Ile Ste-Marie (Sainte Marie Island)
Located off the north-east coast of Madagascar, this Indian Ocean Island (see Madagascar Beaches article) has gorgeous white beaches, secret coves, lagoons and pristine coral reefs. It is a great honeymoon destination. This Garden of Eden was popular with pirates in the past and visitors can explore hidden caves and pirate graves. Island accommodation includes hotels and beach chalets. October to December is great for diving around wreck sites.
Highlights:
- Ideal honeymoon destination
- Diving and snorkelling
- Historical buildings and tours
- Wonderful scenery, orchids in September
- Whale watching July to October
Mahajanga
Located on the north-west coast, this Madagascar town has a long tree lined promenade and it’s a popular local holiday spot (see Madagascar Beaches article). Visitors can enjoy the beautiful sunsets on the beach and purchase some of the famous local handcrafts. The town has a dilapidated air but the inhabitants are always friendly. There is a variety of hotels and simple accommodation.
Highlights:
- Beach promenade
- Hiking trails and lakes
- Ampijoroa Forestry Reserve
- Ankarafantsika National Park, beautiful wildlife
- Amborovy Beach, Androhibe grottos, Bombetoka Bay
Eastern MadagascarToamasina is the regional capital on the east coast of Madagascar Island and a busy seaport. It is about an 8 hour drive from Antananarivo. Visitors will find a variety of markets.
Highlights:
- Ivolina Zoological Park and Botanical Garden
- Vatomandry beach (no swimming due to sharks)
- The old Hova Fort (Foulpointe)
- Mananjary beach (no swimming due to sharks)
Fort Dauphin (Taolanaro)
This Madagascar town has a strong French history with the remains of a 17th century fort. This area is known for its seafood and orchids as well as some carnivorous plants and unusual insects. Two hours from the town is Berenty, a fabulous forest of spiny and thorny covered trees and Baobab trees.
Highlights:
- Nahampoana Natural Reserve, waterfall and natural pool
- Excursions to Lokora Beach
- Excursions to Berenty (Sifaka lemurs and 5 other species)
- Mandeha Reserve and Andohaela Reserve
- Bay of Galions
South And West MadagascarThe south of Madagascar is arid with remarkable plant life able to survive here. The main town on the highlands is Fianarantsoa, a centre for the growing of rice and wine. Ranomafana National Park has many mammal species, among them 12 species of lemur, fabulous plants including orchids and giant bamboos. This Park is inaccessible between July and October due to heavy rain and muddy conditions. Isola National Park is extremely scenic and also has many types of lemur - there are a number of walks and natural swimming pools.
Highlights:
- Amabalavao for paper and silk products
- Ambositra and Zafimaniry for marquetry products
- Isalo National Park and Ranomafana National Park
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:
- Diving and snorkelling, fishing, sailing and surfing
- St Augustin Bay (Sarodrano Cave and ringtail lemurs)
- Nosy Ve Marine Reserve beach and coral reefs
- Spiny Desert Forest and amazing wildlife and birds
- Whale watching June to August
- Amdranovory burial tombs
- Tsimanapetsotsa Natural Park
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.
Highlights:
- Sailing and fishing
- Alley of baobabs
- Tsingy (sandstone formations)
- Kirindy Forest
- Burial tombs
- River rafting and canoeing
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