Salut les voyageurs,
Nous partons à Madagascar les 20 premiers jours d'octobre prochain avec ma copine :)
Destination qui nous donnait envie depuis un moment. Après s'être renseignés a droite a gauche sur les différents coins à cibler, notre dilemme est enfin la : l'ouest, ou le nord.
Peut-être certains d'entre vous connaissent les deux régions et pourraient nous donner leur(s) avis ?
Peut-être aussi qu'il est jouable de visiter les deux en 2/3 semaines, mais on préfère ne pas courir (et on a bien compris que les temps de trajets ne sont pas les mêmes que chez nous), en prenant le temps d'en voir seule à la cool.
Du coup, on hésite entre :
LE NORD : Diego - trois baies, baie de sakalava, montagnes des francais, d'ambre - mer d'émeraude (iles autour ? kitesurf ? balaines ?) - parc d'Ankara - Ambaja - Finir une petite semaine nosy be et ses iles (des spots à ne pas louper ?)
L'OUEST : Antsirabé -Miandrivazo - belo sur Tsiribihina, Tsingy de Bemahara, Morondova - Puis descente jusqu'à Tulear la dernière semaine pour profiter des belles plages !
Vous l'avez compris, on est pas originaux : on aimerait de la jungle de la terre et du lagon , alors si quelqu'un a parcouru de près (ou d'un peu plus loin) l'un de ces deux circuits, on écouterai avec attention vos expériences ! Même des conseils ou choses auxquelles ont ne pense pas forcément en partant la bas :)
Comme par exemple, ce point qui nous taraude : chauffeur en 4x4 qui nous suit H24 (pas fan), ou taxi et taxi brousse en avisant selon nos déplacements ?
En espérant un mini écho,
During these three big weeks in Madagascar, one week in Sainte Marie, a few days for a little loop in the west/south, and the rest in Tana.
This loop I’m talking about covers an area I’d never taken the time to visit before. A recent road in good condition, the chance to pass through beautiful highland landscapes, and a few free days made it the perfect opportunity. Destination: Ampefy, west of Tana via the RN1, then a turn south onto the recently rehabilitated RN43 to reach Antsirabe before heading back to Tana. Four days planned—perfect, since an extra day wouldn’t have been a problem given all the activities in Ampefy.
First day: a relaxed and fairly late departure for Ampefy. We weren’t in a rush and took our time. Traffic leaving Tana to get back on the RN1 cost us the head start we had on our original schedule. An hour and a half bumper-to-bumper with the *buxis*, inching painfully toward the roundabout and then the bridge that acts as a bottleneck—we dove in like all our fellow sufferers. It’s not our everyday reality, and we were early, so no big deal, but man, it’s long and slow. Once past that obstacle, traffic flowed smoothly, and the road was good (all the way to Ampefy). We moved through highland landscapes, bustling villages full of activity, and countless agricultural supply shops—clear proof, if any were needed, that we were crossing a prime farming region. Around Arivonimamo, we passed through a forest with a Mediterranean vibe: a single-species forest of stout little trees with glossy, elongated light-green leaves—these are *tapia*. An endemic tree in Madagascar, and a pretty unique forest as a result (you can see them elsewhere, like between Antsirabe and Ambositra). There are efforts to protect it from illegal logging because the wood is fire-resistant, which helps shield the forest from wildfires. Beyond its biodiversity value, the *tapia* hosts silkworms, giving it economic and cultural importance.
As we kept going, we started spotting a lake and mountains with the rounded shapes typical of extinct volcanoes worn down by time and the elements. We were approaching Lake Itasy and, by extension, Ampefy. We stopped at a *hotely* for a plate of *tongon’kisoa*—pig’s trotters caramelized by cooking, with thick, flavorful skin—along with the obligatory portion of rice, which we took the time to drizzle with cooking juices to make it a bit more appetizing. Full, we turned left to reach Ampefy and our hotel. The landscape was dotted with collapsed, dormant volcanic cones, and suddenly, the view opened up onto the lake. Shallow and expansive, we followed it, losing sight of it now and then before finding it again in Ampefy itself, which we entered after crossing the Lily, a beautiful river that drains the lake. Lots of hotels and restaurants, with plenty of options at all price points. We chose the *Farihy*, about 5 km past Ampefy. A gorgeous spot by the lake, with a pool and lovely bungalows—some with picture windows overlooking the lake. Really nice. In the evening, a drink and some *sak sak* for aperitif on the terrace. It wasn’t warm, there was a lot of wind, and a storm was brewing. Off to bed quickly to start the next day’s visits.
After buying some lychees—we hadn’t seen many this year, and these were fresh from the field, picked in Ampefy—we headed to the Lily Falls. Well signposted, with a paved road in great condition, we stopped at the kiosk for the entrance fee and parking (1 euro for one *vahiny* and 10 cents for one Malagasy). We set off down the path and quickly reached the first waterfall, then continued for maybe 1 km on a well-marked trail to the second. A guide led us to the third, which is harder to spot and isn’t actually on the Lily itself. Beautiful countryside scenery: fishermen straight out of *Tom Sawyer*, straw hats on their heads, lying down with one foot hooked to a fragile bamboo rod, their line dipping into the calm river. Men preparing rice paddies with their *angady*, women transplanting rice, bent over the water. At some points, we walked along the dikes between paddies almost ready for harvest. It’s peaceful and beautiful when you’re strolling or fishing, but working the paddies is grueling, especially under that beating sun. A really nice walk—2 hours and a bit, going at a leisurely pace. A guide isn’t mandatory; only the entrance fee is. We took one because it provides a bit of work and puts money in the hands of locals, giving them more incentive to protect the site. But you can easily skip it, like most people do. Lots of visitors since it was the weekend—Tananarivians with family or groups of young people, scout groups organized under their chaperones’ direction. Very few foreign tourists, though—that’s a general observation. It’s great to see this growth in domestic tourism, giving Malagasy people the chance to discover their own country and allowing those in the sector to rely less on foreign visitors, who’ve been scarce for years.
Next, we headed to the "geysers" (which aren’t actually geysers, but whatever). We had to go back to the RN1, head toward Tsiroanomandidy, and a few kilometers later, a well-marked sign and a newly paved track led us to a pretty site. Again, lots of people, another kiosk, more fees to pay, and guides available. This time, we skipped the guide. A downpour caught us in front of the "geysers," so we took shelter under a little shop, grabbing an ice cream and some drinks. We didn’t stay long—we weren’t interested in a massage or a dip in the thermal water. The countryside and barren mountain landscapes were stunning on the way back to the hotel. We noticed you could go paragliding right in front of the bungalow, so we booked a session for the next morning. After eating at the *Auberge* in the town center (it was good), we headed back to the hotel to turn in early. Once again, a storm rolled in during the afternoon, and the temperature dropped significantly.
The next morning, around 8 a.m., we walked to the takeoff zone near the hotel. Towed by a small boat, we took off for a flight over the lake and the volcanic domes before landing back at the same spot. Two companies handle this. I’m no expert, but it seemed safe and well-organized.
To be continued...
First day: a relaxed and fairly late departure for Ampefy. We weren’t in a rush and took our time. Traffic leaving Tana to get back on the RN1 cost us the head start we had on our original schedule. An hour and a half bumper-to-bumper with the *buxis*, inching painfully toward the roundabout and then the bridge that acts as a bottleneck—we dove in like all our fellow sufferers. It’s not our everyday reality, and we were early, so no big deal, but man, it’s long and slow. Once past that obstacle, traffic flowed smoothly, and the road was good (all the way to Ampefy). We moved through highland landscapes, bustling villages full of activity, and countless agricultural supply shops—clear proof, if any were needed, that we were crossing a prime farming region. Around Arivonimamo, we passed through a forest with a Mediterranean vibe: a single-species forest of stout little trees with glossy, elongated light-green leaves—these are *tapia*. An endemic tree in Madagascar, and a pretty unique forest as a result (you can see them elsewhere, like between Antsirabe and Ambositra). There are efforts to protect it from illegal logging because the wood is fire-resistant, which helps shield the forest from wildfires. Beyond its biodiversity value, the *tapia* hosts silkworms, giving it economic and cultural importance.
As we kept going, we started spotting a lake and mountains with the rounded shapes typical of extinct volcanoes worn down by time and the elements. We were approaching Lake Itasy and, by extension, Ampefy. We stopped at a *hotely* for a plate of *tongon’kisoa*—pig’s trotters caramelized by cooking, with thick, flavorful skin—along with the obligatory portion of rice, which we took the time to drizzle with cooking juices to make it a bit more appetizing. Full, we turned left to reach Ampefy and our hotel. The landscape was dotted with collapsed, dormant volcanic cones, and suddenly, the view opened up onto the lake. Shallow and expansive, we followed it, losing sight of it now and then before finding it again in Ampefy itself, which we entered after crossing the Lily, a beautiful river that drains the lake. Lots of hotels and restaurants, with plenty of options at all price points. We chose the *Farihy*, about 5 km past Ampefy. A gorgeous spot by the lake, with a pool and lovely bungalows—some with picture windows overlooking the lake. Really nice. In the evening, a drink and some *sak sak* for aperitif on the terrace. It wasn’t warm, there was a lot of wind, and a storm was brewing. Off to bed quickly to start the next day’s visits.
After buying some lychees—we hadn’t seen many this year, and these were fresh from the field, picked in Ampefy—we headed to the Lily Falls. Well signposted, with a paved road in great condition, we stopped at the kiosk for the entrance fee and parking (1 euro for one *vahiny* and 10 cents for one Malagasy). We set off down the path and quickly reached the first waterfall, then continued for maybe 1 km on a well-marked trail to the second. A guide led us to the third, which is harder to spot and isn’t actually on the Lily itself. Beautiful countryside scenery: fishermen straight out of *Tom Sawyer*, straw hats on their heads, lying down with one foot hooked to a fragile bamboo rod, their line dipping into the calm river. Men preparing rice paddies with their *angady*, women transplanting rice, bent over the water. At some points, we walked along the dikes between paddies almost ready for harvest. It’s peaceful and beautiful when you’re strolling or fishing, but working the paddies is grueling, especially under that beating sun. A really nice walk—2 hours and a bit, going at a leisurely pace. A guide isn’t mandatory; only the entrance fee is. We took one because it provides a bit of work and puts money in the hands of locals, giving them more incentive to protect the site. But you can easily skip it, like most people do. Lots of visitors since it was the weekend—Tananarivians with family or groups of young people, scout groups organized under their chaperones’ direction. Very few foreign tourists, though—that’s a general observation. It’s great to see this growth in domestic tourism, giving Malagasy people the chance to discover their own country and allowing those in the sector to rely less on foreign visitors, who’ve been scarce for years.
Next, we headed to the "geysers" (which aren’t actually geysers, but whatever). We had to go back to the RN1, head toward Tsiroanomandidy, and a few kilometers later, a well-marked sign and a newly paved track led us to a pretty site. Again, lots of people, another kiosk, more fees to pay, and guides available. This time, we skipped the guide. A downpour caught us in front of the "geysers," so we took shelter under a little shop, grabbing an ice cream and some drinks. We didn’t stay long—we weren’t interested in a massage or a dip in the thermal water. The countryside and barren mountain landscapes were stunning on the way back to the hotel. We noticed you could go paragliding right in front of the bungalow, so we booked a session for the next morning. After eating at the *Auberge* in the town center (it was good), we headed back to the hotel to turn in early. Once again, a storm rolled in during the afternoon, and the temperature dropped significantly.
The next morning, around 8 a.m., we walked to the takeoff zone near the hotel. Towed by a small boat, we took off for a flight over the lake and the volcanic domes before landing back at the same spot. Two companies handle this. I’m no expert, but it seemed safe and well-organized.
To be continued...
Hi, is it possible to find out? How can I stay for 3 consecutive months in Madagascar, based on a fixed-date flight ticket? In short, how do I get a visa stamped at the airport??
Does anyone know if there’s maritime transport from the southern tip of Africa to a port in MADAGASCAR?
CHEAPER THAN A FLIGHT, see you soon, fellow traveler!!
Does anyone know if there’s maritime transport from the southern tip of Africa to a port in MADAGASCAR?
CHEAPER THAN A FLIGHT, see you soon, fellow traveler!!
Hi there, I’m looking for info on whether it’s feasible to travel the Pangalanes Canal by boat from Toamasina to Manakara. I know the canal is poorly maintained with some sections that aren’t navigable. This is my 5th trip to Madagascar. Thanks for any tips!
Hi there,
Could you recommend any reputable local agencies for a driver with a vehicle to travel along the RN7 from Tana to Tulear with stops?
Or alternatively, a driver you’ve personally "hired" for your trip?
Thanks!
Xavier
Bonjour
Je souhaiterais trouver une agence locale malgache pour envisager 15 jours de découverte de cette île
Bonjour,
qui a voyagé avec Sudmadatrek ? SI OUI , qu'en pensez vous ?
Merci
J'ai 3 semaines à partir du 15 février , que je voulais passer à Madagascar , que je ne connais pas encore..... je sais que ce n'est pas la saison idéale , mais quelles régions privilégier ?
merci à tous . Patricia
salut à tous et à toute
je pars début septembre pour 2 mois à Madagascar et j'aimerais avoir quelque conseils d’itinéraire afin d'éviter au maximum les long trajet en taxi brousse. suis les 2 mois ne suffise pas à visité toute l’île, je suis prêt à délaissé le grand sud (car ça a l'air difficile de rejoindre Morondava en partent de Tulear sans rebrousser chemin) pour me focaliser sur l’ouest, le nord et bien sur l'est avec l’île saint marie.
voila je vous remercie d'avance d'excuser les fautes d’orthographe 😉
voila je vous remercie d'avance d'excuser les fautes d’orthographe 😉
hi there
I’ll be in Antalaha in October and need to get to Maroantsetra. I’ve heard it’s possible by boat, but I can’t find any info about it. So I’m wondering if I’ll have to arrange something with local fishing boats or something else, and whether it’s a risky trip since the sea can get rough on Madagascar’s east coast. Has anyone done this before, or just know anything about it? What do you think?
I’ll be in Antalaha in October and need to get to Maroantsetra. I’ve heard it’s possible by boat, but I can’t find any info about it. So I’m wondering if I’ll have to arrange something with local fishing boats or something else, and whether it’s a risky trip since the sea can get rough on Madagascar’s east coast. Has anyone done this before, or just know anything about it? What do you think?
Hi there,
How do you get from Tamatave or Foulpointe to Sainte Marie Island? We’re heading to Madagascar from July 16 to 29, 2025.
How many days should we stay to explore the area?
What’s there to do in Tamatave, Foulpointe, or Sainte Marie Island?
What should we visit?
Thanks everyone!
Hi everyone,
Everything’s in the title: what are the options for getting from M. to M.?
By *boutre* (traditional sailboat), I know, if you’re not in a hurry.
Is there a coastal track between Mahajanga and the Tsingy? Meaning, can you reach Bekopaka by track without going back through Tana?
Thanks.
bonjour,
l'été 2021, après 10 jours de rando à la réunion, j'aimerais passer au moins 10 jours à Mada, que me conseillez vous de voir, dans quelles parties de l'ile, quel moyen de locomotion, quels hébergements, à prix raisonnables, merci de tous vos bons tuyaux
Je souhaite me rendre par route et piste de Majunga a Maintirano courant Octobre prochain.
Merci me donner repères étapes et temps .De Katsepy a Soalala , puis Besalampy à Maintirano.
Pistes et bacs et moyens de transport .
En fait je continuerais sur Morondava pour regagner Tana et retour France.
Premier voyage à Mada (couple + 2 grands ados). Nous avons lu pas mal de messages et regardé des vidéos de voyageurs, ce qui nous a permis d'identifier ce que nous pourrions faire en 3 semaines. Nous aimerions voyager avec un chauffeur guide. Vous pourrez sûrement nous aider sur la durée du tout... Sommes-nous trop gourmands ou est-ce raisonnable ? Dans ce périple, y a-t-il des lieux à ne pas manquer ?
Voici mon premier jet:
Départ de Tana vers l'est par la RN2. Arrêt à la réserve Analamazoatra RN11 pour rejoindre le canal des Pangalanes 3 ou 4 jours pour descendre le canal vers le sud (bateau taxi) Le train de Manakara à Fiana RN7 vers Tulear Du temps pour un ptit trek dans l'Andringitra ? J'en doute... Parc Isalo De Tulear, aller au nord ou au sud en Pirogue pour aller se poser quelque part Pour remonter sur Tana et rester compatible avec le temps des vacances, je crois qu'il faudra le faire en avion... Restera-t-il du temps pour aller à Ampefy ?
Qu'est-ce que cela vous inspire ?
Départ de Tana vers l'est par la RN2. Arrêt à la réserve Analamazoatra RN11 pour rejoindre le canal des Pangalanes 3 ou 4 jours pour descendre le canal vers le sud (bateau taxi) Le train de Manakara à Fiana RN7 vers Tulear Du temps pour un ptit trek dans l'Andringitra ? J'en doute... Parc Isalo De Tulear, aller au nord ou au sud en Pirogue pour aller se poser quelque part Pour remonter sur Tana et rester compatible avec le temps des vacances, je crois qu'il faudra le faire en avion... Restera-t-il du temps pour aller à Ampefy ?
Qu'est-ce que cela vous inspire ?
Bonjour à tous
Je désire organiser un petit voyage de 12 jours a Madagascar fin avril début mai 2020.
Je cherche des conseils et circuits à faire, on sera un couple..
On y va pour la faune et le farniente. Les paysages paradisiaque et un peu d aventure.
Merci d'avance pour votre aide
Article de la tribune sur le tourisme à Mada et son avnir:
https://afrique.latribune.fr/economie/strategies/2019-09-23/wave-madagascar-le-tourisme-relancera-t-il-la-croissance-de-l-archipel-828694.html#xtor=--%5Bla-tribune-afrique-l-actualite-economique-du-continent%5D-20190923-%5B%5D-0@3075-20190923190000
Bonjour, nous envisageons de partir 3 semaines à Mada. Nous sommes 3 couples de potes. Après avoir fait des devis près d'agences, nous avons abandonné nos recherches.Nous avons rencontré une personne qui nous a conseillé de prendre un chauffeur guide. Nous comptons partir les 15 derniers jours d'aout et 1ere de sept 2020. Qui pourrait nous orienter dans notre itinéraire pour 3 semaines sachant que nous souhaitons terminer par l'île ste Marie ?. Quel budget doit on prévoir pour les 3 semaines sans compter le vol aller retour ? Merci
Bonjour
Projetant avec mon mari un périple de 15 jours sur Madagascar en mai 2020, pouvez vous me conseiller des agences locales sérieuses pour établir avec eux, le parcours.
Si quelqu'un connait Mi-Voyages, suis preneuse de renseignements
Merci pour vos réponses
Bonne journée
Hi everyone, I’m heading to Île aux Nattes in a few weeks and I’d like to know if euros are accepted in the island’s restaurants.
At the hotel where I’ll be staying, they take card payments, but for activities, I can’t find any reliable info.
Could anyone tell me the approximate cost in euros and/or ariary for a week (food outside the hotel) on the island for two people?
Also, has anyone ever exchanged money at the Paris Magenta exchange bureau? Thanks!
Also, has anyone ever exchanged money at the Paris Magenta exchange bureau? Thanks!
Hi everyone! I’ve put together an itinerary for Madagascar and would love to get your feedback if you can help—thanks!
December 6–9: Antananarivo 3 nights, sightseeing Andasibe-Mantadia National Park Rova of Antananarivo (Ambohimanga Fort) Lemurs’ Park
December 9–11: Fianarantsoa, 2 nights Ranomafana National Park
Ambalavao, December 11–13, 2 nights Andringitra National Park
December 13–15: Ranohira or Ilakaka, 2 nights Monkey Canyon visit Isalo National Park
December 15–18: Tulear, 3 nights Reniala Reserve visit Beach time, possible diving Antsokay Arboretum Ifaty Forest
December 18–19: Full day—take a flight to the capital and stay overnight Then on December 19, take the bus to Morondava
December 19–23: Morondava, 4 nights Kirindy Mitea National Park Avenue of the Baobabs Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
12:30-hour bus ride from Morondava to the capital
Antananarivo, December 23–24 11:30-hour trip from the capital to Mahajanga
Mahajanga/Majunga, December 24–27, 3 nights Ankarafantsika National Park visit
Ambanja District, 3 nights December 27–30 Tsaratanana Nature Reserve visit Maromokotro trek
Nosy Be Island, December 30–January 7, 2026, 8 nights diving, beach time, relaxation, walks, hiking, snorkeling
Antsiranana, January 7–11, 4 nights Ambavanibe Bay visit Montagne d’Ambre National Park
Return to the capital for a flight home or a 28-hour bus ride
1 or 2 nights in Antananarivo depending on the return trip
January 13: Departure for France Arrival in Paris, France the next day
December 6–9: Antananarivo 3 nights, sightseeing Andasibe-Mantadia National Park Rova of Antananarivo (Ambohimanga Fort) Lemurs’ Park
December 9–11: Fianarantsoa, 2 nights Ranomafana National Park
Ambalavao, December 11–13, 2 nights Andringitra National Park
December 13–15: Ranohira or Ilakaka, 2 nights Monkey Canyon visit Isalo National Park
December 15–18: Tulear, 3 nights Reniala Reserve visit Beach time, possible diving Antsokay Arboretum Ifaty Forest
December 18–19: Full day—take a flight to the capital and stay overnight Then on December 19, take the bus to Morondava
December 19–23: Morondava, 4 nights Kirindy Mitea National Park Avenue of the Baobabs Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
12:30-hour bus ride from Morondava to the capital
Antananarivo, December 23–24 11:30-hour trip from the capital to Mahajanga
Mahajanga/Majunga, December 24–27, 3 nights Ankarafantsika National Park visit
Ambanja District, 3 nights December 27–30 Tsaratanana Nature Reserve visit Maromokotro trek
Nosy Be Island, December 30–January 7, 2026, 8 nights diving, beach time, relaxation, walks, hiking, snorkeling
Antsiranana, January 7–11, 4 nights Ambavanibe Bay visit Montagne d’Ambre National Park
Return to the capital for a flight home or a 28-hour bus ride
1 or 2 nights in Antananarivo depending on the return trip
January 13: Departure for France Arrival in Paris, France the next day
hey everyone,
I’m planning a trip in July: I’d like to take a minibus from Tana to Mahajanga, then continue on to Antsohihy and Narinda Bay, take time to explore the area (Nosy Lava), and then head back down to Mahajanga if possible by boutre or, if not, by the track if it exists. Just to clarify, I’ve got a bike and all the time in the world.
Has anyone done this or have any info?
Thanks in advance!!
Hi there, following a work trip, I’ll have 4.5 days left to get a quick overview of Madagascar during the last week of February. I’ll already have had a good look around Tana (3 days of work and 1.5 days beforehand to see 1 or 2 points of interest 2-3 hours from Tana).
Is it feasible to spend the remaining 4.5 days like this:
- Day 1 & 2 (and maybe the morning of Day 3): relaxing on a coast with a pleasant climate, for example, a one-way flight to Tuléar (there’s a flight on Day 1 at 3 AM) and heading to a nice beach. Ideally, I’d have liked to go toward Morondava (baobabs, beautiful beaches near Belo), but the flight schedules don’t really work, and it wouldn’t let me visit Isalo.
- Then 2 days to head back up via the RN7, ideally with a stop in Isalo, which really appeals to me (I’m an experienced hiker in France), and/or Ranomafana. But do the weather conditions allow for long hikes in that area? Ideally, I’d like to do Tuléar–Tana by public transport up to my first road stop (shared bus? To Isalo?), then find a local hiking guide for the day. And take another transport to another point of interest before returning to Tana, where I have my return flight to France on Day 5 at noon.
My questions: - How to travel from Day 3 to Day 5 from the west coast (Tuléar? Morondava?) back to Tana? I’d prefer not to depend on a guide the whole way, but if I have to 🤷🏽♂️) If I choose Morondava, will I miss out on really interesting spots I could’ve seen along the RN7?
I’m open to any suggestions or ideas to make the most of these 4.5 days, like another beach destination I might not have considered (I ruled out Nosy Bé because of the February weather—maybe I was wrong?)
Is it feasible to spend the remaining 4.5 days like this:
- Day 1 & 2 (and maybe the morning of Day 3): relaxing on a coast with a pleasant climate, for example, a one-way flight to Tuléar (there’s a flight on Day 1 at 3 AM) and heading to a nice beach. Ideally, I’d have liked to go toward Morondava (baobabs, beautiful beaches near Belo), but the flight schedules don’t really work, and it wouldn’t let me visit Isalo.
- Then 2 days to head back up via the RN7, ideally with a stop in Isalo, which really appeals to me (I’m an experienced hiker in France), and/or Ranomafana. But do the weather conditions allow for long hikes in that area? Ideally, I’d like to do Tuléar–Tana by public transport up to my first road stop (shared bus? To Isalo?), then find a local hiking guide for the day. And take another transport to another point of interest before returning to Tana, where I have my return flight to France on Day 5 at noon.
My questions: - How to travel from Day 3 to Day 5 from the west coast (Tuléar? Morondava?) back to Tana? I’d prefer not to depend on a guide the whole way, but if I have to 🤷🏽♂️) If I choose Morondava, will I miss out on really interesting spots I could’ve seen along the RN7?
I’m open to any suggestions or ideas to make the most of these 4.5 days, like another beach destination I might not have considered (I ruled out Nosy Bé because of the February weather—maybe I was wrong?)
Hi there,
I’m planning a 22-day trip to Madagascar this July.
And I could really use some advice 😊
Here’s what I’m sure about: Spending a few days in Nosy Be so my daughter can complete her Open Water certification—so I’m thinking 4 or 5 days there. I think Diego Suarez, Montagne d’Ambre, and Ankarana would suit what we like to do and have the advantage of being close to Nosy Be.
Now, the parts I’m unsure about, especially because of travel times:
My daughters really want to see whales. Is it possible around Nosy Be, or is Sainte Marie *the* must-visit spot? And what’s the weather like at that time of year? If we choose Sainte Marie, maybe do the Pangalanes Canal? Or is the route from Diego to Sainte Marie via the Vanilla Road a must-do?
Another option could be exploring the east with the Tsiribihina River and the Avenue of the Baobabs in Morondava.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
And I could really use some advice 😊
Here’s what I’m sure about: Spending a few days in Nosy Be so my daughter can complete her Open Water certification—so I’m thinking 4 or 5 days there. I think Diego Suarez, Montagne d’Ambre, and Ankarana would suit what we like to do and have the advantage of being close to Nosy Be.
Now, the parts I’m unsure about, especially because of travel times:
My daughters really want to see whales. Is it possible around Nosy Be, or is Sainte Marie *the* must-visit spot? And what’s the weather like at that time of year? If we choose Sainte Marie, maybe do the Pangalanes Canal? Or is the route from Diego to Sainte Marie via the Vanilla Road a must-do?
Another option could be exploring the east with the Tsiribihina River and the Avenue of the Baobabs in Morondava.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hello,
We’re arriving in Tana, the capital, by plane on the morning of May 22nd after an overnight flight.
Does any forum member know this Malagasy driver-guide: Haja Rasolondraibe?
The itinerary below might change or evolve—23 days might not be enough.
We’ll visit the central region (the highlands: Antsirabe, Atoetra and a Zafimaniry village, Lake Andrianina) and the unmissable west (Kirindy, the Avenue of the Baobabs, the Tsingy de Bamaraha, and a fishing village). Then back to Tana.
After that, we’ll head east of Tana to Ambohimanga, Andasibe, near Tamatave, Ankanin'ny, Mahambo, and Île Sainte-Marie if time allows. Not sure yet. Then back to Tana.
This driver-guide with a 4x4 charges 70 € per day, including food and accommodation. Excluding fuel.
If any members can recommend other driver-guides with a 4x4 and more reliable vehicles in good condition (since we don’t want to travel at night), I’d be interested.
Thanks in advance.
evad.tebo
Oh, the good news—the site is back up after such a long closure. I think many of us were really missing it, though some have moved on to other forums like Routard.
Hopefully, activity will pick up little by little. Travel habits have probably changed post-Covid, and some regulars won’t be coming back for all sorts of reasons.
But for the rest of us, the forum is here for travel journals and pre-trip questions. Anyway…
Back to the main point: my last trip to Madagascar was a while ago now—about a year—on the High Plateaus during the austral winter. It was really chilly, and to be honest, my feelings were mixed between the joy of returning to Madagascar and the sadness of seeing the state of the country. The infrastructure is crumbling, and the population is sinking into poverty at unprecedented levels. The country’s closure likely had immeasurable consequences, compounded by destructive cyclones. Even secondary cities have seen large numbers of rural people arriving in search of work, while some rural areas barely allow survival. I’ve never felt such despair over the situation in 20 years.
From Tana to Fianar, it was nothing but heartbreaking observations. Probably made worse by the drizzle and cold typical of that season in the region.
In a few weeks, I’m planning to return to the High Plateaus and also Sainte Marie. On that note, a few questions: has anyone stayed at Samaria Cosy Lodge, and what did you think of it? On Île aux Nattes, which hotel would you recommend for a few peaceful days, ideally on the coast best suited for snorkeling?
Thanks in advance
Back to the main point: my last trip to Madagascar was a while ago now—about a year—on the High Plateaus during the austral winter. It was really chilly, and to be honest, my feelings were mixed between the joy of returning to Madagascar and the sadness of seeing the state of the country. The infrastructure is crumbling, and the population is sinking into poverty at unprecedented levels. The country’s closure likely had immeasurable consequences, compounded by destructive cyclones. Even secondary cities have seen large numbers of rural people arriving in search of work, while some rural areas barely allow survival. I’ve never felt such despair over the situation in 20 years.
From Tana to Fianar, it was nothing but heartbreaking observations. Probably made worse by the drizzle and cold typical of that season in the region.
In a few weeks, I’m planning to return to the High Plateaus and also Sainte Marie. On that note, a few questions: has anyone stayed at Samaria Cosy Lodge, and what did you think of it? On Île aux Nattes, which hotel would you recommend for a few peaceful days, ideally on the coast best suited for snorkeling?
Thanks in advance
bonjour j aimerai partir en voyage a madagsacar avec ma femme et mes enfants
j aimerai decouvrir et leur faire decouvrir ces joli paysages MAIS AUSSI les endroits locaux les lieux moins touristiques et aussi les coins defavorisés , en effet voir des endroits ou la richesse n est pas la car j aimerai avec mes enfants faire des dons d affaires et de fournitures scolaires , montrer a mes enfants comment ils vivent labas
si quel qu un pourai m aiguiller m indiquer
merci beaucoup
Bonjour,
je ne suis jamais allée à Madagascar mais j'ai un rêve depuis longtemps, c'est d'aller à la rencontre des baobabs!
Je vais avoir 50 ans cette année et je me disais que je me paierais bien un beau voyage à cette occasion.
Partir avec quelle compagnie? Où aller pour cette rencontre? Quelle est la meilleure période? Que faire d'autres autour?
Je pense pouvoir partir 15 jours. J'aime marcher mais aussi me poser!
Pouvez vous m'aider?
Merci d'avance! Fabienne
Merci d'avance! Fabienne
Bonjour à tous,
La nouvelle trotte dans notre tête depuis cette semaine. Pourquoi pas Madagascar comme destination ! Avant de faire des recherches, j'ai une question toute simple. Est-il trop tard pour organiser 3 semaines de voyage en juillet/août ? Nous viendrons du Canada. J'imagine que les européens y vont beaucoup durant les grandes vacances...
Merci
La nouvelle trotte dans notre tête depuis cette semaine. Pourquoi pas Madagascar comme destination ! Avant de faire des recherches, j'ai une question toute simple. Est-il trop tard pour organiser 3 semaines de voyage en juillet/août ? Nous viendrons du Canada. J'imagine que les européens y vont beaucoup durant les grandes vacances...
Merci
Bonjour à tous,
Nous projettons de faire un circuit assez classique à Madagascar avec guide et chauffeur :
v Arrivée Antananarivo v Jour 2: Antananarivo - Antsirabe v Jour 3: Antsirabe – Miandrivazo v Jour 4: Miandrivazo – Masiakampy (Début de la descente) v Jour 5: Tsiribihina v Jour 6: Fin descente et transfert Bekopaka v Jour 7: Visite du grand et petit Tsingy v Jour 8: Bekopaka – Morondava v Jour 9 : Morondava – Belo sur mer v Jour 10:Belo sur mer – Manja v Jour 11: Manja -Morombe v Jour 12: Morombe–Andavadoaka v Jour 13 :Andavadoaka – Salary v Jour 14: Salary - Mangily Ifaty v Jour 15: Mangily Ifaty (Plongée et ballade en pirogue) v Jour 16:Ifaty-Tuléar – Ranohira v Jour 17: Visite du parc national de l’Isalo v Jour 18: Ranohira – Anja - Ambalavao v Jour 19: Ambalavao – Fianarantsoa v Jour 20: Fianarantsoa – Manakara (en train) v Jour 21: Le canal de Pangalane) v Jour 22: Manakara – Ranomafana v Jour 23 : Visite du parc national de Ranomafana v Jour 24: Ranomafana – Ambositra v Jour 25 :Ambositra – Antsirabe v Jour 26 : Antsirabe v Jour 27 : Antsirabe- Antananarivo v Jour 28 : Transfert aéroportJe serais tentée de rajouter quelques jours dans le nord, pour découvrir les Tsingy rouges, la montagne d'ambre et faire une plongée quelque part. Est-ce que ça vaut le coup? Le meilleur moyen pour y aller est-ce l'avion? Où faire de la plongée? L'ile Sainte Marie n'est-elle pas hyper touristique? Merci pour votre aide et vos réponses!
Nous projettons de faire un circuit assez classique à Madagascar avec guide et chauffeur :
v Arrivée Antananarivo v Jour 2: Antananarivo - Antsirabe v Jour 3: Antsirabe – Miandrivazo v Jour 4: Miandrivazo – Masiakampy (Début de la descente) v Jour 5: Tsiribihina v Jour 6: Fin descente et transfert Bekopaka v Jour 7: Visite du grand et petit Tsingy v Jour 8: Bekopaka – Morondava v Jour 9 : Morondava – Belo sur mer v Jour 10:Belo sur mer – Manja v Jour 11: Manja -Morombe v Jour 12: Morombe–Andavadoaka v Jour 13 :Andavadoaka – Salary v Jour 14: Salary - Mangily Ifaty v Jour 15: Mangily Ifaty (Plongée et ballade en pirogue) v Jour 16:Ifaty-Tuléar – Ranohira v Jour 17: Visite du parc national de l’Isalo v Jour 18: Ranohira – Anja - Ambalavao v Jour 19: Ambalavao – Fianarantsoa v Jour 20: Fianarantsoa – Manakara (en train) v Jour 21: Le canal de Pangalane) v Jour 22: Manakara – Ranomafana v Jour 23 : Visite du parc national de Ranomafana v Jour 24: Ranomafana – Ambositra v Jour 25 :Ambositra – Antsirabe v Jour 26 : Antsirabe v Jour 27 : Antsirabe- Antananarivo v Jour 28 : Transfert aéroportJe serais tentée de rajouter quelques jours dans le nord, pour découvrir les Tsingy rouges, la montagne d'ambre et faire une plongée quelque part. Est-ce que ça vaut le coup? Le meilleur moyen pour y aller est-ce l'avion? Où faire de la plongée? L'ile Sainte Marie n'est-elle pas hyper touristique? Merci pour votre aide et vos réponses!
