Thanks to a lucky cartoon, Madagascar has now become synonymous with evasion and escape from urban stress. In fact this island, located east of Mozambique, is a perfect place for that special holiday in a unique and extraordinary nature, a consequence of forced separation that happened when the island broke away from the African continent.
Madagascar
Best time to go
The seasons are reversed from those in our hemisphere. The best period is from April to October, while from November to March you will be the risk of hurricanes.
Hurricanes Madagascar
Capital: What to See
The historic buildings of the capital Antananarivo, including what remains of Rova, the Queen’s Palace destroyed by fire, are almost all there is to see in the upper part of the city. Below are the old wooden houses from the pointed roof, and finally, at the bottom, the most tourist areas. One of the most exciting areas is around Kianja ny Fahaleovantena (Place de l’Independance). In the south of the open waters of Lake Anosy, in the midst of which stands a monument to the fallen of WWI surrounded by jacaranda trees. Do not miss the chance to visit the many colorful markets in the city, the largest of which is Zoma where you can find the best local crafts. A ‘”taste” of the Malagasy great nature can be found in the Parc Botanique et de Zoologique Tsimbazaza, home to lemurs, among other species.
The Rova of Antananarivo, Madagascar
The best places to visit in Madagascar
When they arrive in Madagascar, beach lovers and divers usually head to Nosy Be, a beautiful island with many beaches and unpolluted waters that has become the main tourist center of the country. The Montagne d’Ambre is a vast area of lush vegetation, populated by several species of lemurs, around a volcanic mountain. The Parc National de Ranomafana can be reached after two hours of rough track. In the rain forest in its interior, that has streams and waterfalls, you can do both day and night safaris to go in search of lemurs, butterflies, orchids and ferns. Another extraordinary area, declared World Heritage by UNESCO, is the Parc National des Tsingy de Bemaraha. The “tsingy” are limestone pinnacles, around which walkways and wooden bridges were built to allow a visit from close range.
Madagascar, Montagne d'Ambre, green forest in the fog
Festivals and events
In May, at Nosy Be Donia is held. It is one of the largest festival of African traditional music, which draws tens of thousands of people over five days of concerts and shows. Also in Antananarivo, in November and December is the time of Gasytsara, interesting festivals of contemporary music. Among the events related to religious folklore there is the Fitampoha ceremony, a ritual immersion in the river of holy relics. Another ceremony is the purification Fisemana, organized in June by the population antakàrama. The main national holiday is the Day of Uprising in which, every March 29, remembers the revolt against France in 1947.
Madagascar, carnet de voyage, extrait… from bastien dubois
Photos: Photo 1: the last straw, Photo 2: thebadastronomer, Photo 3: Pierre-Yves Babelon, Photo 4:anthonyasael
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