Tourist Attractions & Monuments Madagascar

Whale watching is the star activity from mid-June to early October. All hotels offer this excursion. The^2nd outing is often offered at a discount, because one outing is not enough: the spectacle is so beautiful! Choose a service provider affiliated with Cétamada, so you can board a quality boat that respects the code of conduct, and be well guided. More info at Cétamada headquarters, on the port (documentaries, local crafts, etc.). Recommended providers: Princesse Bora Lodge & Spa, Libertalia, and Maningory (Île aux Nattes).

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is very popular for its famous indri. This lemur alone is the reason tourists flock to Andasibe.

The indri: a famous lemur. The park's altitude (1,000 m on average, with elevations ranging from 900 to 1,250 m) explains the presence here of a rare and astonishing lemur: the indri. With an average height of 75 cm to 1 m (its tail is tiny by comparison: 5 cm at most!), weighing 7 to 10 kg and sporting a black and white coat, it is the largest of all its congeners. The way it stretches and stands is reminiscent of that of humans, hence its great success. It is a herbivore (very fond of fruit), and lives by day in groups of few individuals. Females can have up to three young per litter. The indri is best known for its spellbinding vocal prowess: howling? Siren? No one really knows. But the charm works. To see them, you need to arrive very early in the morning (around 5 a.m. from September to December, 8 a.m. from March to August).

The rest of the fauna. Several varieties of lemur live in the park: there are 14 in all, including the aye-aye and the varika mavo or cathemeral lemur. There are also 108 species of birds, 51 species of reptiles (including the boa manditra) and 84 species of amphibians.

Flora. The forest is mainly composed of ravinalas, pandanus and eucalyptus. With its abundance of majestic orchids (over a hundred species), tree ferns, lichens and sacred lianas, nature here is king. It rains a lot: average annual rainfall is around 1,700 mm (humidity is over 90%). Equip yourself accordingly. The only more or less dry season is from September to mid-November: the rest of the year, it's often rain, fog or drizzle that will accompany you on your visit! A raincoat is therefore essential. From July to September, it's not very hot either.

Various tours are available. In the Analamazaatra park (entrance just after the Feon'ny Ala, a very interesting free on-site interpretation center): 3 possible itineraries: count 40,000 Ar for the Indri 1 circuit, 50,000 Ar for the Indri 2 circuit, and 60,000 Ar for the Adventure circuit. In Mantadia Park (entrance after the Vakôna Forest Lodge): six trails have been set up: hiking time between 2 and 8 hours; guide fees between 40,000 Ar and 60,000 Ar for 1 to 4 people.

This private reserve of 35 ha houses seven species of lemurs at liberty (Indri indri is also present), reptiles, amphibians, crocodiles… Palms of all kinds abound. They can be reached by boat.

Former sportsmen, Dieudonné and Violette created in 1996 a workshop of wrought iron work. This workshop has become a small village and its works, notably the large baobabs, mirrors and geckos, can be found in all the hotels of the country. Beyond the artistic success, the workshop is a social success: the couple has chosen to integrate the poorest people through work. They offer a new life to these families with the creation of a school and cultures on the spot.

Idom'Art refers to a collective of artisan markers whose work is valued by Maud Brun, who since 2015 has helped them make a living from their talent. With a know-how that has been passed down for three generations, strength, patience and meticulousness, the cutters and finishers create unique, absolutely beautiful works. Maud accompanies them in the choice of wood, the research of new models, the marketing, the organization of exhibitions. If you have a couple of hours to spare, you can learn how to cut on the spot with a craftsman.

In Bemaraha National Park, you can discover the superb Tsingy on a dozen single or combined tours. Here is a selection of the best options, in our opinion.

Short tours. These are fairly easy circuits, grouped around the village of Bekopaka. To familiarize yourself with the difficulties of walking in the Tsingy, it's advisable to do at least one of the smaller circuits before venturing onto the larger one. The two routes to the south of the park give walkers a chance to prove themselves before embarking on the larger circuit, and to gradually adapt to the Tsingy environment. These relatively easy walks (the main circuit, which is the most touristic, is nevertheless fitted out, and at some point you have to climb stairs) reveal limestone slabs, canyons and a series of 10-20 m-high diaclases. The only sounds that disturb the silence here are the calls of birds and lemurs. Attractive caves and corridors mark the karstic nature of the massif. These sites bear witness to ancient human presence. From the top of the diaclases, you can experience the sensation of emptiness. From the lookouts, the view of the Tsingy and the diversity of its vegetation is magnificent.

The Manambolo gorges circuit. This circuit takes you through steep gorges 50 to 80 metres high, covered with different types of vegetation (wet to very dry). In the gorges, the river is between 40 and 100 m wide, and can be reached by pirogue or canoe (optional and at an additional cost). This is an opportunity to visit caves with interesting limestone formations, populated by numerous small bats. The route includes a visit to the Vazimba tombs, then continues up to the cliffs along the right bank of the Manambolo. An ancient drawing of a zebu stands out in a rock shelter. The gorge and pirogue option takes around 1h30. This tour is best done in the morning, to avoid the sometimes strong afternoon wind.

Andadoany and Ankeligoa (Petits Tsingy) circuits. Get to grips with the massif's karstic relief through canyons, labyrinths, diaclases, caves... in other words, the fascinating mineral and plant world of the Tsingy. Botanical trail through dense dry semi-caducifolia forest. Beautiful viewpoints over the Tsingy. Circuits of 2 and 6 km respectively, for walks of around 4 to 5 hours. Note: the Tantely circuit is a shorter variant of the Andadoany circuit (2 km for 1 hour's trekking).

Anjohimanintsy circuit. You can choose between the simple option and the sporty option. This is a combination of all the smaller circuits around Bekopaka (notably Andadoany and Ankeligoa). One or two days of walking, with the option of bivouacking at the Ankidroadroa campsite. With the sporty option, you'll have to abseil down a limestone shaft at some point. If you're feeling sporty, don't hesitate.

Andamozavaky and Ranotsara (Grands Tsingy) circuits. Andamozavaky is located 17 km north of Bekopaka. Andamozavaky is a fairly difficult, rather sporty circuit, lasting around five or six hours. Although spectacular, it is now well laid out, and the work carried out is remarkable (support points, ropes, ladders, safety harnesses). That said, the circuit remains technical, and is not recommended for those suffering from claustrophobia or vertigo. It should also be noted that some of the passages between the walls are very narrow.

The Grand Circuit begins with a beautiful network of diaclases, continues through the heart of the Antsingy dry forest, and then passes through a canyon of impressive dimensions, giving access to a cave with walls studded with limestone formations. The presence of marine snail shells is a reminder of the Tsingy's oceanic origins. The last room of the cave is a conduit where, before 2 p.m., the sun's rays penetrate to create astonishing plays of light on the various limestone formations. A little further on is the heart of the Tsingy. The entrance to the Andamozavaky circuit is an ideal place to observe the great karst cordon, spectacular at sunset and sunrise.

The best way to approach this great circuit is to set off from Bekopaka in the afternoon, arriving at the observation site at sunset, then spending the night at the campsite (ten minutes from the circuit entrance).

The Ranotsara circuit takes 3 hours to reach the Grands Tsingy. We reach a summit (via a high footbridge) from where the view is very pretty. Unlike the previous circuit, which plunges into the heart of the Tsingy, this one offers a panoramic view.

It's possible to do both circuits in one long day, but good physical condition is essential, and you'll need to take the first 6-hour ferry on the Manambolo.

Berano circuit. This circuit is located to the north of the park, near Antsalova. It's sure to please caving enthusiasts. You can visit the labyrinth of underground galleries by pirogue. Allow 3 hours for a 3 km walk.

SIBE circuits. The Tsingy region offers many other attractions for hikers and lovers of beautiful landscapes, traditional culture and botany. Other circuits have been grouped together under the name "SIBE", meaning "sites of biological and ecological interest". They are all located to the west of Bekopaka, near the Mozambique Channel.

In general, you leave Bekopaka for the village of Soatana, then head for Lake Andranobe, a lakeside complex where you can take a pirogue ride. We spend the night in Masoarivo.

The next day, we visit Lake Antsamaka, a favorite spot for bird-watching, including pink flamingos (Samaka), herons, egrets... We continue on to the Tsimembo forest. Superb plant species, typical western dry forest, lemurs and fosa in their natural habitat. We finish with a visit to Lake Bemamba, where you can take a pirogue through labyrinths of reeds and water lilies, or through the superb mangroves of the Masoarivo estuary.

The trip can last from one to three days. Some sites are accessible by 4x4 during the dry season from May to November, but you'll often have to finish on foot. Soatana is 36 kilometers from Bekopaka (2 hours by car), Masoarivo 1 hour further, and Bemamba (the tour's terminus) around 2 hours 30 from Masoarivo.

We sleep with local people and eat typical Malagasy meals. Campsite available in Masoarivo.

How to get there. Entrance tickets can be purchased at the national park office, where you can also pick up your guide for excursions (this is also where you pay the guiding fee). Smart tip: in July/August, at the height of the season, there may not be enough guides, so you'll need to book one the day before.

The starting point for your visit to the national park is the village of Bekopaka, which is completely cut off during the rainy season. There are four ways to get there:

From Morondava, by 4x4 vehicle, from May to November, taking the track from Morondava to Belo-sur-Tsiribihina and then Bekopaka: allow at least 9h in all, as the track combines earth and sand and is totally deformed by the rains. Allow at least 3 days for the experience, 2 days for transport and 1 full day on site. It's possible to rent vehicles in Morondava, and almost all hotels can arrange your trip + stay. By public transport, it's easy to get to Belo, more difficult to continue to Bekopaka: trucks sometimes go there.

If you've just come down the Tsiribihina, you'll arrive in Belo and can reach Bekopaka in the same way.

If you've just come down the Manambolo, you'll arrive directly at the foot of the Tsingy, in Bekopaka.

If you don't have the time or don't want to embark on these mini-adventures, there's an airstrip at Antsalova that allows access and overflight of the site by small aircraft (from Tana). Another, 17 km north-west of Bekopaka, is also operational.

This museum was born in the heights of the city in 2018, within a beautiful traditional house. Inside you will discover films made from digitized old photos (1860/1960), thematic exhibitions of old photos and a space for the discovery of contemporary photographers. Outside, the calm and soothing garden offers a sumptuous view of the city. Also to be discovered: the Museum's Café, an opportunity for a tasty break, in an intimate setting.

"Anjaha" of its real name ("in the forest where there are baobabs") is a superb reserve which absolutely deserves a visit. Even if there are no more baobabs, this forest protected by the village communities since 1999 (a damn good example for the rest of the country), at the foot of the Iandrambaky massif ("The Three Sisters") has many other assets. One can observe orchids, ficus, as well as dwarf pachypodium. The fauna is especially represented by an important colony of maki lemurs (about 400 today, whereas they were almost extinct 20 years ago), as well as many birds, chameleons, boas... Royal carp abound in the water. The view from a rocky promontory is superb. A great breath of fresh air. Beyond having the guarantee to meet lemurs in large numbers (they are not afraid of humans without being domesticated), the money spent by tourists is perfectly redistributed to the community! Really, we recommend it!

Guide's advice. The shortest circuit is done in 1h30/2h of walk accessible to all. The more sportive circuit requires 6 hours of walk and climbing. Between the two, several loops are proposed with different options (lemurs, medicinal plants, reptiles, viewpoints, cave, orchids). Bring good shoes, water, a cap or hat and mosquito repellent. Come in the morning if possible. We recommend the guide Emilien, particularly invested!

Initiated by the Association Man and the Environment, this project supports the conservation and sustainable management programme of the Vohibola Forest. In the programme: visit of the fishing village of Andranokoditra, discovery of the distillery and the process of manufacturing essential oils, walking by canoe, discovery of the interpretive trail and useful plants of the forest of Vohibola… Possibility to sleep in the living room.

Conservation - Education. The association manages the Vohibola forest and develops conservation programs with the local population.

Local population. Recruitment and training of local guides, income input for local populations.

A magnificent excursion, to realize in quad or in VTT for example. We reach the bay of Sakalava, then the bay of the Pigeons, and finally the bay of the Dunes, before finishing by the beach of Orangea and the village of Ramena. The sandy track criss-crosses between the forests of achypodiums and xerophilous species. From Ramena, you can also visit the 3 Bays on foot, count about 4 hours of walking. Note however that there is often a lot of wind and that the sun hits very hard! The return trip can be done by cab with reservation or by 4x4 if a guide is waiting for you.

The descent of the Tsiribihina River is an adventure for lovers of flora and fauna, of calm waves, infinite spaces, beautiful dreams, and the meeting of a rural population so endearing (the most intense memory of the descent). A wonderful adventure and a memorable experience. We set off from Miandrivazo to reach Belo-sur-Tsiribihina, 160 km at the slow pace of the river, amidst birds of every color, flocks of lemurs flitting from tree to tree, butterflies, chameleons, humpback ducks, teal, bats, crocodiles and orchids... We pass through numerous Sakalava villages. The descent can be made in two ways: by pirogue or by barge. Bivouacs take place on immense sandbanks... In short, magnificent memories in prospect!

Descent by pirogue. You can choose between two options: 3 days/2 nights to Antanambao or 4 days/3 nights to Belo-sur-Tsiribihina. The best way to ensure your trip runs smoothly is to use a local agency or one of the hotels on site. Robberies and assaults have occurred in the past, so it's imperative to ensure you have a guide you can trust. It is compulsory to register with the Miandrivazo town hall, along with your piroguier, before embarking on this adventure. Relative peace of mind in case anything goes wrong! Generally speaking, your guide will take care of the formalities for you. It's hard to give a fixed price for the whole trip, as it depends on the number of passengers. Expect to pay at least €150 per person (for 3 days), including meals, full camping gear, pirogue and the services of piroguier + guide. And even up to €200 for quality service. And don't forget to tip the piroguier, who will be going up the river afterwards! Remember to cover up well to protect yourself from the sun, and bring plenty of water. Of course, it's best to bring your own tent and sleeping bag. The canoe trip ends at Antanambao, from where you take a zebu cart to Antsiraraka (approx. 1h30 to 2h). A taxi-brousse can then take you to Tsimafana, from where you can cross the river to Belo, take a taxi-brousse to the Lodge de La Saline or Morondava, or head north to Bekopaka to see the Tsingy. A truck/taxi-brousse runs from Morondava to Antsalova, north of the park entrance, once or twice a week from April to November; it's best to check in advance to make sure there's room. Please note: it becomes increasingly difficult to paddle the river from early August onwards. From mid-September to the end of November, it even gets tricky. Expect to sweat blood and water, and probably stop along the way because you can't go any further.

Barge down. This is the comfortable option for young and old alike. Barges are motorboats, used in the early 1980s for freight (especially tobacco). They were later adapted for tourism. Today, they are equipped with a pilot cabin, galley, shaded lower deck and solarium. There are around twenty barges run by several Tana-based tour operators (fares are more or less aligned).

Most of the time, expedition departures are not exactly from Miandrivazo, but from the Masiakampy pier, a 1-hour 4x4 ride from the locality. Between March and April, however, it is sometimes possible to start the adventure in Miandrivazo (more convenient): ask your agency for details. It's worth noting that the barge, rudimentary though it is, is far more comfortable than the pirogue: you're already sheltered from the sun, which is usually very strong! What's more, whether you're on a pirogue or a barge, you'll always be camping on the same sandbanks..

Pirogue or barge? Without children, and with a minimum taste for adventure (relative, as we said), it's best to make the descent by pirogue, where the disadvantages can be offset by the surrounding silence, the definitive impression of being Indiana Jones, and a certain moral disorientation on approaching civilization (a very special feeling to experience). For barge tours, one of the most highly recommended service providers is Espace Mada.

An example of a trip by barge. On the first day, transfer to Masiakampy pier. Board a barge and begin the descent. Menabe landscape: mango trees, tobacco plantations, Sakalava villages. Entrance into the gorges. Bivouac on a large sandbank. On the second day, the descent continues. Stop at the immense Anosinampela waterfall (an entrance fee is required, included in the barge package, but extra if you opt for the pirogue) and a natural pool (ideal for a natural shower!). This stopover is sometimes possible on the first day. Then continue your descent. Birdwatching: teal, heron, kingfisher, humpback duck. Set up camp. In the evening, village entertainment with Sakalava and Cabosses songs (donations welcome). On the third day, we return to the river and finish the trip around midday.

The Emerald Sea, which faces the Bay of Dunes, is a paradise for lovers of turquoise waters and deserted beaches. Windsurfers and kitesurfers have a great time! Day trips are also organized. Snorkeling is also a must. From mid-June to early September, the wind can be violent and this expedition less attractive (the lagoon is cloudy). However, this is the best season to have the wind at your back! We therefore advise you to make this trip in the morning, before the wind gets stronger.

A one-day excursion with a walk of about 2 to 3 hours, guided by a professional who will enlighten us on the surrounding fauna and flora, as well as on the habits and customs. The program includes fruit and spice picking, a visit to the ylang-ylang still (the estate has no less than 1,100 of them!), an exhibition on the history and traditions of the Sakalava people, and a full meal with a Creole and Malagasy accent. The park, on 30 ha, is located in a magnificent environment. You can also buy pepper, nutmeg, turmeric, mustard, or other sesame!

Built in the ^20th century, the Pangalanes Canal is nearly 700 kilometers long and connects Farafangana to Toamasina, a port city that constitutes its outlet. The name "Panganales" comes from "Ampangalana" which means "the place where one takes in charge or embarks" the goods.

In Mananjary, a visit to the river port is necessary, at the entrance of the city. Numerous large and small boats cross the calm waters of the canal. Goods of all kinds are transhipped: wood, vanilla, baskets, fruits, fish, precious stones... Some pirogues are inhabited by whole families.

The amateurs of Indiana Jones type routes can try the adventure with a service provider to negotiate an ascent towards Nosy Varika or Mahanoro in the north, or to reach Manakara in the south. The most daring can travel by bush boat. Irregular departures but some to Nosy Varaka for 8 000 Ar, to Mahanoro for 20 000 Ar (increase to be expected because of the fuel). We sleep in the middle of the freight, of course, and we have to make do with extremely circumstantial circumstances!

One of the most recommended providers for any mini-cruise is Holidays Madagascar. They are indisputable specialists of this region. Otherwise, check with the Vahiny Lodge, the Sorafa Hotel or the Spice Route (non-exhaustive list).

The half-day excursions approach a part of the artificial channel and propose the discovery of spice or vanilla plantations, small typical villages and their traditional crafts.

During a day trip (plan a night in a bivouac), we go to Ambohitsara, where is located the "sacred elephant" that Arabs would have brought from Mecca in the ^12th century.

To go up to Tamatave, count 3 days of bush boat and 70 000 Ar. Holidays Madagascar proposes the circuit in a more organized way.

To go down to Manakara, the pirogue is necessary because of the shallow waters. Count then 3 or 4 days of escapade; a superb occasion to realize an original course in the East, before finishing by the ascent by train towards Fianarantsoa and the Highlands. A change of scenery is guaranteed with the discovery of small fishing villages and the man-made canal. In some places, and depending on the season, it is not possible to continue on the dugout and it is necessary to carry it for a few hundred meters (the dugout workers will do it for you if the adventure does not tempt you too much). The itinerary can also be done in the opposite direction.

A weekend rendezvous for locals, the resort is located on a wooded site on the river's edge. On the bathing side, there are about fifteen recently tiled rooms with bathtubs. While we're at it, we prefer the open-air pool, in a more lush setting: particularly pleasant when the weather is nice and warm! Possibility of massages. The cleanliness problems that were once a problem are now a thing of the past. Another option for spa enthusiasts is to stay at the Hotel Thermal, whose baths are open to guests free of charge.

Everyone has heard of Nazaire, the most famous boatman of Nosy Be installed on the beach of Ambatoloaka from where his sea excursions leave! Now at the head of a dozen boats, he manages several teams that take vacationers to discover one or two islets of the archipelago. The outing combines the pleasures of sailing with those of snorkeling, visiting a village, a reserve or a lighthouse, a moment of idleness on a beach with lunch. Nazaire is a trustworthy Malagasy who is the pride of the village.

Five circuits are open in the park: Asaramanitra, Diavolana, Pic Avocados (Imarivolanitra), Imaitso and Isahavato. It is possible to combine them or use one of the two connecting circuits, for a departure from an entry (Namoly) and an arrival at the other entry (Morarano).

About 18 km from Antsirabe, Lake Tritriva is a large and rather mysterious crater lake, whose shape evokes the map of Mada: very deep (about 160 m), it would be crossed by currents; its level would vary with the seasons. Captain Cousteau had dived there to try to understand the strange phenomenon of siphons that make the level of the lake fall in the rainy season and rise in the dry season. It is possible to reach the lake by motorcycle, mountain bike (Rando Raid organizes a 40 km loop), taxi-brousse and even on foot for the most motivated!

To get there, you should leave the coastal road to the right from Hell City, on the road to Ambatoloaka (beautiful teak forest). We cross the village of Antsaholana, which is guarded by a jealous eye of immense kapokiers, and then that of Arapale where in season you enjoy excellent mangoes. From the summit (329 m), the view is splendid: several crater lakes (including that of Amparibe and that of Anjabe) extend into the green. These lakes are sacred. They are inhabited by the minds of sakalavas princes. If you do, remember that on their banks it is fady (forbidden) to fish, smoke, eat pork, and wear trousers! Sunsets are great, don't hesitate to stay on the spot for a good half hour to enjoy beautiful and moving colored arabesques.

Infrastructure has been set up recently: health, stalls and guidance table with long views. Rails and stairs were rehabilitated.

Breeding and reproduction center, located in a beautiful landscape: a valley planted with rice fields, mango trees, lychee plantations, a cliff ... We discover there numerous aquatic and ornamental plants, beetles, reptiles, chameleons, amphibians (including the red frog and the dwarf frog or Mantella laviegata), crocodiles, boas, bats, and of course lemurs: two species are listed here, the sifaka and the fulvuss. The guides are well informed. The facilities deserve to be renovated.