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Madagascar consists mainly of a block of crystalline rocks. It is generally described as a plateau, rising sharply from the narrow plain of the east coast and descending in a series of steps to the strip of sedimentary rocks along the west coast. The high plateau is much indented and, on the eastern edge, cut by deep gorges and waterfalls. There are numerous volcanic outcrops that produce heights over 6,000 ft (the highest point being Tsaratanan, at 9,450 ft) and two former volcanic areas, Ankaratra and Andringingtra, which are over 8,500 ft.
The eastern coast is almost straight and has very few anchorages. Behind its coral beaches there is an almost continuous line of lagoons from Foulpointe to Farafrandana. These are linked by man-made channels to form an inland waterway called the Pangalanes Canal. The island's major rivers flow westward.
With a diversity of wildlife not found anywhere else on the planet, and a varied climate, each area of the island nation has something different to offer.
The only drawback for tourists is a lack of infrastructure; however this also ensures that crowds of foreigners are not overrunning the country.
Madagascar is made up of six provinces - Antsiranana , Mahajanga , Toamasina , Antananarivo , Fianarantsoa and Toliara - the capital city of each lending its name to the province.
With an international airport and easy access to Toamasina on the east coast, and many locations in the south, Tana is where most tourists begin their visit to Madagascar.
Other popular destinations include the islands of Nosy be in the northwest and St. Marie off the coast of Toamasina in the east, Morondava for its avenue of baobab trees in the west, the magnificent harbour of Antsiranana (Diego Saurez) in the north, and Port Daulphin ( Taolagnaro ) in the south.
For more travel tips, information about the towns and places mentioned in this introduction and further recommendations, please follow the appropriate links.
Antananarivo, thankfully shortened to Tana by tourists and locals alike, is the bustling capital of Madagascar. Built on hillsides and ridges and ringed with rice paddies, Tana is an interesting place to spend a few days either at the beginning or end of your holiday. As it is also the location of the country's major international airport, most visitors will find themselves at least passing through the city.
Founded in 1610 after a Malagasy king conquered several villages in the area, it was named Antananarivo (town of 1000) because a garrison of 1000 men were left behind to defend the newly gained territory.
A palace (Rova) was built on the highest hill and in such a prominent position that it could be seen for tens of kilometres in just about any direction. Despite the modern version burning down in suspicious circumstances during the 1990s, the shell of the Rova remains the most dominant and recognised feature of the city today and it is a must see for any newcomers to the Malagasy capital.
Tana is a great city to explore by foot, but be warned that its streets and many stairways are steep and demanding and the continual advances of beggars or street vendors can grow tiresome.
The culture is basically Indonesian. Arabic and Islamic contributions include an intricate system of divination, or sikidy, and calendrical features, such as the Arabic-derived names of the days of the week, which also apply to the markets held on those days. The coastal areas of the west, north, and south might be expected to show African cultural elements, but, apart from some Bantu words, these are often difficult to identify conclusively.
The dominant element of any Malagasy meal is vary or rice, and vary doesn't accompany the meal, the meal accompanies the vary. Roadside canteens normally offer a big plate of rice with a few tidbits to garnish it, such as beef, fish or poultry. Other than rice, favourite Malagasy dishes include romazava (beef and vegetable stew) and ravitoto (pork stew with manioc greens). Many dishes are accompanied by achards, a hot, pickled vegetable curry. The seafood on the coast is excellent and cheap, and you can eat a range of tropical fruits (voankazo) such as pineapples, lychees, mangoes and bananas for most of the year.
Last edited by Anna (6:28, 06 January 2006)
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