Menabe-the West of Madagascar

Menabe-the West of Madagascar SOUTH OF MORONDAVA - Belo sur mer This charming village of fishermen - and schooner yards - is accessible from Morondava by land (80 km), going south on sandy tracks. But the easier option would be by sea (two hours crossing). Its beautiful beach invites idleness, [...]

North of Tamatave - in the realm of "Zana-Malata

North of Tamatave - in the realm of the "Zana-malata" The Zana-malata are the mixed-race children of western pirates and slave traders who roamed the east coast, and the daughters of local chiefs. The most famous of these "descendants of mulattos" are Ratsimilaho, son of the English pirate Thomas White and founder of the first Betsimisaraka kingdom, and Jean René. Son of a scribe of the [...]

East of Antananarivo

East of Antananarivo The RN2, the national road that connects Antananarivo with Toamasina (Tamatave) on the east coast, serves pleasant destinations like the rainforest around Moramanga and the Andasibe - Mantadia reserve. But in the valleys on both sides of this busy weekend route, there are also villages full of history to discover, some of which we will present here. [...]

Antongil Bay and Masoala Peninsula

Antongil Bay and Masoala Peninsula Antongil Bay and Masoala Peninsula form one of the last remaining areas of eastern rainforest, a dense and opaque, partially unexplored world that is home to endemic animal and plant species. This wildlife sanctuary has a troubled history: After serving first as a stopover for Portuguese sailors and then for the buildings of the Dutch [...]

Nosy Boraha or Sainte-Marie Island

Nosy Boraha or Sainte-Marie Island Nosy Boraha (Sainte-Marie, 200 km2) runs parallel to the east coast, about 15 miles off the coast of Soanierana-Ivongo. Regular rains have transformed it into a huge tropical garden planted with coconut, cinnamon, and clove trees, with anthuriums and orchids in bloom. Bougainvilleas and extravagant bougainvillea with Indian roses and [...]

The Vanilla Coast: Sambava-Antalaha-Vohemar-Andapa

The Vanilla Coast: Sambava-Antalaha-Vohemar-Andapa Antalaha This fishing village in the southern part of the Vanilla Coast still lived to the rhythm of its swinging pirogues and received few schooners and merchant ships when settlers from Reunion Island, seduced by the hot and humid climate, introduced vanilla cultivation at the end of the 19th century. This "brown gold", which played an essential role in the [...]

Moramanga-where the mangoes are cheap

Moramanga-where there are cheap mangoes. Moramanga is the capital of one of the eighteen districts of the province of Toamasina (Tamatave), one of the largest (7,424 km²), but moderately populated, since it is very forested. The village is located in a basin whose constant humidity, due to the proximity of the Mangoro River, has favored the development of a flora and fauna. These [...]

Rice culture in Madagascar

Rice cultivation in Madagascar Irrigated rice cultivation Rice plays a fundamental role in the lives of the majority of the Malagasy population. It constitutes the essential part of their diet (on average 120 kg per person per year). But their cultural and symbolic capital is as important as their economic capital. It is almost impossible to imagine a meal (including breakfast) without [...]

Flora and traditional medicines in Madagascar

Flora and Traditional Medicines in Madagascar Taking advantage of the extraordinary richness of the island's flora (200 plant families represented by the 400 inventoried plant families in the world, 12,000 flowering species of which 9,000 are endemic), the Malagasy have learned over the centuries the healing properties of many plants. Natural healers and diviners are the main [...]

The tribes of Madagascar-the Mahafaly

The Land of Mahafaly The land of Mahafaly, geographically bounded by the Onilahy River to the north and the Menarandra River to the south, actually begins at the elevation of RN 7. Most of the charcoal-burning and farming villages south of Table Mountain are inhabited by Tanalana migrants (population of the coastal plain of Mahafaly). From the eastern crystalline peninsula to the vast [...]

The tribes of Madagascar-The Betsileo

The tribes of Madagascar-the Betsileo The Betsileo areas unfold their contrasting landscapes in the south of the Imerina. Its strong and isolated relief, sometimes wooded, sometimes bare and full of lavaka, culminates at Pic Boby (2,658 m), in the Andringitra massif. As in Imerina, the remains of fortified villages cling to the top of rocky peaks. Rice fields, which in the course [...]

The tribes of Madagascar-the Antandroy

The tribes in Madagascar-The Antandroy The area of the Androy extends between the course of the Menarandra River in the west and the first foothills of the Anosy River in the east. With the exception of the low Mandrare, developed since the 1930s by extensive plantations of industrial sisal, the vegetation of the Androy is that of a subarid region. In the lower Androy [...]

The tribes in Madagascar-the Merina

Tribes of Madagascar-MERINA The geographic distribution of the Merina The Ankaratra massif, visible from Antananarivo in all seasons, forms the central part of the north-south ridge of the island. The main ridge line runs at an altitude of more than 200 m for almost 100 km, culminating at Tsiafajavona ("where the fog never lifts") at 2,643 m above sea level. At [...]

The fishing nomads of the Vezo tribe

The fishermen of the Vezo tribe The Vezo people, who could derive their name from "mivehy izao" (handle the oar), live on a coastal strip stretching from the south of Toliara (Tulear) to the north of Morondava, never more than a few hundred meters from the sea, although some of them with more or less [...]

Andasibe National Park - Mantadia-Mitsinjo

Andasibe National Park - Mantadia The Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is a must for naturalists and, three hours by car from the Malagasy capital, offers all the features of the tropical rainforest at medium altitude (930 m-1050 m). A network of trails among the low hills makes it easy to visit this 12,810 ha protected area where the visitor, even a beginner, [...]

The Twelve Sacred Hills of Imerina

The Twelve Sacred Hills of Imerina From the time of Andriamasinavalona (1675-1710) to the reign of Ranavalona III, the twelve sacred hills were Analamanga (Antananarivo), Ambohidrabiby, Alasora, Imerimanjaka, Antongona, Antsahadinta, Ambohimanga, Ilafy, Namehana-Ambohidratrimo, Amboantany, Ambohijoky and Ikaloy. Each of these royal villages is a sacred place where the cult of these memorable ancestors continues under all rulers [...]

The palaces of Rova Manjakamiadana in Antananarivo

The Royal Palaces of the Rova Manjakamiadana in Antananarivo Manjakamiadana means "Where it is easy to rule" The building with the imposing Rova was built in several phases on the site of a small wooden pavilion from the reign of Andrianampoinimerina. In 1839 Ranavalona I asked Jean Laborde to build a Tranovola-style palace. Like the old royal pavilions rested [...]

Aye Aye-the spooky finger animal from Madagascar

Aye Aye or Fingered Animal The Aye Aye (Daubentonia Madagascariensis) is also called Fingered Animal, these very rare and shy lemurs are by far the strangest lemurs you can observe here on Madagascar. A very frightening appearance, a very long finger and constantly regrowing teeth are the visible peculiarities. Its food consists mainly of larvae that [...]

Fossa-the only predator in Madagascar

Fossa-the only predator in Madagascar Although they may be one of Madagascar's lesser known species, fossas are the only predators in Madagascar and they are at least as exciting as the lemurs, chameleons and leaf-tailed geckos. Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox), sometimes known as ferret cat is an absolutely endemic predator species in Madagascar. Fossas live on very spread out territories [...]

Chameleons in Madagascar

Chameleons in Madagascar Madagascar is famous for its biodiversity. This nature rises by its beauty, its colors and sometimes even by its strangeness, in any case it amazes and moves. Chameleons are a testimony to the richness of this local fauna and flora. The variety of existing species, their colors, sizes and shapes make them all [...]

Five specialties that are considered typical Malagasy

Five specialties that are considered typical Malagasy 5 typical Malagasy specialties that you must try during your trip to Madagascar. Breathtaking landscapes, a very surprising culture and traditions are the characteristics that are typical of Madagascar. But that's not all, the Grande-Île also has a very rich and varied traditional gastronomy. [...]

Traditional zebu dishes from Magagascar

The local specialties in Madagascar Malagasy cuisine is different from our European cuisine, but very rich. During your vacation in Madagascar, do not forget to try these dishes! The usual meal of a Malagasy is divided into two parts. A Malagasy will have about 60% of his meal with a very large portion of rice (the Vary) [...]

The Manjakamiadana Palace

The Manjakamiadana Palace The Rova of Antananarivo is the former royal palace of Madagascar. It is located at an altitude of 1462 m on the highest elevation of the capital, the Analamanga, and is thus almost 200 m above the quarters of the lower city. The Manjakamiadana Palace was built between 1839 and 1841 by Jean Laborde, one of the few foreigners who worked on the [...]

Bradt Guides -Traveling from the Sofa to Better Times

Bradt Guides -Traveling from the Sofa to Better Times These are tough times for anyone with itchy feet. Here at Bradt, that's how we view the situation for anyone who is traveling - long mail alert! No need to remind you what a terrible time we are all going through. Right now, as we get to [...]

Vacation in Madagascar in the Covid-19 crisis

Vacation in Madagascar during the Covid-19 crisis The world situation and the chaos we are going through are unprecedented. In the 20 years I have been working, I have never experienced a comparable situation, neither on September 11, 2001, nor afterwards during the long crisis in Madagascar in 2001/2002 or the coup of 2009. What is currently happening is much [...]

The insecurity in Madagascar

Insecurity in Madagascar. It is enough to skim the Foreign Office's advice on Madagascar for 5 minutes to see that the same theme comes up again and again, security. Then I look through the testimonies of assaults, scams, tourist traps and robberies, most are from "hear/say" and do not correspond to reality. I let [...]

Tipping in Madagascar

Tipping and Donations in Madagascar What tip can you give Madagascar? What tip would be appropriate and what can you give to Madagascar? This is a legitimate question that comes up very regularly for anyone coming to Madagascar for the first time. Between the exchange rate, the cultural approach and the difference in standard of living, it is sometimes difficult to [...]

Fruits from Madagascar - all year round

Fruits from Madagascar - classified by seasons In Madagascar there is a great variety of fruits, so many that some of them are known only in their region of origin. There are only two seasons in the country, the rainy season and the winter season. In the rainy season there are the most fruits, but there are also varieties that grow all [...]

Nosy Iranja-the absolute dream island

Nosy Iranja: a beautiful mysterious island Those who know Madagascar and especially the Nosy Be archipelago would certainly have wanted to run aground on Nosy Iranja! If you are looking for a paradisiacal island where you can enjoy the sun and the sea, if you are looking for a secluded island in paradisiacal origin you will find it here! Book your trip now [...]

The magical extreme south of Madagascar

The enchanting extreme south Madagascar The spiritual values of the ancestral cult If you want to experience a rare and mythical journey, the crossing between Tulear and Fort Dauphin on the coast is part of these extraordinary crossings that we would like to share with you. This unique itinerary will take you along the unusual and secret tracks of the extreme south of Madagascar, [...]

Ylang-ylang: a fragrant pearl from Madagascar

Ylang Ylang: another pearl of Madagascar The Ylang Ylang or Cananga Odorata is a tree native to the humid tropical zones of India, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. But today it has become one of the most symbolic flowers of the Big Island. It is one of the treasures to [...] during your stay in Madagascar.

Makay-the unexplored area in Madagascar

The Makay Massif, new protected area in Madagascar The Makay Massif is a protected area for biodiversity. Makay is a sedimentary mountain barrier in southwestern Madagascar. The plateaus extend for almost 175 km between the Tsiribihina River in the north and the Mangoky River in the south, north of the Isalo sandstone massif. Its particular geography consists of sandstone plateaus, [...]

Sambava and the Vanilla Coast

Sambava and its famous vanilla plantations The town of Sambava, belonging to the Sava region (Sambava - Andapa - Vohemar - Antalaha), is described as the most welcoming town on the whole island. In this region you can discover the famous vanilla plantations of Madagascar. However, this is not the only wealth that characterizes this wonderful city. In fact, you will find [...]

Morondava, Baobab Avenue and surroundings

Morondava and its baobab avenue The city of Morondava is characterized by its famous baobab avenue. Most tourists passing through this city inevitably offer themselves as souvenirs for magnificent photo shoots on this avenue. It must be said that these majestic trees in the south of the island are a perfect backdrop for an idyllic trip to this exotic island, [...].

Tamatave or Toamasina

Tamatave or Toamasina, the port city in Madagascar The second largest city in Madagascar, Tamatave is a city with many facets. Tamatave is located in the eastern part of the island and is home to the largest port on the island. Once populated by fishermen, Tamatave is now a tourist attraction where foreigners and locals alike enjoy the best the city has to offer [...]

Toliara or Tulear-the city where the sun always shines

Tulear or Toliara, the city of the sun Paradise destination for travelers, the city of Toliara, called Tulear by the French, is the capital of the south of the Big Island. It is located on the Tropic of Capricorn and offers its visitors a very exotic and warm place. Vacationers appreciate the city for the friendliness and warmth that they [...]

Fort Dauphin-a remote jewel in Madagascar

Fort-Dauphin, the most beautiful city in the deep south As part of the most beautiful coastline Madagascar has to offer, Fort-Dauphin or Taolagnaro is a city in the southeast of the country. Despite its distance and relative inaccessibility, Fort Dauphin is far from being a desert. The city offers residents and visitors almost all year round [...]

Manakara, the ideal destination on the east coast

Manakara, the ideal destination on the Indian Ocean Madagascar is a wonderful island with a magnificent landscape that it offers to the rest of the world. This large island is rich in a variety of magnificent cities, including Manakara. The latter is the economic and administrative capital of the Vatovavy-Fitovinany region and belongs to the province of Fianarantsoa. It attracts the [...]

Fianarantsoa, closer to the Betsileo culture

Fianarantsoa, closer to the Betsileo culture In the south of Madagascar is the town of Fianarantsoa. Built on the top of the hill Ivoenana, the capital of the Betsileo tribe is about 400 km away from Antananarivo The translation of the place name would be: Fianarantsoa, the city where the good is taught. An exploration of this region of the island will give you [...]

Antsiranana or Diego Suarez-relaxation and adventure in the north

Diégo-Suarez or Antsiranana A destination dedicated to relaxation and adventure The capital of the DIANA region, is the city of Diego-Suarez and this city is one of the destinations to discover in northern Madagascar. Due to its geographical location, Diego Suarez offers an atypical natural diversity and an idyllic setting for a dream stay. [...]

Stringer and Fixer for filming in Madagascar

No story without a stringer! Foreign correspondents and freelance TV writers can book me as stringer/logistician in Madagascar. Use my knowledge of the region, my diverse contacts and my experience as a logistician and interpreter for your reporting. As a travel agent and Madagascar expert based in Antananarivo, I offer a complete package of services: I set up interviews, search [...]

The northern part of Madagascar

The northern part of Madagascar Madagascar continues to attract many tourists thanks to its incomparable natural resources. A trip to this fascinating island promises an unforgettable stay. All parts of the island have their own biotope and climate to satisfy you all year round. If Nosy Be remains the most popular destination in Madagascar, also have [...]

Andringitra & Tsaranoro Mountains: Discover the paradise of hikers.

Andringitra: Discover the paradise of hikers. The province of Fianarantsoa holds many wonders. In the region of Haute Matsiatra, the supremacy of the Andringitra massif extends for about sixty kilometers. This area is considered one of the most beautiful landscapes of the red island of Madagascar For hikers or trekking lovers, this massif remains an idyllic destination. A rich ecosystem Andringitra offers [...]

Fly to Madagascar with Turkish Airlines

Madagascar with Turkish Airlines Are you dreaming of a trip to Madagascar? Book your flight with Turkish Airlines now and discover all the cheap offers available from October to December for this paradise destination. Turkish Airlines Turkish Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world. It serves more than 290 international destinations, and [...]

Antsirabe, where there is a lot of salt

Antsirabe, in the heart of the water city You will not have fully experienced your stay in Madagascar if you have not passed through Antsirabe. The Water City is the third largest city in the country. It holds many surprises for you that it would certainly be good to discover if you were to visit Madagascar. How to get to Antsirabe? It [...]

Majunga, the flourishing city

Majunga, the city of flowers Who on the island does not know the city of Majunga? Very popular vacation spot for the people of the capital, Majunga is also the meeting point for many vacationers traveling to the north of Madagascar. Locals and foreigners can certainly agree that Majunga is a great place to live. How does [...]

Ampefy and surroundings

The region of Ampefy, an atypical destination in Madagascar. The big island of Madagascar is an exotic country where the sun shines all the time. If you choose to travel to the red island, you will have the pleasure of discovering an extraordinary cultural diversity. Each region of the island is different, which makes its richness in [...]

The private plane is worth its weight in gold in Madagascar

The private plane is worth its weight in gold on Madagascar Madagascar is a beautiful island with breathtaking flora and fauna. But especially for tourists, who of course always like to explore the island and also want to make side trips to Mozambique or other areas, this can be quite difficult. Why? We would like to explain that here briefly. The [...]

A motorcycle tour in Madagascar

Antananarivo - East Coast A tour by motorcycle in Madagascar Motorcycle Tours in Madagascar, a blog post by Georg Jaster author of Vaovao. I was lucky enough to live in Madagascar for three years from 2013 to 2016 for professional reasons. Out of old passion and also because it's just practical, I moved around during the years [...]

Madagascar Airport - Important information and tips

To travel to exotic and distant countries, the airplane is usually recommended as a particularly fast and often also inexpensive travel vehicle. Many people not only travel from one country to the next by plane, but also intend to bridge the distances between individual regions at the destination in such a machine. This is also theoretically possible in Madagascar [...].