Fancy appreciating the beauty and originality of "The Big Island"? Here are 6 trek ideas in Madagascar that will let you discover the magnificent Malagasy landscapes. Its endemic fauna and flora, its beautiful peaceful beaches in all seasons, and its nature reserves with their massifs and villages will guarantee you an extraordinary change of scenery.
6 trek ideas in Madagascar to discover this incredible island
A coastal hike in the Bay of Antsiranana
Better known by its French name "Diégo Suarez", Antsiranana has plenty to enchant lovers of treks in Madagascar, on the shores of the Indian Ocean. A hiking trail through the forest of the Amber Mountain will allow you to discover numerous species of chameleons, orchids and lemurs found nowhere else in the world. Further on, at Ankarana, the red tsingy await you for a walk at height across bizarrely shaped limestone massifs. And the unmissable highlight remains the discovery of the sacred lake at Anivorano. A trip to this vast basin is a must for admiring the sacred caimans it shelters — caimans that the inhabitants of the surrounding villages consider to be their ancestors.
A discovery stay in the volcanoes region
Just a few kilometres from the capital, Itasy is one of the most popular regions among hikers. To appreciate the landscape, wander through the rice paddies peacefully arranged at the foot of mountains stretching for several kilometres. Then head north to discover the geysers at Analavory, with its artesian wells from which fresh water springs forth. Once on the Tsarazaza track, take in the lava flows stretching as far as the eye can see, leading towards Lake Amparykioa. Then continue south to reach the Lily waterfall, a 26-metre-high cascade fed by a large lake formed from an ancient crater.
trekking in South Makay
In this southern part of the island, begin with the discovery of the turquoise-watered lagoon at Ifaty. Then set out to explore the Makay Massif to appreciate hundreds of plant species unique to the great island. Continue with a short hiking trail to the village of Anja and visit its nature reserve, home to free-roaming lemurs. Finish with an ascent of Mount Ibity and admire the region's mineralogical treasures. Rivers, ridges, caves and canyons — there are countless attractions to discover at your leisure.
From the highlands to the east coast
For treks in Madagascar starting from the highlands, walks begin with the discovery of the rustic villages of Manandona, with their traditional houses, wells, fields and rice paddies. Next comes the exploration of Isalo National Park with its natural swimming pool and abundant rupicolous vegetation, not forgetting its mountain massifs bristling with peaks and its deep canyons. A little further east, the adventure continues with the discovery of the Pangalanes Canal, ending at the heart of magnificent villages nestled between the sea and the canal waters.
Discovering Morondava on foot
Morondava is a region highly appreciated for treks in Madagascar. At Belo sur Mer, head out to discover the Hutamac eco-village, where huts are built exclusively using local raw materials. Continue to Kimony Beach to discover what has been, for several years now, the "most beautiful beach in Madagascar". Carry on with a visit to the Camp Amoureux de Marofandila, situated at the heart of the Menabe protected area. Finish with a detour to the Lasaline lodge, where you can treat yourself to a short escape between the tsingy of Bemaraha and the Avenue of the Baobabs.
Ranomafana, a must for treks in Madagascar
A trip to the south-eastern part of the island takes you to Ranomafana, famous for its thermal springs. To get there, cross the great humid tropical forest of Fianarantsoa on foot and discover, along the way, the richness of the region's endemic biodiversity. Walk countless slippery trails to discover, at the park entrance, the various species of medicinal plants and carnivorous vegetation unique in the world.
Continue hiking through the tropical rainforest of Atsinanana to appreciate Madagascar's rare wildlife. In under 15 minutes, you will reach the "birds' paradise", where you can discover more than a hundred species endemic to the great island. A little further on, magnificent small streams are there to be crossed, offering glimpses of the small fish sheltering within them and the thousands of reptiles venturing all around.
Once the crossing is complete, head straight to the thermal spa to enjoy the benefits of the warm water freshly drawn from the spring. This water with its many virtues is accessible via a natural pool available to visitors. At nightfall, observe the many species of bats flying over the skies of Ranomafana in small groups. A spectacle in its own right that remains unique in the world.
Photo Credits: Travelling in Photos - Ranomafana National Park
