MADAGASCAR

The following are the heritage sites, grouped into recommended gateway cities. This may help in planning on the logistics (travel and accommodation) of your journey.

MAHAJANGA (MJN)

Mahajanga, Madagascar’s sun-drenched “City of Flowers,” is a vibrant cosmopolitan port where African, Arab, and Indian influences converge. It remains a beloved retreat for its seaside Corniche, a palm-lined promenade that comes alive at dusk with street food and social buzz. Travelers fly into Amborovy Airport to explore the city’s landmark 700-year-old Giant Baobab and the surreal, multi-colored sandstone formations of Cirque Rouge. Whether venturing to the nearby Ankarafantsika National Park for lemur sightings or relaxing on the golden sands of Antsanitia Beach, Mahajanga offers a warm, laid-back gateway to Madagascar’s northwestern wonders.

Andrefana Dry Forests (alternative to Morondava)

MORONDAVA (MOQ)

Morondava is a laid-back seaside town that serves as the essential jumping-off point for the “Wild West.” It remains most famous for being the doorstep to the Avenue of the Baobabs, where ancient trees tower over the road at sunset. The town itself has a salty, tropical charm with bustling markets selling colorful textiles and fresh-caught seafood. While it serves as a logistical base for the 4×4 expeditions to the Tsingy de Bemaraha, many travelers stay to enjoy the nearby Vezo fishing villages and the tranquil Kirindy Forest for night walks to spot the elusive Fossa.