THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
The center of Madagascar, with the diversity of its landscapes is like a stronghold of the island. The wide rocky landscapes where people only seem to be intruders sharply contrast with densely-populated areas, bodies of water, and rural areas with their rice paddies’ checker the landscape. Land of traditions, rich with historical places, it exhibits a continental trait and is careless of the fact that one short plane trip can take you to coast of Madagascar!
Drive through beautiful and peaceful countryside and immense rice fields, visit ancient tombs, admire the craftworks of local artists, take village treks to immerse in local life and visit emerald volcanic lakes.
The Central Highlands of Madagascar stretch from North to South along more than 1000 kilometres of the central part of the island. The altitude varies from 800 to 2700 metres at the highest peaks, but the main area lies slightly over 1000 metres above sea level. You can find the oldest and most historical cities of Madagascar in this region. The landscape is made up of a varied plateau with hills and several higher mountains, valleys and rivers, the biggest lakes of Madagascar, shimmering rice fields and hollow-like depressions. The lush rainforests and rich wildlife of Ranomafana National Park (UNESCO) are just a short ride from the town of Fianarantsoa, the center of the Betsileo tribe.
When to visit:
all-year long
Climate
Temperate
Highlights
Antananarivo, the capital, Ambohimanga Royal Hill (UNESCO), Antsirabe city, Fianarantsoa city, Ranomafana NP (UNESCO), funerary art, beautiful landscapes, zafimaniry wood carving (UNESCO)
Seaside
none
Travel Packages
Remark: almost all of our tours pass through the Central Highlands of Madagascar, since this region includes the capital Antananarivo where most of the international flights arrive. Those tours with arrival and departure from Nosy Be islands don’t include the Central part.
Big tour of Madagascar from the south to the north
South + North combination 15 days/14 nights
When to go: March-December
Highlights: Antananarivo, Isalo National Park, Anja Park, Ranomafana National Park, baobab trees, mahafaly tombs, beaches of Ifaty, Montagne d’Ambre National Park, Ankarana Tsingy National Park, Nosy Be islands&beaches
Madagascar, the eighth continent
South itinerary 11 days/10 nights
When to go: all year long
Highlights: Antananarivo, Isalo National Park, Anja Park, Ranomafana National Park, baobab trees, mahafaly tombs, beaches of Ifaty
Glimpse into Madagascar: discover Central Madagascar and relax at Nosy Be island
East+North itinerary 9 days/8 nights
When to go: March-December
Highlights: Andasibe-Mantadia NP, Vakona Reserve, Antananarivo, Nosy Be islands, beautiful beaches
Circuit and holiday in the land of lemurs and spices
East itinerary 11 days/10 nights
When to go: March-November
Highlights: Andasibe-Mantadia NP, Vakona Reserve, Palmarium Reserve, Pangalanes Channel, lush rainforests, beaches of Sainte Marie Island, Antananarivo
Madagascar, island of a thousand faces
South+East itinerary, 12 days/11 nights
When to go: all year long
Highlights: Andasibe-Mantadia NP, Vakona Reserve, Antananarivo, Isalo National Park, Anja Park, Ranomafana National Park, baobab trees, mahafaly tombs, beaches of Ifaty
Wonders of sea and nature in the North of Madagascar
North itinerary 12 days/11 nights
When to go: from March to December
Highlights: Diego Suarez and it’s bays, Amber Mountain National Park, Ankarana “Tsingy” National Park, vanilla and ylang-ylang fields, the islands of Nosy Be archipelago, Lokobe National Park, beaches of Nosy Be, Antananarivo
Unique landscapes of Madagascar
Western itinerary 11 days/10 nights
When to go: July-November
Highlights: Tsingy de Bemaraha NP, Kirindy Reserve, Baobab Avenue, Morondava, Antananarivo
take a closer look…
Discover the capital Antananarivo built on one of the 12 historic hills of the Imerina, at about 1245 m above sea level. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Central Highlands around the capital stretching from North to South along more than 1000 kilometres of the central part of the island. The landscape is made up of a varied plateau, hills, valleys and rivers, the biggest lakes of Madagascar, shimmering rice fields and hollow-like depressions.
