{"id":782881,"date":"2023-05-30T17:13:01","date_gmt":"2023-05-30T15:13:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/?p=782881"},"modified":"2024-07-29T16:37:14","modified_gmt":"2024-07-29T14:37:14","slug":"madagascar-off-the-beaten-track","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/madagascar-off-the-beaten-track\/","title":{"rendered":"Madagascar: the roads less travelled"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Exploring the island-continent\u2019s hidden regions<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

Endless beaches, pristine jungles and villages on the end of the world. Madagascar<\/strong> has many secrets to unveil along its legendary coastline. Here are seven perfect destinations<\/strong> where you can discover all its splendours, far from the beaten track.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Meet the Vezo, one of the oldest peoples on the island<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This is one of the oldest settlements in Madagascar<\/strong>, one of those eternal villages where time passes differently. Nestled on the island\u2019s south-west coast at the mouth of the Onilahy River, the hamlet of Saint-Augustin<\/strong> subsists from fishing and is lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves. Most of its inhabitants belong to the ancient ethnic group of the Vezo<\/strong> and live according to the traditions of their ancestors with a semi-nomadic lifestyle that includes long ocean expeditions. Around their makeshift huts rise the tall sand dunes of Sarodrano, white hills with contours that shift with the wind. An unspoilt landscape where simplicity leads to the essentials of life.<\/p>\n

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Taking in the natural mosaic of Madagascar<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A nature reserve lying in the heart of the savannah, Ankarafantsika National Park<\/strong> boasts an astounding diversity of landscapes. From dense jungles to infinite plains, dozens of endemic species coexist in these stunning, pristine natural surroundings. With its centuries-old trees, gaudily-coloured birds, crocodiles and lemur colonies, the area offers a remarkable snapshot of Malagasy fauna and flora<\/strong>. Perhaps the most splendid of all the spots in the park is Lavaka of Ankarokaroka<\/strong>, a spectacular red sandstone valley with strange, otherworldly reliefs. The park is irrigated by several lakes, whose waters are considered sacred by local people. One of them, Ravelobe<\/strong>, is named after a legendary bandit who operated in the surrounding area.<\/p>\n

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Tasting the sweetness of life on the coral islands<\/h3>\n

A tropical paradise with a Caribbean feel, the coral reefs <\/strong>of the country\u2019s northwest coast <\/strong>are an irresistible backdrop for relaxation. First stop: the magnificent Nosy Komba<\/strong>, a small volcanic island with white beaches. Its inhabitants earn their living from fishing and handicrafts, and in particular from their sumptuous embroidered tablecloths.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Close by is Nosy Tanikely<\/strong>, a tiny spur of coral around which extends a marine reserve<\/strong> known for its exceptional biodiversity; abundant dolphins, sharks, fish and multicoloured corals can be seen here. And finally, head to Nosy Faly<\/strong>, a small, pristine, sacred island where you can often see the flamboyant colours of the panther chameleon.<\/p>\n

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Travelling back in time in Belo<\/h3>\n

A breathtakingly beautiful town <\/strong>tucked away at the end of a bay, Belo sur Mer<\/strong> lives and dreams to the rhythm of the tides. Residents live in lightweight houses made of wooden planks and dried palm leaves, with pale colours that blend with the sand. But it is the sea that draws the eye, with its infinite shades of blue and green and a clarity which reveals long sandbanks. Belo is a fishing town, of course, but it also earns a living from a skill passed down through the generations: the building of boutres<\/strong>, traditional sailing boats with African, Arab and even French influences, from the Breton carpenters who lived here in the mid-19th<\/sup> century. Follow the sound of the hammers to find the workshops: they haven\u2019t changed for decades.<\/p>\n

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Explore the secret island of Nosy V\u00e9<\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t confuse it with Nosy B\u00e9, the large island in the northwest where tourists often linger. Nosy V\u00e9<\/strong> is something else: an almost deserted island surrounded by a quiet beach where the water is coloured with a thousand shades of turquoise. The pirates of the 18<\/strong>th<\/sup><\/strong> and 19<\/strong>th<\/sup><\/strong> centuries<\/strong><\/a> also took advantage of its remote location to make it a base for their looting. Today, Nosy V\u00e9 attracts bird lovers<\/strong>, thanks in particular to the presence of a (very rare!) colony of red-tailed tropicbirds<\/strong>. This is also a great place to snorkel along the coral reefs where colourful encounters are guaranteed.<\/p>\n

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Making like a pirate in Sainte-Marie<\/h3>\n

A strip of land and sand off the east coast, Nosy Bohara<\/strong> (or \u00cele Sainte-Marie to give it its French name) is a perfect spot for some rest and relaxation. With its deserted beaches, birds perched in the palm trees and fishing villages, this is where the heart of authentic Madagascar<\/strong> beats. A visit to Ambodifotatra, the only town in the region, allows you to discover the lifestyle and strategies of the pirates who sailed the seas here in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.<\/p>\n

Finally, head south to the island of Nosy Nato<\/strong>, a quiet piece of land dotted with fine sandy beaches. It is the ideal place to swim in translucent waters before enjoying an unforgettable meal in a local guinguette. Please note: the island is not connected to the electricity grid and has no running water making this a real off-the-beaten track experience!<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d width=\u201d100%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||5px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcontain\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/iStock-104114977-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dBelo, Saint Augustin, Nosy V\u00e9 : les lieux insolites et secrets de Madagascar\u201d title_text=\u201dmadagascar-regions-secretes\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d7px||7px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||9px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n

Taking a rickshaw ride round Toamasina<\/h3>\n

A former colonial capital on the east coast, the city of Toamasina (or Tamatave in French) offers an excellent insight into Malagasy urban life. Exploring its historic streets, markets and parks blooming with flowers<\/strong> makes for a pleasant walk or rickshaw ride. If you miss the beach, head to Foulpointe, a coastal village surrounded by white sand (and featuring its own pirate cemetery). In Madagascar, the sea is never far away!<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d2_5,3_5\u2033 admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 decalage\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d21px||21px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d2_5\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dleft\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d background_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d|-30%|||false|false\u201d custom_margin_tablet=\u201d|0%|||false|false\u201d custom_margin_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_margin_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d custom_padding=\u201d30px|75%|30px|20px|true|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|20px|||true|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n

A melting-pot of peoples<\/strong><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d3_5\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201d#f7f7f7\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d50px|||-25%|false|false\u201d custom_margin_tablet=\u201d0px|||0%|false|false\u201d custom_margin_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_margin_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d custom_padding=\u201d40px|40px|40px|40px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|20px||20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n

If the Red Island<\/strong> seems so authentic and well-preserved, it is largely thanks to its many ethnic groups<\/strong> with their enduring traditions. From the Sakalava<\/strong> (\u201cthose of the long valleys\u201d) to the Betsimisaraka<\/strong> (\u201cthose who do not separate\u201d), these peoples all live together on the island and often devote themselves to specific activities such as fishing, growing coffee or making jewellery. It is obviously essential to respect their lifestyles, and in particular to help preserve the places and resources they consider sacred.<\/p>\n

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Photos credits :\u00a0 \u00a9 Istock<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 admin_label=\u201dPUSH\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||0px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/PUSH_Seychelles\u00a9StudioPonant-Laurence-Fischer.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dTourisme : Nouvelle-Cal\u00e9donie, vue rapproch\u00e9e sur le lagon turquoise avec l\u2019\u00eele du pin en arri\u00e8re plan\u201d title_text=\u201dPUSH_Seychelles\u00a9StudioPonant-Laurence Fischer\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d445px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d max_height=\u201d445px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d-90px||||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||20px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px|||false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|50px||50px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|20px||20px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|700|||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d text_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d text_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d width=\u201d70%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d custom_margin=\u201d10px||20px||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|0px||20px|false|false\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d25px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d border_width_left=\u201d5px\u201d border_color_left=\u201d#26afc2\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n

PONANT takes you there<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d width=\u201d70%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n

Explore the multiple faces of the Indian Ocean on a cruise with PONANT<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=\u201dhttps:\/\/www.ponant.com\/destinations\/africa-middle-east-indian-ocean\u201d url_new_window=\u201don\u201d button_text=\u201dDiscover our cruises \u201d button_alignment=\u201dleft\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_margin=\u201d20px||20px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Exploring the island-continent\u2019s hidden regions<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":782892,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"thematique":[1440,1432,1438],"class_list":["post-782881","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-get-inspired","thematique-indian-ocean","thematique-islands","thematique-natural-wonders"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nA trip to Madagascar: 7 Destinations Off the Beaten Track | Magazine PONANT<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover seven offbeat, secret spots on the island-continent of Madagascar and enjoy a bona fide adventure, far from the island\u2019s tourist hotspots.\" \/>\n<meta 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