The ruiniform continental sandstone landscapes of Isalo and Makay form a natural barrier to the south-west between the Highlands, the Mahafaly limestone plateau and the Mozambique Channel. Like a ridgeline, the Ankaratra range, with Mount Tsiafajavona (2,643 m) and the Ibity massif (2,252 m), rises majestically dominating the Central Highlands between the towns of Ambatolampy, Antsirabe and Ambositra. The Ibity massif is known for its remarkable geological diversity, rich in semi-precious stones (tourmaline, garnet, citrine…) and equally renowned for its floral, faunal and cultural wealth. South of Fianarantsoa, the granitic Andringitra massif with its highest peak, Pic Boby (2,658 m), marks, to the south-east, the end of the Highlands. Majestic, its great cliffs dominate lush verdant plains.

Villages of the Highlands

With its timber houses painted in vibrant hues and cleverly crafted balustrades, Ambositra more than deserves its epithets: city of roses, city of art and craft, kingdom of sculptors. Here dwells the Zafimaniry people, a Betsileo community renowned for their masterful woodwork. Ambositra's appeal as a starting point is justified by the outstanding gastronomic quality of its restaurants, which rank among the finest in Fianarantsoa. The consummate art of marquetry, the delicate motifs of silk fabrics, the verdure of terraced rice paddies, the majesty of royal necropolises and the devotion of the mpiandry (shepherds) in the village of Soatanàna guarantee an authentic escape within the Amoron'i Mania region. The mpiandry are disciples of the Lord entrusted with a mission of healing and warding off evil spirits.

If thermal spa treatments or wellness retreats appeal to you, make your way to Antsirabe, "the Dax or Vichy of the Indian Ocean", 170 km south of Antananarivo. The Ranomafana balneotherapy centre is the town's flagship attraction, evangelised in the nineteenth century by Norwegian Protestants and retaining its colonial architecture to this day. By venturing into the Itasy region via the mountainous road through Faratsiho, a stunning volcanic landscape will enchant hikers. Rivers, mountains and broad fertile valleys invite you to fish, stroll through rice paddies, take a pirogue excursion and rock climb, with the real showstopper being the breathtaking views of the Virgin Islet.

The Celebrated Tsingy of Bemaraha

A venture into the Bemaraha National Park is undoubtedly a highlight of any itinerary. Of a raw, wild and surreal beauty, the limestone formations of Bemaraha earn the region of Melaky its acclaim and pride. When you glimpse the grey of karst cliffs etched against the canopy of trees, when you navigate through the deep gorges of Manambolo, and when you encounter the extraordinarily rare fauna and flora inhabiting the dry deciduous forest, you will understand why travel guides speak with such emphasis. UNESCO classes the tsingy among "the most spectacular natural landscapes on the Big Island and in the entire world", and Lonely Planet describes them as "jagged limestone pinnacles […] that would fit perfectly within a Salvador Dalí painting".

Morondava, Capital of Menabe

At the far western edge of Madagascar, Morondava's beauty is shaped by azure seas, red laterite and the intense green of mangroves. The beaches of Kimony and Nosikely will delight visitors seeking relaxation or seaside leisure. The main attraction is the Avenue of the Baobabs; a row of massive, imposing baobabs frames the path on all sides connecting Morondava to Belo-sur-Tsiribihina. The star is arguably the Adansonia fony, with its two entwined trunks resembling lovers throwing themselves into each other's arms. (Through an unfortunate oversight, the Ministry of Water and Forests failed to list this natural gem among the national parks.) Some sixty kilometres from town, the Kirindy Mitea National Park shelters the last remnants of primary forests of the West. The dance of aquatic birds over mudflats and lagoons will leave unforgettable impressions. Most species are endemic to Madagascar, making Kirindy Mitea park a biosphere reserve of global significance.

A cruise on the Tsiribihina River is an enticing way to explore the Menabe region. The embarkation point is at Miandrivazo. For those inclined towards adventure hiking, the Makay mountain massif awaits—a true lost paradise where humans and animals coexist harmoniously—before continuing your adventure into Isalo park. But that is already another journey…