Practical information
Travel through Madagascar’s three zones
Did you know Madagascar is the fourth biggest island in the world? Well, you do now! Its many continental features mean that our red island offers every opportunity for your travellers to enjoy a very varied landscape.
Here at Madafocus, we’re big fans of adventurous trips by jeep through the three zones of Madagascar. That gives your customers the best impression of the island’s incredibly beautiful nature and culture.
It’s possible to do the trip in two weeks. However, we do advise your travellers to save up for a little longer and come on holiday for three weeks. That’s partly for ecological reasons, but also to be able to cover long distances with plenty of time left over to explore and enjoy the different regions.
A varied trip guaranteed!
Three zones: why?
It’s all because of the big mountain range running 1,600 km down the length of the island, from north to south. This mountain range, whose highest summit is 2,800m, effectively divides the island in two, separating the east from the west.
That’s what gives us three very different landscapes:
- the green east
- the flat, dry west
- and between them: the central highlands
Zone 1: the humid, green east
The winds coming in from the Atlantic Ocean cause heavy rain in eastern Madagascar. This is the green lung of the island, where you find tropical rainforests with flora and fauna that is both endemic and unique. For example, there are chameleons, lemurs, rare bird species and plants that love moist surroundings. It’s a paradise for lychee and banana trees.
This eastern region is home to several rainforest parks—ideal places to spot fantastic creatures.
Read more about the seasons and the best period to discover Madagascar. Yes, right here.
Zone 2: the dry, expansive west
The west of Madagascar is bigger than the east. It is more expansive, with more lowlands and a long coastline with lovely beaches.
Unlike the humid east, the landscape here is drier thanks to the winds blowing in from Africa. So there’s less rain. That creates semi-deserts, subtropical grasslands (savannas) and dry, prickly forests with cactuses and aloes.
It’s an ideal landscape for longer hikes: you can gaze out over immense vistas. You’re bound to encounter natural phenomena on your way, such as natural swimming pools and waterfalls in the gorges between the rocky sandstone mountains.
In this expansive western area of Madagascar, you will find unusual baobabs and unique animal species such as lemurs.
Zone 3: the central highlands
Most people (about 60% of the population) live in the central mountain range that separates the east from the west. That brings us to a short history lesson. This is where the first pioneers from Indonesia settled, because the mountains were the ideal place to continue growing rice. Rice is still cultivated here today.
After all, these central highlands are the most important agricultural region in Madagascar, with rice terraces, vegetable crops and fields of tea.
Our Madafocus tip for your travellers:
Your trip will usually start in the capital, Antananarivo, on the central plateau. It is close to the international airport.
Then descend gradually to the rainforests on the green eastern side, come back up to explore the mountains and then head southwards. Cross over to the rugged west and discover wonderful parks (Tsingy de Bemaraha and other unique landscapes). End your journey relaxing on the beautiful beaches on the southwestern coast.
Want to bet that our unique and varied island will capture your travellers’ hearts?
Got a burning question?
Or do you want to find out more about how we help your travel agency give your customers an adventurous yet socially and ecologically responsible way to explore the authenticity of this wonderful island?
He’ll be happy to make time for you.
