Destinations
The Regions......
The North-West
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The North-East
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Central
The South-West
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The South-East
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The Cities......
Antananarivo - often referred to as "Tana" or the older name "Tananarive", is the capital of Madagascar. Located in the central highlands it is the principal entry point for foreign visitors (though not the only international gateway). The city has an amazing diversity of activity, quite a few tourist attractions and a few nights stay here will be well rewarded. Taking a guided city tour is recommended.
Antsirabe - It is Madagascar's third-largest city and located on the main highway (Route 7) that runs south from Tana. Historically Thermal Springs made this town popular and some of these still attract the health conscious. Today Antsirabe is a thriving commercial centre.
Antsiranana - previously known as Diégo Suarez but often referred to as "Diego", it is found in the far north and is a provincial centre and with its location overlooking a bay, is one of the most beautiful locations in the country. Historically a strategic naval base, its former glory has slipped away, however much history and charm remains. Antsiranana is the fifth-largest town in Madagascar. It has a busy port and often hosts foreign cruise-liners. It is the gateway for Amber Mountain and the Ankarana Reserve.
Fianarantsoa - is another provincial centre in the southern part of the central highlands of Madagascar. Fundamentally a hub for agriculture (rice and wine), it is also a prime starting point for exploring the region with highlights like Isalo and Ranomafana National Parks being not far way. It is also the western terminal for the FCE railway, one of the world's most unusual rail services.
Hell-Ville - or Andoany, is the largest town on Nosy Be Island. It has grown with tourism and become a busy centre for the island.
Mahajanga - also known as Majunga, is a port city found at the mouth of the Betsiboka River in the north-west of the island. A vibrant city, it is connected by road to Tana and is the gateway for Ankarafansika Reserve.
Manakara - is a small town but important as it is the eastern end of the FCE railway. The town is adjacent to sandy beaches and is a good starting point for cruising along the nearby Canal des Pangalanes.
Morondava - found on the west coast, it has beautiful beaches and attracts many tourists. It is also the starting point for visiting the Kirindy Nature Reserve and seeing the famous Avenue of the Baobabs.
Toamasina - historically known as Tamatave, it is the major port on the east coast and is linked to Tana by quite a good highway, hence it is the strategic supply point for the capital and the central highlands. A wide bay and beaches are found next to the port, but these are not suitable for bathing, so one needs to travel north of Toamasina for the best beach resorts. It is also the northernmost port on the inland waterway (Canal des Pangalenes).
Tolagnaro - or Tolanaro was previously known as Fort Dauphin. It was settled in the 16th century by shipwrecked sailors and today is an important port for the south-east, supporting local mining and mineral exports. Visitors can enjoy stunning beaches and a colonial atmosphere, while it is the main entry point for wildlife reserves like the famous one at Berenty.
Toliara - also know as Tulear is in the south-west of the country which is a particular arid area and home to the famous "spiny forests". As it is the southern end of the main highway from Tana it also provides easy access to Isalo National Park, and is surrounded by beaches and coral reefs with good tourist facilities.
Antsirabe - It is Madagascar's third-largest city and located on the main highway (Route 7) that runs south from Tana. Historically Thermal Springs made this town popular and some of these still attract the health conscious. Today Antsirabe is a thriving commercial centre.
Antsiranana - previously known as Diégo Suarez but often referred to as "Diego", it is found in the far north and is a provincial centre and with its location overlooking a bay, is one of the most beautiful locations in the country. Historically a strategic naval base, its former glory has slipped away, however much history and charm remains. Antsiranana is the fifth-largest town in Madagascar. It has a busy port and often hosts foreign cruise-liners. It is the gateway for Amber Mountain and the Ankarana Reserve.
Fianarantsoa - is another provincial centre in the southern part of the central highlands of Madagascar. Fundamentally a hub for agriculture (rice and wine), it is also a prime starting point for exploring the region with highlights like Isalo and Ranomafana National Parks being not far way. It is also the western terminal for the FCE railway, one of the world's most unusual rail services.
Hell-Ville - or Andoany, is the largest town on Nosy Be Island. It has grown with tourism and become a busy centre for the island.
Mahajanga - also known as Majunga, is a port city found at the mouth of the Betsiboka River in the north-west of the island. A vibrant city, it is connected by road to Tana and is the gateway for Ankarafansika Reserve.
Manakara - is a small town but important as it is the eastern end of the FCE railway. The town is adjacent to sandy beaches and is a good starting point for cruising along the nearby Canal des Pangalanes.
Morondava - found on the west coast, it has beautiful beaches and attracts many tourists. It is also the starting point for visiting the Kirindy Nature Reserve and seeing the famous Avenue of the Baobabs.
Toamasina - historically known as Tamatave, it is the major port on the east coast and is linked to Tana by quite a good highway, hence it is the strategic supply point for the capital and the central highlands. A wide bay and beaches are found next to the port, but these are not suitable for bathing, so one needs to travel north of Toamasina for the best beach resorts. It is also the northernmost port on the inland waterway (Canal des Pangalenes).
Tolagnaro - or Tolanaro was previously known as Fort Dauphin. It was settled in the 16th century by shipwrecked sailors and today is an important port for the south-east, supporting local mining and mineral exports. Visitors can enjoy stunning beaches and a colonial atmosphere, while it is the main entry point for wildlife reserves like the famous one at Berenty.
Toliara - also know as Tulear is in the south-west of the country which is a particular arid area and home to the famous "spiny forests". As it is the southern end of the main highway from Tana it also provides easy access to Isalo National Park, and is surrounded by beaches and coral reefs with good tourist facilities.
