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Far North
(Madagascar)
Antsiranana, also known as Diego Suarez, is the beautiful capital of the Far North, located in a wonderful enclosed bay. Variety epitomises the whole region, both in climate and in the colourful cultures found in the city.
The northern coast of Madagascar is home to a string of islands and islets, offering the perfect balmy Indian Ocean Island experience for honeymooners. Elsewhere, much of the region is mountainous and blanketed in dense rainforest, such as the Montagne D’Ambre, home to a rich variety of animal, bird and plant life.
In and around The Far North
Montagne D’ambre is an easily accessible birdwatchers paradise. The climate here is perfect – the cool air refreshing after the heat of the lowlands.
Further south is the Ankarana Massif, a bizarre limestone formation. This hollow mountain is covered with sharp spines called Tsingy that make the surface virtually impenetrable to outsiders. Inside are spectacular caves linked with hundreds of kilometres of tunnels. Isolated pockets of sunken forest grow where the caves have collapsed and deep pools shelter eels and giant crocodiles. The reserve is wild, and with no hotels all accommodation is planned on an organised camping basis.
Just off shore the Ankarana are the Mitsio Islands. Dolphins, turtles and stingrays find sanctuary here in the calm waters. It is a popular diving destination accessible with a yacht charter. The islands of Nosy Be and Nosy Iranja are geared towards tourism and offer an alternative to the Misito Islands.
Other regions in Madagascar
In complete contrast to the wet and densely forested eastern coast, the south is a world of dry arid canyons, towering baobabs and unique spiny forests.
The northern coast is home to a string of islands and islets, offering the perfect balmy Indian Ocean Island experience for honeymooners.
The east coast of Madagascar is a haven of wildlife and lush Madagascan rainforest, just what the island is famous for.
The Highlands form the central hilly region of the islands, dominated by the city of Antananarivo.
The western part of Madagascar is drier that the eastern part and consequently large pockets of deciduous forest flourish here, harbouring a wealth of rare endemic wildlife.
Example itineraries in Far North
Madagascar is the fourth biggest island in the world and due to its isolation is considered to be the “Galapagos of the African Continent”. The country offers a mixture of 18 cultures, a variety of landscapes and a unique natural environment with many secrets still to unveil.
Madagascar is the fourth biggest island in the world and is considered to be the “Galapagos of the African Continent”. The country has a mix of 18 cultures, a variety of landscapes and a unique natural environment. Over the millennia, the lineage that includes apes, monkeys and humans evolved on the African mainland, while lemur-like ancestors evolved in Madagascar. Madagascar offers visitors real contrasts and culture with many endemic animals and plants.
