Sylvain Philip (52 years old) settled in Madagascar 6 years ago and created the agency Détours Madagasacar to promote sustainable forms of travel to discover the land and the people who welcome him. This long-distance guide, "a pioneer and explorer by nature", according to his own words, has been working for 30 years in adventure and responsible tourism. For the Petit Futé, he shares with us his favorite places to discover the Big Island.
N°10 - The diversity of the Malagasy people
In Madagascar, we really have a mosaic of peoples and cultures that live in good understanding. Eighteen peoples live together on the Big Island. The Malagasy come from all over the Indian Ocean, from Africa, Europe, Asia... It is thus an immense melting pot. Because each people has kept its rites, its customs and its traditions. This mosaic of faces, colors, music and perfumes composes a fascinating whole, like a human symphony.
N°9 - The Makay massif
It is a massif of ruiniform sandstone which is in the center-west of Madagascar. This plateau is not easy to access, because it is reached by tracks. It is a preserved place with singular fauna and flora. These deep canyons are the playground of lemurs and crocodiles. It is a safe place of biodiversity and especially an extraordinary playground for the travelers of passage, because it is really of exploration permanently.
N°8 - The terraced cultures
The settlement of the island was largely due to Asian immigration, and many cultural traces have remained. This has led to the development of rice cultivation, especially in terraces. We find this particular development of the landscape on the Highlands, in the center of Madagascar. From October to June, it is really charming with superb shades of green. It is a spectacle not to be missed under any pretext!
N°7 - The beaches and the lagoon of Salary
You can reach this preserved area, located between the cities of Morondava and Tulear, thanks to tracks. Here, the beaches are extremely beautiful and the coast is protected by the coral barrier. You can dive in the lagoon to admire the corals, you can go for a ride in a dugout canoe and, on the land, you can admire the baobabs. And here you can find superb accommodations, ecological lodges where you can feast on seafood.
N°6 - The exceptional diversity of baobabs
It is quite simple, almost all the species of baobabs of the planet are visible on the island of Madagascar. Admire, everywhere on the territory, the arid landscapes shaped by these impressive trees, even if they are mainly on the west coast. You should not miss the baobab alley north of Morondava. We drive in the bush in the middle of these immense trees and it is once again a unique experience!
N°5 - The Radama archipelago
The archipelago is located in a geographical area very little frequented, very beautiful and especially very diversified. The access is difficult, because there is no road. It is therefore necessary to arrive by sea, but one thing is sure, it adds charm to the expedition. And above all, it makes it a very authentic place... Here it is really as beautiful on land as in the sea. We walk in the middle of nature and we put on our flippers to dive in the lagoon. Humanly too, we make very beautiful meetings with the numerous fishermen of the corner.
N°4 - The underwater fauna
The underwater fauna is impressive in Madagascar, but the star is the whale shark! Around the island of Sainte-Marie or off Nosy Be, you can even find the highest density of this fish in the world. And so that it doesn't turn into a water park, the locals have an ethical and responsible approach. Swimming with the whale shark is an incredible experience, as is meeting manta rays, dolphins, humpback whales, sea turtles, etc. And Madagascar is also a paradise for all sport fishing enthusiasts. In short, in the water, no time to get bored!
# 3 - Tsingy National Park of Bemaraha
This is another geological curiosity that can be found on the island of Madagascar. They are extremely eroded limestone piles, with sharp peaks like lace. This really makes it a unique and enchanting landscape. A very powerful river cuts the massif in two, the Manambolo. This makes it possible to have another perspective. Alternatively, you can walk through ferrata, which allows you to discover from inside the massif, to meet lemons and admire the unique flora that has managed to adapt to this limestone environment.
N°2 - The upper town of Antananarivo
The upper town of Antananarivo is very interesting because it is representative of the history of Madagascar. At the architectural level, it goes from the Merina kingdom, in the 16th century, to today, passing of course by the colonial period. We walk around to soak up the sweet atmosphere that emanates from this district. And it allows to better understand the history of the area and the island in general. The upper town is in the process of being classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
N°1 - The national park of Andasibe-Mantadia
The national park of Andasibe-Mantadia is located in the primary forest in the east of the island. Inside, there are several reserves. This park allows especially to discover this famous rainforest and its endemic lemurs. In particular the mythical (and threatened with extinction) Indri Indri and its so particular cry, pushed in the evening or the morning. It is really a must-see excursion for all tourists who visit Madagascar. And visitors are always delighted by this experience!
Go with Corsair. The regular airline Corsair serves Antananarivo from Paris-Orly. The airline offers its customers the opportunity to travel in spacious and comfortable cabins, starting at €784 for a round trip. All seats are equipped with individual, touch-sensitive and interactive screens, offering a wide range of films, news reports, games and eclectic music programs with over 100 albums. Want to celebrate a special occasion? Corsair offers you the possibility to order special menus: Italian, marine, terroir, gourmet. The airline's customers are rewarded for their loyalty, thanks to an innovative program that allows them to accumulate euros rather than miles, and they can benefit from additional privileges: extra baggage, access to private lounges or even an upgrade to Grand Large class. A website that facilitates fare searches, the possibility of checking in 24 hours in advance, choosing a seat, and editing a boarding pass. These changes are being made to the "Horizon" economy class as well as the "Grand Large" class.
The specialist: DETOURS MADAGASCAR. Phone +261 34 64 233 10. Détours Madagascar is a quality receptive agency that offers customized tours in the smallest corners of the country. The agency is run by passionate people who take pleasure in highlighting the exceptional diversity of the Big Island and its most unknown facets. Solo, in couple or in group, everything is possible.
