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Madagascar is a tropical heaven situated off the Southern-east coast of Africa. The emblem of nature lies surrounded by the Indian Ocean, which brings about beautiful biodiversity across the island.

It habitats a wide range of animal and plant species, which have boosted the ecology in the region by masses. Since the land of Madagascar has been objected to minimal human intrusion, nature has evolved and formulated a worthy masterpiece for us to adore. Henceforth, Madagascar has earned the name of the ‘Eighth Continent of the World” on account of the immense variety of natural resources.

The Flora and fauna of Madagascar are impossible to explore for tourists in one go. Therefore, most tourists prefer visiting places that accurately represent the island.

Here, we aim to provide you with the list of 8 Best Tourist Attractions in Madagascar that you must visit:

Ranomafana National Park

Located near the village of Ranomafana, this park that spreads over 41,000 hectares of land is the nation’s most popular facility. It comprises dense, rich forests covering the entire park bed. It is an ancient forest but was converted into a National park to sustain the wildlife. Besides biodiverse species, it is quite popular for inhabiting endangered Golden Lemurs. What makes it so worthwhile is that Lemurs devour Bamboo shoots containing a significant concentration of Cyanide. Otherwise quite lethal for other organisms; surprisingly, Lemurs seem to thrive on poison!

Royal Hill of Ambohimanga

An articulate of Madagascar’s royalty and tradition, this location ages back to 500 years, was previously home to the island’s rulers and is regarded as the holiest location. The landmark represents the Malagasy culture at its finest. The wall surrounding the village is believed to have been constructed with lime and egg whites mortar in 1847. The wall holds significance in Malagasy traditions, where it protects the town from harm. There is also a circular gate that requires over 40 men to roll it, making it a compelling reason to visit. It also exhibits royal sovereigns and belongings.

Antananarivo

The bustling capital of Madagascar is a rustling pot that encompasses the core of Malagasy culture and tradition. Also known as Tana, this developed city is constructed at an altitude of 1400 meters. The settlement is done on the various terrains of mountainous slopes. Since it represents Malagasy culture, it does have a special historical significance. The old parts of the once-built city exhibit traces of French colonialism and Parisian structures. Since the island is elevated up to 4200m from sea levels, the climate is mildly warm. One should avoid visiting from January to March as it is considered the wettest season of the year. Even Though Malagasy people are very hospitable, one may need assistance as there can be a language barrier. Tour operator such as https://mermadagascar.com/ are accustomed to catering to the tourists at their best to avoid any mishap and ensure that tourists can explore the island with peace of mind. Therefore, it makes it worthwhile to witness the actual embodiments of Madagascar, which makes it one of the most beautiful spots on the face of Earth.

Ifaty

A portion of the island is made up of beautiful coral reefs that serve as natural protection from harsh tides. It brings about the coastal waters, which are enjoyed immensely for water sports such as swimming, snorkeling, etc. Moreover, Ifaty is an ideal fishing spot where two fishing villages conjure up. The inland tropics consist of forests of spiny trees. It also houses Baobab trees with unusual structures which are believed to have been around for thousands of years.

Avenue of the Baobabs

The Baobab trees have formed a unique position in Malagasy culture and date back 800 years. Sacred as it is, these trees form a corridor between the roads of Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina in western Madagascar. As aesthetically pleasing as the landscape is, Baobab trees tower over 30 meters to exhibit a beautiful sight. Due to deforestation for agriculture, the dense forests were cleared, and only Baobabs were left untouched. Such magnificence is why Baobab Avenue is the most visited tourist spot. Many tours are accustomed to catering the tourists to witness the actual embodiments of Madagascar, which makes it one of the most beautiful spots on the face of Earth.

Ile Sainte Marie

The place where pirates once roamed and ruled, Ile Sainte Marie, is on Madagascar’s east coast. The island with protected bays attracted iconic piracy around the 17th to 18th century. Today, one can see the wreckage of old ships from the Baie des Forbans. The clear, crystal waters open the doors for various fun tourist activities, such as snorkeling, diving, and other water sports. Moreover, humpback whales visit the island in summer; therefore, one can also enjoy watching whales.

Isalo National Park

Located in the Central Southern part of Madagascar, Isalo National Park is a national beauty. It is quite popular due to its immensely diverse landscapes and terrain. Accompanied by unusually deep cliffs, canyons, pastures, mountainous streams, and bizarre sandstones formation, Isalo makes up to have an altitude of approximately 1200 meters. Mostly, one can cover the tourist spots in Madagascar within a day, but this park is indifferent. You can arrange the duration of your stay in correspondence with a tour guide to explore the beautiful terrain fully.

Nosy Be

Nosy Be is a tropical island that attracts tourists globally all year round. It is an exotic location that is renowned for its natural scents. An array of mixed scents like lemongrass, vanilla, yang, and mixed herbs make this tropical island into something more livid. The clear blue waters host numerous water sports and are spectacular to watch. Moreover, around the island are seafood restaurants that are recommended to be explored!

Masoala National Park

Covering over 250 miles of land and over three marine parks, Masoala Park is exclusively located in the Northeastern region of Madagascar. The serene view of dense green forests that harbor rare plant and animal species is worth praising. The park houses rare animal species like Tomato frogs, leaf-tailed geckos, and more than ten species of Lemurs. You can also witness a wide array of birds fluttering through this beautiful landscape. The marine parks of Tampolo, Ambodilaitry, and Ifaho in Masoala promote recreational activities such as snorkeling and kayaking ventures.

The Indian Ocean is packed with eclectic marine marvels and a myriad of cultural experiences. This includes islands surrounded by white sand beaches and gently lapping, warm waves. This is why the ocean is known as one of the best places to visit. Here are the most marvelous islands of the Indian Ocean that you should consider visiting during your next vacation:

• Seychelles

Seychelles is one of the most popularly visited Indian Ocean islands. Its main point of attraction is its stunning and uncrowded beaches. Moreover, there are plenty of tour options including things to see and activities to do in Seychelles. You can choose between private tours or group tours with other visitors. You can also hire a motor boat for a day and head out to the see for fishing or trawling.

You can spend your holiday on one of Seychelles’ islands including Praslin, Mahe or La Digue Island. Seychelles is also blessed with a number of parks and reserves. If you love nature, you can go out for a nature trail walk. There are well documented trails on the island with clear, secure and marked paths. You’ll also get a chance to visit marine parks for good snorkeling such as Port Launay and Ste Anne.

• Mauritius

Mauritius is a beautiful island to visit if you want to experience the joy of endless beaches that surround the entire Island. It is located in the Indian ocean at the South East side of Africa. You can swim and walk along the endless beaches and experience the spectacular view of the coral reefs and watch the beautiful scenery of the marine life.

Mauritius has one of the world best beaches that you must visit and take and enjoy the happiest moments. There is plenty of places and things to do while on many beaches around the Island.

You can engage in Scuba diving, explore marine life and experience the natural coral reefs. Apart from beaches, Mauritius has lot to offer in form of adventure and sight seeing tours. You can engage into the hiking of the world cultural heritage, Le Morne Brabant or visit the botanical garden in Pamplemousses. Mauritius Discovery Tours (https://mauritiusdiscoverytours.com) can satisfy your trip with the most amazing deals and packages while visiting the island.

• Rodrigues

Rodrigues Island has some of the most wonderful sights that you shouldn’t miss. You can enjoy excursion at Coco Island. Its clear water makes it a great place for diving. Moreover it has a long, beautiful white-sand beach and is covered with coconut trees. You can visit the Francois Leguat Reserve and enjoy taking walks with giant Aldabra tortoises.

If you love extreme sports, you will have a chance to enjoy zip lining as you discover the exotic beauty of the Rodrigues island. If you love exploring the nature, you can head out to the Caverne Patate cave and be amazed by the stalagmites, stalactites and intricate curves of the cave.

• Madagascar

Madagascar is a unique island with unique beaches. There are many tour options available on the island. You can choose between a beach holiday and cultural tours, including activities such as birding, scuba diving, surfing, fishing, and more. Above all, Madagascar is a nature destination. While there’s certainly interesting man-made features on the island such as sleepy coastal villages, native crafts and colonial towns, the island is also an eco-traveler’s dream. It has endless jungles filled with rare birds, endangered animals, endemic plants and white-sand beaches. Thus, anyone who loves nature would surely appreciate the beauty of nature found in Madagascar Island.

• Maldives

Comprised of multiple islands, the Maldives is a name synonymous to picturesque views and luxurious beach escapes. This makes Maldives the best place for relaxation and not just sight-seeing. You can enjoy relaxing activities such as island hopping, scuba diving, spa treatments and sunbathing. There are many luxurious, self-contained resorts throughout the Maldives Island where you can enjoy relaxing indoors. You can also head out to swim with dolphins, take part in thrilling water sports, dive around the colored coral reefs, try out fishing or explore the culture of the island.

Whether you want to spend some days relaxing away from home or to explore the nature, you’ll surely find many interesting activities to do and things to see during your visit to the marvels of the Indian Ocean islands.

 

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Derby Square Proposed World Hiking Tours

If you like a challenge.

If you have kissed the summits of some small mountains or if you have trekked through woods, across rivers and created paths where there was none

In all your mountaineering ventures, one thing is always true-magical beauty waits after a tough climb. This time round we have decided to take things a notch higher, in what could be the best hiking tours of the world.

• Dinaric Alps -8 Days hiking Bosnia to Montenegro Tour

The smoky mountain ranges of southern Europe beckon with alluring beauty and greenery. Stretching from the Adriatic coast in Slovenia to Montenegro, hikers looking hunting for the ultimate wanderlust experience will find it here. Our hiking trip commenced in Bosnia and took us to Montenegro. It was an experience of a lifetime- chasing the rivers that snake the hillsides. The trek took us through thick rainforests and meandering trails that link the two countries. The highlight of the trip included the Magic mountain peak.

• 10 Days Tour du Mont-Blanc Trip

Mont Blanc is one of the world’s beautiful untouched places. It is the tallest mountain in Europe, standing in its white magnificence. It is an action-packed trek taking you through France, Italy and Switzerland. It was one foot in front of the other for ten days of the Tour du Mont Blanc. This was a circuit trail of the mountain that offered us superb views, of new mountain cultures, challenging climbs and safe and warm hospitality. It started and ended in Les Houches.

We went with a mountain hut in Chamonix where we enjoyed spectacular views of the mountains. Travelers can consider Refuge La Frege, The Trient, La Pucelle and Les Chapieux among others.

• 5 Days To Lodge Sacred Valley Hike

There are hidden treasures of nature upon every turn on the trail. Our guide took us on the road that wound around the northern mountains of Cusco. We stopped at El Mirador, one of the highest look pints. From there we got stunning views of the Sacred Valley and got to interact with locals. We retraced the footsteps of the Incas through the time-beaten terraces and irrigation channels that still exist. The Andean Culture came alive in the ruins of Pisac.

We interacted with outstanding works of stone art. Just a little downhill is the handicraft market. This is a perfect place for souvenir hunting. The locals are superb weavers, and trough the handmade textiles you will be able to take home with you a piece of the ancient Incan culture.

Deluxe hospitality and accommodation include Lamay Lodge, Hotel Cusco in Urubamba and Sky Lodge adventure suites among others. The lodges included private rooms, hot showers and dishes that would wet your pallet and give you the energy for the next day’s climb.

• Mt Kilimanjaro Hike Tours -8 Days Lemosho Route

Kilimanjaro is for the daring. If you can manage the steep and rocky climbs, there are enough treats to quench your wanderlust. These lie in the thick forests and flowery meadows and the warmth of fellow hikers. Some routes include camp lodges where you can rent sleeping bags and pillows. The tents include thick mattresses and mesh insect netting.

The Lemosho routes included mountain huts with single beds and mattresses. These were equipped with shared toilets and washing facilities. It was eight days of exciting climbs and descents. At the end of it all, we got the chance to stand on top of the Uhuru Peak.
Hiking is more than just an adventure. There is extreme pride in conquering tall mountains. But that’s not all; the health benefits are uncountable.

 

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