Tourist Attractions & Monuments Madagascar

In recent years, a cyclone has added sand to Nosy Kely's beach, so that it is now larger than it used to be. Regularly cleaned, it's an inviting place to relax. Apart from Nosy Kely, Morondava's beaches are not very suitable for bathing, as they are not always clean. For a seaside getaway, or to discover the superb seabed by diving or snorkeling, it's best to head for the nearby beaches of Betania, Bosy, Ankevo or Kimony (where you can stay at the Kimony Resort).

Of the fourteen doors of entry in reality 7 old and 7 new erected by Andrianampoinimerina, only one remains, pink ochre on a side, vermilion of the other, earth of Sienna in the center. 16 million egg whites were necessary to build the external wall: they were used like lime!

The royal hut of Andrianampoinimerina (Mahandrihono) resembles that of his residence in Antananarivo. One will notice the steps on the three rosewood pillars: the king used to hide at the top when visitors entered his house; he let his wife talk to them, in order to better judge them, then threw a stone if he agreed to receive them himself. Then the royal wife would let the guests out and the king could quietly go back downstairs! Another important precision: the gracious sovereign was only 1,45 m tall!

The house of Ranavalona III is charming with its lacquered balusters and its balconies. Ask the guide to open the drawers of the furniture of the queen's room and to translate the inscriptions. He will tell you: "Ranavalona, give me a job! Ranavalona, give me a beautiful husband! Ranavalona, give me a long life! Ranavalona, give me fortune! Ranavalona, give me a bride! Ranavalona, give me a child..." These wishes are addressed to the spirit of the queen who can help the living.

Next to the queen's room, a belvedere, surrounded by bay windows, overlooks the panorama. This is the Council of Ministers room. The government met there around Ranavalona.

The life of the city was wisely organized. All the social groups were represented there. Each clan, which had a limited and defined number of huts, was in charge of a district and had to maintain it; similarly, each clan had rice fields and had to produce a minimum quantity of rice. All the inhabitants participated in the cleaning of the city. The forest was preserved because it was a source of important wealth (especially for construction): it was forbidden to cut wood, and even to collect it. Alcohol was not allowed, hemp was forbidden, as well as fady products.

Walk around the rova enclosure, walk around the fortifications, find the stone of sacrifices(vatomasina), consecrated by king Andriantsimitoviaminandriandehibe (phew!).

Ambohimanga is a place of serenity. Numerous other archaeological vestiges are scattered on the hill: external royal tombs(Mahazaza), royal fountain, hill of Mangabe (where rests the tomb of the diviner/astrologer)...

The history here was eventful, as evidenced by the episode of the exhumation of the royal tombs by Gallieni, in March 1897. The general had decided to remove the symbols of Merina sovereignty, and thus to transfer the royal remains from Ambohimanga to Antananarivo, barely a month after having exiled Queen Ranavalona III. An inconceivable sacrilege. The bodies were transferred to the Palace of the Kings, where they joined that of Radama ^I, who was already resting there. Before a century later, on December 6, 1995, a new desecration (probably just as criminal) further sealed the strange fate of these sovereign relics.

There are a few fady in Ambohimanga: snails, pigs, onions, corn, squash... but also, as the tradition says... Europeans! Don't worry, you will be well received anyway.

This private park is located in the middle of the most famous ylang-ylang plantation of Nosy Be. Lemuria Land is a sanctuary of Malagasy fauna (11 species of lemurs, reptiles, chameleons, crocodiles, turtles, lizards...), tropical flora (ylang-ylang, vetiver trees, pepper trees, vanilla trees, bamboo...) and all kinds of fruit trees (cocoa trees, litchis, soursop, jackfruit, papaya trees...) The place also houses an exhibition on insects and butterflies of Madagascar. The entrance fee includes a visit to the SPPM distillery.

Antemoro paper is made from avoha, a tree bark that exists only on the east coast of Mada. It was used by the Arabs for centuries to write "sorabe". Today, the avoha fibers are boiled for about 12 hours, then crushed once cooked and mixed with water. We finish by draining the water so that the paste adheres to the fabric of the frame placed on the tray. Finally, flower petals are placed on the still wet paper.

The largest collection of precious stones in southern Madagascar. A real Ali Baba cave! André and his wife offer you a very special trip (and without obligation to buy) to the land of precious and semi-precious stones. In their secure shop, you can find morganite, pyrope, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, tourmalines, demantoids, aquamarines and green beryls and a variety of garnets typical of Mada "Imperial Malaïa"... more than 1,000 fine and precious stones from all over Madagascar, permanently cut and all guaranteed, in a clear and pleasant conditioned space. Sales with invoices of course. Jewellery mounted in 18-carat white gold, yellow gold and silver.

The flora consists of eucalyptus plantations and primary forest. This well-designed reserve includes a small informal museum, a crocodile lake, various species of reptiles and amphibians, several endemic plants, a superb aviary and, above all, a "mini-park" for lemurs, including several islets with different species. We travel by canoe from islet to islet, to get up close and personal with the park's specimens, some of them tame. An unforgettable encounter.

On a domain of 5 ha, at the edge of the Katsaoka river, one can observe 7 species of lemurs, of which the sifaka coquereli (or "dancing lemur"). An area of the park has been set up to welcome visitors. The infrastructures, works of the stone mason Philippe Manet, are integrated into the environment. Restaurant service, store offering handicrafts. A site appreciated by travelers who do not have time to go hiking in national parks and can here easily observe lemurs and better understand these endemic primates.

The most famous meeting place during the colonial era, this palace with its classical architecture is now a relaxing place, worth a visit for a drink in the evening, enjoying the pool or the beautiful park. The whole place is well kept, waiting perhaps one day for some renovation work. Historically, the Hotel des Thermes was the residence of King Mohammed V and his family in 1954, when he was in exile. The royal family spent nearly two years there, returning to their country in 1955, a few months before Morocco's independence.

We can watch the work of the craftsmen who build recycled aluminum pots - unique to Madagascar - (one man can produce about twenty a day) or other decorative objects. We witness the entire manufacturing process from casting to polishing, including molding and stripping. This craft represents today 75% of the activity of the city, some workshops manufacture table soccer and billiards. In front of the restaurant Au rendez-vous des pêcheurs, Romeo exhibits some interesting creations.

At the entrance of the village, this workshop proposes to discover the different stages of silk transformation, from the tree to the silky and colored scarf. The visit begins in the courtyard where you can observe the difference between wild and farmed silk, both present in Mada. The women of the workshop then show you how to cook, spin and dye it before arriving at the very impressive stage of weaving. A very interesting visit! A store open 7 days a week allows you to buy some souvenirs.

Near Ambatoroa and its coconut grove, near the lighthouse of Albrand, take the track of Ambodiatafana and its sacred basins: it is a white sand beach flanked by many basins, one of which evokes a bit a wave pool! A relaxing moment to enjoy after having broken your back on the broken tracks. In this wild part of Sainte-Marie, we cross villages surrounded by vanilla plantations, banana trees, clove forests and rice fields. A real paradise!

Surrounded by a luxuriant forest, rises a circular building of impressive size. In the ^19th century, the manda of Mahavelona housed the garrison of the royal army and the residence of the merina governor. This hill-fortress was built on the initiative of King Radama ^I with the help of England from 1822. It was the central point of the strategic device composed of 5 citadels in charge of defending the east coast against invasion attempts. The surrounding wall, 6 m high and 70 m in circumference, built with a mixture of coral powder and stones bound with egg white as cement, is pierced with loopholes where cannons acquired at the beginning of the ^19th century and artillery pieces manufactured in Mantasoa remain. In the center of the circle (also a symbol of sacred harmony according to Malagasy cosmogony and astrology), the officers' houses, the barracks and the arsenal were built. The manda, where 25,000 soldiers of the Malagasy royal army were stationed, played an important role when the Merina soldiers and their allies repelled the first attempts at invasion and the French attacks, the first signs of colonial aggression at the end of the ^19th century. The fort was looted during the colonial period: its cannons can be found in collectors' shops, and it was partly destroyed: its materials were used in 1950 for the construction of the road that was to become the RN 5. From the top of the walls, from the covered way, the view is magnificent.

Mahajanga is one of the few towns in Madagascar with a beach right in the center of town, at the end of the corniche road: it's known as the "tourist village". The beaches of Amborovy (about 8 km to the north), Grand Pavois (10 km) and Ampazony (15 km) attract all the tananarivian tourists in August. Numerous hotels, restaurants and small bars have sprung up, especially on Amborovy beach. Ideal for a Sunday out with the family. Further afield, the marvellous site of Antsanitia (pronounced: "antsanti", 40 min runway from the airport), is more unspoilt.

A family workshop where you can admire a craftsman marker at work; dazzling! You will be warmly welcomed by Charlotte and her husband. Call first to inform you of your arrival and make sure they are present, their workshop is on their place of residence. After the demonstration, you will be kindly directed to the small shop that displays the beautiful fruit of their work. It was a necessary passage, difficult to leave empty-handed.

Five circuits are open in the park. It is possible to combine them, for a departure from one entrance (Namoly) and an arrival at the other entrance (Morarano) or vice versa. Also: two circuits of connection: the first one which connects Imaitso and Imarivolanitra and the second, opened in 2017, which connects the bowl of the peak Bobby to the circuit Diavolana then to the circuit Isahavato. The guide fees, for once, are counted per day and not per circuit (you can do as many circuits as you can in one day).

Asaramanitra (6 km of loop - 4 hours of walking). There is a 300 m high waterfall (listen to the legend of Riandahy-Riambavy, the male and female streams), a historical cave, several species of terrestrial orchids, microcèbes, and medicinal plants.

Diavolana (13 km loop - 10 hours of walking). Wild flowers and endemic plants abound. To see also: the Lemur Catta, and a striking lunar landscape (like the place called Les Marmites du Diable). The climate can suddenly change.

Imarivolanitra, or Pic Boby (28 km round trip - 2 days walk). It is the highest accessible summit in Madagascar. 28 km round trip, that is to say 2 or 3 days of walking. The slope is rather steep, but the panorama, splendid, largely rewards your efforts. On the way, we will cross some high altitude habitats.

Imaitso (14 km of loop - 8 hours of walking). Walk in the heart of a primary rainforest: birds and lemurs are present.

Isahavato (15 km of circuit - 12 hours of walking). The main attractions are the natural swimming pool, the panoramic view (very beautiful sunset) and the Ravenea glauca palms that can only be found here and in Isalo.

It isnecessary to differentiate the national park itself, where one sleeps in refuge or in camping; and the valley of Tsaranoro, outside the park, where are concentrated the other possibilities of accommodation. It is therefore possible to hike in the Tsaranoro Valley without entering the park; but if one wishes to hike in the park, the Tsaranoro Valley will be only one of the stages of a trek of at least three days.

The Tsaranoro Valley is a powerful beauty and is very popular with climbers. The most beautiful trek of the area is the one of the Chameleon, so called because we climb to the top of a peak which really looks like a chameleon seen from a certain angle! Count 4 hours of walk, from Tsara Soa in direction of the Catta Camp. Superb panoramas, lemurs, chameleons and endemic flora in the program...

Protected area that includes 3 distinct parcels: Zombitse (16,845 ha, the most accessible), Isoky Vohimena (3,293 ha) and the Vohibasia (16,170 ha). This park has a tropical dry deciduous forest. There are 8 species of lemurs; many birds (47% of the endemic species of Madagascar!); as well as several varieties of butterflies and lizards. Little known on the "tourist market", this park is all the more interesting, especially for bird lovers.

The guiding fees have risen sharply, as they are the only economic benefit of the park for the locals. They are valid for 1 to 4 people and only licensed guides are allowed to take you. The guides are accompanied by guides who work alongside them to spot lemurs upstream. The trails are well maintained but the visit becomes all terrain when a lemur is spotted! Don't worry, the guides are very kind to help you overcome roots and lianas.

Amboditanimena circuit (7 km, 2 to 4 hours of walking - preferable from September to November). Medium level of difficulty.

Circuit Sahamalaotra (7 km, 2 to 4 hours of walking - preferable from September to November). Easy and accessible to all, abundance of palm trees, pandanus and orchids in this degraded primary forest. Many birds and lemurs.

Talatakely circuit (8 km, 2 to 3 hours of walking). This is the loop that will be proposed to you. To be walked in the morning. Easy observation of lemurs.

Vatoharanana circuit (12 or 14 km, 6 to 8 hours of walking for each itinerary). 2 options are offered to you: the most classic (and shortest) through bamboo forest, guava forest and waterfalls, or the longest, which will allow you to reach the primary forest. The lemurs will be in any case at the appointment.

Circuit Soarano-Valohoaka (3 to 4 days of walking). Ideal itinerary to appreciate the landscapes of the primary forest and to observe some rarer species of lemurs. We will also reachthe biggest waterfall of the park.

Departure by canoe from a village 20 km from the town (5 km of good track). Count 20 minutes of canoe. Observation of ducks, herons, and miners in the region. Immersion in the Malagasy daily. Swimming and fishing possible.

Madagascar National Parks is an association of Malagasy law mandated by the State since 1991 to manage the Parks and Reserves of the Big Island. 43 Protected Areas composed of National Parks, Special Reserves and Integral Natural Reserves are concerned. Its mission is to establish, conserve and sustainably manage these areas. The website is full of practical and general information on the different parks and reserves of the country. Guide fees, tours, maps, etc.

The website of the National Tourist Office of Madagascar is a good source of information to prepare your stay. You will find here a summary and an overview of what the Big Island has to offer for a trip. The main regions, the essential steps, information on the rich Malagasy fauna and flora, many ideas for excursions and activities... This website is full of information and will allow you a first trip before departure!

This arboretum, which covers nearly 4 hectares, is a real museum of the flora of the dry deciduous forest. It gathers about 900 plant species from the southwest of Madagascar, 90% of which are endemic. The local fauna is mainly composed of Lemur microcebus, lizards, radiated tortoises, and bands of nomadic makis. You can stay on site (seven comfortable bungalows) or take a pleasant half-day getaway that can begin or end with a meal at the restaurant L'Auberge de la Table.

This large, sale village offers some cheap gargotes where take a drink, and a very lively local discotheque that we like more than the tourist bars of Ambatoloaka: Bananas, very animated on Friday and Saturday evenings. The sugar cane production centre is now closed. This distillery, bought in Brazil, completely dismantled and rebuilt here in 1923, invited the traveller to enter an atmosphere beginning in the century, black and warm, sweet, all wood. For your purchases of rum, it is now elsewhere that you have to see!

In the surrounding area we recommend a nice walk to the Cascade waterfall. It is best to be accompanied by a child from the village, who will be happy to show you the way with a small welcome. To get there, you must take the road from the distillery, go beyond drainage basins and then take the small bridge; we are still on the same road to the operation of Ylang-ylang and Hassanaly sugar cane; after crossing the hangars, you divide into the south towards the waterfall. 40 min walk from the bridge. Beware, it is a sacred place, so it is a respectful attitude.

Founded in 1870 by Marchal Auguste, taken over by the French state in 1888, recovered by the Malagasy state in 1961, then finally by Aziz of Air Force Services in 1997, this park of 50 ha deserves a visit. You can see 6 species of lemurs, four of which are diurnal (the Sifaka verreauxi, the Lemur Catta, the Lemur Fulvus, and the Bamboo Hapalemur), 2 Nile crocodiles after the nursery, a dozen radiated turtles on the side of the bungalows, beautiful vanilla pods, and a superb alley of camellias (the second largest collection in the Indian Ocean), an albizia prized by primates, Brazilian cherry trees, mimosa pudicas, niaoulis, elephant ears, as well as a bamboo forest that will impress even the most hardened, with its huge specimens of giant bamboo (they grow 25 cm per day in January-February, the period of growth!)... A circuit makes it possible to gain a small cascade where it is good to picnic. We can make a small tour in dugout (about twenty minutes). A good day in the fresh air.The park provides 6 bungalows. Five of them (three double and two family) are located in the main structure, built in 1912, at the end of the magnificent central alley. The whole is rustic but rather comfortable, with private terrace and hammock. Not far from there, the dining area is dominated by a row of five hundred-year-old lychee trees. Nearby, a photo stop in front of the triangular palm tree with its three symmetrical branches: the tree is endemic to Fort-Dauphin.

Practical: There are now only two entrances. The most common one, and the easiest to access as well (all year round), is located in the village of Mahamasina, on the RN 6 that leads to Ambilobe (eastern entrance), it is here that the entrance tickets are on sale. Count on at least 4 hours of taxi-brousse from Diego (the road gets worse every month), 3 hours by 4x4. A round trip for the day is therefore to be avoided if possible.

Another entrance is located in the west, near the village of Amboandriky: access by sedan from June to December and by 4x4 from December to May by a track that leaves from Isesy, a few kilometers before Ambilobe. We then reach the Iharana Bush Camp.

Fady. It is advisable to respect certain prohibitions in the park. Discuss them with your guide.

A little geology and etymology. This massif emerged from the sea more than a hundred million years ago (quaternary volcanic activity). Since then, erosion has dug an incredible network (networks, we should say) of underground waters (more than 110 km!). A more recent telluric movement is at the origin of the presence of basaltic rocks and eruptive ashes. During this time, the rain, by eroding the limestone top of the massif, formed in the long run these strange sharpened crests, like a chaos of discordant organs, which one names "Tsingy".

Some people say that this word means "walking on tiptoe", because it is very difficult to walk on the ridges, and this theory seems the most credible..

The fauna and flora. In the park, one can see 11 species of lemurs, notably the crowned lemur(Eulemur coronatus) and the bushy lemur(Eulemur sanfordi), near the campsites and early in the morning or late in the afternoon; about a hundred species of birds, among which the variegated mesire(Mesitornis variegata), one of the rarest of the world. Bats (14 species, about half of all species in Madagascar), chameleons and crocodiles (60 species of reptiles and amphibians) are also part of this fascinating animal world.

The flora is not in rest, the canarium of Madagascar or the pandanus giving it to heart joy; the rupicole vegetation (adapted to the limestone rocks) is present everywhere. We can also admire the adenia, an extraordinary liana, or the taimpapango, with its white bark.

To finish, let us add that the caves are here privileged places of meeting between the living and the ancestors, for the inhabitants of the region. Every year, ritual ceremonies called " Fidirana an-davaka " take place in homage to the ancestors. And every five years, another ceremony, " Tsangan-tsaina ", is dedicated to the "change of mast": in fact, of the mast on which the flag of the Antakarana flies. It is held in the village of Ambatoharana. These ceremonies are very important for the inhabitants. There is no problem to attend, as long as you come with a sound mind and a desire to learn, discover and share. Note that shoes and hats are fady.

Beware: the park is infested with scorpions. Don't go barefoot, be careful where you pitch your tent, and don't forget aspivenin and serum if you are camping.

The climb up to the Rova from the town center is a pleasant stroll. You first pass the Andohalo Palace, where sovereigns were once crowned (now a public garden and sports ground), then the house of Jean Laborde (whose original wooden structure collapsed in the early 1980s).

Towards the end of Rue Ravelojaona, a large building overlooks the town: the Prime Minister's Palace. This was the residence of the powerful "Andafiavaratra" family of commoners. It was from here that Rainilaiarivony (son of Rainiharo), husband of three successive queens, ruled until Antananarivo was occupied by the French army. In 1960, the building became the headquarters of the Presidency of the Republic, but was destroyed by fire in 1976. Today, it's a small historical museum, where you can discover objects saved from the Rova fire in 1995.

Let's digress for a moment: on the night of November 6, 1995, a fire of unknown origin destroyed a group of buildings in the Cité Royale, the Rova d'Antananarivo. This destruction was experienced by the population as a moral and psychological trauma. This act was an attack on the symbols of history and the memory of the ancestors - whose tombs were burned - who tried to unite the country. It is said that many treasures were saved from the disaster... some even claim that they had been taken out beforehand! But to say that this crime was politically motivated... In any case, German documentalist Erika Rothgangel possesses the complete photographs of the decimated collection of paintings, and these were then digitized, in order to more or less reconstitute the originals.

From the pediment of the Prime Minister's Palace, the panorama of the city is already remarkable. Hibiscus, bougainvillea, jacarandas: here, the city becomes a city of flowers. Porticoes, balusters, colonnades, varangues... Although the shapes of the houses vary, red is the dominant color.
After the Prime Minister's palace, you pass an old post office in ochre-red, then climb the last few metres to the Rova. After a detour to the Rova, you may want to consider the English-style Ambohipotsy temple, built in the 1860s. Shortly afterwards, the belvedere offers a superb view over the entire Betsimitaratra plain, where Tana lies.

The Queen's palace is in fact a real complex, comprising a necropolis, 5 monumental palaces and 9 tombs. First erected by Andrianjaka in 1610, it housed 22 wooden buildings during the reign of Andrianampoinimerina. Later, successive monarchs strove to embellish it. The only entrance door (surmounted by a bronze eagle sent by Napoleon III to Ranavolana ^I) was designed by James Cameron in 1865.

Palais de la Reine or Manjakamiadana ("where it is pleasant to reign"), Tana's most famous monument. It was built in 1867 by Ranavalona II on top of the original wooden palace, designed by Jean Laborde in 1839 (structure supported by a 39 m-long central rosewood pillar, which 10,000 slaves would have transported from the east coast). It was painted white, with the balustrades in red and black. Around 1870, James Cameron added 4 Italian-style corner towers.

Tranovola ("silver house"). Built entirely of wood by Louis Gro in 1820 on several floors with verandas, it was the residence of Radama ^I. Jean Laborde restored it in 1845.

Manampisoa ("extra beauty"). Built for Rasoherina by English architect William Pool in 1867. Painted red and black, this series of corridors, balustrades, balconies and terraces dominates the Imerina. In the ^20th century, it was transformed into a museum for the royal family.

Besakana ("which preserves well"). Built in 1800 for Andrianampoinimerina, it was used to crown monarchs and display their mortal remains.

Mahitsielafanjaka ("he who has integrity reigns long"). Andrianampoinimerina's royal hut (with its rosewood walls and thatched roof), reminiscent of his Ambohimanga residence, was a rational, Spartan universe, in the image of this king who, concerned with administration, management and unification, had nothing but contempt for luxury and pomp. The hut contained the king's personal belongings, his bed and the beds of his twelve wives. This building has now been rebuilt.

Tranofitomiandalana ("Seven Aligned Houses"). Seven of the ten kings who ruled Tana before Andrianampoinimerina are buried here. The other three were dethroned, struck down by leprosy and overthrown.

Queen's Tomb. Wooden building erected by James Cameron in 1868 for the eternal resting place of Rasoherina.

Tomb of the Kings. Stone edifice built by Louis Gros for Radama ^I's eternal resting place. Gallieni transferred the ashes of Andrianampoinimerina and Radama II here in 1897.

At the time of our visit, in December 2022, the Rova was under construction, with no scheduled reopening date. We don't know whether the above description will be 100% accurate once the work is completed. But even if the Rova hasn't reopened, the walk around the site is well worth the detour. We recommend a visit with one of the local guides you'll find in front of the palace. Don't hesitate to ask for Sitraka - we've tried and tested his services!

It is a circular road that bypasses the capital and follows the Ikopa River. It is an opportunity to get away from the noise and urban pollution. The rice fields which encircle the capital penetrate in the popular districts and the suburbs. On the banks of the Ikopa, long boats glide on the water with their load of wood or bricks. On the banks, the peasants have built their numerous workshops to manufacture, with the earth which borders the Ikopa and the rice fields, the red bricks used for the construction of the houses of the Highlands.

Croc Farm is a pleasant excursion near the capital. The park is shaded, pleasantly flowered (Malagasy periwinkle, hibiscus, coconut trees...). One will discover chameleons, batrachians, boas, radiated tortoises and... crocodiles of the Nile of course (of which the park makes the breeding for the marquetry). Lunch time (Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays around 1pm) is an opportunity to contemplate the formidable flexibility and power of these animals. It is possible to have lunch or a drink in the restaurant, in a pleasant setting.

Every Wednesday, in Analaiva (25 kilometers from Morondava), the largest zebu market in the region is held. It is spectacular. To get there, you have to go by sea, then follow the seasonal coastal track on land in the direction of Manja (only in the dry season). This market is an opportunity to find yourself in the midst of zebu breeders and their animals, a whole other world, which allows you to realize the importance of these animals for the population, even if in recent years this culture has been heckled by the theft of zebus practiced en masse.

Mado la Camerounaise offers a truly fascinating tour of the Millot plantations, created by Lucien Millot at the beginning of the ^20th century. The French chocolate maker Valrhona bought 40% of the plantation and mainly grows cocoa, which is exported to the best restaurants in the world, but also spices (pepper, allspice, combava, etc.), vanilla, lemongrass, patchouli, vetiver, ravintsara and ylang-ylang. It is possible to have lunch on the spot (La Maison du Planteur): table d'hôtes atmosphere and meal according to the inspiration (fish with combava, chicken coconut, chicken carry, ravitoto and dessert... with chocolate of course!) Mado also offers simple but comfortable guest rooms. The visit is very enriching and allows you to meet the employees and to see the different stages of the cocoa harvest, from the tree to the finishing (just before exporting) through the drying and maceration... This is why the visits take place in the morning. You will also have the opportunity to discover the process of distillation of essential oils. We do not hide it to you, Mado has a sacred character (that passes or that breaks, we adore it!). She has the merit of employing 600 people (and covering the social benefits of their families) and just to support this sumptuous social and economic life, a stop in the Millot plantation is particularly recommended!

Starting from the railway station of Soarano, we go up the Avenue de l'Indépendance towards the Avenue du 26 Juin. The Zoma (large market) no longer exists, it was closed due to health and safety problems, but there are still kiosks where it is possible to do some shopping.

This main axis, traced in 1912 to join the market to the station of Soarano, is the obligatory place of passage of the traveler. On weekends in the evening, many Malagasy come to park there, showing off their bottles (like so much booty) on their hoods, evoking a popular open-air bar.

Under the arcades, craftsmen and sellers offer souvenirs of all kinds: traditional games, jewelry, solitaires, stones, statuettes, copies of funeral sculptures, embroidery and spices, including vanilla.

Along the sidewalks, the 4L, 404, Renault 14, 2 CV blue, yellow, green, red, and often of a very advanced age, testify to the prodigious mechanical ability of Malagasy drivers, who are among the most qualified on the planet, due to unemployment. In some vehicles, the cell phone unlockers operate with astonishing dexterity.

Going up the Avenue du 26 Juin, the big post office (take a look at the colonial map of the world painted on the wall, it dates from the 1930s; small bulbs indicated the progress of the mail by sea or by plane), one will discover, on the right, a series of stairs going up to the Independence Square. To the right of the stairs, the Lido building is worth the detour: on the first floor, a large choice of postcards at unbeatable prices. Upstairs, the snack bar of the Cercle germano-malagasy (formerly Goethe Institute) is an ideal place to have a drink with some Malagasy artists. Its terrace on the top floor (access for a fee), with a view over the old Zoma (this large bazaar now commonly called the Pavilions) and the whole neighborhood of Analakely, is the best place for your overall photographs.

Along the stairs, sunglasses and stamps vendors are crowded. If you wish to have a stamp with your address and an original logo, it will be done in thirty minutes, by hand, for a derisory price.

At the top of the stairs, you arrive at the Independence Square. There, on stalls spread out in the sun the marvels of a craft born of recuperation: Coca cans transformed into Air Madagascar planes, bush cabs, Harley Davidson and multicolored rickshaws...

The Anosy district can be identified by its lake surrounded by jacarandas and by the imposing Carlton hotel. It can be reached through an unbreathable tunnel located at the top of the avenue of June 26. The tour of the lake is a pleasant walk, but the banks are littered with trash. In the center of the lake, the islet was used as an arsenal by Radama ^I. The central monument is dedicated to the combatants of the First World War. Near the lake stands a set of ministries. Nearby, one can enjoy the daily market of plants and flowers. This area is not the safest in the evening.

The history of the reserve is that of the De Heaulme family, arriving from France in 1919. At that time, Henry and Alain were mining operators in mica mines and sisal producers in Fort Dauphin - a production continues today in an area of 5,000 hectares in Berenty, despite fierce competition from Sweden and Poland. It was in 1936 that they decided to invest in nature protection by creating the Berenty Reserve. Covering a surface of 1,000 hectares, the reserve attracts researchers from around the world from the United States, Europe, Japan, Australia to study the famous primates. In this way, we had once again known the famous American primatologist Allison Jolly. Everything is done to facilitate the observation of the lemurians. Three groups dominate the reserve: the makis (ringed) first. We can observe their very "human" attitude when they sit on their back train and put their "arms" on their "knees"; every morning, they expose themselves to the sun to warm up. The sifakas (white, tinted with brown) are incredible acrobats that jump to 6 m from tree tree in the thorny forest of the dry forest. They are mostly an extreme grace when they take a few steps of dance on the ground. The gidros (brown) are mostly very chatty and very curious. They descend from heights to meet the visitor who feigns to try their language. At night, you can, with a light lamp, go to search for nocturnal leds nestled in the hollow of the trunk (Lépilémur and microcedar). In the forest, giant bats (the famous frugivores), balls, spend all day sleeping the head at the top of the top trees. From time to time, this calm is disturbed by a quarrel of lovers between these amazing animals with acute cries. Birds, also abundant in the forest (there are no fewer than 102 species), are another observation subject. At the end of the southern winter, one of the most moving moments is the one where all the lipped females carry their newborn babies in their movements.

Finally, a museum invites the traveler to dive into the history of the local place and population.

Accommodation: Lodges and bungalows await you in the park, to take full advantage of the various circuits and wake up in the morning with a lemon on its terrace. An unforgettable experience. The newer lodges offer optimal comfort with lounge, air conditioning and refinement.

How to access it: transfers from/to Fort Dauphin or Lavanono (ideal for a break on the road) with Aloalo Tours, the agency's agency.

This cemetery houses the graves of the buccaneers, privateers, pirates, traffickers and slave traders who ended their days on this island. The headstones are often surmounted by a skull and two crossed tibias. Here, a captain seems to have been buried upright, while there, a sailor has had an unusual epitaph carved by his best friend... While the panorama from the hill is lovely, the site itself is not maintained. Right next to the cemetery, you can enjoy a drink or lunch at the Jardins d'Eden.

Founded in 1925, covering 27 hectares, the Botanical and Zoological Park of Tsimbazaza offers a taste of Madagascar. Malagasy families flock there on Sundays. This visit is far from essential if you plan to visit several national parks, but if not, it can be a pleasant moment.

The park includes first of all a botanical garden. The immense flora of Madagascar unfolds there in summary: tree ferns, palms, bamboo orchids, aloes, euphorbias, pachypodium ..

You can also visit the zoo, which hosts a wide variety of lemur families that you will meet in their different natural environments. You can also discover two fossas (predators), warthogs, reptiles (in a vivarium) and about a hundred species of colorful birds including the ankoay (a kind of eagle). Of course, it is a zoo, so the animals are in cages... Some guides know the caretakers and will be able to invite you behind the scenes... The visit then reveals all its interest.

The last section is a museum of archaeology and paleontology. Unique are the collections of skeletons from the circle of extinct animals such as the "elephant bird" Aepyornis, the "lalomena" (a strange creature reminiscent of a hippopotamus) or the giant lemurs. We will also discover, in a room dedicated to ethnology, musical instruments, basketry, silk fabrics, ritual objects..

This zoo and botanical park of 5,000 m ² on the south road, in the heart of the village of Vohilava, allows to discover local fauna (turtles, chameleons, lemurians, snakes, frogs…) and its flora (orchids and euphorbes in particular). Arnaud has done a very good job. Visitors feel that this is very good and refreshing.

Nosy Satrana is a small, almost deserted island, populated by herons. At low tide, it's possible to cross from the mainland to the island, where herdsmen drive their herds of zebus. In many places, the ground is strewn with limestone debris resembling broken eggs, fossilized pieces of eggshells from aepyornis, the ancestor of the ostrich! To the north, a tamarind tree provides welcome shade for a picnic. The northeastern beaches are a pleasant place to stop and take a dip. The lagoon here is of great beauty.

In the small botanical garden of Kelilalina, one will find many orchids and endemic ferns, but also many palm trees, or superb anthuriums and bougainvilleas. Some travelers come back disappointed: indeed, the garden offers little interest when the orchids are not in bloom. Therefore, prefer the right season (November to March). This place remains a good idea to visit, especially for orchid lovers!

Located 800 meters from the sea, in a forest of baobabs and didieréacées, at the exit of the village of Mangily, the natural reserve of Reniala, founded by a nature lover, includes a botanical path and an ornithological reserve. It covers 60 hectares and includes about 1,000 different xerophilous plant species (adapted to the dry climate). The pretty path winds through the southern flora, where each plant is identified by a plaque: Delonix, Pachypodium, multiple baobabs - one of which is giant and particularly impressive, nicknamed the teapot by visitors, with a circumference of about 13 meters and said to be 1,200 years old -, Givota... Birdwatchers will also be delighted here: there are about sixty endemic species of birds, including the Tolohoranto, Uratelornis chimaera and the Naka, Monias benschi (especially in October), a special "bird" tour is also possible, with prior reservation with an early morning or late evening departure (count 50 000 Ar per person). This private reserve ensures the preservation of more than a thousand baobabs since 2001 (an eden for these trees so threatened in the region!). The reserve also hosts the "Lemur Rescue Center", a conservation center for Mali Catta lemurs. They are in cages, because they have been extracted from animal trafficking networks and are being rehabilitated in the wild. Really, the natural reserve of Reniala deserves to be known!

Located 3 kilometers off Anakao, the long, flat island of Nosy Ve is lined with sandy beaches and is now deserted. Vezo fishermen stop off here for a break or a bivouac. Exploring the island offers many points of interest. Of course, there's the beach, always inviting for lounging and swimming, but there are also a number of pleasant places to visit. One of the main reasons for visiting Nosy Ve is to catch a glimpse of the red-tailed tropicbird. This endemic species also nests on Reunion Island. It digs its nest in the sand, under trees, to lay eggs and hatch. The island is also sacred ground. Numerous fady (taboos) are associated with it, and the densest masses of vegetation on the northeastern slopes are home to the huts of the tromba, the representative of the cult of reincarnation and possession. Last but not least, this is a historic site. The island of Nosy Ve was a maritime base for slave traders, merchants and pirates for several centuries. Among other notable events, at the end of the ^19th century, France delegated its Resident there, as King Lahimiriza refused to sign slave trade regulations with French naval commander Faberty. From these tumultuous times, a few vestiges remain, which you can discover during your visit to the island: the stone basins of the Residence, an impressively large anchor, the tombs of the French... We recommend a visit to Nosy Ve.

The plantations of Sahambavy (355 ha, of which 94 are managed by the farmers) are located in a very pleasant setting: a nice half-day walk, or even a little more. It is an excellent tea, very British, born in 1978 and exploited since 1996 by a limited company, Sidexam. About 20 tons of leaves are produced per day, picked by hand (between 50 and 100 kg per person); 5 kg of leaves give about 1 kg of tea, after no less than 5 processing steps. Almost all the production is exported (at least 80%), to Kenya.

This little island was once a port, after being a repaire of pirates. It is a sacred place for the descendants of the Zanamalata, a Métis born of the union of pirates and Malagasy princesses. One of their most important cemeteries, with the tombs of the Zafindrabe family, of King Ratsimilaho's dynasty (th century). Inside the island, a huge cast iron pot (about a metre in diameter) was used to prepare the royal meals during the Fêtes festivities. It is still an object of worship, since we come to the site of the pot. It was on the reefs surrounding the island that Thomas White, the future father of King Ratsimilaho, failed before the love of a princess and a pirate would give birth to a Métis dynasty.

It's the highest point on Nosy Be, with a peak of 329 m, and the view is splendid: the sunsets are grandiose, so don't hesitate to stay and enjoy the view, even if you're not alone! From the top, you can see several crater lakes stretching through the greenery; they are said to be inhabited by the spirits of the Sakalava princes. Don't forget that on their shores it's fady to fish, smoke or wear pants! Two circuits: one 4 km to Antsahamanavaka, the other 6 km to sacred Lake Amparihibe.

The access track of 8 km leading to the Park of Mananara Nord has been rehabilitated (but 4x4 necessary) towards the entrance of Verezanantsoro. This protected area, created in 1989, includes two spaces: terrestrial and marine with Nosy Antafana. It is part of the world network of Biosphere Reserves, managed by Unesco. The fauna and flora are very rich here: center of endemism of invertebrates, several species of fish in the Marine Park, dense humid forest of low altitude, granite island, beaches, coral reefs. A lemur (among the 12 species) not to be missed: the Indri Indri... which is not white like in Andasibe, but all black! Two other endemic species of lemurs: the Ampongy or Avahi laniger, with gray fur (it comes out especially at dusk). And the Daubentaunia madagascariensis or Aye Aye, with black fur. Nocturnal and solitary, it is not easy to observe! On the bird side, let's mention the Falcon newtoni or Hitsikitsika. The avifauna is globally exceptional.

Some paths start from the very small village of Sahasoa, in the middle of clove and vanilla fields. Four circuits are proposed to discover all these natural treasures, and it is possible to rent launches or pirogues to connect Nosy to Sahasoa and/or Antanambe. Rent a pirogue between Sahasoa and Nosy Antafana: from 30 000 Ar (capacity 2 persons). Renting a motorboat in the park : from 130 000 to 430 000 Ar per day depending on the chosen route (fuel not included).

3 circuits have been set up in this 72,000-hectare area, located on the shores of the Mozambique Channel between Morondava and Belo-sur-Mer. Dense dry forests and thorny thickets, bays, beaches, coastal dunes and heavenly islets... You'll also see the Le Boenga or Lepilemur ruficaudatus, an endemic nocturnal lemur. Agnolinoly (2 km by pirogue, 1 hr. visit); Ambondro-Firave (3 km trekking, 2 hrs. visit); Maetsakaloe (4 km trekking, 2 hrs. visit).

An amazing district where old English-style cottages, catholic temples, small gardens and narrow cobbled streets are intertwined. You will discover the Ambohijatovo Aravatra college, where many romantic poets were trained, the Faravohitra temple built in 1870, the Jules Ferry high school (large brick building)... To reach Faravohitra, take the district from Analakely: it goes up but you will appreciate the colorful stalls: one of the most picturesque sites of the center of Tana.

The Chinese are an influential community in local commerce. They have settled in all the major cities and ports of the east coast for two centuries. In Tana, the main Chinese district starts behind the town hall of the^1st district, in Ambodifilaho, up to Behoririka (real local Chinatown). Here, photo stores, restaurants, grocery stores are held by the Chinese community. It is also a popular place for pickpockets... be careful!

The center of the Antaninarenina district is constituted by the presidential palace (which was the former residence of the highest colonial authorities with an interesting architecture) and the set of ministries that surround it. We can spend a moment towards the tomb of the Prime Ministers (located in front of the Mojo Bar), not at all maintained, which reveals a large stone structure of 25 meters long: Jean Laborde had erected it in 1852 for the Prime Minister Rainiharo. After that, one can return to the Independence Square, where the bust of the first President Tsiranana is enthroned.

Going up Ratsimilaho Street on the left, from the Independence Square, beyond the post office, one will stroll among a set of useful and attractive stores: a bookstore, photo laboratories as well as a large choice of jewelry stores offering jewels unique to Madagascar: gold and silver bracelets, reproductions of queens' necklaces, maps of Madagasikara in pendants..

The walkers will continue their way during about twenty minutes by the streets Ranavalona III (old street of the tailors, it is there that the trade of the dressmakers and the tailors with the European mode beat its fullness at the beginning of the XXe century), Ratefinanahary, Venance Manifatra. This route leads to the Rova, the royal enclosure. It is a walking tour to be done by taking your time, by being attentive to the stalls as well as to the architecture of the houses, to the shadows and lights, to the smiles and glances.

The marine national park of Nosy Hara gathers a dozen islands off the Courrier bay. None of them is inhabited. On land, the limestone cliffs invite to the supervised practice of climbing. However, the real show takes place under the surface of the water: turtles, rays and fish come to enjoy the multiple coral reefs. A rich and generous nature that only a few service providers (notably Evasion sans frontière) invite you to discover. The expedition is generally scheduled over 3 days or more on board a sailboat.

Built on an island of 1 kilometer in circumference in the heart of the lake of Mantasoa, the private reserve of Nosy Soa has for main objective the reconstitution of a natural space too often ravaged by the man. The fauna and flora has been successfully reintroduced since 2002, transforming the place into a very pleasant zoological garden with an educational vocation. The place is ideal for families: mini-farm, meeting with lemurs etc., and is accessible by boat from the various hotels of Mantasoa or by reservation.

The palm grove of Ivondro is an agro-touristic domain belonging to the Savonnerie Tropicale S.A. You will be able to make half-day tours including the visit of the oil palm plantation, the discovery of tropical products (vanilla, coffee, banana, clove, cinnamon...), the betsimsaraka handicrafts, cultural excursions, bird watching and finally the visit of a mini-sugar factory... On the spot, you will find a good restaurant which proposes products made with coconut. A beautiful excursion.