities of mangroves, which provide shelter for diverse mollusk and crustacean communities, as well as habitat for sea turtles, birds, and dugongs.
Along the northwest coast of Madagascar, mangroves and coral reefs partner up to create dynamic, diverse coastal ecosystems. The mangrove forests capture river-borne sediment that would smother coastal reefs, while reefs buffer the mangroves from pounding surf.

Near water, shrimp and rice farming are common, while coffee plantations abound in the surrounding terrain.

Mahajanga is a favorite tourist destination for both Malagasy tourists and international travelers. It boasts beautiful beaches, a coconut-lined bordwalk (La Boru), and eight months of hot yet virtually rain-free weather.

Tamatave

Toamasina (Masc. "it is salty"), often known as Tamatave, is the capital of Toamasina Province, and the chief seaport of Madagascar, situated nearly on the centre of the eastern coast.

It owes its importance to the existence of a coral reef, which forms a spacious and fairly commodious harbour, entered by two openings. The town is built on a sandy peninsula which projects at right angles from the general coast-line. On this are crowded together a considerable number of houses, with good shops and merchants offices in the main thoroughfares.

It has wide palm tree lined avenues and selection of hotels and restaurants. The beaches in this area are beautiful, although sharks and pollution prevent swimming. Bazary Be is one of its colorful street markets. Here you can buy everything from exotic spices to handicrafts. The central market in the heart of the city appears to be the one and only sight deemed worth showing to the tourists who visit this city.

Diego Suarez

Forgivingly named after a portuguese captain,Diego Suarez, or Antsiranana, has an eventful history with truth blending with fiction.

This is Madagascar’s fifth largest town and of increasing interest for visitors for its diverses attractions.
The harbour is encircled by hills. From the air or the top Montagne des français, Diego’s superb position can be appreciated but the city itself is in the usual state of decay though with a particular charm.
Almost everyone enjoys Diego, it is colorful, compact, has some great eateries, a good beach, wonderful bays and of course excellent nearby reserve.

Diego is the starting point for several outstanding excursions. You can arrange some boat trip from Ramena , the most popular la Montagne d’Ambre, with Ankarana.

Tuléar

Toliara (also known as Toliary; formerly Tuléar) is a town in Madagascar. It is the largest city and capital of the Toliara province. The current spelling of the name was adopted in the 1970s, and reflects the orthography of the Malagasy language. As a port town it acts as a major import/export hub for commodities such as sisal, soap, hemp, cotton, rice, and peanuts. Near Toliara is the "spiny forest".

Several reasons to visit Tuléar : the rich marine life with good snorkeling and diving, the Mahafaly and Masikoro tombs, the beaches north and south of the town…

Fort Dauphin

Fort Dauphin, or Taolagnaro, the town itself is unattractive but it is the most beautifully located of all popular destinations in Madagascar. Built on a small peninsula, the town is bordered on three sides by beaches and breakers and backed by high green mountains dwindle into spiny forest to the west.