Madagascar in Full: Wildlife, Stone Forests, and Island Escapes

Traveling from Cebu, Philippines, to Madagascar required four flights, with connections through Manila, Bangkok, and Addis Ababa. It was a long journey, but absolutely worth it.

From the moment I arrived, the warmth of Madagascar was immediately evident. Airport staff greeted arriving passengers with genuine smiles, and my driver-guide was waiting in the Arrivals Hall holding a clearly marked sign, making the transfer seamless and stress-free.

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Although our itinerary did not include a formal city tour in Antananarivo (Tana), we still had time to drive through the city and take in its unique layout. Interestingly, Antananarivo is built across three distinct levels: the lower city is dedicated to markets and commerce, the mid-levels are largely residential, and the upper city is home to historic landmarks and political sites.
During our drive, we saw key highlights including the Queen’s Palace, Bibliothèque Nationale (Bibliothèque MD Paoly), the man-made pond gifted by a king to his queen, and other important political and cultural landmarks that offer insight into Madagascar’s royal history.

                                             

What truly stood out was the warmth of the Malagasy people. The hospitality extended far beyond the airport. I was consistently greeted with kindness throughout my stay. I also had the opportunity to meet one of our trusted local partners, Sense of Oceans. We shared stories and laughs over a delicious Malagasy meal, a wonderful reminder of how strong local partnerships elevate the travel experience. They even prepared a surprise for me, a Rhum kit, which showcased one of Madagascar's best products.

                                            

For the night, I stayed at Le Louvre Hotel & Spa, conveniently located in the city center. I was assigned a Superior Room with a balcony overlooking the city. A comfortable, well-appointed, and ideal for a short stay. While Madagascar doesn’t have international fast-food chains, it truly doesn’t need them. The local cuisine is flavorful, comforting, and thoughtfully prepared.

                                     

                                               

Martijn, Sense of Ocean’s Business Development Manager, personally presented our welcome package, setting a thoughtful tone for the journey ahead. We later shared stories over dinner at the hotel, an experience that was a highlight in itself. The foie gras was exceptional, and the steak was perfectly cooked, making for an impressive culinary experience after a long day of travel.

                                       

With an early flight scheduled to Diego Suarez the next morning, I turned in early, ready to continue the journey north.