The Central-West of Madagascar

The landscape of the continental sandstone ruins of Isalo and Makay form a natural barrier in the southwest between the Highlands, the limestone plateau of Mahafaly, and the Mozambique Channel. Like a ridge, the Ankaratra mountain range, with Mount Tsiafajavona (2,643 m) and the Ibity Massif (2,252 m), rises above the Central Highlands between the cities of Ambatolampy, Antsirabe, and Ambositra. The Ibity Massif is known for its great geological diversity, rich in semi-precious stones (tourmaline, garnet, citrine…) and also renowned for its wealth of flora, fauna, and culture. South of Fianarantsoa, the granite massif of Andringitra with its main peak, Pic Boby (2,658 m), marks the southernmost point of the Highlands. Majestic, its large cliffs dominate lush green plains.

The Villages of the Highlands

With its wooden houses painted with cleverly crafted railings, Ambositra truly deserves its nicknames: "City of Roses," "City of Art and Craft," and "Kingdom of Sculptors." Here resides the Zafimaniry people, a Betsileo community famous for its woodwork. Choosing Ambositra as a starting point is justified by the gastronomic quality of its restaurants, which are among the best in Fianarantsoa. The masterful art of marquetry, the delicate patterns of silk fabrics, the greenery of the terraced rice paddies, the majesty of the royal necropolises, and the fervor of the mpiandry (herders) in the village of Soatanàna guarantee a sense of escape in the Amoron’i Mania region. The mpiandry are followers of the Lord, tasked with healing and warding off evil spirits.

If you’re interested in thermal baths or wellness treatments, head to Antsirabe, "the Dax or Vichy of the Indian Ocean," 170 km south of Antananarivo. The Ranomafana spa center is the city’s main attraction, evangelized in the 19th century by Norwegian Protestants, and still retaining its colonial architecture. Traveling to the Itasy region via the mountainous Faratsiho road, the volcanic landscape is a delight for hikers. Rivers, mountains, and wide fertile valleys invite you to fish, stroll through rice paddies, take a canoe ride, or try rock climbing, with the highlight being the breathtaking view of the Îlot de la Vierge.

The famous Tsingy of Bemaraha

A visit to the Bemaraha National Park is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the trip. Raw, wild, and surreal, the limestone formations of Bemaraha are the pride of the Melaky region. When you see the gray of the karst cliffs outlined against the tree canopy, when you make your way through the deep gorges of Manambolo, and when you approach the rare fauna and flora that populate the dry deciduous forest, you’ll fully appreciate the emphatic descriptions of travel guides. UNESCO lists the Tsingy as "one of the most spectacular natural landscapes of the island and the entire world," while Lonely Planet describes them as "jagged limestone pinnacles… that would fit perfectly in a Salvador Dali painting."

Morondava, the capital of Menabe

At the far western tip of Madagascar, the beauty of Morondava is shaped by the blue of the sea, the red of the laterite, and the intense green of the mangroves. The beaches of Kimony and Nosikely will delight tourists seeking relaxation or seaside leisure. The main attraction is the Avenue of the Baobabs; a row of massive and imposing baobab trees frames the path that connects Morondava to Belo-sur-Tsiribihina from all sides. The star of the show is undoubtedly the Adansonia fony, with its two intertwined trunks resembling two lovers throwing themselves into each other's arms. (Due to a regrettable oversight, the Ministry of Water and Forests has not included this natural gem in the national parks.) About sixty kilometers from the town, the Kirindy Mitea National Park harbors the last remnants of primary forests in the West. The dance of aquatic birds on the mudflats and lagoons will leave you with unforgettable memories. Most of the species are endemic to Madagascar, making Kirindy Mitea Park a global biosphere reserve.  

The cruise on the Tsiribihina River is an enticing way to tour the Menabe region. The embarkation port is in Miandrivazo. As for fans of adventurous hiking, they will stop in the Makay mountain massif, a true lost paradise where humans and animals coexist harmoniously, before continuing the journey in the Isalo National Park. But that's already another trip…