THE GEOGRAPHICAL REGIONS OF MADAGASCAR

Madagascar can be divided into five general geographical regions: the east coast, the Tsaratanana Massif, the central highlands, the west coast, and the southwest. The highest elevations parallel the east coast.

- East coast
- Tsaratanana Massif
- Central highlands
- West coast
- The South

source: en.wikipedia.org

EASTERN MADAGASCAR

The sandy beaches of fort Dauphin, Vangaindrano, Manakara, Mananjary, Akanin'ny Nofy, Foulpointe, Manompana, Antanambe, Mananara Nord, Maroantsetra, Sambava And Antalaha, the magic of the Canal Des Pangalanes and its countless natural and artificial lakes, fishermen villages and fishermen who daily brave the indian ocean in small canoes hollowed out of a tree-trunk devoid of pendulums, the National Park Mantadia Analamazaotra, the National Parc of Mananara, the Reserves and Conservatory of Ivoloina, the Park National Masoala... the Islands of St. Marie, Nosy Satrana, Nosy Mangabe are all beautiful for the beach as for diving and snorkeling, and of course humpback whale watching megaptera noveangliaea. The east coast of Madagascar, a rich and irreplaceable culture and nature.

TSARATANANA MASSIF

Tsaratanàna among the nine jewels of Madagascar's biodiversity. The site covers a large area of ​​primary forest. The site is one of the richest in flora but it is still insufficiently explored. It identifies 20 species of mammals, more than half are lemurs Eulemur macaco macaco whose (Ankomba), the Phaner furcifer Parienti (Valovy), the Daubentonia Madagascariensis (Aye Aye) or the Hapalemur griseus occidentalis (Bokombolo). The reserve is also home to 94 species of birds including the Tyto soumagnei and astur Eutriorchis are the mascots. There is also encountered the Earth rollier Crossley atelornis crossleyi the Philépitte false souimanga of Neodrepanis hypoxantha Salomonsen. Finally, amphibians and reptiles and Mantella manery Platypelis tsaratananiensis included among the priority species in the protected area.

THE HIGHLIGHTS

Antananarivo: the capital and biggest city has some really nice boroughs to walk with nice views over the city and several beautiful buildings, like the Queen Palace or the cathedral. Besides, the old market (Zoma) and the Avenue de l`Independence in the city centre are always crowed and are an ideal place to walk around and observe the busy life of the inhabitants. Ambohimanga: this World Heritage Royal city and burial site is proplably the most impressive construction built by the ancient Merina Kings. The Mantasoa and Alaotra Lakes: these lakes, the biggest of Madagascar, surrounded by spectacular landscapes and traditional villages offer an impressive scenery. Fianarantsoa: this pretty old city has a fantastic old town and terrific surroundings. It is the starting point to every trip to the national parks in the area. Andringitra National Park: spectacular mountains ideal for climbers and trekking lovers, astonishing valleys and one the places with a highest biodiversity of Madagascar. Ranomafana National Park: located on the eastern side of the highlands, it is doubtless one of the most spectacular National Parks of the island. An evergreen dense forest ideal for spotting lemurs and many other endemic animals.

THE WEST COAST

Descending the Manambolo and the Tsiribihina Rivers: both trips are becoming more popular every year. You get the chance to explore the Sakalava country from a different point of view and sleep on the river shores, sharing your campsites with turtles and crocodiles! The Baobabs´ Alley: 20 km from Morondava, the biggest town of this part of Madagascar, we find all those giants baobabs clustering together at both sides of the road. It is just amazing, especially at dawn. The coastal trail from Morondava:  southwards is a non-very-visited route which hides spectacular small fisher villages like Ankevo and Belo sur Mer, and paradise-like beaches ideal to practise snorkelling, relaxing and just enjoying life. Tsingy de Bemeraha National Park: this spectacular mineral forest formed by a labyrinth of sharp stone needles offer incredible sceneries and wonderful trekking circuits through the bizarre and unique Tsingys. Kirindy Reserve: This private reserve protects one of the last remaining dry deciduous forests of Madagascar. Apart from spotting lemurs, reptiles and birds, it is the best place of the whole island to see Madagascar´s biggest predator: the fossa.

THE SOUTH OF MADAGASCAR

A train ride between Fianarantsoa and Manakara: this is the only passengers train circulating nowadays. The journey passes through beautiful landscapes and stops at several small villages where locals try to sell you al kinds of food. The ride is an experience itself. The coast North and South  from Tulear:  has incredible beaches, tiny tropical islands, well maintained coral reefs and extraordinary landscapes. The beach villages of Ifaty, Salary Bay or Anakao are becoming more and more popular since the beauty of this area is no longer a secret. Fort Dauphin (Taolagnaro): this charming city full of colonial buildings and located on a fantastic location, surrounded by mountains, dry forests, nature reserves and enormous beaches is the biggest city in the deep south and the starting point to an adventure in this remote region. Isalo National Park: easily accessible all year round, Isalo has become a very popular destination: the bizarre rock formations, canyons and natural pools as well as the lemurs are the main reason why many visitors come here. Andohahela National Park: in south-east Madagascar, is remarkable for the extremes of habitats that are represented within it. The park covers 760 km2 (293 sq mi) of the Anosy mountain range, the southernmost spur of the Malagasy Highlands and contains the last humid rainforests in the southern part of Madagascar. The Park was inscribed in the World Heritage Site in 2007 as part of the Rainforests of the Atsinanana. Anakao fisherman's village: it's a great spot to get local seafood.