Madagascar - The Land of The White Pygmies
May 23, 2009 by admin
Filed under Africa, Featured, Madagaskar
One of the fourth largest islands in the world, Madagascar is surrounded by beautiful beaches and palm trees filled with natural reserves, grassy plateaus and dense forests. The Republic of Madagascar lies in the Indian Ocean separated from the African mainland by the 248 mile wide Mozambique Channel. The eco tourist friendly place is fun to enjoy amidst beautiful flowering plants natural history and a great place to explore and have an adventure of a lifetime.
Antananarivo
Antananarivo - Capital city of Madagascar
(Via)
The place retains most of its French flavor with French being the main language spoken here. Even the road and shop signs are in French.
Anjajavy Reserve
Anjajavy Reserve
(Via)
This is the best place to not only enjoy the natural habitat but also the natural history of the place. It is a nicely preserved habitat of dry deciduous forest with a lot of mouse lemurs, Coquerel’s sifaka, chameleons and the Madagascan fish eagle and of course the lovely beaches.
Ankarana Reserve
Ankarana Reserve
(Via)
Situated 65 km south of Diego Suarez, it has a plateau made of limestone in the shape of a fortress decorated with fields of pinnacles. You can find subterranean rivers, caves and passages underneath the plateau.
Mahajanga
Mahajanga - Town of Flowers
(Via)
Mahajanga, situated at the mouth of the Betsiboka River is a wonderful place to be in surrounded by shaded arcades, flowering bougainvillea shrubs and pre-colonial architecture. The place also has many churches and mosques.
Ambohimanga
Ambohimanga
(Via)
Ambohimanga is the birthplace of Malagasy state and is a significant Merina stronghold. The citadel’s main gate is a huge stone disc.
Markets of Madagascar
(Via)
(Via)
The markets here are full of life with the various colors and scents. In fact, the daily Zoma Market is stated to be the second largest in the world. Other busy and interesting markets are the Bazary Be and the Toamasina Market which is the country’s main port.
Things to do
Visit the country’s national monument in Antananarivo which is the Queen’s Palace and the Royal Palace or Rova said to be occupied by the Merina Dynasty in the 19th century.
Don’t miss out on Ampefy which is a volcanic region with beautiful waterfalls and a natural reserve, Perinet that has innumerable species of orchid and the indri or the tailless lemur.
For those interested in water sports, try water skiing or sailing at Lake Mantasoa, Andraikiba Lake and Ramona. You can also do some river rafting in the Highlands and on the East Coast.
Relax on the innumerable beaches like for instance the one in Antseranana which is a cosmopolitan seaport overlooking lakes, waterfalls and grottoes.
Do snorkeling and diving at the tourist friendly place like Nosy Be.
How to get there
Madagascar can be reached by air anytime. Air Madagascar offers many frequent air services to and fro. Moving around in Madagascar can be done by the many coastal transport services. Small boat safaris are also available. Other modes of travel are the bus, train, taxi and rickshaw. Car and bikes are also available on hire to make your ride more personal and convenient.
Explore Madagaskar on Map