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An update from Evaneos

Best places to visit in Madagascar

Going to Madagascar is an experience in itself. The "great island" is a vast territory and to choose an itinerary is sometimes very difficult. Where to go? Which stopover places to choose?

Don't worry, we're here to help. An entire team of travellers, passionate about Madagascar and members of the Evaneos Travel community, have come together to share their advice and reviews with you on the places to visit during your trip to Madagascar. In short, you'll have all the information you need to organise the perfect trip.

Antananarivo, the capital and its twelve hills, boasts multiple attractions. Spend a few days there and discover its surroundings and the numerous trekking possibilities, on foot or by bike. Île Sainte Marie is a favourite spot: coconut trees, white sand, and the pleasures of nautical delights, not to mention whales when it's the right season. Diego Suarez, on the northern tip, and all its surroundings are beautiful. The "Tsingy Rouge" (red stone formations), Amber Mountain and the natural parks are must-sees. The villages of fishermen, Ramena and its vast beaches will enchant you. Nosy Be shouldn't be overlooked either, with its richly diverse and colourful sea-beds.

Towards the south, an unmissable route is to follow the RN7 highway to Tuléar. At Fianarantsoa, take the train to Manakara. An unforgettable and colourful journey awaits you, during which you'll cross incredibly stunning landscapes, so keep your cameras ready. In the extreme south-east, FortDauphin will give you the feeling that you're on another planet. Madagascar is a land of contrasts, between the red of its earth and the green of its crops and forests. There's a neverending list of activities on offer, from water sports to hikes in numerous natural parks like Isalo, or Ranomafana... Above all, don't hesitate to invest in a local guide, who'll share his knowledge of the area with you.

Cathy Trichet
Lake Itasy is a vast expanse of water of 3,500 hectares located near the town of Ampefy in the Madagascar Highlands.
In southeastern Madagascar, the city of Fianarantsoa was built in the 19th century, when Queen Ranavalona wanted to build a city between the capital and the South. Literally the "city of good education" , its name is suggestive: it's an important religious centre. It is also known for the training of its intellectuals.
Nestled between the mountains and the Indian Ocean, Fort Dauphin or Tolagnaro translates to "place of dreams" in Malagasy. Its status as a peninsula gives it three distinct bays.
Joffreville is apeaceful little town near Diégo-Suarez.. 
Katsepy is a village near Mahajanga, which is the starting point for some beautiful walks along the coast or inland.
Lavanono is a small village in the far southwest of Madagascar.
Mahanoro is a town on Madagascar's east coast nestled between the shores of the Canal des Pangalanes and the Indian Ocean. 
Foulpointe, or Mahavelona as it is known to the locals, is a seaside town on the east coast of Madagascar.
This village of 7000 inhabitants is a jewel of wild beauty and serenity Manambato lies on Lake Rasoabe, which is crossed by the Pangalanes Canal. The region is 99% rural and the inhabitants live mainly from rice, coffee, maize, vanilla and potato farming.
Mananjary is typically the departure or arrival point of cruises on the Canal des Pangalanes, going to or coming from Tamatave or Manahoro.
In the direction of Menabe country Masiakampy is the departure point for barges and canoes, the ideal transport method for discovering nature and the daily lives of the residents from the water during a trip off the beaten track.
Masomelaka is a village on the shores of the Canal des Pangalanes, located at the mouth of the Masora River. It is a frequent stopover for travellers heading south to Mananjary or north to Mahanoro. 
Morombe is located on the edge of one of the largest lagoons in the world. The part that connects Manombo to Morombe, which is the sole communication route in the region, stretches over more than 60 miles and has a wild and magnificent coral reef.
Nosy Varika is community in the east of Madagascar that is cut off from the world. It is accessible by boat as the track which leads there is virtually impracticable. 
Located on the shores of the Marimbona River, Soanierana Ivongo is the gateway to two very different worlds. It is the dock for boats that go to Sainte Marie island.
Toamasina or Tamatave is the second biggest city of the island after the capital. It stretches out between a huge beach bordering the Indian Ocean and Ivondro bay. Toamasina is cosmopolitan: the majority ethnic group, the Betsinisaraka, cohabit with a large Chinese community, some Indo-Pakistani and a handful of Europeans.
Welcome below the Tropic of Capricorn. Toliara has about 200,000 people. Nicknamed the "white city", it's the capital of southern Madagascar.
Beraketa is a little bit like the world's end. Located on the National 13 between Betroka and Ambovombe, the city is essentially a waypoint on the track leading to Ihosy or Fort-Dauphin.
Cap Diego is a peninsula located just across the water from the city of Diego-Suarez in northern Madagascar. 
Manja (Madagascar)
Manja
2/5
Manja is a small, quiet village in the west of Madagascar. Located on the road between Belo-sur-Mer and Morombe, it is possible to stop there for the night when travelling between these two cities.
Madagascar's Highlands are in the central part of the island, and should not be missed on your holiday in Madagascar.