Places & Areas in Malagasy: 115 Travel Phrases with Audio

Nosy Be
No-sy Be
Nosy Be (Madagascar's top beach resort island)
Usage
Heading to Nosy Be, Madagascar's top tourist island destination in the northwest
Grammar Note
"nosy" means island and "be" means big. Nosy Be is famous for its ylang-ylang fragrance, also called "Île aux parfums" (Island of Perfumes) in French.
Lalan'ny Baobab
La-lan'ny Bao-bab
Avenue of the Baobabs (near Morondava)
Usage
Going to Madagascar's iconic Avenue of the Baobabs near Morondava on the west coast
Grammar Note
The Avenue of the Baobabs is one of Madagascar's most iconic sights. The towering Grandidier's baobabs are especially stunning at sunset and are protected as a natural monument.
Tsingy de Bemaraha
Tsin-gy de Be-ma-ra-ha
Tsingy de Bemaraha (limestone pinnacles)
Usage
Visiting the UNESCO-listed razor-sharp limestone pinnacle formations called Tsingy
Grammar Note
"Tsingy" in Malagasy means "where one cannot walk barefoot" due to the razor-sharp rock. Tsingy de Bemaraha is UNESCO World Heritage (1990), rich in endemic species.
Rova Antananarivo
Ro-va An-ta-na-na-ri-vo
Antananarivo Rova (Queen's Palace)
Usage
Visiting the historic royal palace in Madagascar's capital Antananarivo
Grammar Note
"Rova" means royal palace/fortress in Malagasy. "Antananarivo" means "city of a thousand warriors". Parts of the Rova were destroyed in a 1995 fire but restoration is ongoing.
Parc Ranomafana
Parc Ra-no-ma-fa-na
Ranomafana National Park
Usage
Visiting the rainforest national park in southeastern Madagascar
Grammar Note
"Ranomafana" combines "rano" (water) and "mafana" (hot), meaning "hot water/thermal spring". The park hosts 11 lemur species and was designated a national park in 1991.
Parc Isalo
Parc I-sa-lo
Isalo National Park
Usage
Visiting the southern Madagascar national park famous for sandstone canyons and natural pools
Grammar Note
Isalo is dubbed "Madagascar's Grand Canyon" for its sandstone landscapes. Natural swimming pools are a highlight. Ancient Bara clan burial caves are also found here.
Montagne d'Ambre
Mon-tag-ne d'Amb-re
Amber Mountain National Park
Usage
Visiting the tropical rainforest national park at Madagascar's northern tip
Grammar Note
"Montagne d'Ambre" is French for "Amber Mountain". Located at Madagascar's northern tip, it features waterfalls, crater lakes, and chameleons. It was Madagascar's first national park (1958).
Antananarivo
An-ta-na-na-ri-vo
Antananarivo (capital)
Usage
Capital on the highland plateau at about 1,280 m. French name Tananarive; locals simply say "Tana". Steep streets and heavy traffic mean the 15 km from Ivato airport takes 45-60 minutes
Toamasina
To-a-ma-si-na
Toamasina (Tamatave)
Usage
Main east-coast port and Madagascar's second city. The French name Tamatave is still in everyday use. 350 km from the capital on the RN2, 7-8 hours on a winding paved road over the escarpment
Mahajanga
Ma-ha-jan-ga
Mahajanga (Majunga)
Usage
Northwestern port city. French name Majunga. 570 km from the capital on the RN4, 10-12 hours by road. The giant baobab on the seafront corniche is the local landmark
Toliara
To-li-a-ra
Toliara (Tuléar)
Usage
Southwestern terminus city. French name Tuléar. End of the RN7, 950 km from the capital and 2-3 days by road with overnight stops, or about 1 hour 30 minutes by air. Base for the reef and spiny forest
Antsiranana
An-tsi-ra-na-na
Antsiranana (Diego-Suarez)
Usage
Port city at the northern tip. Widely known by its French name Diego-Suarez, locally just "Diego". One of the world's largest natural harbours. Road from the capital takes 2-3 days, so most travelers fly (about 2 hours)
Fianarantsoa
Fi-a-na-ran-tso-a
Usage
Main city of the southern Betsileo highlands; the name means "place of learning". 410 km from the capital on the RN7, 8-10 hours. Starting point of the FCE railway and base for the wine country and Ranomafana
Antsirabe
An-tsi-ra-be
Usage
Spa town at about 1,500 m. 170 km from the capital on the RN7, about 3 hours, and the usual first overnight stop on an RN7 trip. Famous for its brightly painted pousse-pousse rickshaws
Morondava
Mo-ron-da-va
Usage
Main town of the Menabe region on the west coast. The Avenue of the Baobabs is 20 km north, about 40 minutes. About 1 hour by air from the capital, or roughly 700 km and 12-16 hours by road via Antsirabe
Taolagnaro
Tao-lag-na-ro
Taolagnaro (Fort-Dauphin)
Usage
Port town at the southeastern tip. Usually printed as Fort-Dauphin on tickets and maps. The RN13 from Ihosy is a rough 10-20 hour drive, so most travelers fly. Gateway to the Berenty reserve
Ambositra
Am-bo-si-tra
Usage
Woodcarving town on the RN7, lined with Zafimaniry marquetry workshops. 90 km and about 2 hours from Antsirabe; another 4 hours on to Fianarantsoa
Ambalavao
Am-ba-la-vao
Usage
56 km and about 1.5 hours south of Fianarantsoa on the RN7. Known for Antemoro paper workshops and a large weekly zebu market. Access point for Andringitra National Park
Ihosy
I-ho-sy
Usage
Junction where the RN7 and RN13 split, and the main Bara town. About 5 hours from Fianarantsoa. The RN13 turns southeast to Taolagnaro; the RN7 continues to Isalo and Toliara
Ranohira
Ra-no-hi-ra
Usage
Village at the entrance to Isalo National Park on the RN7. The park office, guide association and lodges are all here. About 1 hour from Ihosy and 4 hours from Toliara
Ambatolampy
Am-ba-to-lam-py
Usage
Highland town 68 km and about 2 hours south of the capital on the RN7. Lined with foundries making hand-cast aluminium pots; a common first rest stop heading south
Moramanga
Mo-ra-man-ga
Usage
On the RN2, 110 km and about 3 hours from the capital. The RN44 branches off here toward Lake Alaotra, and every vehicle bound for Andasibe passes through
Andasibe
An-da-si-be
Andasibe (Périnet)
Usage
Rainforest village 26 km off the RN2, still often called by its colonial name Périnet. About 4 hours from the capital, making it the most accessible national park base. Famous for the indri's dawn calls
Ambatondrazaka
Am-ba-ton-dra-za-ka
Usage
Madagascar's main rice-growing town, beside Lake Alaotra. About 4 hours from Moramanga on the RN44, or 6-7 hours total from the capital
Manakara
Ma-na-ka-ra
Usage
East-coast town and terminus of the FCE railway. 8-15 hours by train from Fianarantsoa, or about 6 hours by road. Starting point for pirogue trips on the Pangalanes canal
Mananjary
Ma-nan-ja-ry
Usage
East-coast town on the Pangalanes canal. About 5 hours from Fianarantsoa via Ranomafana. A coffee and pepper trading centre
Farafangana
Fa-ra-fan-ga-na
Usage
Southeastern coastal town and the practical southern end of the sealed RN12. About 2 hours from Manakara; the road deteriorates sharply beyond here toward Taolagnaro
Soanierana Ivongo
So-a-ni-e-ra-na I-von-go
Usage
160 km and about 4 hours north of Toamasina. Departure point for the ferry and speedboats to Nosy Boraha (Île Sainte-Marie). Crossings are cancelled in rough seas, so allow spare days
Maroantsetra
Ma-ro-an-tse-tra
Usage
Town at the head of Antongil Bay, gateway to Masoala National Park and Nosy Mangabe. The RN5 is cut in the rainy season, so flying from the capital is the realistic option
Sambava
Sam-ba-va
Usage
Vanilla trading hub of the northeastern SAVA region, source of much of the world's vanilla. The road from Antsiranana is a rough 8-10 hours, so most fly. Starting point for Marojejy National Park
Antalaha
An-ta-la-ha
Usage
Coastal town 80 km and about 2 hours south of Sambava. One of the world's leading vanilla producers and the eastern access point to the Masoala peninsula
Andapa
An-da-pa
Usage
Town in a basin 100 km west of Sambava, about 3 hours over a mountain road. Trekking base for Marojejy National Park
Ambanja
Am-ban-ja
Usage
Cocoa and ylang-ylang town in the Sambirano valley on the RN6. The Ankify jetty for Nosy Be is 20 km away, about 40 minutes. About 4 hours from Antsiranana
Ankify
An-ki-fy
Ankify (jetty for Nosy Be)
Usage
Mainland jetty for crossing to Nosy Be. 20 km and about 40 minutes from Ambanja. Speedboats take 30-45 minutes, the vehicle ferry about 1 hour 30 minutes. Seas build in the afternoon, so morning crossings are safer
Andoany
An-do-a-ny
Andoany (Hell-Ville, main town of Nosy Be)
Usage
Main town of Nosy Be. The French name Hell-Ville is used more often on signs and in speech. Port, market, banks and ATMs are all here, so do island errands in town
Antsohihy
An-tso-hi-hy
Usage
Main town of the Sofia region on the RN6. About 12 hours north of the capital, with another 10 hours on to Antsiranana. The usual overnight halt when driving north
Katsepy
Ka-tse-py
Katsepy (across the bay from Mahajanga)
Usage
Village across the bay from Mahajanga, about 1 hour by ferry over the Bombetoka estuary. Start of the unsealed road down the west coast; the ferry runs only once or twice a day
Miandrivazo
Mi-an-dri-va-zo
Usage
Hot riverside town on the RN34, about 5 hours from Antsirabe. Departure point for the 2-3 night pirogue descent of the Tsiribihina river to Belo sur Tsiribihina
Belo sur Tsiribihina
Be-lo sur Tsi-ri-bi-hi-na
Usage
Town at the Tsiribihina river crossing. About 4 hours from Morondava, though waiting for the barge can add a lot. Usual overnight stop en route to Tsingy de Bemaraha
Bekopaka
Be-ko-pa-ka
Bekopaka (base for the Tsingy)
Usage
Village at the entrance to Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. 4-6 hours from Belo including the Manambolo river crossing. The road is closed and the village unreachable in the rainy season (December-April)
Ambohimanga
Am-bo-hi-man-ga
Ambohimanga (Royal Hill)
Usage
Sacred Merina royal hill 21 km northeast of the capital, about 1 hour by car. UNESCO World Heritage and the standard half-day trip from Antananarivo
Ivato
I-va-to
Ivato (airport town)
Usage
Town 15 km north of the capital where the international airport is. Hotels around the airport serve early and late flights. 30 minutes to the city centre before the traffic, close to an hour during the day
Analamanga
A-na-la-man-ga
Analamanga Region (capital region)
Usage
Central highland region containing the capital Antananarivo. The unit you see on addresses and official forms. Ivato airport and the royal hill of Ambohimanga are both inside it
Vakinankaratra
Va-ki-nan-ka-ra-tra
Vakinankaratra Region
Usage
Highland region centred on Antsirabe, crossed by the RN7 and known for vegetables, dairy and hot springs. The Ankaratra massif and Lake Tritriva are here
Atsinanana
A-tsi-na-na-na
Atsinanana Region (the East)
Usage
East-coast region with Toamasina as its capital; the name itself means "east". It holds the end of the RN2, the northern end of the Pangalanes canal and the country's largest port
Boeny
Bo-e-ny
Boeny Region (northwest)
Usage
Northwestern region with Mahajanga as its capital, at the end of the RN4 and containing Ankarafantsika National Park. Best visited in the dry season (May-October)
Diana
Di-a-na
Diana Region (far north)
Usage
Far-northern region with Antsiranana as its capital. The name is an acronym of Diego, Ambilobe, Nosy Be and Ambanja. Covers Nosy Be, Ankarana and Amber Mountain
Sava
Sa-va
Sava Region (northeast, vanilla country)
Usage
Northeastern vanilla belt. The name is an acronym of Sambava, Antalaha, Vohemar (Iharana) and Andapa. Home to Marojejy National Park; roads are poor so flying is the norm
Menabe
Me-na-be
Menabe Region (west)
Usage
Western region with Morondava as its capital, containing the Avenue of the Baobabs, Kirindy Forest and the Tsiribihina river. Roads close in the rains, so visit in the dry season (May-November)
Atsimo-Andrefana
A-tsi-mo-An-dre-fa-na
Atsimo-Andrefana Region (southwest)
Usage
The country's largest region by area, capital Toliara; the name means "southwest". Covers the end of the RN7, the Ifaty reef, the spiny forest and Tsimanampetsotsa National Park
Analakely
A-na-la-ke-ly
Analakely (central Antananarivo)
Usage
Central business district of Antananarivo, with the Avenue de l'Indépendance and the great staircase. Markets, shops and money changers concentrate here. Saying "Analakely" is enough for any taxi
Antaninarenina
An-ta-ni-na-re-ni-na
Antaninarenina (upper town)
Usage
Upper-town district above Analakely, with the historic Hôtel Colbert, gem shops and airline offices. A 10-minute walk up the great staircase from Analakely
Isoraka
I-so-ra-ka
Isoraka (restaurant district)
Usage
Hillside district in central Antananarivo where colonial villas house restaurants and small hotels. The usual place travelers head for dinner
Tsaralalàna
Tsa-ra-lalà-na
Tsaralalàna (wholesale and Chinese quarter)
Usage
Wholesale quarter just west of Analakely at the lower end of the Avenue de l'Indépendance, with Chinese and Indian shops and budget hotels. Walkable, but avoid walking alone after dark
Ankorondrano
An-ko-ron-dra-no
Ankorondrano (business district)
Usage
Modern district in northern Antananarivo with office towers, supermarkets and shopping malls. 15-30 minutes from the centre by car, on the way to the airport
Ivandry
I-van-dry
Ivandry (upscale residential area)
Usage
Quiet upscale residential area in northern Antananarivo with embassies, international organisations and top-end hotels. About 20 minutes from the airport by car
Ambodivona
Am-bo-di-vo-na
Ambodivona (bush-taxi terminal for the north and east)
Usage
District in northeastern Antananarivo and the departure point for taxis-brousses (shared minibuses) heading north and east, including Toamasina and Mahajanga. Most services leave early in the morning
Mahamasina
Ma-ha-ma-si-na
Mahamasina (national stadium district)
Usage
Valley district just south of central Antananarivo where the national stadium stands, directly below the Rova palace hill. A common reference point when navigating the city
Farihy Anosy
Fa-ri-hy A-no-sy
Lac Anosy (heart-shaped lake)
Usage
Heart-shaped artificial lake in central Antananarivo, known in French as Lac Anosy. Ringed by government ministries, with jacarandas blooming in October-November and a First World War memorial on the island
Aéroport international d'Ivato
Aé-ro-port in-ter-na-ti-o-nal d'I-va-to
Ivato International Airport (TNR)
Usage
Madagascar's main gateway, at Ivato 15 km north of the capital, 30-60 minutes into town by car. Handles both international and domestic flights; all regional connections start here
Aéroport de Nosy Be-Fascène
Aé-ro-port de No-sy Be-Fascè-ne
Nosy Be Fascène Airport (NOS)
Usage
Airport on Nosy Be. About 1 hour 30 minutes from the capital, plus seasonal direct flights from Europe and Réunion. About 20 minutes by car to Andoany (Hell-Ville)
Aéroport d'Antsiranana-Arrachart
Aé-ro-port d'An-tsi-ra-na-na-Ar-rac-hart
Antsiranana Arrachart Airport (DIE)
Usage
Airport for Antsiranana (Diego-Suarez) in the far north; the IATA code DIE comes from the old name Diego. About 2 hours from the capital, 15 minutes from town
Aéroport de Mahajanga-Amborovy
Aé-ro-port de Ma-ha-jan-ga-Am-bo-ro-vy
Mahajanga Amborovy Airport (MJN)
Usage
Airport for Mahajanga in the northwest, also called Philibert Tsiranana Airport. About 1 hour 15 minutes from the capital, against 10-12 hours on the RN4
Aéroport de Toamasina
Aé-ro-port de To-a-ma-si-na
Toamasina Airport (TMM)
Usage
Airport for Toamasina (Tamatave) on the east coast, about 50 minutes from the capital. Used to avoid the 7-8 hour RN2 drive and to connect to Île Sainte-Marie
Aéroport de Toliara
Aé-ro-port de To-li-a-ra
Toliara Airport (TLE)
Usage
Airport for Toliara (Tuléar) in the southwest, about 1 hour 30 minutes from the capital. Many travelers drive the RN7 down over 2-3 days and fly back
Aéroport de Taolagnaro
Aé-ro-port de Tao-lag-na-ro
Taolagnaro (Fort-Dauphin) Airport (FTU)
Usage
Airport for Taolagnaro in the far southeast, usually shown as Fort Dauphin on tickets. About 1 hour 45 minutes from the capital, and effectively the only practical access given the 10-20 hour RN13
Aéroport de Sambava
Aé-ro-port de Sam-ba-va
Sambava Airport (SVB)
Usage
Airport for the northeastern SAVA region and the way in to the vanilla country and Marojejy National Park. About 1 hour 30 minutes from the capital; with roads this poor, flying is effectively the only option
Aéroport de Morondava
Aé-ro-port de Mo-ron-da-va
Morondava Airport (MOQ)
Usage
Airport for Morondava in the west and the nearest airport to the Avenue of the Baobabs. About 1 hour from the capital, against 12-16 hours by road, so most short trips fly
Aéroport de Sainte-Marie
Aé-ro-port de Sain-te-Ma-ri-e
Sainte-Marie Airport (SMS)
Usage
Airport on Nosy Boraha (Île Sainte-Marie). About 1 hour from the capital, 30 minutes from Toamasina. Especially useful in the July-September whale season when boat crossings are often cancelled
Aéroport de Maroantsetra
Aé-ro-port de Ma-ro-an-tse-tra
Maroantsetra Airport (WMN)
Usage
Airport for Maroantsetra, gateway to Masoala National Park. With the RN5 cut in the rainy season this is effectively the only reliable way in. Flights are infrequent and can be cancelled, so keep spare days
RN7
RN7 national road
Usage
The country's best highway, 950 km from the capital through Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa and Isalo to Toliara. Fully paved. Bush taxis run it in 20-24 hours non-stop; travelers normally take 3-4 days with stops
RN2
RN2 national road
Usage
The 350 km freight artery linking the capital to the port of Toamasina. Paved but full of tight bends down the escarpment; 7-8 hours by car. Also the road to Andasibe
RN4
RN4 national road
Usage
570 km from the capital northwest to Mahajanga, 10-12 hours by car. Paved but rough in its later stretches. Ankarafantsika National Park sits right on this road
RN6
RN6 national road
Usage
Northern trunk road branching off the RN4 at Ambondromamy and running via Antsohihy and Ambanja to Antsiranana in the far north. 2-3 full days from the capital. Ankarana reserve lies on this road
RN5
RN5 national road (the rough east-coast route)
Usage
East-coast route from Toamasina via Soanierana Ivongo and Mananara to Maroantsetra. One of the country's worst roads: 4x4 only, several days even in the dry season, and impassable in the rains
RN13
RN13 national road
Usage
About 400 km from Ihosy on the RN7 southeast to Taolagnaro. Long regarded as the country's worst main road; expect 10-20 hours depending on the section. Fly if time matters
RN8
RN8 national road (the road to the Tsingy)
Usage
Runs from Morondava via Belo sur Tsiribihina to Bekopaka for the Tsingy. Only about 200 km but 8-12 hours in a 4x4, with two river ferries. Impassable in the rainy season (December-April)
RN9
RN9 national road (the west-coast sand track)
Usage
Sand track running north up the west coast from Toliara via Morombe to Morondava. Almost no pavement, two full days in a 4x4 with several river crossings. Not passable in an ordinary car
RN34
RN34 national road
Usage
About 200 km and 4-5 hours west from Antsirabe to Miandrivazo. Vehicles heading from the capital to Morondava or the Tsiribihina river combine the RN7 with this road
RN44
RN44 national road
Usage
Branches north off the RN2 at Moramanga and runs about 160 km, 3-4 hours, to Ambatondrazaka beside Lake Alaotra. Heavily used by rice trucks
Port de Toamasina
Port de To-a-ma-si-na
Port of Toamasina
Usage
Madagascar's largest port, handling most of the country's sea freight, right beside central Toamasina on the east coast. Also a cruise-ship call and the northern end of the Pangalanes canal
Port d'Ehoala
Port d'E-ho-a-la
Ehoala Port (Taolagnaro)
Usage
Deepwater port about 6 km southwest of Taolagnaro (Fort-Dauphin), built alongside the mining project. Cruise ships calling in the south dock here; about 15 minutes to town
Port de Mahajanga
Port de Ma-ha-jan-ga
Port of Mahajanga
Usage
Main northwestern port, with dhows and coastal boats serving the Comoros and points along the coast. The ferry to Katsepy across the bay leaves from here too, within walking distance of the town centre
Port de Toliara
Port de To-li-a-ra
Port of Toliara
Usage
Port at Toliara in the southwest. Too shallow for large ships, but the speedboats and pirogues to Anakao and Nosy Ve leave from here, about 1 hour each way
Chemin de fer Fianarantsoa-Côte Est
Che-min de fer Fi-a-na-ran-tso-a-Côte Est
Fianarantsoa-Côte Est railway (FCE)
Usage
Working passenger line covering the 163 km from Fianarantsoa to Manakara through tunnels and over bridges. Takes 8-15 hours, runs a few times a week, and is often delayed or cancelled, so keep spare days
Gare de Soarano
Ga-re de So-a-ra-no
Soarano Station (Antananarivo's old railway station)
Usage
1910s station building at the head of the Avenue de l'Indépendance. No scheduled passenger trains run from the capital any more, but the building remains and is the city's clearest meeting landmark
Parc National d'Andasibe-Mantadia
Parc Na-ti-o-nal d'An-da-si-be-Man-ta-di-a
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Usage
Rainforest park about 4 hours from the capital on the RN2, home to the indri, the largest lemur. The Mantadia sector is 20 km north of Andasibe, about an hour on a rough track
Réserve Spéciale d'Analamazaotra
Réser-ve Spéci-a-le d'A-na-la-ma-zao-tra
Analamazaotra Special Reserve (Périnet)
Usage
Reserve adjoining Andasibe village, formerly called Périnet. Well-made trails and undemanding walking. Set out around 7 a.m. to hear the indri chorus
Parc National de Masoala
Parc Na-ti-o-nal de Ma-so-a-la
Masoala National Park
Usage
Madagascar's largest national park, where rainforest runs straight down to the sea. 1-2 hours by boat from Maroantsetra. Rich in endemics including the red ruffed lemur. Bring rain gear
Parc National de Marojejy
Parc Na-ti-o-nal de Ma-ro-je-jy
Marojejy National Park
Usage
Mountain rainforest in the northeast and a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the trailhead about 2 hours by car from Sambava it is a 2-3 day camping trek to look for the silky sifaka. Physically demanding
Réserve Spéciale d'Ankarana
Réser-ve Spéci-a-le d'An-ka-ra-na
Ankarana Special Reserve
Usage
On the RN6 about 100 km and 2.5 hours south of Antsiranana. Northern tsingy pinnacles, huge underground caves and a suspension-bridge viewing trail
Parc National d'Ankarafantsika
Parc Na-ti-o-nal d'An-ka-ra-fan-tsi-ka
Ankarafantsika National Park
Usage
On the RN4, 115 km and about 2 hours southeast of Mahajanga. Dry deciduous forest with crocodiles and birds at Lac Ravelobe and good night walks for nocturnal lemurs. An easy stop on the drive back to the capital
Parc National d'Andringitra
Parc Na-ti-o-nal d'An-drin-gi-tra
Andringitra National Park
Usage
About 50 km and 3-4 hours on unsealed road from Ambalavao. Granite peaks and high grassland, and the trailhead for Imarivolanitra (Pic Boby). Nights can drop below freezing
Parc National de Zombitse-Vohibasia
Parc Na-ti-o-nal de Zom-bi-tse-Vo-hi-ba-si-a
Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park
Usage
The RN7 runs straight through it, so you can stop for an hour while driving between Isalo and Toliara. Transitional dry forest with a bird species found nowhere else
Parc National de Tsimanampetsotsa
Parc Na-ti-o-nal de Tsi-ma-nam-pe-tso-tsa
Tsimanampetsotsa National Park
Usage
About 90 km south of Toliara, roughly 3 hours in a 4x4. Flamingos gather on the soda lake, surrounded by spiny forest and baobabs. Often visited as a day trip from Anakao
Réserve d'Anja
Réser-ve d'An-ja
Anja Community Reserve
Usage
Village-run reserve 12 km south of Ambalavao on the RN7. Reliable close-up sightings of ring-tailed lemurs in a 1-2 hour visit, and a standard stop while driving south on the RN7
Réserve de Berenty
Réser-ve de Be-ren-ty
Berenty Reserve
Usage
Private reserve about 80 km and 2.5-3 hours west of Taolagnaro. Ring-tailed lemurs and "dancing" Verreaux's sifakas are used to people, making it the main draw in the south
Réserve Spéciale de Nosy Mangabe
Réser-ve Spéci-a-le de No-sy Man-ga-be
Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve
Usage
Forested island in Antongil Bay, 20-30 minutes by boat from Maroantsetra. Visited for night walks looking for aye-ayes and leaf-tailed geckos; the only accommodation is a campsite
Forêt de Kirindy
Forêt de Ki-rin-dy
Kirindy Forest
Usage
60 km and about 1.5 hours northeast of Morondava, beyond the Avenue of the Baobabs. The best place to see the fosa, Madagascar's largest carnivore; night walks are the main activity
Nosy Boraha
No-sy Bo-ra-ha
Nosy Boraha (Île Sainte-Marie)
Usage
Long narrow island off the east coast, usually called Île Sainte-Marie in French. Famous for humpback whales from July to September. 1.5-2 hours by boat from Soanierana Ivongo, or about 1 hour by air from the capital
Ambodifotatra
Am-bo-di-fo-ta-tra
Ambodifotatra (main town of Île Sainte-Marie)
Usage
Main town of Nosy Boraha (Île Sainte-Marie), with the port, market and banks, and the starting point for getting around the island. The 18th-century pirate cemetery is nearby
Nosy Komba
No-sy Kom-ba
Usage
Hilly island between Nosy Be and the mainland. The name means "island of lemurs" and its tame black lemurs are the draw. About 30 minutes by boat from Nosy Be as a day trip
Nosy Tanikely
No-sy Ta-ni-ke-ly
Nosy Tanikely (marine reserve)
Usage
Small island marine reserve south of Nosy Be, about 45 minutes by boat. Snorkelling over coral with turtles. Usually combined with Nosy Komba on one day trip
Nosy Ve
No-sy Ve
Usage
Uninhabited coral island off Anakao, 20-30 minutes by pirogue. Protected as a red-tailed tropicbird breeding site and sacred to the Vezo people. Good snorkelling around it
Ramena
Ra-me-na
Ramena (beach near Diego-Suarez)
Usage
Fishing village and beach 18 km east of Antsiranana, 30-40 minutes by car. Boats to the Emerald Sea leave from here. An easy day trip from town, though shared transport back thins out in the evening
Mer d'Émeraude
Mer d'Éme-ra-u-de
Emerald Sea
Usage
Shallow turquoise lagoon northeast of Antsiranana, 45 minutes to an hour by boat from Ramena. The standard day trip is snorkelling off the sandbank with a grilled-fish lunch on the beach
Tsingy Rouge
Tsin-gy Ro-u-ge
Tsingy Rouge (Red Tsingy)
Usage
About 60 km south of Antsiranana, roughly 2 hours in a 4x4 off the RN6. Eroded red laterite pinnacles, quite different from the limestone tsingy. A half-day trip
Parc de Tsimbazaza
Parc de Tsim-ba-za-za
Tsimbazaza Zoological and Botanical Park
Usage
Zoological and botanical park inside Antananarivo, where travelers short on time can see lemurs and chameleons. Also displays a skeleton of the extinct elephant bird
Farihy Tritriva
Fa-ri-hy Tri-tri-va
Lake Tritriva (crater lake)
Usage
Deep crater lake about 20 km southwest of Antsirabe, 45 minutes by car; Lac Tritriva in French. A path circles the rim, making it the standard half-day trip from Antsirabe
Canal des Pangalanes
Ca-nal des Pan-ga-la-nes
Pangalanes Canal
Usage
Chain of lagoons and canals running about 645 km along the east coast. Boats enter from Toamasina or Manakara. Still a working transport route where the roads are cut
Tsiribihina
Tsi-ri-bi-hi-na
Tsiribihina River
Usage
Major western river. The 2-3 night pirogue descent from Miandrivazo to Belo sur Tsiribihina is popular and connects onward to the Tsingy. Dry season only
Imarivolanitra
I-ma-ri-vo-la-ni-tra
Imarivolanitra (Pic Boby)
Usage
2,658 m peak inside Andringitra National Park, widely known by its French name Pic Boby. The highest climbable summit in Madagascar, a 2-3 day trip from Ambalavao. Sub-zero at night
Ifaty
I-fa-ty
Ifaty (beach north of Toliara)
Usage
Beach village 27 km north of Toliara, about an hour on a sandy road. Visited for snorkelling on the offshore reef and walks in the baobab-studded spiny forest inland
Anakao
A-na-kao
Anakao (Vezo fishing village)
Usage
Vezo fishing village south of Toliara. Roads are poor, so the 1-hour speedboat from Toliara is effectively the only way in. Base for Nosy Ve and Tsimanampetsotsa National Park
Ambilobe
Am-bi-lo-be
Usage
Junction town on the RN6, about 2.5 hours from Antsiranana. South leads to Ambanja and Nosy Be, east toward Sambava. Sugar-cane country

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