Category: Experiences

Madagascar, the “Great Red Island” which lies off Africa’s East Coast, is sometimes overshadowed by higher-profile destinations such as Kenya and Tanzania. If you’ve not yet ventured there, then you have missed out on a remarkable adventure and one that more than justifies the extra flight out over the Indian Ocean. There are so many things to see in Madagascar; from towering baobabs to chameleons that can fit on a match head, this destination is a living laboratory of natural wonders just waiting to be discovered.

1. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

Madagascar’s landscapes are dramatic and unforgettable. The island’s sobriquet comes from its red laterite soils which are rich in iron oxide, but look up and you’ll see an incredible diversity of geography unfolding around you. Perhaps the most striking example is the jagged limestone of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in the north-west, where underground water has eroded the rock into a “forest” of limestone needles, with deep fissures and ravines separating the stone columns. Known locally as the place “where one cannot walk barefoot”, it boasts a great many endemic species. Local guides have set up hanging bridges to allow you to cross the ravines, and if you really have a head for heights, you can climb some of the razor-sharp karst pillars to the top of the tsingy.

2. Avenue of the Baobabs

Scenically speaking, this is probably Madagascar’s most desirable address. About 12 miles from the coastal town of Morondava, the dusty road passes between numerous baobabs of a species unique to the island. In contrast to the more squat, bulbous baobabs of the African mainland, these Adansonia grandidieri have smooth trunks rising high into the air, and topped with a crown of branches. Driving or walking slowly amongst them can really give you a different sense of scale with the grandest trees measuring up to 100ft tall. They are estimated to be up to 800 years old, and especially at sunset there is a timeless quality to the scene. Immense shadows stretch out along the ground, and iconic silhouettes demand to be photographed as you sip a local Star beer.

things to see in Madagascar; miavana — ©Miavana

3. Time + Tide Miavana

The wonderful Malagasy word “nosy” means island, and Time + Tide Miavana on Nosy Ankao is a place you should certainly satisfy your curiosity about. Madagascar’s first 5-star eco-luxury destination is a place of sanctuary for both humans and local wildlife. Designed and built to be sensitive to the local ecosystem, Time + Tide Miavana is a place where nature is treasured and conserved. This approach extends to the superb hospitality extended to guests. Whether you want to explore the ancient forests and look for lemurs (more on them later) or stroll hand-in-hand along a pristine sandy beach, this slice of paradise affords you the time and space to breathe and just be.

4. Lokobe National Park Lemurs

If you remember the partying King Julien from the Madagascar movies, or you’re a fan of wildlife documentaries, then you can’t fail to be aware of lemurs. These endearing primates are only found on Madagascar, and come in an astonishing array of shapes and sizes (from 1oz to 20lb in weight). Their name comes from an ancient word for “ghost” but there is nothing spooky about these vegetarians. One of the best places to see them (bearing in mind that some species are nocturnal) is Lokobe National Park on Nosy Be. This protected lowland rainforest is famous for its population for black lemurs. They seem just as curious about humans as we are about them, and you’re most likely to spot their fluffy black faces and amber eyes peering down at you from the trees.

5. Île Sainte-Marie Whale-Watching

While Madagascar is justly famed for its amazingly diverse terrestrial wildlife, the waters around it are also rich in wonders. Large areas of ocean have been proclaimed as marine reserves and as a result, Madagascar is one of the best places in the world to head out to sea in a boat to see what you can see. During their annual migration (July to September), humpback whales journey along the narrow channel that separates Île Sainte-Marie from the main island. These 30 to 40-ton whales come to these warmer waters to calve and breed, and indulge in breaching and blowing – so keep your cameras ready. Île Sainte-Marie has a fascinating pirate history – the captain of your whale-watching boat could well be descended from buccaneer stock!

6. Experience the Malagasy culture

Madagascar’s unique situation – separated by water from other nations, and yet at the crossroads of trade routes between Africa, India and the Middle East – mean that Malagasy culture is a fascinating blend of influences. Wherever you travel on the island, you’re sure to be warmly welcomed – the local word for “hello” seems to be a heartfelt smile. Traditional religious beliefs are still widely practised, with Malagasy people placing particular emphasis on links with their “razana” or ancestors. There are a great number of festivals, while aspects of daily life are governed by “fady” or taboos. Although Malagasy people have a great love for life, they also attach particular importance to death, and the most striking example of this is the “turning of the bones” ceremony which although it sounds a little macabre, is actually an expression of love and respect for a late relative.

7. Parc National de l’Isalo

This national park perfectly exemplifies the variety of terrain to be seen throughout Madagascar. The combination of lush vegetation and arid, rocky areas makes l’Isalo intriguing to explore, and that’s before we get onto the flora (over 400 plant species) and fauna (this is also lemur country). Look out for the bizarre elephant’s foot plant (and its contrasting pretty yellow flowers) as you hike between eroded rock formations and admire standing stones. Then take a refreshing dip in one of l’Isalo’s natural swimming holes. If you get the feeling that you’re being watched, you may well be right – you have a good chance of spotting sifaka and other types of lemur looking down at you. Even with all this wildlife, it could well be the colors of l’Isalo that make the greatest impression on you, from rainbow frogs to waving golden grasses, and what are reputed to be Madagascar’s most fiery sunsets.

Ready for your next big adventure? Contact us to chat about your Madagascar travel plans!

Home Blog Experiences

March 27, 2018 by Becca Fritz

7 Reasons to Visit Madagascar

From towering baobabs to chameleons that can fit on a match head, Madagascar is a living laboratory of natural wonders just waiting to be discovered.

Posted in Action & Adventure, Beach & Relaxation, Conservation, Experiences, History & Culture, Safari & Wildlife, Scenery & Landscape, Travel Resources

March 7, 2018 by Becca Fritz

Most Colorful Places in the World

Need a little more color in your life? Let us take you on a dazzling virtual tour of some of the most colorful places in the world.

Posted in Experiences, History & Culture, Scenery & Landscape, Travel Resources

February 2, 2018 by Abigail Childers

Top Honeymoon Destinations for 2018

Your honeymoon is all about spending romantic time together in a magical setting. Here is our selection of top honeymoon destinations for 2018!

Posted in Action & Adventure, Beach & Relaxation, Experiences, History & Culture, Private, Romance, Safari & Wildlife, Scenery & Landscape

January 8, 2018 by Becca Fritz

Africa’s Top Island Getaways

If you’re looking for a romantic week-long break or a place to relax after a safari, you’ll want to check out our list of Africa’s top island getaways.

Posted in Beach & Relaxation, Experiences, Private, Romance, Scenery & Landscape

January 4, 2018 by Becca Fritz

7 Luxury Treehouses Around the World

Branch out and stay at one of these luxury treehouses located in some of the most stunning destinations around the world.

Posted in Action & Adventure, Beach & Relaxation, Experiences, Private, Romance, Safari & Wildlife, Scenery & Landscape

January 4, 2018 by Becca Fritz

Best Places To See Northern Lights

Want to increase your chances of crossing off this natural phenomenon from your bucket list? Here’s our guide to the best places to see Northern Lights.

Posted in Action & Adventure, Experiences, Scenery & Landscape

January 4, 2018 by Becca Fritz

Destinations For Art Lovers

Our list of top destinations for art lovers shines a spotlight on some of the world’s great treasure houses of old and new art.

Posted in Experiences, Family Friendly, History & Culture

January 2, 2018 by Abigail Childers

Destinations You Need to Visit in 2018

Here is our selection of the top destinations to visit in 2018 – it’s time to turn those travel dreams into plans and fill that passport with stamps!

Posted in Action & Adventure, Beach & Relaxation, Conservation, Experiences, Family Friendly, History & Culture, Private, Romance, Safari & Wildlife, Scenery & Landscape, Travel Resources

May 26, 2017 by Becca Fritz

5 Thrilling Adventures In Namibia You Must Try

Namibia is renowned for its spectacular scenery and landmarks. We’ve compiled a list of 5 thrilling adventures in Namibia you must try.

Posted in Action & Adventure, Experiences, Family Friendly, Scenery & Landscape

May 19, 2017 by Becca Fritz

Indulge In These 6 Unique Experiences In Italy

Planning a trip to Italy? Infuse your itinerary with some of our top recommendations of the most unique experiences in Italy.

Posted in Experiences, Food & Wine, History & Culture

Indulge In These 6 Unique Experiences In Italy

May 18, 2017 by Becca Fritz

8 Family-Friendly Activities In France You Need To Know

Rather than escaping from your little ones, bring them along on your next trip. Here are a few family-friendly activities in France you must try.

Posted in Experiences, Family Friendly, Food & Wine, History & Culture, Scenery & Landscape

8 Family-Friendly Activities In France You Need To Know

July 21, 2016 by Michann Wernli

5 African Safari Experiences You Need To Know About

When you think of a safari, a vehicle roaring through the bush probably comes to mind, but here are 5 safari experiences you probably didn’t know about.

Posted in Action & Adventure, Conservation, Experiences, Safari & Wildlife

5 African Safari Experiences You Need To Know About

1 2 Next →

Experiences

Category: Experiences

1. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

2. Avenue of the Baobabs

3. Time + Tide Miavana

4. Lokobe National Park Lemurs

5. Île Sainte-Marie Whale-Watching

6. Experience the Malagasy culture

7. Parc National de l’Isalo

7 Reasons to Visit Madagascar

Most Colorful Places in the World

Top Honeymoon Destinations for 2018

Africa’s Top Island Getaways

7 Luxury Treehouses Around the World

Best Places To See Northern Lights

Destinations For Art Lovers

Destinations You Need to Visit in 2018

5 Thrilling Adventures In Namibia You Must Try

Indulge In These 6 Unique Experiences In Italy

8 Family-Friendly Activities In France You Need To Know

5 African Safari Experiences You Need To Know About

Alpana D

Jason H

Brandon L

Linda G