Hot spots

Nosy Tanikely: Nosy Tanikely means “island of little earth”, which alludes to the small area of the island. The often-used spelling “Tanihely” with h instead of k is not a spelling mistake, but only the name of the park in the dialect of the local people, the Sakalava. Location: Nosy Tanikely National Park is located in northwestern Madagascar off the …

Nosy Komba, in English Lemur Island, is the nickname of a small island in the canal of Mozambique on Madagascar’s northwest coast. It belongs to the Diana region and is only a few kilometers from the nearest village on land, Ankify. From the port of Doany, it takes about twenty minutes by motorboat across the sea, from Nosy Be it …

Actually, the Antemoro ethnic group lives in southeast Madagascar, around Manakara and Farafangana. In the southern highlands, however, there is a small factory in the middle of Ambalavao, which still shows the production of the handmade paper called Antaimoro, which was once typical of the traditional Antemoro and still is today. Originally the Antemoro came from Arabs, who brought the …

Antsirabe, one of the largest cities in the southern highlands of Madagascar and only 170 km from the capital Antananarivo, is not only known for its thermal springs. Antsirabe has been a meeting place for gemstone dealers and jewellers for years due to the numerous sapphire mining areas a little further south. If you are looking for a special gemstone …

Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital, is not only full of life, but also full of markets. One of those is the handcrafts‘ market Andravoahangy on Route Digue, located few kilometres from Ivato airport. Hundred of artisans merged together here to the biggest handcrafts’ market of the country, which offers really everything the heart could wish for. Boothes side by side make a …

The ruin of Fort Manda is about three kilometres northeast of the coastal town of Mahavelona (Foulpointe) and can be easily reached by foot from there. Directly from the end of the town it is only half as far. A visit should take at least half a day, the entrance fee is about 3000 Ariary. Fidel, the guide and guardian …

The zebu is Madagascar’s most common kept animal, and shapes the country today strongly. Whether on the road, in the middle of the city, on rice fields or in the smallest hut villages – everywhere you will find cattle with the typical hump. They provide many Madagascans with a small income, offer meat and – admittedly relatively little – give …

Ankify is a small village on Madagascar’s northwest coast, about 30 km west of Ambanja in the Diana region. It is easy to reach from Ambanja via paved roads and a gravel slope (45 minutes drive). Ankify is the ideal place to relax, let your soul take a break and enjoy the beautiful nature. Well-equipped hotels and lodges offer excellent …

Akanin’ny nofy: The name Akanin’ny Nofy means “the nest of dreams”. The name describes this little paradise perfectly. However, the reserve is better known under its second name “Palmarium” or formerly “La Palmarie”. Location: The Akanin’ny nofy reserve is located on a peninsula in eastern Madagascar, about 60 km south of the city of Toamasina (Tamatave). From Toamasina you drive …

The legendary Baobab Avenue is located on the road (or let’s better say the dusty slope) between Morondava and Belo sur Tsiribinha in west Madagascar. It is in the province of Menabe. Everywhere along the road between those two cities, you can find the impressive Baobab trees, only a small part of 250 meters length is known as Baobab Avenue …