Madagascar Attractions - Madagascar Travel Guide

Madagascar Places Of Interest

This totally unique eco-tourism destination is the 4th largest island in the world and the largest Indian Ocean Island. Madagascar is rich in cultural diversity, natural wonders and unusual animal and plant life.

This undiscovered Indian Ocean Island has diverse landscapes to explore. The central highlands stand between the west which is drier, and the east which is wet, the south is semi arid. Magnificent rainforest and a tropical climate can be found in the north-east as well as pristine coral reefs. Here is a Madagascar travel guide for ideas on destinations:

Antananrivo (the Capital)

Often referred to as Tana, this bustling Madagascar capital city has a decidedly French atmosphere and is located at the centre of the country in the highlands. Tana is built on a hillside with various levels and surrounded by more hills and rice paddy fields. The city has many cobbled streets and winding alleyways.

There are a number of markets where almost anything can be bought. Zoma Market is the second largest in the world and is at its colourful best on Fridays. Excellent handcrafts, masses of fruit, fresh flowers and many other items can be bought. Care should be taken with personal belongings while moving through the throng and haggling.

Cafes and restaurants are plentiful - visitors can rest a while and take in the architecture of the city. Antananarivo accommodation includes hotels and guest houses and there is an International Airport.

Highlights:

Areas around Antananarivo:

Mantasoa

Andasibe (3 hours from Antananarivo)

This is the site of 2 Madagascar National Parks, PERINET and Mantadia. The animals are at their most active first thing in the morning.

Highlights

Northern Madagascar

This lush region is dominated by 2 mountains and high altitude Madagascar rainforest. Visitors can visit various areas on the western and eastern shores although the monsoon season occurs between December and March.

Nosy Be Island

This is a popular destination for a Madagascar holiday on the beach; it is a 1 hour flight from the capital. There are numerous Nosy Be holiday resorts and others on the surrounding Indian Ocean Islands. This is a beautiful area with wonderful beaches, pristine coral reefs, warm clear water and the smell of exotic spices and aromas in the air. The main town is Hell-Ville. Nosy Be accommodation includes hotels, villas, bed and breakfasts.

Highlights:

Ifaty and Nosy Ve

Visitors here can enjoy a relaxed Indian Ocean Island vibe and long beautiful beaches (see Madagascar Beaches article). The capital of this region is Toliara. This area is also a popular gateway for the Spiny Desert. Ifaty accommodation includes hotels and beach bungalows.

Highlights:

Morondava

This Madagascar town is the gateway to west coast attractions. Visitors can see long sandy shores and enjoy wonderful sunsets at this island getaway. (see Madagascar Beaches article) Beach accommodation can be found in hotels and beach bungalows.

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