Are you passionate about diving or eager to explore this fascinating world in northern Madagascar? Do you dream of exploring colorful coral reefs and swimming alongside exotic marine creatures in the turquoise waters of Nosy Be, the pearl of the Indian Ocean? Well, let us tell you that you won’t be disappointed: Nosy Be is a prime destination to explore for unforgettable aquatic experiences.
If you enjoy discovering new flavors and immersing yourself in exotic cultures, Ravitoto sy Henakisoa is a must-try. This traditional Madagascan dish combines pounded cassava leaves with pork, cooked slowly with spices and a touch of sugar, creating a burst of rich and savory flavors. Accompanied by white rice, a tomato rougail, and a spicy garlic-ginger sauce, this dish transports your taste buds straight to the Malgasy sun. Intrigued? Let this simple and delicious recipe guide you to a sensory adventure!If you enjoy discovering new flavors and immersing yourself in exotic cultures, Ravitoto sy Henakisoa is a must-try. This traditional Madagascan dish combines pounded cassava leaves with pork, cooked slowly with spices and a touch of sugar, creating a burst of rich and savory flavors. Accompanied by white rice, a tomato rougail, and a spicy garlic-ginger sauce, this dish transports your taste buds straight to the Malgasy sun. Intrigued? Let this simple and delicious recipe guide you to a sensory adventure!
Baie de Baly National Park is located in the Boeny region, within the Soalala district, and covers an area of 57,418 hectares. This national park is still relatively unknown to tourists, but it won’t stay that way for long. Imagine a place where the sea meets the land in perfect harmony: few places are as rich in biodiversity. The dense and dry forest meets the scraggly vegetation of the thickets, and the green carpet of mangroves stretches over 5,000 hectares along the shoreline.
The valiha, an iconic instrument of Madagascar, is to the Malagasy what the guitar is to the Spanish. Once very common in the rural areas of the Highlands, the valiha is now less widespread. More than just a string instrument, it is a cultural symbol deeply rooted in Malagasy identity. Traditionally made from large bamboo, which must be sourced from far away in the large forests, it typically measures between 5 to 8 centimeters in diameter and between 1.20 m and 1.50 m in length. The bamboo's nodes, spaced 40 to 60 cm apart, form the soundboard, and the fibers, spaced about a centimeter apart, are cut lengthwise to form the strings. These fibers are held in place by a fine but very strong vine (vahy), wrapped five or six times at both ends.
Madagascar is undoubtedly one of the best-protected countries in Africa against major international epidemics, with the exception of COVID-19, which it did not escape. Global health recommendations are rigorously enforced. However, it is crucial to be aware of health formalities to ensure a worry-free stay. Like many other countries, Madagascar imposes certain requirements to protect the health of both travelers and residents.
The ten commandments of good manners to follow during your trip to Madagascar to avoid misunderstandings with the Malagasy people.
Road travel in Madagascar is an adventure in itself. Despite the communication difficulties imposed by the terrain, road transport is dense. The Malagasy people love to travel, and the sight of a bus station, no matter the locality, is proof of this. Real markets are set up there or stand side by side with small eateries: poultry, piles of potatoes, sacks of bananas, and so on.
In Madagascar, air transport remains the easiest and fastest means of travel, although not always the safest. The rugged terrain and vast expanses of land make overland travel difficult and significantly lengthen journey times. This often leaves travelers with little choice but to opt for a direct flight to their destination.
Domestic flights are mainly operated by Tsaradia, a subsidiary of Air Madagascar, now known as Madagascar Airlines. Tsaradia offers regular connections between the country's main cities, such as Antananarivo (the capital), Nosy Be, Diego Suarez, Tamatave, Majunga, Tuléar, and Fort Dauphin. These fast flights significantly reduce journey times, especially in a country where roads are sometimes in poor condition. However, despite their apparent efficiency, these flights are often subject to unforeseen events such as cancellations, delays, or technical issues, which can disrupt travel plans.
Madagascar, an island with diverse landscapes, offers a variety of transport options, each with a unique Malagasy touch: from zebu-drawn carts to cars and rickshaws. Among these, river and sea routes stand out for their charm and authenticity. Whether navigating winding rivers or sailing on the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, the experience is unforgettable and perfectly complements any tour.
Famous for its delicious cheeses, Ambatomanga, or "blue rock" as it is translated, is a small village located some forty kilometers east of Antananarivo, overlooked by an immense granite rock. The village is known for its quiet surroundings, multi-story houses with tiled roofs, courteous inhabitants who still preserve the Merina peasant culture, and typical landscapes with rice terraces.
