Traveling by rail in Madagascar is both a pleasant and practical experience, and as a bonus, you'll be able to proudly display your low-carbon travel badge. But make no mistake, it's a real adventure! Can you imagine yourself surrounded by shopkeepers with their baskets of fish, poultry, bananas, and other local goodies to keep you company throughout the journey? if that's the case, then let's go together.
The lamba, a traditional Malagasy fabric, is indisputably Madagascar's artisanal product par excellence. Much more than a simple garment, it is a permanent, even eternal, companion.
It represents Madagascar's cultural identity and is worn with pride by the Malagasy people. Whether it's a square of fabric draped over a woman's shoulder, printed cotton wrapped around her hips, or a shroud lovingly crafted to welcome ancestors into their eternal sleep, the lamba is both versatile and symbolic.
This textile, often adorned with significant patterns and colors, is used in various ceremonies and rites, expressing a sense of belonging to a community and the continuity of ancestral traditions.
Toamasina, also known as Tamatave, is Madagascar's main port and plays a crucial role in the island's maritime trade. Located on the east coast, Toamasina's primary tourist attraction lies in its diverse tourist population. Throughout the year, the eastern capital welcomes visitors of all nationalities: French, Japanese, German, and Chinese, mostly engineers, technicians, and businesspeople who mingle in the hotels. During the vacation season, the sight of tourists sitting along the seafront is almost ritualistic. Although Toamasina has now been overtaken by Mahajanga as the leading tourist city, this unique spectacle is enough to prove that in Madagascar, the words "vacation" and "tourism" are still closely associated with Toamasina.
Located in the Ihorombe region, this rich basin, where the dead reside, is dizzying. The vineyards and tobacco fields seem overwhelmed by the black massif of Andringitra and the famous Ambondrombe rock, where spirits seek refuge after death. Ambalavao should be less than an hour's drive from Fianarantsoa, the capital of the Betsileo region, but with the current state of roads in Madagascar, more time should be allowed. You travel through terraced rice fields that cover the hills. The lack of land on the high plateaus has led farmers for centuries to develop a unique cultivation method: they have tackled the mountains and hills, creating their rice paddies through successive terraces. Irrigation is done by capturing rainwater and controlled torrents that flow down through all the terraces. These are soon followed by a forest of shrubs, the tapia, a genuine reserve of silkworms strictly protected against bushfires.
On a journey southward through the big island, one cannot overlook Fianarantsoa, the capital of the Betsileo region, called "Fianar" by locals. Known as "the city where good is learned," it has become the undisputed intellectual capital of Madagascar.
The strong concentration of Christian missionaries, combined with the inhabitants' innate interest in work and scholarship, has transformed this terraced city in the heart of the Highlands into a must-visit destination for publishers, authors, and historians. This unique character alone justifies a visit to Fianarantsoa.
Nestled 408 km from Antananarivo, the city was founded in the early 19th century from a small village surrounded by terraced rice fields. It was Queen Ranavalona I who decided to establish her second capital there, intended to become a center for the spread of Christianity.
In our quest for new experiences, we often wonder what doses of adventure are still possible to discover in Madagascar, because we need something new, unique, and not already over-exploited by everyone else. And we think we've found the answer: motorized raids in Madagascar. If you're passionate about off-the-beaten-path travel, a motorized raid is an experience not to be missed. With its varied landscapes, winding roads, and numerous encounters along the way, Madagascar offers the ideal backdrop for an unforgettable motorized adventure.
Meals in Madagascar vary depending on the region (highlands or coastal areas) and where you eat: in the streets or markets, in hotely (small, popular Malagasy restaurants), or in more traditional restaurants. In Madagascar, you'll enjoy a relatively varied and sometimes surprising culinary experience, reflecting the diversity of this big island. In fact, you can eat well in Madagascar, and sometimes even very well.
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 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.
Avid travelers and world adventurers, welcome to Madagascar! One of the world's largest islands, the island-continent, the red island: all names that evoke a mosaic of peoples from migrations near and far, but also a unique nature, against a backdrop of many historical and economic reversals. A land of surprises and resourcefulness, here are a few things you absolutely must know before coming to Madagascar.
Dear traveler , did you know that Vivy Travel Madagascar doesn’t just organize tailor-made trips to Madagascar? We’re also deeply committed to preserving our rich natural and cultural heritage. Every experience we create is designed not only to offer you unforgettable memories, but also to promote sustainable conservation and respect for our environment and culture. Immerse yourself in an authentic adventure where every step you take contributes to preserving the beauty and diversity of Madagascar for future generations.
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