Tourist Attractions & Monuments Madagascar

Managed by the Belgian association HONKO, the English NGO Reef Doctors and the village communities, this site allows the discovery of a very rich ecosystem: the mangrove (coastal forest made up of several varieties of mangrove trees). 3 itineraries allow you to visit it, on trails or off-road through the channels. You can observe a lot of birds. The protection of the mangrove is of paramount ecological importance for the survival of this very rich ecosystem. It is therefore both an interesting visit and a very good action.

The Manombo Special Reserve covers 5,080 hectares (divided into two parcels). The climate is tropical, humid and hot, the annual rainfall is about 2,500 mm, and the average temperature is around 23°C. One will discover there in particular eight species of lemurs, of whichEulemur cinereiceps, endemic (and moreover threatened), as well as 58 species of birds and 52 species of snails and still rare species of fresh water fish.

This coconut grove stretches along the beach to the north and south of the town. Hybrid species of coconut palms are grown here. The visit is divided into 3 sites: the reception area, near the airport, where you can buy your entrance ticket and visit the 3 artisanal processing workshops (straw, trunk and bark); the plantation, 5 km to the south, where you can observe the male flower emasculation process and the nursery; then, a few km further south, the copra ovens and the coconut oil distillation workshop. Insist on seeing it all - it's a fascinating visit!

A haven for many Dutch during the ^17th century, Nosy Mangabe was used to supply ships with food or slaves. In the following century, the French turned it into a trading post. Today, the "very blue island" is home to a 520-hectare special reserve. It is densely covered by secondary forest. The presence of mango and ravenala trees attests to human interference. You can observe 5 species of lemur, tenrecs, chameleons, snakes and fruit bats. An ideal day trip!

On 85 000 ha, this protected natural area comprises 22 mangrove covered islets in the heart of the sumptuous Betsiboka delta. There will be a quantity of mangroves where a abonde rich: is abundant: 60 species of aquatic birds, including sacred ibis, pink flamingos, spatulas, crested, ducks, herons or Eagles of Madagascar… Moreover, a 3-hour hike from the village of Mahataitromby allows to discover fragments of dry forests and their habitants inhabitants, les (crowned propithèque, Eulémur rufus, Eulémur mongoz, microcèbes…). Lunch break in the village of Mahataitromby, for example.

This protected area is located about fifteen kilometers from Tulear. Several guided tours have been traced including the one of "The mountain of the table" which offers a 360° panoramic view on the coast and the hinterland. The other circuits, "The caves" or "The peninsula of Sarodrano", allow you to discover an exceptional avifauna or to discover the activities related to seaweed farming. Superb panorama with the circuit " The Bay of Saint Augustin ".

The park of Farankaraina with its 1 650 hectares protects in particular the aye-aye, a species of lemur rather rare. Four circuits allow to discover it: one goes to the beach of Vohilingoza, three others follow the river of Farankaraina. Note that this park is twinned with the zoo of Champrépus in France, in partnership with the NGO Antongil Conservation, which works to protect the biodiversity of the bay of Antongil, in collaboration with the 10 villages along the shore. Accessible by pirogue from Maroantsetra. Lodge and camp on site.

At 20 minutes from Sambava towards Vohémar, you can first visit the plantation «Vola Maitso» (vanilla, pepper, cocoa, many species of palm trees and fruit trees). Then begins the descent of the Bemarivo River on board a flat-flat metallic canoe. Beautiful vegetation, visit of the village of Antsakajoy and its coffee plantations, scenes of everyday life… Count a good day of walking, with the return of the visit of the Cocoteraie de Soavoanio and the cross-canoe of the lagoon of Sambava.

Tamatave, also known as Toamasina, is a coastal city in Madagascar. It offers visitors a unique experience with its culture, cuisine and magnificent scenery. To explore the city, tourists can use the services of Mada Expeditions, a local agency specialized in organizing trips to Madagascar. They offer tours by bus and small train to discover the city's various tourist sites. Mada Expeditions is a trusted agency, verified by the travel community and selected by Quotatrip. Travelers can also consult the reviews and comments of other travelers on Trustpilot to get an idea of their experiences with Mada Expeditions. Whether you want to discover the beauty of Sainte Marie, go on an adventure along the RN7 or enjoy an ecolodge, Mada Expeditions offers a variety of options to make your trip to Madagascar unforgettable.

Although it is separated from the sea by only 10 meters of rocks, the water that flows in the cave is fresh. It comes from seven sacred lakes, at the end of an underground journey of 70 kilometers. Freshwater fish have found refuge there. In principle, it is fady to bathe, but tourists have rights that the Malagasy do not have, and you can take a dip. Don't forget to give at least 1,000 Ar per person to the guard (maybe more with inflation).

A legend is linked to this sacred place. "Once, there was a great fisherman... And every time he came back from the sea, a tromba came to see him at night to tell him : "You agree with me, I will do something..." And each time the fisherman refused. But the tromba came back every night to repeat his request. This went on for a long time. One day, the great fisherman said, "Okay! Then the tromba said to him, "Go to the cave with all the people of the village, celebrate the tromba, bring rum, sing, offer sacrifices, dance...I will do something." The fisherman did everything the tromba had asked. And as the festive music resounded in the night, suddenly, an all-white cow with a black head and a little white calf with a black head appeared at the bottom of the cave. These two magical animals left with the great fisherman who became master of the tromba and won love, fortune, health and happiness

Since then, the villagers come here to make wishes and throw food and coins to the fish..

The market of Vohipeno is animated, we will not fail to examine closely the stalls of the herbalists, do not hesitate to ask what the plants you will have under the eyes are used for, the change of scenery is guaranteed. Beyond the river, going towards the coast, the walk between rice fields and banana plantations is very pleasant, we recommend. The traditional Antemoro ceremonies, as well as the circumcision festivals, are particularly impressive in the region. For information, contact the fivondronana of Manakara.

The Indo-Pakistani communities (called Karana) are influential in trade throughout the Indian Ocean and Islam has been present in Madagascar since the 8th century. The majority of the Karana are Muslim. The main Indo-Pakistani and Comorian neighborhood is Tsaralalana. Grocery stores, hardware stores, bazaars, almost all the stores are run by Karana. Here many men wear beards; the women wrap themselves in loose clothing that evokes Lahore. Verses from the Koran and pictures of Mecca adorn the stores.

A recent botanical and zoological refuge at the entrance to the city, along the Bombetoka bay and its mangrove. This 25 ha space concentrates the different representatives of Malagasy fauna in captivity. Among them, four species of lemurs, including the Eulémur and the Propithèque, four species of turtles, boas, crocodiles, and Ankoay in a vast aviary… Birds, chameleon and other aquatic animals evolve in freedom. You can also admire some ostriches, in pens for the time being. Ideal for families.

Presided by Adrien, one of the ^first guides of the area, this association gathers guides specialized in Ambalavao and its surroundings. They propose circuits of all levels. From August, generally at the time of the ceremonies of the turning over of the dead, the association organizes many rodeos, a traditional sport for the Betsileo ethnic group. Outside this period, do not hesitate to contact Adrien or his colleagues: if possible, they will be happy to organize it for you.

Known and recognized site for diving off Mangily, the Massif des Roses has unfortunately lost its superbness. The tourist development that the seaside area of Ifaty has known these last decades has amply contributed to its deterioration, so much so that divers and scientists today find it difficult to recognize the coral massif that they used to admire so much. Several non-governmental organizations, such as the Bel Avenir Organization or Reef Doctor, are actively working for its preservation. Since 2007, the Massif des Roses is officially protected (even if the guard will surely be surprised during his nap when you get there!). Today, you can still see the beautiful rose-shaped corals that gave their name to the place, but many corals are damaged or dead. A few paddles away, Korandava is another site where you can observe corals, don't hesitate to ask your guide to take you there if he doesn't do it spontaneously. The corals here are multicolored and of various shapes. The aquatic fauna is numerous and the corals are sometimes damaged, but much less than in the neighboring Massif des Roses. Here and anywhere else in the sea, each tourist must have a very responsible attitude: you should not touch these natural beauties under any circumstances, not even with your eyes. If your guide was not aware of this, do not hesitate to talk to him, it will be a great action for the protection of these precious ecosystems.

Vezo and piroguier from father to son, Tintin is a very reliable sailor. He will take you for any sea trip, around Mangily for half a day or a whole day. He also organizes sea trips of several days and can take you to Morondava. It is a (very nice) family affair: he sails with his son and his uncle. They are all as adorable, helpful and respectful as Tintin. Moreover, he is a fine cook - we recommend him 200%!

Located 6 km south of Katsepy, the New Protected Area (NPA) of Antrema is the sanctuary of the Crowned Sifaka, which embodies the ancestors in the Sakalava culture. The area is occupied by an ecosystem composed of a dry forest on dunes, rainforests, tides and lakes but also a marine park and its mangrove (20,300 ha). The site has 153 species of plants, 75 species of birds, 23 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 4 other types of lemurs. Three circuits are proposed: lemur circuit, bird watching and discovery of the marine park.

Beginning its activity in 2008, Relais Madagasikara now gathers nearly 500 people. Being part of the social and solidarity economy, it carries out a work of integration of the inhabitants of Fianarantsoa and its surroundings:

Automobile construction. Le Relais has taken over the Karenjy car project abandoned in 1993, putting back on the road these easily identifiable fiberglass cars and the only 100% African cars.

Thrift shop and sorting. The clothes deposited in the dumpsters labeled "Le Relais" in France are partly sent to Madagascar and sorted before being redistributed. This is the activity that gave birth to Le Relais in Fianar, creating a local craze!

Sewing and creation. The Gash'Mlay workshop transforms and gives new life to unused fabrics.

Waste sorting and recovery center. Born from the absence of a waste treatment system in the city, the sorting center of Le Relais now receives 700 tons of waste per month. 115 people work on sorting and transforming organic matter into fertilizer, some of which will be used to develop permaculture.

Sustainable tourism. Le Relais has two establishments: the thermal hotel in Ranomafana and the Moringa in Tuléar. You will be able to meet the young and dynamic teams trained by Le Relais, in a logic of integration and solidarity. Thus the establishments put into practice the values of the Relais, for a sustainable tourism, in particular in the kitchen where the products are fresh and cultivated on the spot.

The beautiful beaches - white sand, turquoise water - that surround Maintirano stretch for miles, offering a vision of infinite languor. Ask the fishermen to show you the appropriate places for swimming.

Nosy Androtra, Nosy Lava, Nosy Maroantaly: to the south of Maintirano, a string of islands surrounded by coral reefs will delight lovers of the "desert island" atmosphere. Nothing is organized: it is necessary to inquire at the port of Maintirano or at the village of Soahanina, which can be reached from Antsalova, on the southern track.

Created in 1997, Kirindy Mitea National Park was designated a Ramsar site (wetland of international importance) in 2015 and a biosphere zone in 2016. Covering more than 156,000 hectares, it includes a wide variety of ecosystems that are representative of the diverse habitats and species of the island's western and south-western region. These include: primary dry forest (formed by a dense dry semi-caducifolia forest cover, one of Madagascar's most endangered ecosystems), savannahs to the east and south, mangroves with their rich specific flora and fauna, riparian forest along non-permanent rivers, tannes, Ambondro and Sirave lakes, bays, beaches, coastal dunes and islets... A total of five circuits are available:

Ankoatsifaka circuit. 28 km from Belo, accessible by car. Watch for lemurs, fosas, birds and baobabs.

Ambondro-Sirave circuit. Easy 4.3 km circuit to discover lakes and aquatic fauna. Panoramic ascent of a 20 m-high sand dune.

Agnolignoly circuit. Combine walking and canoeing to observe mangroves, mangrove trees and giant bats.

Mahaboboka circuit. Meet the Sifaka and the Gidro, a multitude of baobabs.

Marine circuit to explore the park's seven islets and try to spot dolphins, whales and sea turtles.

Please note that the various sites and entrances are far apart.

At the end of the road leading to Majunga airport, Avenue de Mahabibo gives access to an extremely lively district that's a pleasure to stroll through. It's all the more lively for being home to several large, colorful markets and two major mosques. At the end of the day, men in finely embroidered blue and white djellabas cool off next to the high walls of these religious buildings, in a very Comorian atmosphere. At siesta time on Fridays and Sundays, the murmur of the suras lulls you to sleep. As you stroll along, guided by the muezzins' call to prayer, you'll come across one of the eight mosques dotted around the town, including the old Indian mosque and the graceful Comorian mosque. These two buildings bear witness to the influence of Islam in this region. The central city is also home to a number of elegant buildings dating from the colonial period. These include the Androva hospital, the old post office, the residence, the courthouse and an insanely large cathedral that seems to have landed in the middle of town like a meteorite. On the way up to the barracks, on the hill overlooking the town of Majunga, the surrounding wall opens onto a doorway decorated with flowers carved in stone. Here stood the rova that dominated the town. Without the means to restore it, this monument is in danger of disappearing, which would be a real shame. The gate is the last vestige of the Merina fort where Radama ^I established his headquarters.

Belo's surroundings abound with islets and bays to discover. Ambararate (on the Morondave road, on the path before the saltworks): a 6 km hiking trail through baobabs and lemurs. Ankoasifaki: bivouacs organized on site. Kirindy-mite: just before Manahy Bay (a beautiful mangrove with a giant bat), accessible at high tide. Starting point for the Mite hike. Small baobab forest and two sacred lakes to observe, with many migratory birds, including pink flamingos (June to October).

The Doany is an important site in the Sakalava cult of Boina, where the relics of kings Andriamandrosoarivo, Andriamisara, Andrianamboniarivo and Andriamihanina are preserved. These relics - moustaches, fingernails and incisors - were richly decorated by Arab goldsmiths. The hut in which they are kept contains cult objects and belongings that once belonged to the sovereigns. People come to pray before the royal reliquary, especially on Mondays and Fridays, the other days being fady. Having been moved three times after the reign of the Sakalava kings, the monument - a hut - is currently located in Tsaramandroso. It can be reached by turning right onto the road leading to the regional university center. Entrance to the Zomba Be (sacred royal enclosure) is subject to rites and prohibitions that are not displayed at the entrance: bare feet, no glasses, braided hair for women (a lady from the village will take care of this), being dressed in a lamba (kitamby for men, kisaly for women). It is highly recommended to bring rum and candles (one box). The donation for the keeper is at your discretion (around 2,000 to 4,000 Ar). The keeper will invite you into his hut for a few words of welcome and to undress and dress. It's a good idea to be accompanied by a guide familiar with the local customs. Once a year, in July, the royal relics are bathed in a grandiose ceremony attended by thousands of people in a festive, musical atmosphere.

There are three self-guided walking trails with explanatory panels highlighting the park's endemic fauna and flora: the Kindro circuit (2.1 km - 3 h) with palm trees, macaco lemurs, reptiles (including the Antalafihiaka lizard) and snakes; the Mitsinjo circuit (1 km - approx. 2 h) with a panoramic view of Nosy Be and the discovery of fruit trees, liana plants and vanilla; and the Ramy circuit (2.2 km - 3 h) to appreciate the flora and fauna with the beaches and sea in the background.

The Tsingy de l'Ankarana is a superb national park. As with most of Mada's national parks, guides are compulsory, with fixed guide fees. You can request one guide rather than another if you wish. There are only two entrances to the park (the^3rd was recently abolished). The most common, and also the easiest to get to (all year round), is in the village of Mahamasina, on the RN 6 road leading to Ambilobe (east entrance), where entrance tickets are on sale. Allow at least 4 hours by bush cab from Diego (the road gets worse every month), 3 hours by 4x4. An all-day round trip should therefore be avoided wherever possible.

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

Fady. There are certain things you must not do in the park. Discuss them with your guide.

A little geology and etymology. This massif emerged from the sea over a hundred million years ago (Quaternary volcanic activity). Since then, erosion has carved out an incredible network (or networks, we should say) of underground waters (over 110 km!). A more recent telluric movement is responsible for the presence of basaltic rocks and eruptive ash. In the meantime, rain eroded the limestone summit of the massif, eventually forming these strange, sharp ridges, like a chaos of discordant organs, known as "Tsingy". Some say that this word means "to walk on tiptoe", because it's very difficult to walk on ridges, and this theory seems the most credible..

Flora and fauna. The park is home to 11 species of lemur, including the crowned-headed lemur(Eulemur coronatus) and the bushy-haired lemur(Eulemur sanfordi), which can be seen near campsites in the early morning or late afternoon; and around 100 species of bird, including the variegated mesire(Mesitornis variegata), one of the rarest in the world. Bats (14 species, around 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 to be outdone, with Madagascar canarias and pandanus having a field day, and rupicolous vegetation (adapted to limestone rocks) is everywhere. You can also admire the adenia, an extraordinary liana, or the taimpapango, with its white bark.

Last but not least, the caves here are privileged meeting places between the living and the ancestors, for the inhabitants of the region. Every year, ritual ceremonies known as " Fidirana an-davaka " pay homage to the ancestors. And every five years, another ceremony, " Tsangan-tsaina ", is dedicated to "changing the mast": in fact, the mast on which the Antakarana flag flies. It takes place in the village of Ambatoharana. These ceremonies are very important to the locals. There's no problem attending, as long as you come with a healthy spirit and a desire to learn, discover and share. Please note that shoes and hats are fady.

Warning: 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're camping.

4-day tour.

Day 1 - Mantella circuit: linking the park entrance to Camp 1, this circuit takes you through the primary rainforest, with a lovely natural pool for cooling off. Allow 2 to 3 hours' walking for a 4 km circuit. The Humbert waterfall is 30 minutes from the camp. Bamboo lemurs are a regular sight in the mornings. Sports enthusiasts can combine the Mantella and Simpona tours in a single day, starting early in the morning.

Day 2 - Simpona circuit: connects Camp 1 to Camp 2 and allows you to discover the 2 ecosystems of lowland and mountain rainforests. The "Simpona" is in fact the white-furred silky sifaka lemur. Allow 2 to 3 hours' walk for 2 km, as the slope is steep and there are many distractions. Beautiful views of the granite cliffs. The camp is pleasant, surrounded by a river and waterfall, and frequented by mongooses, red-fronted lemurs and reptiles.

Day 3 and 4 - Marojejy summit (2,132 m altitude): it takes 3 hours of steep ascent to reach the^3rd camp. We cross the territory of the silky sifaka. Beautiful panoramas on the ridge and before arriving at camp. Be careful, it's cold here, we're at altitude. It takes another three hours to reach the summit of Marojejy, 4 km away. It's a fairly strenuous climb, but the rainforest and panoramic views over the region and the emerald forest are breathtaking. It's possible to make the round trip from Camp 3 to the summit in the morning, before starting the descent to the park entrance.

Practical tips. A four-day trip to Marojejy is a real expedition. Bring warm clothing. Marojejy is a humid forest, so frequent downpours are not uncommon. What's more, Camp 3 is located at altitude, so if blankets are provided, a good fleece and coat will be welcome. No food on site or on the way. Remember to buy everything you need in Sambava before you leave. Rice, pasta and dried fruit are essential. Please note: meals for guides, porters and trackers will be at your expense, so plan for them too, or pay extra. Don't forget your sleeping bag or comforter, as there are no sheets on the beds. Bring gloves for the ascent to the summit: its flanks are covered with stinging bamboo, which is very useful for clinging to the slopes. Alternatively, wear a pair of socks at the end of your hands. Water purification tablets are also welcome. The presence of a cook, at extra cost, may seem superfluous. However, it's important to bear in mind that night falls early, and so does fatigue, so the task proves more difficult than at home if you're not extremely well organized and equipped. The same goes for the tracker: it's hard to spot animals without one. Don't forget your flashlight. Last but not least, there are leeches in the forest.

Accommodation in the park. There are three campsites in the park: Camp Mantella at 450 m altitude (4h30 walk from the Manantenina entrance gate), Camp Marojejya at 775 m altitude (1h to 2h walk from the previous camp) and Camp Simpona, at 1,250 m altitude (another 3h walk). Allow 4,000 Ar with your own tent, 10,000 Ar to rent an equipped tent, and 15,000 Ar per day per person for a bed in a dormitory. From 8,000 Ar to 25,000 Ar for use of the kitchen, depending on the number of people.

In downtown Antalaha, enthusiasts can stop off at the artisanal shipbuilding yard. It's here that you'll learn the most about vanilla. You'll learn all about the different phases of production, from planting to the making of "boots", as well as the ancestral know-how of the craftsmen. The vanilla-weaving workshops are well worth a visit: the artisans form figurines by weaving the pods - how original!

From September to December, traditional exhumation ceremonies are reminiscent of those in Imerina or Sakalava country. Find out more at the fivondronana (town hall) or from your hotel or guide.

Recently restored, the seafront promenade between the residence and the boat harbour is dedicated to the past (beautiful colonial buildings, most of them in ruins). The weather station on a knoll to the west of the town offers a panoramic view after a walk through the countryside. Take a cab there and walk back down.

The main colorful markets are held on Thursdays in Tanambo and Tuesdays in Ankoalabe. Vanilla, coffee and cloves rub shoulders with all the seasonal fruits of the region. Baskets, mats, straw hats and handcrafted wooden boats are just some of the souvenirs you can take home with you.

Cap Est: The road here is beautiful (but also in bad shape); a stop at the vanilla plantations to learn a little more about the cultivation of this orchid is well worthwhile.

The region abounds in superb sites: the green lake nearby with its crocodiles (go there by 4x4 and come back by walking along the sea, count 5 hours of trek); to the northwest, 75 km away, the Daraina (or Loky-Manambato) reserve, near the village of the same name where gold seekers flock, sanctuary of a rare species of lemurs in danger of extinction, the golden-crowned sifaka(propithecus tattersalli) as well as the ala vato, the largest black scorpion of Mada; to the west, the first foothills of Tsaratanana; to the south, the luxuriant rainforest..

Navana is a very small, wild and tropical cove, whose granite rock beach will remind some of the Seychelles. It is an ideal place to relax for a day, especially if the weather is good. You can also visit the small traditional village, where coffee, vanilla and cloves are grown. Very nice pictures in perspective. Count 1 hour of fast boat to reach it from Maroantsetra, for at least 200 000 Ar (price likely to increase). A guide on the spot asks around 20 000 Ar.

One well-marked trail runs almost all the way around the island, while another crosses it from north to south. There are also a number of smaller trails, but you'll always find your way back. Our tip: take a right turn around the island (west coast) when you dock at Sainte Marie. You can swim and have lunch along the way. Drive along the beach and when you reach "Les Lémuriens", to the south, return inland. When you reach the village, climb up to the lighthouse for a great view. A great day trip, also available by pirogue (allow 2 hours).

Boulevard Joffre is the city's main commercial center. Here you'll find banks and exchange offices, car rentals, travel agencies, pharmacies, grocery stores... all in a concentrated area. To find your way around, ask a rickshaw or cab to drop you off in front of the Hôtel Joffre or the Bazar-Bé, and then set off on foot. The seafront promenade runs along a beautiful beach. Locals gather here from 3pm to spend the evening by the sea. But be warned: "Swimming prohibited: sharks". Between pointe Asti and pointe Tanio, boulevard Ratsimilaho, facing the port and the open ocean, offers a beautiful panorama. As you walk to the port, you can see the pretty bay of Toamasina. Old colonial-style Creole buildings line the palm-fringed waterfront, their ochre facades showing the passage of time.

Continuing along the promenade, you pass the Great Mosque and arrive at the port, built by a Franco-German consortium in 1934. Further south, along boulevard Ivondro, the beach is not very hospitable, as the slaughterhouses attract many sharks. For swimming, head further north. In the town center, the large market (Bazar-Bé) is very lively. Here you can stock up on fruit, vanilla sticks, powder and syrup, cloves and cinnamon. Regional handicrafts are well represented, with woven ravinala basketry, fabrics, lamba... Along boulevard Ratsimilaho and rue du Commerce, the narrow streets lining the port are home to warehouses. The scent of vanilla mingles with that of cloves. If you're invited to visit the warehouses in November and December, you'll be able to watch Madagascar lychees being packed before they leave for Europe. Nearby, Place Bien Aimé is known as Place des Banians: planted in the 1920s, they are indeed spectacular! This was the historic heart of Tamatave, where the village of Ampasimazava was located. It is said that ancestors used to worship here. Not far from the station, the Bazar Kely is a fairly large market. Here, asphalt soon gives way to sandy tracks. The popular districts begin. Avenue de l'Indépendance, the city's widest street, is home to the region's territorial administrations. Open-air balls are frequently held near the town hall. At its maritime end, Avenue de l'Indépendance joins Boulevard Ratsimilaho.

The Lovako Museum is the latest addition to the Nosy Be region. Created at the initiative of a Frenchman passionate about Malagasy culture, it opened its doors in 2022. In this former summer camp house is located this nice little museum that promotes the culture of Nosy Komba. The pleasant red and white wooden building houses many objects presenting the history of the island's settlement, from the departure of Indonesia to the present day. A short section also questions the place of culture in the contemporary world and in the future! Refreshing!

Mahajanga is a great place to stroll around. If you want to visit the city center (restricted area), walking or taking a tuk-tuk is the best way to go. But don't forget that it's hot almost all year round, so don't go out during the hottest hours of the day! The old town is concentrated in a rectangle formed by boulevard Poincaré, avenue de France, quai Orsini and rue du Maréchal Joffre. It's worth taking the time to stroll through this center with its right-angled streets and fortified houses, vestiges of the Arab presence in the ^18th century. The district is especially fascinating when the shadows lengthen and the elegant ladies, draped in gold, emerge from the bougainvillea-lined courtyards, at a time when people gather around the vendors selling kebabs, cooked manioc and fried food. You'll see the remains of centuries-old Arab trading posts: carved wooden doors, arabesques and the old Indian mosque. Colonial-style houses (almost all in disrepair), tinted in different varieties of ochre, display their balusters, varangues and columns. In the windows, embroidered white cotton sails flutter in the wind, revealing a look, a smile. The port is extremely busy in the morning and at the end of the day. Rice, cotton, wood and cement are loaded and unloaded from red, blue and green dhows and cargo ships. Further along the Quai Orsini, past the customs building, the boat graveyard offers an impressive sight of wrecks of all shapes and sizes, pirogues and rusty sheet metal.

Farouk is THE guide who will enchant your trip to Madagascar! Official guide since 2016 and native of Diego, Farouk is passionate about travel and multilingual. He will organize for you any type of visit, culture or nature, in the city of Diego and in all the North of Mada. Endowed with a great culture, always attentive and listening, Farouk works for the biggest travel agencies of the country and he will be able to adapt to all your desires. He combines both know-how and know-how... You can follow him with closed eyes!

Here are a few tour ideas to inspire you ahead of your visit to the Tsingy de l'Ankarana Park.

These are three main circuits that can be combined over 1 or 2 days. They are reopened every year after the rainy season, so their configuration can change from one year to the next. Two suspension bridges of 20 and 60 meters have been built in the park (similar to the Tsingy de Bemaraha, near Morondava). Thrills guaranteed! Follow the white-dotted path to the Meva belvedere. In season, these bridges are victims of their own success... and very busy!

From the eastern entrance (Mahamasina), here are the sites you can reach most quickly:

Small circuit (half-day, guide fee: 50,000 Ar, NB guide fees change every year, ask at reception) This circuit takes you to the loss of the river, the Chauves-souris cave, the small Tsingy (Tsingy Meva, Tsingy Rary) and the Tsingy turrets. Medium tour (full day, guiding: 70,000 Ar): same tour as above, with the addition of the large Tsingys and the suspension bridge, plus the Ambohimalaza viewpoint. Grand circuit (full day: 90,000 Ar): Benavony circuit (complete loop) and Rivière Verte.

From the western entrance (Andrafiabe), you can also reach the Crocodile Cave, the Cathedral, the Skeleton Cave, the first and second canyons, Lake Mangily and the Pigeon Cave.

2 tour options: with an agency, your guide will explain what you want to know (please note that you need a certified guide in addition to the driver). If you're on your own, you'll need an MNP guide. Best from May to November, rainy season to be avoided. The short tour of 2h30 to 3h: visit to the Thousand Trees Way, Antankarana waterfall and sacred waterfall. The medium tour (4.5 hrs.): same route, plus a walk to the viewpoint over Lake Mahasarika. The long circuit (6 hrs.) is the same, with the addition of the viewpoint of the Antomboka waterfall.

Dedicated to the valorization of Malagasy contemporary art, this space was created in 2020. The gallery of 300 m² located in the locality of Ankadimbahoaka in the south of Tana contributes to the dialogue between the local and international artistic worlds, while affirming the singularity of the Malagasy culture. Hakanto Contemporary is a meeting place for artists and the public. In addition to the exhibition programs that promote works from all over Madagascar, Hakanto Contemporary offers residencies for artists. To be discovered!

At the end of Avenue de France, here's a place for a family stroll. Acting as a traffic circle, an enormous multi-century baobab tree over 20 m in circumference adorns the end of the avenue. To pay homage to the ancestors, every newcomer is expected to walk around it 7 times. Don't hesitate! Under the roots of this tree lies the treasure hidden by the Sakalava kings when they arrived from the Menabe. On the right stands a colonial-style building. The walk continues along Boulevard Marcoz (preferably in the cool).

Fort Dauphin exudes a peaceful, pleasant atmosphere, and is a great place to take a stroll. In the center, a pleasant stroll takes you along the Rue Circulaire and the Corniche, with a well-deserved break at Libanona beach. Rue Circulaire runs alongside the false Bay of Galions and Faux-Cap beach. Dolphins can sometimes be seen offshore. The locality is home to some fine examples of colonial architecture; one of the most beautiful is the Kaleta family's large white house, surrounded by greenery not far from the Hôtel Le Dauphin. Around the post office, the ochre buildings, colonnades and architectural testimonies of the past are worth a long stroll through the town. A visit to the fishermen's quarter (Ampotatra) is recommended. If you set off on foot towards the circular road overlooking Libanona beach, take time to explore the Indo-Pakistani community quarter. Rising out of the vegetation, the new mosque with its graceful domes bears witness to the important role played by this community in the local economy.

The most beautiful and safest beach is Libanona, where the sunset is magnificent (climb up to the belvedere overlooking the beach on the left, at the Lavasoa bungalows). You can also go as far as Lokaro, where the sea is calmer. L'Anse Monseigneur and the site of the old port: here you can observe fishermen and rocky flats (you can snorkel to see corals, black sea urchins, moray eels and jumping gobies).

Eight different circuits are available to visitors to Ankarafantsika National Park, including the following:

Circuit Coquerelli (maximum 5.1 km loop, 2-hour walk): lots of lemurs (including the endemic Propithecus verreauxi coquereli), birds (including the rare and endemic Vanga de Van Damne) and reptiles. Beautiful panoramic view of the forest. A shorter tour is also available.

Circuit Canyon (7.4 km round trip, 3h walking time): starts at the edge of the dry forest and winds through the savannah. It leads to the famous Ankarokaroka lavaka, the result of enormous erosion. It's an almost dreamlike, lunar landscape, offering an extraordinary view of the canyon. You'll come across lemurs, birds (including the Newton falcon) and reptiles.

Circuit Haut du Lac (7 km, approx. 3 hrs.): panoramic views over the lake, and a fine sampling of local flora and fauna: birds such as the flycatcher, dyal malagasy, bulbul de Madagascar, coua and drongo, as well as chameleons, snakes, lizards and medicinal plants such as adenia, vanilla madagascariensis and tamarind.

Baobab tour (3 km round trip, approx. 1 hr.): footbridge over rice fields, suspension bridge and Adansonia boeniensis, endemic baobabs.

Retendrika and Pachypodium circuits (6.6 km, 2 hrs. walk, and 9.2 km, 3 hrs. 30 min. respectively): a flora rich in medicinal plants, large trees and precious woods (ebony in particular), as well as terrestrial orchids. You can also spot the Assity bird and, from November to April, the brookesia, the world's smallest chameleon.

Tour of the lake by boat: Lake Ravelobe gives you the chance to get to know the Ankoay fishing eagle and the Nile crocodile. The Sakalava practice a ritual ceremony here, called Joro, to bless the ancestors (in July). It is said that the ghost of the highwayman Ravelobe still haunts the area. Women are forbidden to wash in the river. Fishing is permitted on the shores of the lake.
The park is home to two endemic species of lemur: the Eulemur mongoz (known here as Dredrika), whose tail is longer than its body (35 cm for its size, 50 cm for its tail), and the Cheirogaleus medius (or Matavirambo), a small 22 cm animal that hibernates from April to September and only comes out at night... The park also offers a fascinating cultural tour of Sakalava culture: tombs of kings (Doany) at Andranomiditra, Doany de Betsioka at Bealana, Doany d'Ambalabongo and Doany de Ravelobe.

You can visit traditional workshops of natural silk fabric. Weaving is a feminine and traditional activity in the region. Different articles (scarves, fabrics) are produced.

This small seaside village, adjacent to Morondava, was so named by pious Norwegian settlers in the ^19th century. It's a pleasant getaway by pirogue - you can also visit a dhow-building site along the way. The village is home to 5,000 people, all of them Sakalava or Vezo. You can spend the night at the Hôtel du Piroguier (a dozen rudimentary bungalows). It's a shame the village is so dirty, but it's still a nice half-day trip, especially if you can't make it to Mangily or Belo-sur-Mer during your trip.

The domain of Ambohimanitra spreads over 60 hectares. You will learn all about vanilla, but not only: clove, pink berries, ylang-ylang, pepper and cinnamon scents are on the program... You will discover the vanilla plantation and the different varieties of vanilla trees, as well as the nurseries of local varieties. The guided tour details the process of fertilization of the vanilla flower as well as all the phases that make the flower become a vanilla bean. A vanilla-scented meal is finally served on the terrace with a beautiful view!

In Ambotifotatra, you can climb up to the old fort which still bears the company of the Compagnie des Indes (it is a little higher than the central post), then go to the church of St Mary, known to be the oldest Christian church in Madagascar (1859): This is where Bishop Dalmond (1800-1847), the first apostolic prefect of Madagascar, was buried. Note: one of the altars is a gift of the Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, and the cast iron that forms it have been sunk into the arsenals of the French navy. Finally, the old Bâtiment building (built in 1922) also deserves a stop.

On Madame Madame, the history buffs will take a look at the former residence of Governors and Administrators, dating back to 1871, as well as the old solar dial of sailors.

The mangrove forest of Ampanihy on the east coast is a natural site of the most admirable nature.

A must-see information point with a very professional welcome. The structure has been completely modernized to offer visitors a place to meet and exchange ideas about the island's heritage and traditions. On the theme of pirates, a treasure hunt atmosphere, an interactive journey that continues in real immersion with walks and pirogue rides with a certified guide. Follow in the footsteps of the privateers and discover the forbidden island, the cemetery, etc.

It is nearby; we can walk there from there. For more hiking, enter the park to the Cascade waterfall. For "total", the entire tour of the peninsula will take you to Maroantsetra.

20 km to the north, on the road to Sambava, this lake is a waterfowl hunter's paradise (waterfowl abound: teal, humpback ducks, wild geese). But beware! There are also crocodiles. The Parc d'Andranoanala is nearby and can be reached on foot. For a longer hike, head into the park as far as the Bevontsira waterfall. For the "total package", a complete tour of the peninsula will take you as far as Maroantsetra.

A quality website offering the discovery of the north Malagasy, which was updated by Guillaume.

A website very often updated by Pierre to discover Diego and the north of the country (also Nosy Be and Sambava/Antalaha).