All about Southern Madagascar at Indigo Be

The island of Madagascar is one of the last remaining unspoiled paradises on the planet. The southern region of Madagascar is the most diverse and a must-see for first-time visitors, both for its varied landscapes (mountains, valleys, jungles, savannah, baobab trees, beaches, etc.) its biodiversity, and its diverse ethnic groups of different origins (farmers with Indo-Malay features, semi-nomadic Bantu herders, sailors of Swahili origin, etc.).

What to see in southern Madagascar?

Traveling through southern Madagascar will take us to discover incredible places such as the populous Malagasy Highlands, with their large expanses of terraced rice fields, villages that seem to have escaped from the Middle Ages, mysterious mountains, and ethnic groups of Indo-Malay origin. Or the rainforests of Ranomafana National Park, home to dozens of different species of lemurs.

Further south lies the mountain range of Andringritra National Park, where, in addition to extensive valleys, there are mountains reaching heights of almost 3,000 meters, such as Pic Boby, which is not only the highest peak in southern Madagascar, but also the second highest mountain on the island and the first accessible by trekking.

The African-style savannah opens up from Ihosy, giving way to the territory of the Bara ethnic group, of Bantu origin. These semi-nomadic zebu herders live in the savannahs around Isalo National Park, one of the most visited places on the island. Walking through its sandstone canyons, crossing riverbeds to reach perfect oases such as natural pools, will be one of the unforgettable experiences of any trip to southern Madagascar, as will learning about the curious funeral rites of the ancient inhabitants of the ruiniform sandstone massif.

The sighting of unique wildlife is something inherent to southern Madagascar. We can delight in various species of lemurs in the Ranomafana forest, such as the Propithecus edwardsi or the Hapalemur griseus… but also in the Anja Reserve, where we will be surprised for the first time by the friendly maki catta lemurs, or in Isalo and Zombitse, where the Propithecus Verreauxi stand out. Not to mention the impressive chameleons of southern Madagascar, such as the large Furcifer oustaleti, which can be seen in large areas such as Zombitse Park.

Flora is also present in southern Madagascar: the mythical traveler’s tree (Ravinala Madagascariensis), large ferns in the Ranomafana forests, bamboo palms and Bismarkias nobilis in Isalo… South African acacias in the savannah and various species of baobabs in Zombitse or the Reniala Reserve.

Unspoiled beaches in southern Madagascar

Beyond the city of Tulear, the capital of southern Madagascar, there are various idyllic beaches with snow-white sand and seabeds protected by the coral reef, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, where you can watch the leisurely work of the last children of the wind, the sailors of the Vezo ethnic group.

Places such as Anakao, Ifaty, Madiorano, Ambohimailaka, Salary, Ambatomilo, Ambola, Mamirano, and Andavadoaka offer different types of accommodation that allow travelers to play Robinson Crusoe in some of the world’s most spectacular aquatic paradises, ideal for snorkeling or diving. as well as whale safaris between July and September to observe the migration of these cetaceans.

When is the best time to visit southern Madagascar?

The climate in southern Madagascar is one of the best on the island, allowing for travel at any time of year. Even the rainy season can be suitable if you want to see very active wildlife or green landscapes and flowering baobab trees.

Madagascar has a tropical climate divided into two distinct seasons: a dry season and a wet season.

As it is located in the southern hemisphere, we should bear in mind:

From May to September

Southern winter, it is cold or cool depending on the area and rainfall is very sporadic except on the east coast of Madagascar.

October to April

Southern summer, it is hot all over the island. From the end of November, the “small rains” usually begin, very concentrated in the afternoon and of short duration, which favor the great activity of much of the island’s fauna.

Due to climate change, this situation is changing, and in recent years, January and February have been the rainiest months, coinciding with the hurricane season.

We also have many microclimates on the island, especially in humid national parks, mountains, and rainforests, where it can rain at any time of year.

Discover Indigo Be’s wide variety of trips to southern Madagascar.

Indigo Be offers numerous group and private programs in southern Madagascar, of varying lengths, including: “Essences of the South”, “Madagascar Getaway”, “From the Avenue of the Baobabs to the South” among others

We put our extensive knowledge of the island, our home since 2006, at your disposal to design or advise you on the trip that best suits your travel preferences. To get your trip right, take the time you need and book as far in advance as possible.