The central highlands

The capital and several other important cities are located in the central region of the Hauts Plateaux, a chain of rugged canyons and mountains coated, which run in the middle of the north to the south of Madagascar.

Antananarivo, often abbreviated to Tana, is built on three levels. The palace of the Queen and the associated royal village (Rova) are listed buildings. At the lowest level of the town is the Analakely market. Zuma on the market is busiest on Fridays, but you should take into pickpockets. Tsimbazaza, the zoo and botanical garden, Thu, opened Sunday and public holidays. The tourist information office is located very close by. After sunset, one should not be too far away from the hotel.

Ambohimanga is the birthplace of the State of Madagascar and is situated 20 km from the capital. The city is surrounded by woods and as the Blue City, Holy City and also known as the Forbidden City. Again, there is a royal palace. The citadel was once an important Merina stronghold, and there are still buildings that were used for ceremonies. The main gate is made of a stone disc, which can only be moved by 40 men. Held here Sunday ritual ancestor worship.

Mantasoa is located 80 km from the capital and is a popular picnic and tourist destination. The site comprises an artificial lake, pine forests and Madagascar’s first industrial park.

Ampefy (90 km from the capital) is a volcanic area with waterfalls, geysers and volcanic one.

Perinet (also Andasibe) is 140 km from the capital, is a nature reserve and home to the Indri (Brushless Maki) and many species of orchids.

Antsirabe (170 km) from the capital of Madagascar is a thermal spa and largest industrial center. The city is surrounded by volcanic hills, crater lakes with. Madagascar’s second highest mountain, which rises Tsiafajovona, west up the road from Antananarivo.

The North

The lush north is dominated by two large mountains. The Tsarantanana (2880 m), the highest mountain on the island, is overgrown, especially in the higher-lying rain forest with giant ferns and lichens. The National Park Montagne Darbre (1500 m) is home to the famous orchids and many Lemurarten. In the east, falls between December and March monsoon rains.

Mahajanga is the provincial capital at the mouth of Madagascar’s largest river, the Betsiboka. The road to the city is navigable only between July and October. You can travel by boat to Nosy B and to other islands. The most interesting caves in the island are near Anjohibe, 90 km inland. In Ankarafantsika is a nature reserve.

Nosy B is Madagascar’s main tourist area. The island is surrounded by smaller islands lying off the west coast. They can be reached in an hour’s flight from the capital. The largest city is Andoany (Hell-Ville). Close by we find the ruins of an Indian village from the 17th Century.

The cosmopolitan coastal port of Antsiranana (formerly Digo Suarez) overlooks the northernmost tip of the island a beautiful golf. Above the city is a magnificent landscape unfolds with lakes, waterfalls, caves and rainforest. To visit the nearby national park at Montagne Darbre a permit from the Ministre des Eaux et Forts is (branch office in the city) is required. Boats leave the island of Nosy B.

In Ramena there is a beautiful sandy beach, but here is warned of sharks. The road south to the capital is navigable only between July and October.

Ile Ste-Marie (Nosy Boraha) is an island off the east coast, 150 km north of Toamasina. Some historical sites are found here, including Madagascar’s oldest Catholic church.

The provincial capital city of Toamasina on the east coast and has the largest port in the country. It is located eight hours drive from Antananarivo and, like the state capital several markets, including the B-bazaar. 11 km north of the city lie the Ivolina-landscaped gardens with numerous plant and animal species.

The further south Vatomandry is a popular beach resort, because the sharks can not swim in the sea, however.

The South

In the arid south are mainly due to the many strange baobab-like plants.

The provincial capital of Fianarantsoa is a major center of wine and rice production and a good starting point for exploring the southern highlands. Among the most interesting towns in the surrounding mountains include Amabalavao that will be the home of the deceased. It is here forth ante More paper and lamba Aridrano silk. At the nearby Ambondrome and Ifandana-rock you can see the bones of revered ancestors here. The Ifandana-rock was the scene of a 1811 mass suicide. Ambositra and in the neighboring villages, where intricate marquetry Zafimaniny works are produced. The Isalo National Park is located in a sandstone mountain range (accessible by four-wheel drive vehicle or on foot with a guide, camping is possible). Ranomafana is in a thermal bath. In beach resort on the east coast Mananjary one should not bathe in the sea because of sharks.

Taolanaro (formerly Fort Dauphin), located on the southeastern tip of the island and was the first French settlement in Madagascar. Parts of the fortress from the 17th Century are still visible. The city and its surroundings are known for seafood, orchids and carnivorous plants you can also Mandona in the agricultural center in view of the Baie de Sainte-Luce. In the vicinity is the Berenty National Park, home to some rare animal species.

The West

The western Madagascar was once covered with lush hardwood forests, but today is mostly savannah. This part of the country is sparsely populated, the region’s largest industry is the breeding of Zebu cattle, a Ochsenart, in the 8th Century was introduced by Southeast Asian settlers.

Toliara is the provincial capital of the southwestern coast with beautiful beaches and opportunities for diving, fishing, sailing and other water sports.