Regions: Madagascar,
Islands & Beaches

Isalo's spectacular natural beauty and bizarre, ethereal landscapes of eroded ‘runiforme’ sandstone formations transport visitors into another world. Dating to the Jurassic period, deep canyons with riparian forests, palm-lined oases, fire-resistant tapia forests, and open grasslands merge to form this incredible terrain, which attracts hikers from all over the world to admire in awe.

Ethereal, almost mystical sandstone ridges known as ‘runiformes’ that dominate the landscape of the park, seem to rise out of the endlessly flat plains like phoenixes from the ashes. Vast canyons, deep gorges and razor-sharp pinnacles make up this magical and mystifying domain, which is home to an array of lemur species, including the ‘dancing’ sifakas, as well as a variety of birds and reptiles.

There are a number of popular hiking circuits throughout the park that attract adventure lovers and outdoor enthusiasts from far and wide. The ‘piscine naturelle’, aptly named for its beautiful waterfall that tumbles into a deep green pool, is a true oasis in the heart of the otherwise harsh canyons. Head to the ‘Canyon des Singes’ ('Canyon of Monkeys') for a breathtaking hike through the forest where you will be accompanied by ring-tailed lemurs leaping through the trees.

Unpretentious, laid-back and refreshingly void of bling, despite being Madagascar’s number-one beach destination, Nosy Be is as beautiful as it is appealing.

Sparkling clear turquoise water, soft white sands and ylang-ylang and vanilla-scented sea breezes will lull you into a deep sense of tranquillity as you soak up the rays in this tiny slice of paradise.

While not as flash, perhaps, as other island beaches and resorts, Nosy Be’s slow-paced lifestyle and killer sunsets make up for the lack of luxury. Excellent al fresco restaurants serve seafood feasts on the sand, while sublime cocktails go down as smoothly as the sun slipping below the horizon in front of you.

Escape the crowds and head north for the clearest waters and whitest sands, where you’ll find the fields of sugarcane, rum distilleries and single-gauge railway have a distinct Caribbean air about them. Take a break from the beach and explore the lush jungle in the Lobeke Nature Reserve or enjoy a day cruise to the outer islets of Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Sakatia.

An atmosphere of peace, tranquillity and pure natural beauty prevails on this tropical island, which, despite being one of the most popular beach spots Madagascar has to offer, has managed to avoid a commercial resort-like feel.

Once a haven for pirates, this slender island is covered in lush vegetation that is interspersed with quaint villages, and fringed by beautiful sandy beaches, and secluded bays and coves. While the coast south of Ambodifotatra is fairly developed, the east coast is spectacular, rugged, and untouched, with stunning beaches. If you really want to escape the crowds, head to the magnificent Ampanihy Peninsula, separated from main island by the azure Baie d'Ampanihy, where you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful setting in which to relax.

While an idyllic sun-bathing and beach-bumming locale, the island’s interior is ideal for hiking, cycling and motorbiking, so grab a bicycle and explore. Take a traditional dug-out canoe known as a ‘pirogue’ and spend a day exploring the hidden waterways and shady groves along the island’s shoreline.

The translucent waters and coral reefs offshore promise excellent snorkelling and scuba diving, where you can immerse yourself into the colourful world of the shark-free reef to see huge groupers, morays, lobsters, sea turtles, and skates. Watch pods of migrating humpback whales between July and September, which is an unforgettable sight.

One of Madagascar’s most spectacular parks, Ranomafana’s dense mountain terrain, and thick humid montane forests are home to the critically endangered golden bamboo lemur, as well as a plethora of rare and endemic mammal and bird species.

Snaking streams and breathtaking waterfalls feed the Namorona River, which in turn creates the lush, tropical environment within the park that teems with wildlife. Visitors to the park will not only have the chance to see over 10 species of lemur, including Milne-Edward´s sifaka, and the very rare aye-aye, but the park is most famous for being the home of the exceptionally rare golden bamboo lemur, of which there are less than 200 animals left in the wild.

A unique nocturnal forest watch with a night feeding station organised by the park, offers the opportunity to see some of the rare and more elusive night-time prowlers, such as the red-bellied lemur, the diminutive and incredibly tame brown mouse lemur, and the fanaloka (striped civet).

Wonderful hiking circuits criss-cross the park, offering spectacular panoramic vistas of the region, as well as unrivalled opportunities to experience lemurs in their natural habitat.

If Paradise has a name, it is probably Nosy Ankao. This island sanctuary lies in the Loky Manambato Protected Area, just off the northeast coast of Madagascar, and it is everything a tropical island should be. The beaches are long and white, the sea is a sparkling turquoise. You can stroll through the forest to spot crowned lemur and golden-crowned sifaka, swim, sail, and surf, then retreat to a bar as the sun sets.

Viewing and interacting with Nosy Ankao’s wildlife is likely to dominate your day, whether it is on an early morning nature walk through the forest, or a late night wander down to the beach to watch the turtles hatching. You can explore the island in all manner of ways, and not all of them restrict you to the ground! Helicopter trips are a fantastic way to appreciate the intense blue of the water and to see everything from the air. We also recommend you go out on the water, either kite surfing or on a more sedate dolphin or whale watching cruise. Beneath the waves, guest who dive or snorkel will discover a whole world of coral, fish, and other sea creatures.

Nosy Ankao also has an important other aspect: its people and their culture. Staying at Miavana, you will meet many members of the team who are proud of their Malagasy identity and want to share with you their way of life. This stunning luxury eco resort is built in the style of a village, complete with a central plaza, individual villas, and even a beach side pizzeria. The Museum of Curiosities is filled with everything from dinosaur bones and elephant bird eggs to pirate treasure, and of course there are fabulous swimming pools and a pampering organic spa.

Antananarivo - shortened to Tana by the locals - is Madagascar’s buzzing capital. It is right in the centre of the island and is the country’s heartland culturally and politically, as well as geographically. Arriving in Madagascar by air, you will undoubtedly arrive first in Antananarivo. It is well worth staying for a day or two to soak up the ambience, learn a little about Madagascar’s history, and to enjoy the idyllic scenes of low rise colonial buildings, ox carts and cars sharing the same streets, and attractive houses surrounded by green paddy fields. There are no skyscrapers, and on a narrow street you feel as if you’ve travelled back in time.

The city was founded as a royal palace in the 17th century, and it remained the capital even after Madagascar was colonised by the French. The historic architecture is a wonderful blend of French colonial and indigenous styles, and you will undoubtedly have the opportunity to admire the palace which dominates the ridge, the cathedral and intact city gates, and the large, vibrant Zoma Market. Walk up the hill into the colourful haute ville district with its higgledy piggledy houses for the very best views of Antananarivo. There are plenty of museums and a thriving arts scene, with outdoor concerts and dances hosted throughout the dry season.

The very best place to stay in Antananarivo is Hotel Sakamanga, a small but charming property with a strong French flair. Historic artworks and photos dot the walls and there are also plenty of pieces of antique furniture and curios around. The hotel is a fine place to try the delicious Malagasy cuisine: their Le Saka restaurant is widely regarded to be one of the best places to eat in the city. The chef serves a mouthwatering array of dishes, from spiny lobster to homemade foie gras.