Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria, King Julien and the pesky penguins invite you to visit the land of adventure. And better — they have volunteered to be your guides and show you how to enjoy your stay there. It’s time to visit a place on Earth like no other…welcome to Madagascar!
The menagerie from the movie of the same name has made this island way too popular. And rightfully so, as this island in the Indian Ocean has lots to offer the adventure-loving, beach-hopping tourists. Lying adjacent to the east coast of Africa, Madagascar is home to stunning mountains, spectacular rainforests and white, sandy beaches.
Madagascar’s wildlife is among the best in the world in terms of diversity, abundance, and approachability and travel to Madagascar for this purpose is most rewarding. The best time of the year to visit Madagascar is probably September-November after the cool, dry winter but before the hot rainy season. Cyclone season is February to March when the climate is at its rainiest. Many animals are least active during the coldest months (June-August, but whale watching is at its peak this season. Combining friendly locals, fascinating wildlife and idyllic island vistas, the Madagascar experience is a unique slice of paradise.
Royal Hill of Ambohimanga!!
Yes! Now look, it’s not difficult for me to suggest you a great place because I love to go to places where not too many people have gone. And the Royal Hill is one. Why? It is the place where the Malagasy people are believed to have originated, and obviously has a cultural significance to it. Also, here you will get to see the Rova Palace that was made using cement and white eggs! Funny eh? And, the huge entrance gate to the palace takes about 40 men to open! Come on guys, what’s a trip to Madagascar without savouring some of its history!
Tsingy De Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve
I do love this reserve as it is inhabited by a lot of rare and endangered species of lemurs and other really interesting wildlife. The reserve is interspersed with small limestone peaks that give it an awesome appeal I tell you people. I have myself spotted some cool creatures like the grey-throated rail, the Madagascar Teal, the funny looking Western Woolly Lemur and the really gawky looking Antsingy Leaf Chameleon here. You have got to come see this place if you visit my Madagascar!
Ile Ste-Marie island
Heya guys! If you seen enough of wildlife and want to see some sea creatures, I recommend the Ile Ste-Marie island. Incredibly gorgeous white sand beaches that were once the hiding place for pirates makes it a thrilling destination to be in doesn’t it? You can go surfing, diving or just do some whale watching here. William Kidd, the famous corsair used this place as his secret hideout as it was so inaccessible! Cool isn’t it? I love bragging about it to the rest of the peeps for being the only one to visit the headquarters of piracy in the Indian Ocean! Yay!
Famadihana Festival
Well, it definitely is so very unique. Let me explain, between July and September if you are in Madagascar, go to the Central highlands where there is a festival called the Famadihana. And it is a funeral tradition! Well, during this season, the Malagasy people exhume the bodies of the dead and rewrap them in fresh cloth to bury them again! They are actually paying their tribute to the dead and thanking them for their blessings from the spirit world! Well, exciting isn’t it? Be one among the few foreigners who have witnessed this ritual, and yes, don’t forget to ‘Move it’. You are supposed to dance baby!
Good food and great shopping! That is what King Julien will show you. Introducing to all you people – the great King Julien!
“Ah the adulation from the people I love it I say! Being the king, I have obviously been to almost all the restaurants, purely by demand. All the restaurateurs just seem to have endless quarrels over who will host me. Well, anyway, my favourites are
Panda Restaurant
This restaurant I particularly remember when I went to Fianarantsoa. It had paintings of pandas on the walls making love! Ha! Interesting isn’t it? And you will get to eat some delicious servings of pigeon, wild duck and even bat! There is even Chinese if you wish.
La Varangue
This one in the capital city of Antananarivo is a great place where you will experience an amalgamation of European, Asian and African delights. I tell you I binged out here and suggest you do the same. The chefs are supremely talented and use the local available ingredients to dish out some of the best culinary delights you would ever have tasted.
Shop here!
Go to the Zoma market in the capital city of Antananarivo to pick the local crafts to take back home and gift to your family and friends. For those who want to shop for little knick-knacks, you can check Andravohangy, Route Digue and Pochard Pavillons and for the upmarket shoppers, there is Galerie Yerden, Abba, Terre des Arts and Mad’Attitude.