HIGHLANDS
MUST SEE
Ranomafana National Park is famous for its hot springs, beautiful natural scenery, and being home to endangered species of lemurs.
The high plateau of Central Madagascar, with its smooth granite outcrop mountains, cool and damp climate, and thriving agriculture, presents a contrasting experience to the hot and wild lowlands that dominate most of the country. The RN7 road serves as the lifeline of this region, running all the way from Antananarivo to beyond Fianarantsoa.
Antananarivo, also referred to as Tana, is the capital city of Madagascar. Located in the central region of the island, Antananarivo-Renivohitra serves as the administrative area of the city and the capital of the Analamanga region.
LANDMARKS
The highlands of Madagascar presents a variety of breathtaking landscapes. With numerous places to explore, it’s an ideal destination for families and friends to enjoy together.
Antananarivo has been the largest population center in Madagascar since at least the 18th century and is home to several national and international organizations, including the presidency, National Assembly, Senate, and Supreme Court. The city also houses the headquarters of many national and international businesses and NGOs. In addition to being a hub for governmental and business activities, Antananarivo is a center for education and culture, boasting more universities, art venues, medical services, and nightclubs than any other city on the island. The city also hosts several national and local sports teams
Ambohimanga is a hill and a traditional fortified royal settlement (rova) located roughly 24 kilometers (15 miles) northeast of Antananarivo. It is located within the Ambohimanga Rova commune and is regarded as the most crucial symbol of the cultural identity of the Merina people andthe best-preserved monument of the pre-colonial Merina Kingdom. The walled historic village includes the homes and resting places of various significant monarchs. It is one of the twelve sacred hills of Imerina and has retained its spiritual and sacred nature in both ritual practice and the popular imagination for at least four hundred years. It remains a place of worship for Malagasy pilgrims and visitors from all around the world.
Located 25 km away from Antananarivo’s center on RN 1 towards Imeritsiatosika, Lemurs’ Park was established with the objective of introducing the unique and lovable lemur to as many individuals as possible. This animal is known as the symbol of the indigenous fauna of Madagascar, an island nation situated in the Indian Ocean. The park aims to educate nature lovers, enthusiasts, and visitors about the lemur’s exceptional traits and its significance in the ecosystem. As part of its long-term plan, the park aims to reintroduce lemurs into their natural environment by allowing them to breed in the park. This 5-hectare area, which is surrounded by the Katsaoka River, is home to 7 lemur species from diverse regions of Madagascar, along with other significant representatives of Malagasy flora and fauna. Lemurs’ Park is a privately-owned company that is dedicated to reforesting endemic species for 19 years.
Antsirabe, the capital of the Vakinankaratra region, is the third largest city in Madagascar, with a population of around 265,018 people in 2014. The city is renowned for its cooler climate, industries, and the abundance of pousse-pousse(rickshaws) in the city. Around 30,000 visitors come to Antsirabe annually to experience its unique culture and attractions. Additionally, the city is known as a thermal city, as it has several natural hot springs that are believed to have healing properties.
The city was originally a farming region, where rice, vegetables, and fruit were the main crops grown. Norwegian missionaries arrived in Antsirabe in 1868, and they discovered that the area had rich deposits of limestone and sulphur that could be mined. In 1872, a Norwegian missionary named T.G.
Rosaas founded Antsirabe as a hill station and retreat centre due to its cool climate. The thermal baths were established in 1917 and remain a popular tourist attraction today.
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Antsirabe is Tritriva Lake, which is situated near the city. The lake is surrounded by steep cliffs and is renowned for its crystal-clear waters. Many tourists visit the lake to swim, fish, or take a boat ride.
Fianarantsoa, the administrative capital of Haute Matsiatra Region in south central Madagascar, was constructed in the early 19th century by the Merina rulers who aimed to establish their control over the Betsileo kingdoms. The city’s name, “Good education” in Malagasy, aptly describes its role as a center of culture and learning for the entire island. Among its notable landmarks are some of the oldest Protestant and Lutheran cathedrals in Madagascar, the oldest Lutheran theological seminary, and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Fianarantsoa located in the Cathedral of the Holy Name of Jesus. The city’s prestigious university, built in 1972, also bears its name. Additionally, Fianarantsoa is known as the capital of wine in Madagascar, due to the presence of numerous wine industries in the area. The Haute Ville, the upper part of Fianarantsoa, is renowned for its charming colonial architecture, and it provides panoramic views of the city below..
Ranomafana National Park is a protected area in southeastern Madagascar that covers over 41,600 hectares of tropical rainforest. It was established in 1991 to preserve the unique biodiversity of the local ecosystem and reduce human pressures on the area. The park is part of the World Heritage Site Rainforests of the Atsinanana and is home to several rare species of flora and fauna, including lemurs, frogs, and birds.
The park is named after the Malagasy words for “hot water,” referring to the hot springs in the area.
The Anja Community Reserve is an area of forest and freshwater lake located at the base of a large cliff, which is dominated by fallen rocks and boulders, with two small caves providing shelter for bats and owls. Within this reserve, there is a pocket of forest that has developed between the boulders, creating a sheltered habitat. The UNDP supported the creation of this reserve in 2001 to protect the local environment and wildlife, and to provide additional employment and income to the local community.
The reserve is renowned for having the highest concentration of ring-tailed lemurs, known as maki, in all of Madagascar. The local people used to sell maki to outsiders, but as 95% of makis in Madagascar have disappeared, they initiated the formation of a nature reserve, which has become the world’s largest congregation site for makis. The Anja Community Reserve has been suggested for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its high biological, cultural, and natural significance. Additionally, the Haute Ville of Fianarantsoa is known for its historic architecture and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
To experience a unique adventure in Madagascar, taking the FCE railway between Fianarantsoa and Manakara on the east coast is a popular option, though it requires a flexible schedule and patience. The train departs twice a week but is often delayed due to various reasons. The journey takes between 12 to 48 hours, depending on the loading/unloading times, track conditions, derailments, train weight, and weather. Despite its unreliability, the train is an important mode of transportation for locals and offers stunning views of plantations, waterfalls, and green hills. The train passes through 67 bridges, four viaducts, and 48 tunnels, making stops at colorful stations where Malagasy passengers haggle with vendors. To enjoy the best views, sit on the left side when going from Fianarantsoa to Manakara. Bring food, water, and warm clothing, and plan for delays.
WHY GO?
A journey along RN7 is a perfect way to get introduced to Madagascar, as it offers a diverse range of attractions for travelers, making it an ideal introduction to the country.
The route features bustling market towns, unique village architecture, mountain lemurs, and national parks with varied landscapes. All these attractions are easily accessible via paved roads, allowing visitors to explore the area with ease.
The village is renowned for its silk-weaving industry and also for its “white shepherds,” who wear bleached white shawls while herding livestock across the surrounding hills. On Sunday mornings, you can visit the church and observe the white shepherds filling the aisles.
EXPLORE THE JOURNEY
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