Madagascar
Must See Attractions
Madagascar is becoming a popular eco-tourism destination which appeals to those with an interest in natural history and ecology. The island of Madagascar split from continental Africa around 160 million years ago and as a result, many of Madagascar’s mammal, reptile and plants species are endemic - that is, they are to be found nowhere else on earth.
Anjajavy
An excellent option if looking for a combination of natural history and upmarket secluded beach. The Anjajavy Reserve is an extraordinarily well preserved habitat of dry deciduous forest, which is home to chameleons, Coquerel's sifaka, mouse lemurs and the rare Madagascan fish eagle. Situated 120 km north of Mahajanga is the luxury Anjajavy Hotel. Regarded as a four star hotel (Relais & Chateaux Hotels), it is built on a peninsula in a large bay, behind which lies a large natural reserve of 450 acres - perfect for nature lovers!
Ankarana Reserve
The "Lost World within the Lost World". A bizarre landscape 65-km south of Diego Suarez (Antsiranana), featuring a fortress-like limestone plateau decorated with fields of sharp pinnacles. Underneath are awesome caves, passages and subterranean rivers. Wildlife abounds in forested canyons. Ideally Ankarana Reserve is visited in combination with Montagne d'Ambre Reserve and Nosy Be.
Andasibe Mantadia
The park consists of two protected areas, the special Reserve of Indri d'Analamazaotra and the National Park of Mantadia. Analamazaotra, better known as Perinet, is world famous for its population of Indri Lemurs, which are the largest living lemur. Anyone within a mile of the park is sure to hear the haunting call of the Indri in the morning, from daybreak to around noon, and then again in the late afternoon.
Berenty Reserve &
Andohahela National Park
There is a magnificent diversity of both wildlife and plant life in the Fort Dauphin region of southeastern Madagascar. For sub-desert lemurs you can't beat Berenty. In this small protected habitat live large populations of Ring-tailed Lemur, Red-fronted Brown Lemur and Verreaux's Sifaka, as well as White-footed Sportive Lemur, Reddish-grey and Grey Mouse Lemurs.
Ifaty Beach, Anakao,
Saint Augustin Bay & Tulear
The southwest desert corner of Madagascar. There's plenty to see in this remote, low-key area - coral reefs, spiny bush and rare birds are the main attractions. Seaside hotels at Ifaty Beach and St Augustin Bay offer scuba diving and snorkelling, as well as trips to Nosy Ve marine reserve islet, off remote Anakao.
Mahajanga, Ampijoroa Forest Station
One of Madagascar's top wildlife hotspots with easy trails, accessible all year around, into tropical dry deciduous forest, over gentle terrain. There are abundant lemurs, especially Coquerel's Sifaka, Mongoose Lemur, Brown Lemur and at night, Western Woolly Lemur, Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur and two species of Mouse Lemur. As it is the best place in western Madagascar for birding, Ampijoroa is included in all birding itineraries.
Masoala Peninsula & Nosy Mangabe
Maroantsetra is the gateway to the eco-tourist destination Masoala. Nosy Mangabe is a rainforest-clad lemur reserve island, where large populations of Black & White Ruffed Lemur, White-fronted Lemur and the bizarre Aye Aye find sanctuary. The campsite on Nosy Mangabe has been upgraded, and staying there for at least a night is recommended.
Morondava, the Baobab Avenue &
Kirindy Forest
Morondava is a vibrant west coast town and centre of the Menabe Sakalava sub-tribe, which offers wide beaches where swimming is safe. 60km to the north by sand road is the Kirindy Forest, Madagascar's best place for nocturnal wildlife, where rare mammals, birds and three species of Baobab trees flourish there.
Nosy Be Archipelago, Tsarabanjina & Iranja
Nosy Be is situated off the north-west coast of Madagascar and has about 40,000 inhabitants. It is commonly known as the “Big Island” - it measures 30km by 40 km - as there are numerous smaller surrounding islands which with it make up the Nosy Be Archipelago.
Its tropical climate and classical ‘Indian Ocean holiday island’ appeal make it a leading sea, sun and sand destination. The average temperature is 25 - 30º Celsius.
To make the most of your time on Nosy Be, be sure to visit some of the surrounding islands. Deservedly the most popular of these is Nosy Tanikely, a marine reserve offering world-class snorkelling and diving.
The best beaches are Andilana Beach and Amporaha on Nosy Be itself and the smaller island of Nosy Iranja, and Tsarabanjina on Nosy Mitsio.
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