Discovering the Unmatching Land of Madagascar

Madagascar is an incomparable treasure of Africa, the two being split by hundreds of miles of sea. Witnessed 165 million years of evolution, this region had enough time for its plants and animals to form as among the most peculiar forms in the world. Some observations that one can only find here makes Madagascar the worlds’ first conservation priority. Among them include more than 70 varieties of lemur along with the one that sounds as a police siren, biggest and smallest chameleons on the planet, and the last trudging site of the largest bird – the elephant bird.

The Southern Madagascar will offer the unusual forests of weaved, thorny ‘octopus’ trees, whereas in the west, the bottle-shaped baobabs, especially the Avenue du Boabab near Morondava will mesmerize you. Still adding to the list, spot the carnivorous pitcher plant around Ranomafana.This place is best tourist destination.

Madagascar Tourist Attractions

• Antananarivo (Tana):
  Offering a unique French aroma, this capital city has three levels. We visited the Queen’s Palace and the linked Royal Village (Rova), which is currently a national monument. In its lowest level, the market of Analakely and the Zoma Market that is second largest on the planet are worth visiting. Another interesting place here is the Tsimbazaza Zoological and Botanical Garden that can be visited only on Thursdays, Sundays, and on holidays between 0800-1100 and 1400-1700. I recommend not to stroll far after sunset. Some of the famous hotels here are Hilton Madagascar, Hotel Colbert, Ibis Antananarivo, and the De France Hotel.
• Ambohimanga:
  Situated at 20 km from the capital and enclosed by forests, this city is also called as the blue city, the holy city, and the forbidden city. The attraction here is the citadel with much of its ceremonial structures retained and a lofty stone disc gate.
• Ampefy:
  Located at 90 km from the capital, we were stunned to see this volcanic region offering magnificent waterfalls and geysers.
• Antsirabe:
  Located at 170 km from the capital, this is an industrial center surrounded by volcanic hills with crater lakes and old thermal spas.
• Mahajanga:
  Situated on the mouth of the largest river, the Betsiboka; we visited a shark-free beach and superb caves at Anjohibe at 90 km inland. From here, we took a boat for Nossi Be.
• Nossi Be:
  Known as the most vital holiday resort, this is an island enclosed by other small islands. Accessible by flight from capital in one hour, we visited the perfume plants such as ylang-ylang, vanilla (largest producer on the planet), lemon grass, and patchouli productions. Do not miss to visit the close by ruined 17th century Indian village. Also, explore the uncrowded sandy beaches where you can try driving and snorkeling.
• Antseranana:
  This is the provincial capital and a seaport dominating a wonderful gulf at the north most tip. Lakes, waterfalls, and caves in the rainforests are worth visiting. We could even spot a lemur, crocodile, and an orchid. Do not miss the national park at Montagne d’Ambre nearby by taking a prior permission from the Ministere des Eaux et des Forets whose office is in the town.
• Perinet:
  Located at 140 km from the capital, this region is a nature reserve where you can easily spot a tail-less lemur and an orchid.
• Toamasina:
  This is a port town offering ancient colonial buildings and ruins.
• Ile Ste-Marie:
  Located at 150 km north of Toamasina, we visited a few clove plantations, the Madagascar’s oldest Catholic church, and a white-sandy beach with coral reefs.
• Canal Des Pangalanes:
  Erected by the French colonists, this canal links many lakes and rivers along the eastern coast. We could see vanilla plants, coconut trees, and cinnamon trees. You can also plan to stay at a luxurious beach huts here.
• Parc National D’ankarafantsika:
  This is a good place to hike among lemurs and water birds.
• Parc National De L’Isalo:
  Do not miss trekking here along the big rocks and wild fauna to hunt for the rare species of lemur.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Madagascar is usually from April to October.