There are fewer and fewer pristine places on the coasts of the seas, oceans, where no man's foot has stepped. And an increasing number of beach lovers, active types of recreation, travel to the natural world are seeking 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 streams, plunge into the ocean waves while 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. The country located on an island (the fourth largest among the islands in the world) off the southeastern coast of Africa has preserved a variety of flora and fauna. The resorts of Madagascar are built on the beautiful coasts of the Indian Ocean, which can be reached from 65 airports in the country. Among them there are large international, small civil airports. With their help, passengers get to the most remote regions of the country.
Antananarivo
The capital of the island state of Madagascar is the city of Antananarivo. It is located in the central part of the highlands at an altitude of 1276 m. It 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 are often called Tana.
The houses in the city are built on the slopes of a 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. Visitors are attracted by the beautiful nature, the ocean, the sun, and white sand. The main attraction of the city is considered the complex of palaces of Ruva Ambuhimang with the tombs of the rulers, Lake Anusi.
For relaxation in the capital, they choose the spa resort of Antsirabe. It provides everything for high-quality health improvement, good rest. In the colorful capital, there are many hotels with prices for every taste. 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.
- Novotel Convention And Spa 5 * - restaurant, fitness center, bar, wellness center with sauna, hammam and swimming pool
- Hôtel Colbert - Spa & Casino 4 * - casino and spa center with indoor pool, sauna, hammam, buffet breakfast, wine cellar
Ifaty
White beaches near the fishing village of Ifaty are considered a popular holiday destination for tourists from different countries. There are many places to stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses with offers of different levels of comfort. The tempting ocean is just around the corner. It is pleasant to hear his 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 close to the coast and protects the coast from ocean waves.
Creates conditions for safe snorkeling, diving, fishing. The bottom in the area of the beach area gradually drops into the ocean. Even the little ones here calmly wallow in the warm water. There are warning signs everywhere with detailed information. This is due to the fact that in many places, sea inhabitants dangerous to people come to the coast. The island is filled with endemic species of animals and plants. Sharks, moray eels, stingrays, eels swim in the water.
At the end of summer, you can watch an amazing migration of whales here. In the rental service you can borrow umbrellas, sun loungers, swimming equipment, equipment necessary for scuba diving.
It is offered to come to the equipped beach by taxi, transfer. Bus routes are widely used to travel around the island, but they are always crowded, although ticket prices are lower than paying for a taxi. While in Ifaty, one cannot help but taste the original fish dishes prepared according to local recipes. Upon prior reservation, fishermen bring fresh fish of any type.
- La Bella Donna - located on the first line, family rooms and a terrace, Italian restaurant
- Bamboo Club Ifaty 2 * - bungalow on the beach, restaurant, sun terrace and outdoor pool
- Ifaty Beach Club 3 * - restaurant and private beach, swimming pool
Morundava
Located on the shores of the Mozambique Channel. T remains here all year round and the beaches do not lose their popularity among vacationers. They are considered the best beach areas in the country. At the resort with modern infrastructure, all types of marine entertainment are available, games on sports grounds among the snow-white coast. Warm waters in cozy lagoons are a special pleasure during an evening swim. It is customary to sleep in the country during the day.
The beaches are surrounded by palm trees, majestic baobabs. An island in the Indian Ocean cannot be imagined without these legendary trees. After settling in one of the many hotels of the former capital of the ancient Sokolov kingdom, just make a trip to the famous Stone Forest, where a labyrinth of sharp rocks has frozen in time, surrounded by the vegetation of an untouched tropical forest. During excursions, listen to the legend of the baobabs, look at its amazing flowers blooming in the evening and admire the silhouettes of trees against the background of an extraordinary sunset.
Maybe you can try the hearty and rich in vitamins B, C, baobab fruits that taste like ginger. Residents use any part of the tree in different directions of life: medicines, fabrics, spices, insect repellents, soaps, shampoos, etc. The Murandava area is considered the most popular recreation area for foreign tourists.
- Laguna Beach 3 * - first line, restaurant and bar, free parking, swimming pool
- Cap Kimony 3 * - restaurant, pool, bar, continental breakfast
Antsiranana
The resort is located in the northern region. This place for relaxation is chosen by lovers of active events, exploration of the nature of the underwater, terrestrial worlds of the island. Until 1975, the city of Antsiranana or Diego Suares 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 vacation. Hotels, countless nightlife bars, clubs with programs lasting until the morning, modern ocean entertainment. Snow-white beaches with a developed infrastructure, clear water allow you to enjoy all existing types of active and lazy beach holidays. Among the few sights of the city, the enfilade of columns, standing on Colbert Street, Admiral Ronarsch Square, a monument to the heroes of the 1942 war of liberation, installed on the Mount of the French, stands out.
The Ramena Beach water center is located near the city. 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 a high-class vacation and plunge into the pristine world of nature with its breathtaking beauty. The small island is separated from the famous site of Saint Marie Madagascar by a small canal. Many tourists choose this island as their place of residence, and they come to Nat on pies, making an amazing journey on the water.
The island itself also has a large number of hotels with rooms for every financial level. People come here on vacation, for business meetings, conferences, romantic travel.On the white beaches of the island, you can get heavenly pleasure from the sun, ocean, tropical vegetation, extraordinary exploration of the underwater kingdom among the coral reefs.
The water temperature in the resort is constantly kept at around 27. Diving, snorkeling, swimming is always pleasant here. You can see the whole island from the observation deck at the old lighthouse in the southeastern part. It is not only a surprise from the panorama with green palms, baobabs, but also an exciting observation of the courtship games of whales. For an unforgettable holiday, visit the Beachside Pizzeria with delicious seafood dishes prepared according to local recipes.
Nosy Buraha Island
The amazingly beautiful island was formerly called Sainte-Marie. It seems to consist of legends, myths and modern recreation sites with developed infrastructure. In inconspicuous coves, sea pirates hid their ships. They reigned not only in the waters of the Caribbean, but also here, on the trade route to the West Indies. The myths about the innumerable treasures hidden on the island have been calling restless treasure hunters here for centuries.
A reminder of the time of the pirates is the main attraction of the island - their ancient cemetery. There are 30 tombstones on it (one with the jolly Roger "). Thanks to one of the legends, matriarchy reigns on a single piece of land in the Indian Ocean. Now it is a popular vacation spot for residents of different countries, the island is the most visited in the world, it has its own airport. The capital of Nosy Burah is the city of Ambudifutra.
The rest of the settlements have the status of small villages located among the rainforest. In early 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 (Cocoterae, Leopard), and coral reefs. Near the "Pagoda" you can see moray eels, turtles, stingrays in detail. See black corals on Suanambo Reef.
Near the "Wall of 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 the walks, there is an opportunity to see numerous architectural structures in the Arabian Renaissance and Gothic style.
Nosy Be Island
The mysterious atmosphere of dormant volcanoes, aromas of vanilla, cocoa, and numerous spices fill the territory of the most popular resort in the country. The rich, fertile soil allows the cultivation of rare plants, ylang-ylang. Protected parks, unique fauna, flora fill the entire territory. The island is home to the famous nature reserve Lucube. It is home to the rare black lemur, the smallest chameleon and 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 diving spots. Humpback whales swim near the coast during mating ceremonies. The capital of the island is the city of Andouani or El Ville. There are many modern hotels, restaurants and nightclubs in it. The 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 peaks of the sleeping volcanoes Sakaleuna, Nosy Be, the silver waterfall, the village of natives, the ruins of buildings of the 17th and 18th centuries. See the cells of the old prison of 1855. The best time to relax on the island is the period from July to October. You can fly to the island by private planes or by boat.
- Tropical Paradise Nosy Be - restaurant, room service, beautiful view from room windows
- Danae Beach - spacious bungalows on the beach, 100 meters to the beach, restaurant, bar
Nosy Kumba Island
In the reserve of lemurs (Kumba means lemur) you get only by boat, pies. Interesting animals with striped tails and round eyes come across at every step. Local residents treat them with reverence and respect. 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, cities on the island.
Nothing should disturb the life of its inhabitants, as described by Carl Linnaeus. At night, the locals hear a loud scream, similar to a crying of children. Lemurs live in large families, it's easy to get to know 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 hear the smell of their favorite product from afar, and the whole flock will be on the arms and shoulders of travelers. It is useful to bring your own treats, which will instantly disappear in the clutches of brave animals.
Once upon a time there were huge lemurs weighing up to 200 kg in Madagascar. Now they are not there, 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 white beaches, where you can relax, swim in the coastal waters. They come back in the evening. Long, numerous pies await travelers by the coast. It is difficult to operate such a floating craft. 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 sand spit with a length of 1500 m appears, along which you can walk from one to the other. The southern 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. Palms, Filalos trees, tropical flowers grow everywhere. The resort is run by experienced innkeeper Fred Fore.
Only in the period from December to February, the conditions for rest on the island become less comfortable due to the high humidity. The water temperature at this time is 25. Tourists are attracted here by excellent beaches with a small number of people, conditions for diving. Boat trips, numerous excursions along eco-friendly routes. Huge turtles roam in many parts of the coast, laying eggs. An unforgettable sight rises in front of vacationers when thousands of small turtles strive to quickly find themselves in the water.
Nosy Iranya island
A small piece of land is located near the popular resort on the island of Nosy Be. It is often called the "island of turtles". The legend about the island says that a beautiful princess once 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 sandbank connecting them appears at low tide. Vacationers tend to walk along it when the turquoise waves of the ocean sparkle from both sides.
A comfortable climate, extraordinary nature, ideal conditions for diving, comfortable, beautiful beaches are provided to vacationers all year round. The island is fully landscaped. It houses comfortable hotels. Many of them have architectural features. For example, the Nosy Iranja Lodge, located on the shore, is built from environmentally friendly materials. During your vacation, you are invited to visit an interesting fishing village, see the old lighthouse, built by Gustave Eiffel. Take a walk in the tropical rainforest among exotic palm trees or experience the life of the many sea turtles. 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. Conditions for the emergence of unusual flora, fauna and climate have been formed on it. On the relict land there are pristine tropical forests, islands fringed with snow-white strips of sand, extinct volcanoes, and baobabs.The southern part is dominated by savannas, semi-deserts. Five types of terrain Madagascar has resorts, recreation areas.
On the western coast, where the semi-deserts begin, there is the resort of Tulear or the "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 a colonial style. It has many hotels, hotels with different price levels with high quality service and 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. The 250 km of fabulous place represent a real kingdom for diving enthusiasts. Independently 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. Planes arrive here from the capital of the country.
Mazzunga
The western 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, which have become the hallmark of the island. The resort town of Mazzunga is considered popular among them. It is the second largest seaport here. The city is separated from the main island by a strait (about 600 km). You can come to him by water transport. Choosing a hotel, enjoying 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 Tsingy de Bemaraha reserve 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 him by taking off your shoes. A cemetery of ancient ships is located in the waters of the old port, which attracts many fans of underwater adventures here.
Mahajanga
The city is located on the right bank of the Betsibuca River (northwest coast). Until the beginning of the 19th century, it was the capital of the state of Bueni. In the area of the old port, many interesting architectural buildings of the Arabian, Indian style have been preserved. Among them are the mansions of local wealthy people, the building of the university. Now the city is the main seaport of the region. It houses an international airport, highways leading to the capital and other settlements.
Mahajanga is considered an important tourist destination. The conditions for a comfortable beach holiday, cultural and educational travel have been created here. Modern hotels, rich infrastructure, a selection of interesting excursions form excellent conditions for recreation. Of interest is a trip 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 west coast of Tsingy de Bemarah, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is proposed to climb along narrow paths 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 was completely restored, a unique infrastructure for recreation was created. Many hotels, hotels with different price levels have been built. Locals 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 reaction zones in the form of effective balneological and sea resorts. You can soak up the gentle beach on small islands near the city. Nearby are the Ivuluina Zoo, the Botanical Garden, the Sacred Grotto with the royal necropolis, the walls of the ancient Farafati Fort. Antungila bay, impenetrable rain forests, “water paradise” of the Pangalan canal. All the unique places of the region are invited to visit during interesting excursions.