The fifth largest island in the world
Madagascar is 1,580 km long and 580 km wide, its total surface is the equivalent of France and Benelux combined. Generally speaking, the orientation of the winds and the specific relief of the island divide it into two very distinct sides, the East is exposed to the wind while the West is under the wind. An overview of the five main zones.
The Center: Highlands, peaks and plateaus
The Malagasy Highlands are not limited to plateaus. There are extinct volcanoes, peaks, hills, valleys and rivers. From Antananarivo to Fianarantsoa, the valleys are sculpted with rice terraces like those found in Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam or China. Formerly wooded, these expanses form a vast prairie, the bozaka. Stretching from south to north, the Highlands are crossed by a long rocky chain of 1 200 km. Their altitude varies from 700 m (Lake Alaotra) to 2,886 m (Tsaratanana), passing through Ankaratra (2,643 m) and Andringita (2,658 m at Boby Peak).
The highest peaks are located in the north of the area. This "cordillera" ends in the Isalo massif, in the south. The Highlands are also dotted with large bodies of water. Near Ambatondrazaka, Lake Alaotra constitutes the heart of the country's "rice granary". With a surface of 22,000 ha, it is the largest of the island; it was once the privileged site for the nesting of aquatic birds, which have since disappeared. Lake Mantasoa is surrounded by large pine forests, while banana plantations and rice fields border Lake Ihotry.
The East: forests, cliffs, Indian Ocean
In the east, the coast rocked by the surf of the Indian Ocean shelters the vestiges of the big forest which covered all the island (savoka). This forest extended from Taolagnaro, in the south, to the north of Sambava. Rivers cross the large green spaces. Further, it is a chain of cliffs. There are ravenalas and orchids in abundance.
The coastal plain is thin (on average barely 55 km wide). From Toamasina to Manakara extends a prodigy of river communication: the Pangalanes Canal. On nearly 700 km, lakes have been connected to rivers and estuaries. Between sea and forest, it is a den of birds and lemurs, of lizards and fish. This canal is not developed everywhere, but pirogues and light motor boats circulate there without any problem on most of it.
The coast is the domain of plantations of vanilla, cloves, coffee, cocoa... One can legitimately think that these cultures could make the wealth of the island if the world tariffs imposed by the WTO (World Trade Organization) were more equitable. Lychees are also cultivated there. On the east coast, the cities are as many symbols: Toamasina, the first port of Madagascar, Sambava, capital of vanilla and spices, Manakara, heart of the Antaimoro country... Off Fenoarivo, the buccaneers' den of the island of Nosy Bohara has been transformed into a "paradise for tourists". Everywhere, the Indian Ocean is there, tumultuous, fascinating.
The West: savannah, mangrove and desert
On the other side of Madagascar, large terraces and long plains slide down to the Mozambique Channel. Opposite, there is the African continent. This coast is extremely varied: the deltas of the rivers line up in fertile plains, and the valleys of the rivers Mahajamba, Mahavavy, Maevarano dig deep furrows which extend to the sea. While in the northwest the savannah unfolds, the bush extends to the southwest. Fertile in the north, arid in the south, the west coast does not present a homogeneous whole. Here, one can contemplate the majestic baobabs, the infinite palm trees, a coral reef with superb sea beds.
Near Mahajanga, the lake Kinkony of a surface of 10 000 ha (15 000 ha in period of flood) is surrounded by a dry deciduous forest; one can observe the famous eagle of Madagascar there. The swampy area located between Maintirano and Antsalova is a nesting haven for the aquatic birds of Madagascar: the lakes Manambolomaty, Befotaka, Soamalipo or Ankerika are also privileged observatories of the eagle of Madagascar. The cities are as many points of departure for escapades at sea or explorations on land: Mahajanga, which is also a large port, Morondava surrounded by fascinating baobabs, Toliara which opens the door to the Great South.
The South: bush, drought and ocean
The south of Madagascar is the land of the bush and the great semi-desert stretches dotted with baobabs, thorny plants, cacti, steppes with high grasses. It is the region of the country that receives the least rain. The drought (Kere) is becoming more and more severe. The roads are mostly tracks. After Betioky begins the Mahafaly country, punctuated with legendary tombs surmounted by sculpted aloalys. Ampanihy is known for its mohair wool carpets.
Between Toliara and Soalara, the seabed is superb all along the long coral barrier. Everywhere, in Androy land as in Mahafaly land, the shepherds lead their huge herds of zebus from village to village; the outrigger canoes of the vezo fishermen face the surf.
The North: peaks, amber and rivers
To the north lies a large volcanic massif, the Tsaratanana, which reaches the highest altitudes of Madagascar with the 2,880 m of Maromokotra. From the Tsaratanana, the Sambirano and the Mahavavy flow down, two rivers that irrigate lands, fields and crops from the plains to the deltas. To the northwest, off the coast, the island of Nosy Be is a hub of international tourism, especially Italian. Travelers who appreciate golden beaches, water sports and luxury hotel facilities will not be disappointed. The main city of the north, Antsiranana and its wild nightlife are anchored in the center of a large bay that has always been the object of much envy. The extreme north of Madagascar ends in beauty with a succession of craters and lakes, a mountain and an amber cape, Tanjona Bobaomby.
