If you visit the city of Antsiranana (Diego-suarez), take the time to linger and discover the decaying colonial architecture on the "rue Colbert "(where the old covered market is and the former Hotel de la Marine for seafarers are notable examples). Not to miss too the vibrant market and the wealth of crafts workshops will find Diego atmospheric and enjoyable.
To walk near the old military quarter, north of Place Foch, which occupies a peninsula and overlooks the port is interesting to learn more about the different nationalities who has settled this regions. In sum it is a particular pleasure to walk around Diego with the unexpected variety of stunning views over the second largest bay in the world with its sugarloaf.
Nosy Sakatia is called also the orchid island is still unspoilt piece of paradise only 1km west of Nosy Be, offering excellent snorkeling, diving and moderate hiking. The beach was superb (With access to a great reef out front for snorkeling at low tide where we swam with sea turtles) and the views were spectacular from all locations on the grounds. There were an abundance of flowering & trees on the grounds that added to the wonderful secluded and tropical feel. There is a family of resident lemurs that came to visit guest easily.
Behind its coral beaches there is an almost continuous line of lagoons from Foulpointe to Farafangana. They are linked by man-made channels to form an inland waterway called the Pangalanes Canal.This channel has 700 Km from Tamatave in the north to Farafangana at the south. It was principal means of transportation of the local people before it becomes a touristict attaction.
Short cruise down the channel, where we visit along fishing villages and discover the flora and fauna of the region. It is beautiful experience to see along the way the local fisherman with their traditional dugout or the fruit sellers with their goods. Tropical fruit tasting at your arrival.
City tour of Tamatave, and then continuation till Mahavelona or Foulpointe village. It is a resort charming place situated at 60 km from Tamatave. It is composed by Beautiful beach protected by a coral reef and an ancient monument “Fort Manda”. This fort is an architectural design with its special materials construction used, a mixture of coral powder and stones bound with egg white, the wall are pierced by numerous guns.
This circular building was home to the late nineteenth century the royal garrison responsible for ensuring this strategic port. Built at the initiative of King Radama 1st in powdered coral and stone related with white egg, it recalls the traditional construction of Rova highlands.
This excursion is a sightseeing and Zoo experience. This tour is a discovery of the local population scenery (colorful public market of vegetable place, memorials buildings, traditional distilleries of essential oils..) and for the zoo 6 species of lemurs (Macaco, Fulvus, catta and more) and others animals (boars, crocodile, turltes, guinea fowl and more).After lunch at Hellville, continuation till Mont Passot, the highest pick of the Island. The tour ends with the vist of the famous sand of Andilana Beach.
A short drive away from Tana the capital while appreciating the sight to behold in and of itself to reach the Lemur's park. The hustle and bustle out of the city and then into the tranquility of the Madagascar country side with mountainous terrain of lush green hills and valleys and red mud.
You will discover nine species of lemurs in freedom in a 5-hectare botanical park planted with 6,000 tree. As lemur is the symbol of endemic fauna of the island, this park is the easiest place to find. Lunch on site and continue till Antongona hill which is the site of two historic royal wooden houses and the walled village of Amborano, established in the 17th century. This place is turned into museum to know more about Merina culture and dynasty.
Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar is divided into three levels: the downtown where is the lake Anosy and its monument in the middle of the waters, the intermediate level where boutiques and Shops abounds and the old city in upper town (“La Haute ville”) where Palaces the Queen's palace, the ancient Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony palace, ancient Justice palace, cathedrals and the residential area ancient noblemen families worth a visit.
We don't miss the artisanal metalwork factory where from Recycling of scrap metal to produce small wonders deco art (baobabs, lampshades busts, lamps, mirror). The Violette and Dieudonné iron work opens its doors to everyone who want to buy items for having an income from the sale of art objects. They are reinvested in the company which is totally self-funded to help disadvantaged people.
The Emerald Sea (Mer d'Emeraude) is located north of the passage to Diego Suarez Bay, one of the most beautiful and largest natural bays in the world. Emerald Sea is an enclosed bay and about 20 kilometers in boundary. You’ll take direction to Ramena where the sailing boat is waiting for you for crossing one hour before getting to the island.
You will have an enjoyable time in this lagoon of emerald sea which is not deeper and transparent. This allows you to swim and dream in the natural aquarium where different colorful fishes with different size. The magnificence of its landscapes, the richness of its seabed and the exceptional colors of its waters make it one of the most visited destinations in Northern Madagascar, for relaxation, discovery and practice of aquatic activities. Possiblitity to do kitesurf or windsurf on the sport at your charge.
Betsimisaraka’s capital, or the capital of the East, is situated at the mouth of Pangalanes channel. Tamatave is called Toamasina in Malagasy language. It has an important oil refinery to supply the capital. We visit the main thoroughfare of the city which is the Boulevard Joffre, all commercial activities are here.
We continue until Bd Ratsimilaho especially between Pointe Asti and Pointe Tanio, where you have a great view of the district, the big Market Bazar be and Bazar kely and finally the avenue of Independence facing the port. We visit the zoo of Ivoloina which is a natural habitat of 282 hectares where a dozen varieties were discovered. This Park is also home to hundreds of radiated tortoises and other species include spider tortoises, boas from the tree, frog tomato, tenrecs, vasa parrots and chameleon panther.
Full day dedicated to 2 royal hills Ambohimanga and Ilafy.Being a former summer residence of the reigning sovereign of Imerina, Ambohimanga palace contains many buildings and memorabilia dating back to royalty period. It helps to understand how and where build the relations of the kings-queen and people hundred years ago.
We have special lunch near the palace where an historian will continue to tell more stories about. Continuation till the site of Ilafy the capital of the kingdom of Andrianjafy. Ilafy is also the site of the first arms manufacture in Madagascar, established by Jean Laborde in 1833. Drive across the typical countryside of the highland where the rice field and the red chatted roof abounds.