There are less and less primeval places on the coasts of the seas and oceans, where no human foot has set foot. And an increasing number of lovers of beach, outdoor activities, travel to the natural world seek to find the lost worlds. Walk through their forests, get acquainted with unusual animals, plants, see extinct volcanoes. Listen to the sounds of waterfalls on turbulent river flows, plunge into the ocean waves, walking along a deserted beach. It is proposed to do this on the island of Madagascar or the “Great Red Island” in the Indian Ocean. In a country located on an island (the fourth largest among the islands of the world) off the southeast coast of Africa, a variety of flora and fauna has been preserved. Resorts of Madagascar have been built on the beautiful coasts of the Indian Ocean, which can be reached from 65 airports in the country. Among them are large international, small civil airports. With their help, passengers get to the most remote areas of the country.
Antananarivo
The capital of the island nation of Madagascar is the city of Antananarivo. It is located in the central part of the highlands at an altitude of 1276 m. This is one of the 12 sacred hills that occupy the center of the island. It is called Manzakamyana. The city appeared at the beginning of the 17th century during the reign of King Andrianzaka. Until 1977, the “city of a thousand warriors” was called Tananarive. Its inhabitants often call it Tana.
Houses in the city are built on the slopes of the hill and descend into the valley with beautiful steps. Narrow streets, mysterious arches, terraces, balconies, stairs form a real labyrinth. It is interesting to walk along it, to see the life of a special island. The beautiful nature, the ocean, the sun, the white sand attracts you to visit. The main attraction of the city is the complex of palaces Ruva Ambuhimanga with the tombs of the rulers, Lake Anusi.
Antsirabe spa resort is chosen for relaxation in the capital. It provides everything for high-quality recovery, good rest. There are many hotels with prices for every taste in the colorful capital. An international airport has been built in the city. To travel to interesting places on the island, you can use the services of excursion services directly at the hotel.
Ifati
The snow-white beaches near the fishing village of Ifaty are considered a popular holiday destination for tourists from different countries. It has many places to stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses with offers of different levels of comfort. The tempting ocean is very close. It is nice to hear its sounds at any time of the day. A feature of the recreation area is the presence of a coral reef, about 100 km long. It is located close to the coast and protects the coast from ocean waves.
Creates conditions for safe scuba diving, diving, fishing. The bottom in the area of the beach zone gradually drops into the ocean. Even the little ones can swim in the warm water here. Everywhere there are warning signs with detailed information. This is due to the fact that in many places marine inhabitants dangerous to people come to the shore. The island is filled with endemic species of animals and plants. Sharks, moray eels, rays, eels swim in the water.
At the end of summer, you can watch the amazing migration of whales here. In the rental service you can take umbrellas, sun loungers, swimming equipment, equipment necessary for scuba diving.
It is proposed to come to the equipped beach by taxi, transfer. Bus routes are widely used to move around the island, but they are always crowded, although ticket prices are lower than when paying for a taxi. While in Ifaty, one cannot fail to try the original fish dishes prepared according to local recipes. By prior arrangement, the fishermen bring fresh fish of any type.
Murundava
Located on the shores of the Mozambique Channel. T is maintained here all year round and the beaches do not lose their popularity among vacationers. They are considered the best beach areas in the country. The resort with modern infrastructure offers all kinds of marine entertainment, games on sports grounds among the snow-white coast. Warm waters in cozy lagoons are a special pleasure during evening swims. It is customary in the country to sleep during the day.
The beaches are surrounded by palm trees, majestic baobabs. Without these legendary trees, one cannot imagine an island in the Indian Ocean. Having settled in one of the numerous hotels of the former capital of the ancient Sokolovsky kingdom, it is easy to make a trip to the famous Stone Forest, where a labyrinth of sharp rocks, surrounded by the vegetation of an untouched tropical forest, has frozen in time. During excursions, listen to the legend of the baobab, look at its amazing flowers blooming in the evening and admire the silhouettes of trees against the backdrop of an extraordinary sunset.
Maybe you can try hearty and rich in vitamins B, C baobab fruits, reminiscent of ginger in taste. Residents use any part of the tree in different areas of life: medicines, fabrics, spices, insect repellents, soaps, shampoos, etc. The Murandava area is considered the most promoted recreation area for foreign tourists.
Anciranana
The resort is located in the northern region. This place for recreation is chosen by lovers of active events, exploration of the nature of the underwater, terrestrial worlds of the island. The city of Antsiranana or Diego Suares until 1975 was a major port of the country, its industrial center. It is located on the shore of a large bay (the second largest in the world).
This made it possible to create a resort with all the entertainment similar to a European holiday. Hotels, countless night bars, clubs with programs lasting until the morning, modern types of entertainment in the ocean. Snow-white beaches with developed infrastructure, clear water allow you to enjoy all existing types of active and lazy beach holidays. Among the few sights of the city, a suite of columns stands out, standing on Colbert Street, Admiral Ronarche Square, a monument to the heroes of the 1942 liberation war, installed on the French Mountain.
Near the city is the water entertainment center Ramena Beach. During an excursion (or an independent walk) in the National Park, you are invited to look at the huge plantations of chocolate and coffee plantations. Listen to information about the endemic fauna, flora, preserved (protected) on the island of the Indian Ocean.
Nat Island
The conditions of the tropical resort allow you to spend an upscale vacation and plunge into the pristine world of nature with its breathtaking beauty. The small island is separated from the famous place Saint Marie Madagascar by a small channel. Many tourists choose this island as their place of residence, and they come to Natu on pirogues, making an amazing journey through the water.
The island itself also has a large number of hotels with rooms for any financial level. People come here on vacation, for business meetings, conferences, romantic trips. On the snow-white beaches of the island, you can get heavenly pleasure from the sun, the ocean, tropical vegetation, extraordinary exploration of the underwater kingdom among the coral reefs.
The water temperature in the resort is constantly kept around 27. It is always pleasant to go diving, snorkeling, swimming here. It is proposed to see the whole island from the observation deck on the old lighthouse in the southeastern part. This is not only a surprise from the panorama with green palm trees, baobabs, but also a breathtaking observation of the mating games of whales. During an unforgettable holiday, it is proposed to visit the beach pizzeria with delicious seafood dishes prepared according to local recipes.
Nosy Buraha Island
The amazingly beautiful island used to be called Sainte Marie. It seems to consist of legends, myths and modern places for recreation with developed infrastructure. Sea pirates hid their ships in inconspicuous coves. They reigned not only in the waters of the Caribbean, but also here, on the trade route to the West Indies. Myths about countless treasures hidden on the island have been calling restless treasure hunters here for centuries.
A reminder of the times of pirates is the main attraction of the island – their ancient cemetery. It has 30 tombstones (one with a Jolly Roger). Thanks to one of the legends, matriarchy reigns on the only piece of land in the Indian Ocean. Now it is a popular holiday destination for residents of different countries. The island is the most visited in the world, it has its own airport. The capital of Nosy Burakh is the city of Ambudifututra.
The rest of the settlements have the status of small villages located among the rainforest. At the beginning of autumn, orchids bloom in it, adding originality to the beauty of the island. Cozy bays have long become a favorite place for divers, explorers of sunken pirate ships (Kokoterae, Leopard), coral reefs. Near the “Pagoda” you can see moray eels, turtles, stingrays in detail. See black corals on the Suanambo reef.
Near the “Wall of the Groupers” descend to a depth of 43 m. Accommodation is organized in comfortable hotels with rooms of different price categories. There are many restaurants, cafes on the island and finding places to eat is not difficult. During walks, you have the opportunity to see numerous architectural buildings in the Arabic Renaissance and Gothic styles.
Nosy Be Island
The mysterious atmosphere of dormant volcanoes, aromas of vanilla, cocoa, and numerous spices fill the territory of the country's most popular resort. The rich, fertile soil allows the cultivation of the rare plant, ylang-ylang. Protected parks, unique fauna and flora fill the entire territory. The island is home to the famous Lukube Nature Reserve. It is inhabited by a rare black lemur, the smallest chameleon and a frog. The exotic island is considered an expensive and prestigious resort.
It is an international tourism center. Here on the golden coasts are the best beaches and dive sites. Humpback whales swim not far from the coast during marriage ceremonies. The capital of the island is the city of Anduani or El Ville. It has many modern hotels, restaurants, nightclubs. A high level of service, equipped beaches with golden sand satisfies the needs of any vacationer.
While exploring the island, it is proposed to go to the tops of the dormant volcanoes of Sakaleuna, Nosy Be, the silver waterfall, the village of the natives, the ruins of buildings of the 17th and 18th centuries. See the cells of the old prison in 1855. The best time to visit the island is from July to October. You can fly to the island by private planes or by boat.
Nosy Kumba Island
The lemur reserve (Kumba means lemur) is reached only by boat, pirogues. Interesting animals with striped tails and round eyes come across at every turn. The locals treat them with respect and respect. They help during illness, even greet at the entrance to the forest. This is due to the legend that in ancient times the animals were people. Then they went to live in the forests, overgrown with wool and turned into animals. There are no hotels, inns, towns on the island.
Nothing should disturb the life of its inhabitants, as described by Carl Linnaeus. At night, locals hear a loud cry, similar to a child's cry. Lemurs live in large families, it is easy to get acquainted with their way of life. To do this, it is proposed to buy bananas in any village house and go into the thicket of the forest. They will smell their favorite product from afar, and the whole flock will be on the hands and shoulders of travelers. It is also useful to bring your own treats, which will instantly disappear into the paws of brave animals.
Once upon a time, huge lemurs weighing up to 200 kg were found in Madagascar. Now they are gone, but the number of animal species here is the largest on the planet. And the largest local lemur, Indri, lives in the Andasibe-Mantadia park. The island is surrounded by snow-white beaches, where you can relax, swim in the coastal waters. They return back in the evening. Numerous long pirogues await travelers near the shore. It is difficult to manage such a floating vehicle. But the skill of local residents helps to use them to transport guests.
Iranha Island
It is located on two islands: Big and Small Iranha. At low tide, a sandy spit 1500 m long appears, along which you can walk from one to the other. The south island has 23 luxury chalet villas set around the coastline. Each house is equipped in a unique style, has all the necessary infrastructure for a luxurious holiday. Palm trees, Philalos trees, tropical flowers grow everywhere. The resort is run by experienced innkeeper Fred Fore.
Only in the period from December to February, the conditions of rest on the island become less comfortable due to high humidity. The water temperature at this time is 25. Tourists are attracted here by excellent beaches with a small number of people, diving conditions. Boat trips, numerous excursions along ecologically clean routes. Huge turtles roam in many places along the coast, laying eggs. An unforgettable sight arises in front of vacationers, when thousands of small turtles strive to get into the water as soon as possible.
Nosy Iranya Island
A small piece of land is located near the popular resort on the island of Nosy Be. It is often referred to as “turtle island”. The legend about the island says that once a beautiful princess settled here and gave this place the beauty of landscapes, snow-white shores. The island consists of two parts, surrounded by a coral reef. The sandbar connecting them appears at low tide. Vacationers tend to walk along it when the turquoise waves of the ocean sparkle from both sides.
Comfortable climate, extraordinary nature, ideal conditions for scuba diving, comfortable, beautiful beaches are provided to vacationers all year round. The island is completely landscaped. It has comfortable hotels. Many of them have architectural features. For example, the hotel Nosy Iranja Lodge, located on the shore, is built from environmentally friendly materials. During the rest, it is proposed to visit an interesting fishing village, see the old lighthouse, built according to the project of Gustav Eiffel. Take a walk in the tropical forest among exotic palm trees or get acquainted with the life of numerous sea turtles. They get to the island by boat or helicopter.
Tulear
The mysterious island was born in the Indian Ocean 2 million years ago, separated from the African continent. It formed the conditions for the emergence of unusual flora, fauna, climate. On the relic land there are pristine tropical forests, islands bordered by snow-white stripes of sand, extinct volcanoes, baobabs. In the southern part, savannahs and semi-deserts reign. Five types of terrain Madagascar has resorts, recreation areas.
On the west coast, where the semi-deserts begin, is the resort of Tulear or “White City”. So it is called because of the snow-white shores covered with fine sand. Among tourists, it is famous for its unique beaches in the bay of St. Augustine. The city itself was built in the colonial style. It has many hotels, hotels with different price levels with high quality service, accommodation.
It is proposed to choose a place for families with small children, large youth companies. Tulear Bay is home to the largest (after the Great Australian Reef) coral reef. 250 km of fabulous place represent a real kingdom for diving enthusiasts. On your own or together with an excursion, it is proposed to visit the Reniala nature reserve, the unusual Kirindi forest, where you can get acquainted with the life of nocturnal animals. The city has a local airport. Airplanes from the capital of the country arrive here.
Madzunga
The west coast is surrounded by the Mozambique Channel. The water is always warm here, there are no sharks, there are many good beaches. This made it possible to create resorts on the coast that have become the hallmark of the island. The most popular among them is the resort town of Majunga. Here it is the second largest seaport. The city is separated from the main island by a strait (about 600 km). It can be reached by water transport. Having chosen a hotel, having enjoyed water activities, lying on the beach, it is proposed to get acquainted with the architectural sights of the city.
These are the mighty buildings of mosques, the sacred hill of Duani, the building of the former governor's residence, the preserved ruins of the fortress. The reserve of Tsingy de Bemaraha with unique flora and fauna is located near the city. Mountain ranges, blue-gray karst rocks, the famous baobab that grows next to the observation deck. It is possible to go to it by taking off your shoes. In the waters of the old port there is a cemetery of ancient ships, which attracts many lovers of underwater adventures.
Mahazanga
The city is located on the right bank of the Becibuka River (northwest coast). Until the beginning of the 19th century, it was the capital of the state of Bueni. Many interesting architectural buildings of the Arabic and Indian style have been preserved in the area of the old port. Among them are the mansions of the local rich, the building of the university. Now the city is the main seaport of the region. It has an international airport, highways leading to the capital and other settlements.
Mahajanga is considered an important tourist center. Conditions for a comfortable beach holiday, cultural and educational trips are created here. Modern hotels, rich infrastructure, a selection of interesting excursions form excellent conditions for recreation. Of interest is a trip along with an experienced guide to the northern part of the island to the crater of the extinct volcano Marumukutru in the Tsaratanana mountain range. In the reserve of the western coast of Tsingy de Bemaraha, included in the lists of protected heritage of UNESCO. Along narrow paths, it is proposed to climb to the top of unique rocks.
Tuamasina
The city is a major industrial center of the country. It used to be called Tamatave. The growth of the city is associated with the existence of a convenient bay with two exits. This made it possible to create the most important port here. In 1927, a terrible cyclone destroyed the city, but it has been completely restored, a unique infrastructure for recreation has been created. Many hotels, hotels with different price levels have been built. Local residents willingly provide rooms in original buildings. A large number of people from different countries come to rest in an exotic, paradise place.
You can get to the place of rest by plane from the capital of the country, by rail, by road. Near the city there are reactionary zones in the form of effective balneological, seaside resorts. You can soak up the gentle beach on small islands near the city. Nearby are the Ivuluin Zoo, the Botanical Garden, the Sacred Grotto with the royal necropolis, the walls of the ancient Fort Farafati. Antungila Bay, impenetrable rainforests, the “water paradise” of the Pangalan Canal. All the unique places in the region are invited to visit during interesting excursions.