Every year, between April and October, the Onilahy River in Saint-Augustin, in the Toliara II district of southern Madagascar, is transformed into a veritable parade ground for pink flamingos. These majestic birds, recognizable by their pink and white plumage, flock in large numbers to take advantage of the region's brackish waters and mild climate.
Félix Robinandrianina, a local tourist guide, explains: “This is their season. They arrive en masse between April and October. They usually migrate to Tanzania when Madagascar enters the rainy season. The mouth of Saint-Augustin takes on a lot of volume during the rainy season, which is not good for the flamingos, and that's why they move to Africa around October.” At this time of year, pink flamingos, accompanied by lesser flamingos, bask in the sunshine, bordered by the imposing limestone cliffs of the Atsimo-Andrefana region.
Once sparsely populated and part of the Sakalava kingdom of Boina, Nosy Be was used as a trading post by Indians and Arabs. A place called Ambanoro, or Marodoko (many stores), still contains visible ruins. During the first half of the 19th century, the island of Nosy Be was the scene of a war between the Merina and Sakalava ethnic groups, leaving memories of the protagonists in the names given to certain towns (Hell-Ville, Mont Passot, etc.). Today, Nosy Be has become the most popular island for tourists, with its inviting beaches and year-round sunshine, accompanied by friendly, welcoming locals. There are accommodations of all types with well-organized services, as well as speedboats and transport vehicles scattered all over the island. Nosy Be has become a hub of activity, with numerous excursions available to neighboring islands and within the island itself.
Nestled in Madagascar's Hautes Terres region, 11 km south of Lac Andrakiba, Lac Tritriva is a popular destination for both locals seeking relaxation and travelers exploring the surrounding area and Antsirabe's attractions. Shrouded in mystery and legend, this lake has a circumference of 4 km. Surrounded by rugged terrain, it can be reached by car or bike via the Betafo road. It's a favored location for local picnics on Sundays. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, cockfights occur here, a tradition that is not always viewed favorably.
The Brookesia nana is a tiny chameleon that fascinates reptile enthusiasts and biologists around the world. Measuring less than 3 cm for the female and approximately 3 cm with the tail for the male, it holds the title of the world’s smallest chameleon. Discovered in 2012 in the Sorata massif in northern Madagascar by German and Madagascan researchers, this extraordinary animal was officially recognized as the world’s smallest chameleon on January 28, 2021. Its diminutive size and exceptional camouflage allow it to blend seamlessly into its natural habitat, making it a real challenge to observe. This tiny reptile can even perch on the tip of a finger.
Less well known than Madagascar's other lemurs, the Bandro, or lake lemur (Hapalemur alaotrensis), is a species of aquatic lemur found in eastern Madagascar. It is the only lemur on the entire island that inhabits mainly marshy areas, the island's largest freshwater plain. This small primate is easily recognized by its gray coat, small rounded ears, and the shape of its hands and feet, which force it to move differently. Bandros are mainly herbivores, feeding on reeds and various aquatic plants, making them particularly well adapted to their humid environment. Bandros are also sociable animals, living in family groups of up to six individuals.
Marojejy National Park, located in the Sava region of northeastern Madagascar, is the perfect rendezvous for nature camping enthusiasts. The park covers approximately 55,500 hectares of tropical forest on the Marojejy massif, a mountain range rising to 2137 meters, with its peaks east of Tsaratanana. The park is one of the island's richest in biodiversity. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Marojejy, with its layered vegetation representative of eastern wetlands, is home to numerous species: 275 fern species, 35 palm species, 118 bird species, 11 lemur species, and 149 reptile and mammal species, including the diademed sifaka.
Madagascar is most certainly associated with destinations famous for its magnificent sunsets over the Avenue des Baobabs, the pristine beaches of Nosy Be, or lemur-watching in the iconic Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. This year, however, we invite you to discover another facet of the Grande Île: the Tsingy de Namoroka National Park. Located in the north-west of Madagascar, in the province of Mahajanga, the Boeny region, and the district of Soalala, this park is a true natural wonder.
You've probably wondered why you can't go on safari in Madagascar, despite the fact that the big island is part of the African continent. Unlike many other African destinations, where safaris are a flagship activity, Madagascar offers a totally different experience for nature and wildlife lovers. Here are some of the main reasons why safaris are not common in Madagascar.
Madagascar Red Owls are fascinating, iconic birds found only on the island of Madagascar. Their scientific name is Tyto soumagnei, and they are known for their distinctive red plumage and specific habitat. These owls are generally found in tropical rainforests and are strictly nocturnal. They have a restricted range in the north and east of Madagascar. Unfortunately, due to threats from human activities, their populations are classified as vulnerable.
The Betsimisaraka, whose name means 'those who are many and do not separate' in Malagasy, form one of the largest ethnic groups in the eastern part of Madagascar. Mainly settled from Mananjary to Sambava, they occupy the provinces of Toamasina and Tamatave. Their rich and diverse culture, fascinating history, and contribution to Madagascar's cultural mosaic make them a subject worth exploring in this article.
