Month May 2025

Zahamena National Park

Zahamena National Park, located in eastern Madagascar, is a vast protected area listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. It lies about 50 kilometers northwest of Toamasina, near Lake Alaotra, at the border of the Alaotra-Mangoro, Analanjirofo, and Atsinanana regions. In its eastern section, the Zahamena forest covers approximately 24,398 hectares. It is a dense, humid, evergreen rainforest, structured in multiple vegetative layers, with some emergent species rising over 30 meters in height. More than 700 plant species have been recorded here, 90% of which are endemic.

Zazamalala Reserve, near Morondava

Located on the west coast of Madagascar, not far from the town of Morondava, Zazamalala Reserve is an exemplary conservation project. It is actively involved in protecting the dry deciduous forest, one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world, while also playing an important role in environmental education and local development.

Kirindy Forest : A Treasure of Untamed Nature

About 60 km north of Morondava, between the Tsiribihina River and the Avenue of the Baobabs, lies the Kirindy Forest. This vast protected area is part of Kirindy Mitea National Park. It is one of the last remaining examples of Madagascar’s western dry deciduous forest, with an exceptional level of endemism for both flora and fauna.

A Sport to Play in Madagascar ? Petanque

A legacy of colonization, petanque holds an important place today in Malagasy culture. Introduced by French colonists at the beginning of the 20th century, it was quickly adopted by the local population to the point of becoming a true national sport. Today, it is played in all regions of the island, both in cities and in the countryside. This sport brings together players of all ages and social backgrounds. In the neighborhoods of Antananarivo, on improvised fields or in public spaces, young people and adults can be seen gathering every day to play matches in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, especially on Sundays and during festivities. If there’s one sport in which Malagasy people truly excel, it’s this one.

A souvenir to bring back from Madagascar ?

Malagasy craftsmanship is incredibly rich. Among its many wonders, marquetry holds a special appeal for travelers. To uncover all its secrets, head to Ambositra, a small town in the Highlands. In traditional workshops, skilled artisans create portraits or landscapes by meticulously assembling thin strips of wood. Each shade is obtained naturally, by soaking the wood in mud or rice paddy water. The result is simply stunning.

Lokobe National Park : A Natural Treasure in Nosy Be

Lokobe National Park is located on the southeastern peninsula of Nosy Be Island, in the Diana region of northwestern Madagascar. It spans a total area of 862 hectares and protects one of the last low-altitude evergreen dense forests in the Sambirano region. First classified as a strict nature reserve in 1927, Lokobe became a national park open to the public in 2011.

Ihosy, Gateway to the Malagasy South

Ihosy is a quiet town in southern Madagascar, located about 200 km south of Fianarantsoa along the famous National Road 7. As the capital of the Bara people, known for their large zebu herds and pastoral traditions, the town serves as an essential supply stop for travelers heading toward the spectacular landscapes of the south, especially Isalo National Park. Outside the flamboyant flowering season, when the town glows red, Ihosy offers limited tourist attractions on its own.

What to do in Isalo National Park ?

Located in the southwest of Madagascar, Isalo National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and fans of dramatic landscapes. If you're only visiting for a day, you have two main options : the natural pool and the Nymphs’ waterfall, or the Makis and Rats canyons, with a stop at the waterfall in the afternoon.

How to Get from Ankify to Nosy Be

Located about fifteen kilometers from Ambanja, the Ankify dock is the main departure point from mainland Madagascar to reach Nosy Be, one of the country’s top tourist destinations. This small, bustling port sees a steady flow of travelers each day heading to the island. Easily accessible by car or taxi from Ambanja, Ankify is an essential stop on the route.