Madagascar - Talkeetna Viaggi

Madagascar
Madagascar is the world's fourth largest island. Ringed by golden beaches and palm trees, it
has an interior that is resplendent in its variety, from grassy plateaus to volcanoes and opaque
forests and natural reserves. Since it split from the mainland 165 million years ago, many
species that are unique to the island have evolved, including 3,000 indigenous species of
butterfly.
The Hauts Plateaux divides the country geographically, climatically and culturally. The coastal
strip east of this chain of high mountains is heavily forested, while the west is mainly
savannah.
The levels of poverty and the enormous gap between rich and poor may deter some but
Madagascar still dazzles with its rich wildlife, much of which can be found nowhere else on
Earth.
'You can't catch a louse with one finger' Malagasy proverb
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Where to go in Madagascar:
South for:
Berenty Nature Reserve [lemurs, chameleons ++] Near Fort Dauphin, it's about 500 miles
from Tana.
Mahafaly tribe [and others to a lesser extent] elaborate carved and painted graves.
Isalo National Park [extraordinary wind cut sandstone, lemurs, wacky plants, pools] - you may
need a guide. About 250 miles south from Tana.
West for:
Tsingy Nature Reserve, weird limestone formations, birdlife by the ton, lemurs etc etc. 370mi
west of Tana.
North for:
Montagne d'Ambre National Park, rain forest stuffed with the usual unusual species including
the blue nose chameleon. No shortage of leeches either. Lots of hiking trails and two lovely
waterfalls. 500mi north of Tana. Cooler than the coast so you don't need shorts.
Nosy Be island for expensive beach package hotels and Lokobe Nature Reserve.
East for :
Ile Ste Marie island [Nosy Boraha] for beach bungalow places and coral.
Geography:
Size 587,040 sq km, slightly less than twice the size of Arizona, US. Madagascar's climate is
tropical along coast with a temperate inland, and it's arid in the south. The island has a narrow
coastal plain, with a high plateau and mountains in the center. Its lowest point of elevation is
the Indian Ocean at 0; its highest point of elevation is Maromokotro which stands at 2,876 m.
Madagascar is the world's fourth largest island. It's unique biodiversity is a big draw for
scientists and tourists.
Climate: The eastern part of Madagascar receives much rain, brought onshore by
southeastern trade winds, which are forced to rise and drop moisture as they meet the eastern
escarpment; annual precipitation in some places exceeds 3050 mm (120 in). The central
plateau gets considerably less moisture, and arid areas in the south and southwest receive less
than 380 mm (less than 15 in) of precipitation per year. Most of the rain falls from November
to April. The coastal regions generally are hot throughout the year. The central plateau has a
temperate climate, with warm summers and cool winters. The average temperature range in
Antananarivo on the plateau is 16° to 26° C (61° to 79° F) in January and 9° to 20° C (48° to
68° F) in July.
Best:May-Oct[winter,dryseason]
Worst:Dec-March[rains,hurricanes]
Bank opening hours: from 0800-1600 monday to friday.
Credit Cards : Credit cards have limited use outside the capitol. Mastercard is accepted by
many upmarket travel and tour agencies (including Air Madagascar) and hotels, but Visa card
is really only feasible within such establishments in Tana, and for withdrawals at BFV bank.
Direct payment with creditcards is only possible in first-class hotels and big shops. Visa,
American Express, Access/MasterCard and Diners Club are accepted at the capital's Colbert
and Hilton hotels. Check with your credit card company for details of merchant acceptability
and other services which may be available.
Traveller's cheque : Travellers' cheques are the go for payment and money. They can be
exchanged in banks and major hotels.The BNI-CL and BTM banks have the best rates. To avoid
additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US
Dollars or Euros
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Electricity : Electricity in Madagascar is 220 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you
travel to Madagascar with a device that does not accept 220 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a
voltage converter.
Passport and Visa: ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. Visas are
available at all airports servicing international flights, but travelers who opt to obtain a visa at
an airport should expect delays upon arrival. Visas obtained at the airport cannot be extended.
Passport/Visa Note: Passports of all visitors must be valid for at least six months after entry
date. Visas can be issued on arrival, but it is highly recommended that visitors obtain visas
prior to arrival. At least one blank page is needed in passports, reserved for use by the
Madagascar Immigration Authorities. Return or onward tickets are required; otherwise a
deposit must be paid before arriving in Madagascar, which is equivalent to the cost of a flight
to the country of origin.
Health: All travellers should visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic 4-8
weeks before departure.
Malaria: Prophylaxis with Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline is recommended for all areas.
Vaccinations:
Hepatitis A
Recommended for all travelers
Typhoid
Recommended for all travelers
Yellow fever
Required for all travellers arriving from a yellowfever-infected area in Africa or the Americas
influenza
Recommended for all travellers
Polio
One-time booster recommended for any adult
traveller who completed the childhood series but
never had polio vaccine as an adult
Hepatitis B
For travellers who may have intimate contact with
local residents, especially if visiting for more than 6
months
Rabies
For travellers who may have direct contact with
animals and may not have access to medical care
Measles, mumps,
rubella (MMR)
Two doses recommended for all travellers born
after 1956, if not previously given
Tetanus-diphtheria
Revaccination recommended every 10 years
Food :
Rice
The Malagasy people eat about a pound of rice daily. They consider themselves poorly
treated if it is not available. Everything they eat goes with rice.
Stews and Sauces
The national meat dish, for those who can afford it is romanzara, a beef and vegetable
stew in thin gravy with a hint of ginger; served with rice, spinach-like greens, and
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perhaps a salad. Another people's favorite stews and sauces are: ravito, mofo, and
ravgaille.
Eating Outside
Going to any restaurant in Madagascar is an indulgence for the rich. But once there,
their favorite and most expensive dish is the paella, a combination of seafood, rice, fish,
and/or chicken.
Satisfying a Sweet Mouth
The best desserts you can find there is a combination of sweet and fresh fruits that
grow in the while and are free to eat whenever you want to.
Madagascar Transportation :
Air: International Flights
Domestic Flights: The domestic airline serves most the country's town with the exceptions of a
few in the central highlands. On all flights a small departure tax is charged.
Boat: You can travel between coastal villages in dugout canoes known as Pirogues or Lakana.
You can also hire Dhows and larger cargo boats. Ferries sails between Toamasina, Nosy Boraha
and Maroantsetra and connect Manompana and Soanierana-Ivongo with Nosy Boraha.
Train: The railway system connection Antananarivo, and Toamasina; Antananarivo and
Antsirabe; Fianarantsoa and Manakara; and Moramanga and Ambatondrazaj
Bus: Bush Taxis and mini-buses are the main form of transport. Some larger buses runs
between Antananarivo and Toliara. Most the vehicles are in a very poor state and are very
crowded. Road conditions are very poor, some impassable during heavy rains.
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National Parks & Game Reserves
-Perinet-Analamazoatra Reserve and Mantady National Park
-Réserve Spéciale d' Analamerana
-Masoala National Park and Nosy Mangabe Reserve
-Berenty Reserve
-Montagne d'Ambre National Park and the Ankarara Reserve
-Lokobe Reserve
-Isalo National Park
-Reserve Forestiere d'Ampijoroa
-Zombitse Forest
-Kirindy Forest
-Ankarafantsika Reserve
-Ranomafana National Park
-The Andringitra National Park
-Andohahela National Park
-Beza Mahafaly Reserve
-Tsimanampetsotsa National Park
-Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park
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Perinet-Analamazoatra Reserve and Mantady National Park
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (former Perinet), which is one of Madagascar's
well-known wildlife sites.
Getting There : Andasibe is situated 138km to the east of Tana along RN2.
Andasibe National Park is the most visited of the protected areas.
It actually comprises two parts: The Mantadia Park and the Analamazaotra reserve of
Indri, over 12 180 ha surface area. It is a real treasure in terms of fauna as Andasibe
hosts 11 species of lemurs of which the biggest, the Indri Indri, which is easily spotted
because of its impressive calls. Expect to see Indri, Grey bamboo lemur, Brown lemur,
and at night the Eastern woolly lemur, Sportive lemur, Greater dwarf lemur and Rufous
mouse lemur. Visit the neighbouring Mantadia National Park for spectacular primary
rainforest and rare birds and mammals. The trails are well mapped and the local forest
guides will introduce you to many animal and plant oddities.
Andasibe covers an area of montane rainforest at altitudes between 930 metres and
1,040 metres. It is the best park for the indri, the largest lemur, and two of the 62
resident groups have been habituated, making them easy to see. There are eight other
species of lemur in Andasibe and the most commonly seen include the grey bamboo
lemurs, brown lemurs and woolly lemurs. There are some wonderful chameleons in the
reserve including the two-foot long Parson’s chameleon and the tiny nose-horned
chameleon.
Mantadia National Park is a 10 000 hectare protected area containing mostly primary
rainforest. It forms part of a massive rainforest block including the even larger, but as
yet unprotected, Vohidrazona rainforest.
Getting There : Mantadia is about 37 km by dirt road from Périnet
The two reserves are only 3 km apart at one point. Those 3 km are hostile to most of
the rainforest-dwelling species and there are several projects working to regenerate the
forest, restore the continuity between the reserves and promote sustainable
development.
When to visit :This is a rainforest: average annual rainfall is 1700mm, falling on over
210 days per year. Though wildlife viewing is most productive from mid-September to
April, the fauna is habituated to inclement weather and the area can be visited year-
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round. The wettest months are January to March; the driest, September to midNovember. The mean annual temperature is 18°C, with temperatures around 10°C in
July and August rising to 26° or 27° November – January.
Accomodation :
Vakona Forest Lodge is situated on a hillside that drops down to a lake: the
combination of luxuriant vegetation and fresh mountain air is wonderful, the peace
disturbed only by the sound of forest frogs. Dotted around the hillside, fourteen basic
bungalows each have their own decks.
Réserve Spéciale d' Analamerana
General location: Northeastern
Province : Antsiranana (Diégo-Suarez)
Getting There : 36 km fromAnivorano-Nord by 4x4 (from Diégo-Suarez to AnivoranoNord: 75 km), gate on Irodo river on the Nord and Loky on the Sud
Climate : sub-humide . Rain season from November to April
Masoala National Park and Nosy Mangabe Reserve
Getting There : The Masoala Peninsula lies east of Maroansetra, a 2-3 hour boat ride
from the town or a 5 day hike
Climate: Lowland tropical rainforest
Encompassing 840 square miles in the northern region of the island, Masoala is
Madagascar's largest protected area. It contains significant portions of lowland and
coastal rainforest — habitats containing other lemur species such as the hairyeared
dwarf lemur. The small island of Nosy Mangabe, a special reserve contained within the
park's coastal borders, is home to the ayeaye, an unusual species of lemur with an
elongated middle finger, used by the animal to pull grubs and insects from wood. Aside
from lemurs, Masoala contains a wealth of biodiversity. Recent wildlife surveys re
discovered a species previously thought to be extinct — the Madagascar serpent eagle.
The park forests abound with chameleons and geckos, as well as several species of
butterflies and fish which are new to science. Masoala also includes three marine
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reserves, designed to protect the peninsula's coral reef systems. Humpback whales use
the nearby Bay of Antongil for calving and can be seen from the park's coastline.
It is estimated that the forests of the Antongil Bay watershed contain 50% of
Madagascar's biodiversity, despite making up less than 2% of its land mass.
Nosy Mangabe is part of Masoala National Park. The 520 ha island is located about 2 km
off shore from the town of Maroantsetra and lies in the Gulf of Antongil.
Accomodation :
-The Ecolodge
-Masoala Forest Lodge
-Tampolo Lodge
-Relais du Masoala
Berenty Reserve
Getting Tehre : Berenty is a privately-owned reserve that lies about 80 km from Fort
Dauphin (Taolagnaro). The transfer to Berenty usually takes around 2 hours to go
The drive is interesting taking you from the mountainous tropical forests and rice
paddies of Fort Dauphin through a transitional vegetation zone (with the rare triangular
palms Neodypsis decary) to the flat, dry spiny forest that is unique to this part of
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Madagascar. Virtually every plant in this ecosystem is coated in thorns and is well
adapted to retaining moisture that is so rare in this climate.
Diverse cultures and societies intersect at Berenty. There are scientists and their
students of many nations, tourists, TV crews, Tandroy employees in sisal and tourism,
and different forms of lemur society. The gallery forest was formed between the
present Mandrare River and one of its ancient arms: rich, well watered soil in a dry
land. It holds extremely dense natural lemur populations with several hundred of each
species per square kilometer. At the “Tourist Front” even denser populations feed on
introduced trees and tourist food.
Accomodation :
- Berenty Lodges : a simple collection of en suite bungalows or lodge rooms.The lodge also has
a pleasant tea garden where afternoons can be spent watching the mischievous ring tailed
lemurs or dancing sifakas at play; alternatively one can visit the museum which displays the
local artefacts and history of the region.
Montagne d'Ambre National Park and the Ankarara Reserve
Getting There : Ambre Mountain National Park is situated in the far north of Madagascar, 40
kilometres south of Diego Suarez.
Climate : Whilst Diego can be hot and dry Amber Mountain is always cool and fresh with mist
hanging over the trees.
Nature : There are huge strangler figs, quinine trees and enormous birdsnest ferns. There are
seven lemur species in this popular National Park – including the crowned lemur and Sanford's
brown lemur. Reptiles and amphibians thrive here, including frogs, geckoes, chameleons and
snakes. Birdwatchers won't be disappointed as 73 species of birds have been recorded in the
park. There are seven lemur species in the park, including the crowned lemur and Sanford’s
brown lemur, and hikers usually see at least one if not two of the diurnal species.
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Activity : The park is rewarding for walkers with several beautiful trails threading through the
forest. Two trails lead to waterfalls, the Cascade d’Antomboka and Cascade Sacrée. On foot
you have the chance to discover all the smaller wildlife such as the leaf-mimic chameleons,
tree boas, leaftailed geckos, butterflies and pill millipedes which curl up into perfect balls. Visit
the Petite Cascade, a beautiful small waterfall flowing into a gorgeous rock pool surrounded by
fern covered cliffs, and the Petit Lac, a serene crater lake reached after a steep walk.
Accommodation
Domaine de Fontenay is a colonial property, owner-run by Karl-Heinz and his wife Marie-Jose,
who is in charge of the superb French cuisine.
Nature Lodge is located on a hill. Accommodation is in 12 simple thatched chalets made from
local wood, each with a deck that is perfect for taking in the superb views of Diego Suarez and
the Indian Ocean beyond. Activities :
* Excursions into nearby Amber Mountain National Park
* Hiking
* Birding
* Tracking lemurs
* Swimming in natural pools - at the base of the 'Grande Cascade' waterfall
Lokobe Reserve
Getting There : 7 km South from Nosy-Be
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Access : At present the reserve is reached by canoe (pirogue) as part of an organised
excursion. Easier access by vehicle may be possible in the future.
Unescorted visits are not permitted. Within the reserve there are good trails.
The natural reserve of Lokobe is the only zone of preserved original forest remaining on
the island, and its 740 hectares will enable you to admire the major tract of endemic
vegetation on Nosy Bé.
A visit to Lokobe is one of the most popular excursions on the holiday island of Nosy Be.
The Black Lemur Forest Project is working with local communities on conservation, and
visits by tourists are likely to be extended in the reserve to raise awareness of the
problems facing the lemurs
Mammals: Black lemur, grey-backed (Nosy Be) sportive lemur, brown mouse lemur,
greater hedgehog tenrec.
Accommodation: The reserve is easily reached from Nosy Be’s many hotels.
Isalo National Park
L'Isalo National Park, part of the Isalo massif in Madagascar, features a remarkable
landscape of eroded sandstone formations, rare vegetation and a variety of birds .The
park is one of the biggest attractions in the country and an excellent place for day trips.
Enjoy the sunset at the "Window of Isalo," a beautifully shaped rock formation.
The climate here in the south is hot and dry and the red sandstone cliffs and canyons
draw up images of Arizona.
Isalo National Park is a land endowed with an important network of streams feeding the
tributaries of the river Mangoky. It is a sacred land, as it also shelters the Bara
ancestors' cemeteries, dug on the cliff sides to prevent pillage.
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Getting There : The park is situated just off the main road, 400km south-west of
Antanarivo and about 285 km south west of Fianarantsoa .The nearest village is
Ranohira. Reached from Ihosy, approx 90km (2 hours) to the east, or from Tuléar
(Toliary) 250km to the southwest (3 to 4 hours). A local guide is obligatory if hiking
within the park.
Best months to visit: Brief rains occur between January and March. Daytime
temperatures from June to August are pleasant but nights can be very cold ; from
November to March days may be too hot. During September and early October the
elephant’s foot plants are in bloom and temperatures are moderate..
What to do : Even driving through Isalo gives some idea of its rugged beauty. To see
any wildlife, however, you must hike and camp. A popular area is the natural swimming
pool. La Piscine Naturelle, and for a better chance of lemur-viewing the Canyon des
Singes and an excursion to the beautiful Grotte de Portugais are worth the effort.
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Nature : Mammals: Not prominent, but these may be seen : ring-tailed lemur, Verreaux’s
sifaka, red-fronted brown lemur. Birds: Benson’s rock-thrush, white-throated rail, Madagascar
coucal, Madagascar wagtail, Madagascar kestrel.
Other activity : After Isalo National Park along a straight road, where the landscape is
composed of dry and spiny forests you can find baobab trees and some proudly
decorated Mahafaly tombs.
Accomodation :
-Relais de la Reine hotel
-Hotel L'Orchidee de L'Isalo
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Reserve Forestiere d'Ampijoroa
The Reserve Forestiere d'Ampijoroa is one of the best places in Madagascar to see lemurs.
Little round faces with soft dark eyes watch you from the branches of the trees in the day.
Bright circles of reflected torchlight can be seen at night.
The reserve is in the north-west of Madagascar and covers an area of deciduous forest. Easy
trails meander through the trees. There is a dense canopy but little undergrowth, which makes
spotting wildlife easy, especially in winter (April-October) when the trees shed their leaves.
Camping is the best way to appreciate the area, since the forest is at its most active at dawn
and dusk and you will also be able to go on nocturnal torchlight searches for lemurs. It is
worth asking to see if you can be shown around the tortoise compound. The staff usually agree
and are rightly extremely proud of their work.
The park is about two hours from Mahajanga (another good reason for camping). The highlight
of the year comes in October and November when the lemurs have tiny babies clinging to their
backs - a sight guaranteed to soften the hardest heart.
Zombitse Forest
Getting There : 135 km northeast of Toliara, 90 km west of Isalo.
Zombitse and Vohibasia are the largest of several forest fragments that form the
southernmost tracts of dry forest in Madagascar. They have a combined area of about
750km2 and are entirely surrounded by a vast area of anthropogenic savannah.
Altitude on the sandy domes of the park varies between 485 and 825 meters.
Climate: The forest of Vohibasia serves as the transition between the dry and wet
forests of Madagascar. Rainy season : Jan-Mar (Dec is peak month for rain). Hottest
month: January (30 C), Coldest: May (14 C).
Here, Zombitse is a spectacular area of gallery forest, one of the few remaining in the
region and perhaps the only intact area of gallery forest in Zombitse.
The habitat is dominated by lush, high canopied gallery woodland and areas of standing
water. The forest interior, however, is highly variable. Areas adjacent to the most
frequented forest trails seem degraded with a dense understorey, but elsewhere there
is a higher, more continuous canopy and larger trees. The source of the Ambiamena is
a large pool that nurtures an area of damp grass and marsh. There is some evidence of
burning in the open areas (to promote grass regeneration). This is a potential threat to
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the forest, especially where selective exploitation has encouraged scrubby regrowth and
fire can easily penetrate.
We recorded thirteen species of mammals in Zombitse-Vohibasia. These comprised
seven species of prosmian, two carnivores, an introduced Suides, one Tenrecidae and
two introduced rodents. One additional prosmian was reported, while at least two
species of unidentified bat were seen.Seven of the eight lemurs known from ZombitseVohibasia were recorded , and local reports of the eighth were received : Coquerel's
Dwarf Lemur Mirza coquerali, Ring-tailed Lemur Lemur catta, Verreaux's Sifaka
Propithecus. v. verreauxi, Fork-marked Lemur Phaner furcifer, Grey Mouse Lemur
Microcebus murinus, Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur Cheirogaleus medius, Red-tailed Sportive
Lemur Lepilemur ruficaudatus and Common Brown Lemur Eulemur fulvus rufus.
Accomodation :
Sihanamena is situated between the forests of Vohibasia and Mangona, adjacent to the
Fitory river. It was therefore an ideal place to camp while conducting fieldwork in both
forests.
Alternative read accommodation in Isalo N.P.
Kirindy Forest
Access: About an hour from Morondava (Location: Approximately 50km northeast of
Morondava.)
Kirindy is a privately managed forest in one of Madagascar's most threatened ecosystems. It it
famous for the giant jumping rat, but is also home to seven species of lemur and a number of
endemic reptiles. The flora is equally unusual.
The Kirindy Nature Reserve on Madagascar's central west coast offers the opportunity to visit
the world's most endangered ecosystem - tropical dry deciduous forest. It is also home to
Madagascar's most common primate, the Lemur.
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Catch the Mouse and Pygmy Mouse Lemurs in their natural habitat.The reserve is the place not
only to find the world's smallest lemur, but also some of its biggest trees. The baobabs here
are enormous.
Morondava is the gateway to the reserve. It is worth a visit in itself for its tropical
beaches and the diving and snorkelling on the reefs out to sea.
Climate: Western deciduous forest The best time to come is during the dry season
(April - October). Kirindy is a place of extreme seasonal changes. A short, hot rainy
season between December and February (where temperatures may top 40 C) is
followed by nine months with little rain and cool temperatures.
Accomodation :
Hotel Chez Maggie with bungalows
Hotel Royal ToeraHotel Les Bougainvilliers – Bungalow style with sea-side restaurant –
Morondava
Hotel Trecicogne – traditional hotel with restaurant - Morondava
Ankarafantsika Reserve
Getting There : 2 hours from the port Mahajanga. The Ampijoroa Forestry Station lies
either side of RN4 approximately 120km southeast of Majunga (Mahajanga)
Ankarana Reserve is Madagascar's most rewarding hiking destination - a fortress of
limestone pinnacles and sharp ridges, patches of dense tropical jungle, deep caves and
rushing rivers.
Mahajanga
Ampijoroa Forest Station, in the Ankarafantsika Reserve, is a 2-hour drive inland
from the northwest coast. Ampijoroa is a very accessible section of the Ankarafantsika
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Reserve, and is one of the two best remaining examples of western Malagasy tropical
dry deciduous forests. Here, you can almost guarantee seeing all the special endemics
to western Madagascar’s hot, wide lowlands. White-breasted Mesite, Coquerel’s,
Crested and Red-capped coua’s, Schlegels’ Asity and Van Dam’s Vanga. Broad paths
lead into gentle terrain, and it is also the best place to see the spectacular Madagascar
Crested Ibis, White-throated Rail and a host of raptors (in particular Madagascar
Buzzard, Madagascar Harrier Hawk, Madagascar and Frances’s sparrow hawks and
Banded Kestrel). The star attraction, however, is the endangered Madagascar Fish
Eagle, now down to about 100 pairs. In the woods, you will also see Greater Vasa
Parrot, Madagascar Lesser Cuckoo, Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher and various vangas,
Madagascar Magpie Robin, Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher and Sakalava Weaver.
Ankarana is an adventure. Hiking in the jungle is not all lemurs and happiness.
Temperatures are high and for much of the year visitors need to carry all of their
drinking water. There are also wasps and scorpions to deal with.
Some companies arrange trips into Ankarana, but it is also possible to arrange your
own trip from Antsiranana, the nearest town. There is a campsite at the entrance to the
reserve, but very little else in the way of facilities, so visitors need to bring in all of their
food and equipment. The best time of year to visit is during the dry season, from April
to November.
Accommodation: At present only camping, but simple accommodation may soon be
available in the nearby village.
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Ranomafana National Park
Ranomafana is one of Madagascar's best known and most important parks. Created in
1991 following the 1986 discovery of the golden bamboo lemur, Ranomafana has
served as a model for subsequent parks and reserves in the country and abroad.
Getting There : Approximately 65km north-east of Fianarantsoa , 400 km south of
Antananarivo. Via the poor road that connects Fianarantsoa with Mananjary on the east
coast, a 2 hour journey from Fianarantsoa.
Location : Eastern Madagascar - About 470Km from Antananarivo
Climate : Montane rainforest
While here you take day and night walks in the Ranomafana Reserve, home to the rare
Milne-Edwards Sifaka and the Red-fronted Brown lemur. The reserve is in a lush
montane rainforest and always green due to continuous rain during the year. Medicinal
plants are found throughout the reserve including three kinds of ginger: white-, redand yellow-flowered. You also have the opportunity to walk around the quaint town of
Ranomafana and visit the thermal springs.
Golden bamboo lemur is the most famous animal in this park, but it is not common. They are
newly discovered in 1986.
Best time to visit: the summer rainy season ( December to March) is the most
rewarding, but access and conditions can be difficult. Otherwise the periods either side
of the main rains: April to November
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Accomodation :
-Hotel Domain Nature
- Setam Lodge - Built: 2005
- Hotel Centrest Sejour
- Ihari Hotel
The Andringitra National Park
The Andringitra National Park is a rare example of a mountain ecosystem where
biodiversity, habitat and cultural identities have an interrelationship that is mutually
beneficial to all. Although only about 30 percent of the national park is covered by
forests, the forest structure is highly diverse, ranging from high humid tropical forest at
low altitudes, through sclerophyll and bamboo forest, to heathland and bush in the
upper areas. Edaphic and climatic conditions, combined with anthropogenic disturbance
at higher altitudes, have resulted in a mosaic pattern of diverse vegetation types,
especially in the zones of transition.
Getting There : 47 km south of Ambalavao, 120 km south of Ranomafana
Climate :
Andringitra is characterized by high mountains (peak 2658m), deep valleys, and ridges.
Andringitra, one of the most biodiverse parks in Madagascar, is made up of three
distinct ecozones: 1) low altitude rainforest, 2) montane mountain, and 3) highland
vegetation/forest. With the help of guides and porters you climb Pic Boby (2658
metres), along one of the three main trails in the park.
The Andringitra mountains in southern Madagascar are a granite outcrop of the ancient
Precambrian rock.Magnificent views, natural pool, small forest with lemurs.
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Accomodation :
-Camp Catta was created by Christian, formerly from the "Lezards de Tana". The resort
is beautifully located at the foot of Tsaranoro mountain. It's a good starting point for
treks in the Andringitra reserve. If you like adventure sports (wall climbing, paragliding,
even base jumping) it's your place. [email protected] - www.campcatta.com
- Hotel Aux Bouganvillees – Ambalavao
Andohahela National Park
This recently proclaimed national park straddling the road between Tolagnaro and
Berenty protects a range of habitats from eastern rainforest to Alluadia-rich spiny
desert. Although the two sections are only separated by a few kilometers, their bird
communities are quite different.
On the eastern slope the terrain is mountainous with a dense tropical rainforest while
the western slope of the park is hot and dry and includes the rare spiny forest. There is
also a zone of transition forest between the forest types.
Getting There : 40 km northeast of Fort Dauphin in the Southeastern of the Country.
Climate : Dry tropical
Accomodation :
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-Hotel Domaine de la Cascade .La Cascade is located in the old Lansargue Plantation, 12 km
from Fort Dauphin at the foot of the Anosyan mountain chain, with miles of well signaled
walking circuits. There are a couple of buildings which are simple but beautiful, spread out on
an impeccable lawn, and including a kitchen garden, an orchard and a welcome quite out of
the ordinary.
-Hotel in Nahampoana Riserve .A few minutes from Fort Dauphin, this is a lovely residence in
an exotic park - visit, or stay and have breakfast with the lemurs! Former "Garden of
acclimatization" of species useful to Madagascar, this 67 hectare garden, at the foot of the St
Louis peak, is also planted with many endemic plants. Introduced are several species of
lemurs, tortoises, chameleons and crocodiles. River trips are also available.
-Village Petit Bonheur Fort Dauphin
Beza Mahafaly Reserve
Getting There : Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve is located at 35 km northeast of
Betioky Sud in the Southwest of Madagascar.
In Andranovory begin the track to the National Park of Beza, which protects significant
areas of spiny and gallery forest, and provides a habitat for ringtail lemurs, tortoises,
birds and sifakas. The Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve (Beza) is a protected forest of an
area of about 620 ha in south-west Madagascar. The fauna contains four species of
lemurs including Ringtailed Lemur and White-Footed Sportive Lemur.
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Beza Mahafaly also has important tourism potentials. It is not only because of the rich
fauna and flora, but also the unique local culture of the Mahafaly people, the
handicrafts in the region, and the proximity of Beza to the southern tourist circuit
(between Toliary [Tulear] and Tolagnaro [Fort-Dauphin]). An important set of
infrastructures is ready to receive visitors in Bezà Mahafaly, namely the lodge of ESSAForêts, rooms, toilets and shower included.
To access the Beza Mahafaly Reserve you are obliged to have a permission. You can
organize it or in the village adjacent to the resserve or at the ESSA Département of the
Eaux et Forêt (the Forestry University): BP 3044 (Tel. 22 323-19). Since April 2004
such a permission is also available at the ANGAP office.
As a visitor you need to bring your own tent. Some basic facilities are to be found on
the project camp site. It is vital to bring enough water and food supply for the staying
time. Last but not least: Always beware of poisonous scorpions.
Tsimanampetsotsa National Park
Getting There : 85 km south of Toliara
Climate: Endemic spiny forest and wetlands
When to go : The dry south-west can be visited year round; elsewhere the rainy
season is December-March, when many roads become impassable.
It is the newest National Park in Madagascar and one of its most unusual reserves. It
comprises a milky blue 15-km long saline lake populated by pink and dwarf flamingos
and other wading birds, with an adjacent limestone escarpment covered in rare
pachypodium-dominated spiny forest displaying extreme adaptation to the arid
environment. Oddities include 2000 year-old, squat baobabs and a ficus tree grove
with roots extending into a sinkhole river system, used by ring tailed lemurs to access a
drink. With 90 per cent of all resident species endemic to the park, it has the highest
endemicity of any reserve on the island. One species of fish is found here in the cave
river system which runs under the desert and spiny bush. It is a small, pink-white blind
cave fish which feeds on plankton, crustaceans, and insects. There are rare avian
endemics, three species of lemur including the ring-tailed (much wilder than those at
Berenty), the rare radiated tortoise and the recently discovered, locally endemic
Grandidier's mongoose, first described in 1986. An expedition to Tsimanampetsotsa can
involve hot and bumpy travel and a bone-shaking ride by zebu cart. However, it is a
rewarding and unforgettable experience, easily combined with a comfortable beach
hotel at Ambola or Anakao.
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Accomodation :
-Hotel Ambola. Offers the opportunity to explore two distinct forms of vegetation: the
coastal forest bordering the lake and the thorny bushes typical of the South.
www.ambola-madagascar.com
Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park
Tsingy de Bemaraha is one of Madagascar's newest parks ; it was opened to the public
only in 1998. The 152,000ha Bemaraha is best known for its tsingy ;sharp limestone
pinnacles that may reach 150 feet in height. Cut through the tsingy are canyons and
gorges full of rich fauna and flora.
Getting There : From the Airport of Morondava then driving to the Tsingy of Bemaraha
: 235 kms. A 4 hour drive north from Morondava.
Climate: Dry deciduous forest
To see : caves, stalactites, stalagmites, the famous family tomb of the Vazimba tribe
whom lived in the Tsingy in the 17th century, the beautiful gorge of limestone
pinnacles. Labyrinth of limestones, 2 view points on the limestones pinnacles formation,
the biggest Sifaka (white Lemurs) called Decken’s Sifaka., red fronted brown Lemurs,
Birds species, spiders …
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Here you can drive straight back to Morondava and spend the sunset at the famous
Baobab Avenue then overnight in the Hotel
Or spend one night in Kirindy Forest for and another night walk to see nocturnal species
of Lemurs including the mouse-Lemurs, the fork-marked Lemurs…
Accomodation :
- Olympe du Bemaraha (Nice bungalow with restaurant, nice view on the Manambolo
River).
-Relais de la Reine (Nice bungalow with restaurant, nice view on the gorge of
Manambolo)
- Tanankoay Hotel (Nice Bungalow with restaurant and camping ground)
- Kirindy Lodge (a basic bungalow with shower)
-The Tsingy Hotel in Bekopaka. The concept is dedicated to ecotourism.
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The Islands & Beaches of Madagascar
-Anakao and Ifaty
-Île Sainte-Marie
-Lokaro
-Nosy Be
-Nosy Iranja
-Nosy Komba
-Nosy Mitsio Arcipelago
-Nosy Sakatia
-Nosy Tanikely
-Nosy Ve
Anakao and Ifaty
Anakao is a traditional Vezo fishing village on the southwest coast of Madagascar, about
35 km south of Toliara (Tuléar). Its isolation has protected it from most tourism and it
remains fairly unspoiled.
Anakao is known for its long white beach lined with an armada of brightly painted
pirogues; its turquoise lagoon, with tints of emerals; its fishing, diving and surfing.
Most travellers visit the quiet coastal area of Ifaty, featuring the villages of Ifaty, Mangilly and
Mandio Rano, or sit under a palm tree on a white sandy beach. With coral reefs just offshore,
sea breezes whispering in the casuarina trees and a relaxed tropical ambience
There's whale-watching in July and August, and the amazing spiny forest along the road just
north of Mangilly is well worth a look.
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Climate : Southwestern Madagascar is the driest part of Madagascar, so fresh water is very
precious. What rain there is – and it can be as little as 5cm in some years – tends to fall
between December and February.
The average water temperature is 29°C from October to May and 24ºC between June and
September.
Accomodation on Anakao :
-Prince de Anakao (top)
-Hotel Safari Vezo (top)
-Anakao Club Resort (top)
-Bunglows Chez Clouis (bottom)
-Hotel Soalaza [email protected] (budget)
-Chez Monica - La Lalandaka [email protected] www.lalandaka.com
Accomodation on Ifaty :
-Paradisier Hotel . Activities :
*Swimming pool
*Walking
*Bird watching
*Beach activities
-Hotel Nautilus (top)
-Hotel Vovotelo (mid range)
-Hotel Chez Freddy
[email protected]
-Mangily hotel About 26 km. from Tuléar .The road is horrendous but an adventure in itself.
Île Sainte-Marie
Sainte Marie (Nosy Boraha), a 57 km-long island off Madagascar’s east coast, is a
tropical island with lush vegetation and authentic small villages along the roadside. This
beautiful and unspoilt island is perfect for those wanting a more laid back type of
holiday with a choice of basic and more upmarket hotels all offering necessary modern
facilities. Needless to say it is a honeymooners delight and very romantic. Sainte Marie
boasts numerous white sandy beaches and secluded coves, fringed with coconut palms.
The coral reefs offshore offer excellent snorkelling and scuba diving. In August and
September, hump-backed and other types of whales migrate here and are a huge
attraction. The roads beckon mountain bikers and most hotels hire bicycles, motorbikes
and snorkelling / diving equipment.
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On the east coast of the island, the forest of Ampanihy contains forested sand dunes and a rich
mangrove system. The mangroves can be explored by pirogue.
Marine turtles come to nest on the beach at Cocoteraie. Visiting the nesting sites provides an
income for the villagers who guard the nests as an alternative to consuming the sea turtles
and their eggs.
Accomodation :
Budget
-Betty Plage with bungalow
-Chez Napoleon ** with bungalow
-Hotel Libertaria [email protected] www.lelibertalia.com
Mid-range
-Masoandro Lodge ***
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-Princesse Bora Lodge **** : Activities
* Scuba Diving-PADI dive centre
* Fishing
* Surfing
* Water skiing
* Mountain biking (Bikes available for hire)
* Whale Watching (between July and September)
Lokaro
The isolated Bay of Lokaro is a beautiful and unspoilt area of green hills, inland
waterways, natural swimming holes and barrier beaches. It is an incredible place to
walk, swim and snorkel or just soak up the unbelievable beauty of the area. With
enormous stretches of fine white sand framed by palm trees and a colourful underwater
wonderland of marine life and coral.
Cruise up the northern coast to the village of Evatraha through a maze of lagoons , swamps
and lakes, and their bizarre vegetation: elephant's ear (taro), reeds and traveller's palms.
A nice motor boat will be ready for you at Lake Laniro, 3 miles from Fort Dauphin. It will take
you to Evatraha, a nice fishing village, and then drive you to Lokaro bay.
Enjoy a complete change of scenery on the white sand beaches of this superb bay as you let
yourself drift along.
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Nosy Be
Nosy Be is also one of the best diving sites in the Indian Ocean.
15 km from the northwestern coast of Madagascar lies the 321 km² large island Nosy
Be. Here you can still discover a little paradise, which has been spared of mass-tourism.
Climb on Mount Lokone (450m) or Mount Passot (350m) to see Nosy Be in all its
beauty: jagged coasts, numerous bays and lovely coves, deserted beaches and the
crystal clear water.
Nosy Be, known as 'The Perfume Island' got its name from the scent of the Ylang Ylang
plantation which serves as the raw material for perfume. In addition, Nosy Be is also
the centre of sugar cane plantation. Being one of the most popular destinations in
Madagascar, this island has lots to offer: beautiful beaches, excursions like Mont Passot
and Ylang Ylang distillery.
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Seasons: April to October - dry period. November to March - risks of rain at night time.
Where to stay in Nosy – Be?
Most visitors prefer to stay in beach located along the sandy western coast. Hoteliers separate
these into seven zones, including Hell-ville the state of the town and Nosy Komba.
Hell – Ville
Hell-ville is quite a smart little place, its main street lined with boutiques and tourist
shops.There is a good choice of budget hotels in Hell-ville; staying there will save money while
you firm up your plans for making the most of island.
Ambatoloaka
This is a fast-growing tourist centre which offers the best options for inexpensive places to stay
as well as luxury accomodation. It is the liveliest place on the island so if you're looking for
nightlife, this is where it's at. It has a lovely beach as well.
Belle Vue (Djamanjary'area)
The area is not that good, although the beach here is uninspiring (it shelves too gradually for
good swimming), it is shaded by coconut palms, and a chain of the hotel rakes away the dead
seaweed that the high tide deposits daily on the beach.
Madirokely
The name means " littel tamarind " or " few Tamarinds ".Lying just north of Ambatoloaka, this
is a quieter option but its becoming quite developed.
Lokobe
Nosy be's only protected area, is a strict Reserve and as such is not currently open to visitors
(plans for it to become a national park seem to have been shelved).However, it is possible to
visit the buffer zone on the northeast side of the peninsula. You are bound to see a lepilemur
which, unlike the species in Berenty, spend its day dozing in the fork or a favourite tree rather
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than in a hole, including black lemurs.The cameleons here are the panther (pardalis) species
and in the breeding season (November to May) the male is bright green and the female a
pinkish colour, there are also boas here if you have a good guide.
Accomodation :
-Tsara Loky (budget) with essential bungalow in Ambondrona beach.
-Madiro Hotel (luxury) – quite and confortable in Ambatoloaka beach.
- Hotel Résidence d'Ambatoloaka (top) - Ambatoloaka beach.
-Chez Gérard et Francine (mid - range) - Ambatoloaka beach.
-Vanila Hotel (top) - three-star hotel in the heart of the Tropics in Belle Vue beach.
-Belle plage (mid - range) - in Belle Vue beach.
-Hotel Abud (medium) – in Hell – Ville city beach.
-Chez Houssen Ben Amad (medium) – in Hell – Ville city beach.
-The Marlin Club Hotel (luxury) – organize excursion to Nosy Ankarea and the Ankoay
Lodge, fifty miles away. A three-hour boat ride.
-L'heure bleue (mid - range) – in Madirokely beach.
-Ecovillage Fihavanana (mid - range) - located on a hilltop with a spectacular view of
the lake in Lokobe reserve. Walk the stone path to reach the hotel and your private,
comfortable bungalow. A little bouquet of bougainvillea and hibiscus flowers will
welcome you in. The Ecovillage supports the local community by running small farming
projects, a health center, pharmacy and provides educational funds for the village
children.
-Jungle-village (mid - range) – in the Lokobe reserve.
Nosy Iranja
The Island is situated 1 hour and 15 minutes southwest of Nosy Be Island by boat.
Nosy Iranya has sun kissed beaches, an azure ocean boasting natural coral reefs
teeming with exotic fish, breathtaking sunsets and a tropical climate combined with
absolute tranquility. Natural beauty and unique flora and fauna, provide the perfect
setting for an unforgettable getaway in this paradise.
Nosy Iranja in Madagascar consists of two islands connected by a 1500 m sandbank that is
exposed during low tide.The setting is idyllic, stunning beaches surround a lush tropical island
covered with coconut palms, Filaos trees and tropical flowers.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Bush walks
Snorkelling
Beach walks
Scuba diving
Spectacular hikes
Boat cruise
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•
Sailing
Seasons : The temperature is pleasant all year round except between the summer months
Dec-Feb when humidity is very high - the cyclonic period brings with it strong winds and daily
showers. Average daily water temperature is 25°C.
Nosy Komba
Nosy Komba is named 'The Kingdom of black lemurs' as the lemurs maccacco maccacco
are endemic in the north.
Nosy Komba is a volcanic island southeast of the port, almost equidistant between HellVille and Ankify on the mainland.
Nosy Komba is probably the most visited of the islands around Nosy Be: the day trip to
visit the lemur reserve at Ampangorina is one of the most popular excursions from Nosy
Be.
Accomodation :
-Les Floralies (top)
-Hotel lémuriens (mid - range)
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Nosy Mitsio Archipelago
The archipelago of NOSY MITSIO lies some 60 - 70 km from NOSY BE and about the same
distance from the mainland. This is beautiful small islands but expensive.
La Grande Mitsio
The largest island is populated by local Malagasy. Ankarana and Sakalava, who survive on
their denuded island through farming, cattle and goats.
Overgazing has devasted the island but some forest remains in the southern part. Huge basalt
columns are a prominant feature on the northwest, used as an adventure playground by
enterprising goats.
The island attracts yachties to its coral reefs and good anchorages. Maribe Bay provides good
anchorage, protected between two hills? This is a good area for seeing manta rays.
Tsara Banjina
This name means "good to look at" and this is a small but incredibly beautiful-island; made
famous by British actress Joanna Lumley who was "cast way" here. The red, grey and volcanic
rocks, rising quite high at its centre, has a mass of lush, green vegetation clinging to them,
from baobabs and other large trees to pachypodium and tiny lap a crystal-clear green / indigo
sea.
Turles and rays rest near the beaches.
Accomodation :
-Hotel Tsarabanjina (top)
Nosy Sakatia
This rather bare island lies off the west side of Nosy be.NOSY SAKATIA means orchid island,
but a more remarkable aspect of its flora are the baobabs. There are some well-run hotels
here catering for divers.
Accomodation :
-Sakatia Passions (top)
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-Sakatia Dive Inn (mid - range)
Nosy Tanikely
Nosy Tanikely is a very small island located South of Nosy Be.
Nosy Be and the archipelago around offer you the possibility of wonderful diving
experiences. The most famous place is Nosy Tanikely, where you can meet also big sea
turtles.The snorkelling is superb from this reef-ringed, marine reserve island. A small
patch of forest provides roosting sites for fruit bats.
Nosy Ve
Nosy Ve is a small sandy island, opposite Anakao, situated about 4.5 km offshore, and
has approximately 75 pairs of nesting Red-tailed Tropicbirds. Day long trips are
operated from La Mangrove Hotel and other accommodations to Nosy Ve and Anakao.
Other destination :
The "Avenue of the Baobabs" is actually just the section of the unpaved north-south
route between Morondava and Belo- Tsiribihina near the central west coast of
Madagascar. In this particular stretch, it passes between a dozen or so majestic old
giant baobabs Adansonia grandidieri that grow next to the track. At sunset, this is
among the most scenic places in the country as the day's last golden rays strike the
bloated trunks from the west .The Kirindy Forest lies to the north of this point.
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Car Hire :
Magacascar Car Rental – Pick Up at Antananarivo
Car Model
Vehicle Type
Minimum Rate per Day
Toyota Hiace
Mini Bus Vehicle
US$ 116
Toyota Corolla
Standard Saloon Car
US$ 58
Toyota Land Cruiser
Standard 4WD Car
US$ 175
Suzuki Vitara
Small 4WD Car
US$ 116
Links :
www.air-mad.com
www.parcs-madagascar.com
www.nosybehotel-link.com
www.madagascar.gov.mg
www.mcamadagascar.org
wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationMadagascar.aspx (Health Information for Travelers to
Madagascar)
www.embassy.org/madagascar
Volunteers association :
www.birimbao.it
www.madagasikara.it
Contact us
We are more than happy to prepare ws tailor made itineraries for clients with specific interests
or needs. Those that wish to combine certain aspects of our existing tours or wish to spend
additional time in certain locations on any of these tours may correspond with us through our
email on this site.
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News :
Distances from Tana in Kilometres
The following table shows average distances in kilometres from Antananarivo to everywhere else in Madagascar.
Antananarivo - Ambositra
Antananarivo - Antsirabe
Antananarivo - Fianarantsoa
Antananarivo - Mahajanga
Antananarivo - Morondava
Antananarivo - Perinet
Antananarivo - Toamasina
Antananarivo - Toliara
330km
170km
408km
572km
665km
142km
365km
941km
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