Photo taken by Bernard Gagnon.
Madajazzcar is a festival in Madagascar where jazz musicians and artists all over the continental region come to play music. Madagascar is a perfect place to hold these jazz events because of its beautiful beaches, massive cliffs, abundance of land, fascinating wildlife and unique plants. Africa is the second-largest continent in the world, covering about one-fifth of Earth’s land. There are 48 countries within the continent, and Madagascar is one especially great place to visit.
Photo taken by Olivier Lejade.
Besides Madajazzcar, you can also visit the Manambolo River. It it quite a trip to get here so the amount of time you’re spending in Madagascar will be a deciding factor in visiting this destination. You can start at Ankavandra and head to the Parc National des Tsingy de Bemaraha.
Photo taken by Ralph Kränzlein.
Allée des Baobabs is best to visit for sunrise or sunset and sit under the thousand-year old trees that remain here. As always, avoid going during a tourist season because it is very common for people to go at this time of day. You should bring money for parking and if you want to buy any gifts or snacks from the local store.
Photo taken by Antony Stanley.
At Parc National De Isalo, rock walls, canyons and pools make up this beautiful area. This is another great place for sunrises and sunsets and it is much easier to get to than Manambalo River. You can also go on a variety of hikes here and when you’re tired afterwards there are restaurants and lodging places to rest.
Photo taken by Frontierofficial.
For beautiful days sunning out on the beach, Nosy Be is the best place to go. It is more expensive than other beaches though so plan accordingly. Water sports and beautiful waterfalls can be found here, allowing you to unwind away from crowded travel destinations. Donia Music Festival takes place on Nosy Be which has weeklong sports and music with thousands of people.
There are plenty of holidays in Madagascar, so you may want to plan your trip according to any that you may want to experience.
New Year’s Day is the same day so if you don’t already have plans for New Year’s consider this. If your New Year’s experiences are like mine then they are often filled with high expectations, crowded bars, trying to find someone to kiss at midnight and trying to find a safe ride home at the end of the night. Take a year off from this tradition and celebrate at Madagascar's street parties with lots of food and drinks. Alahamadi Be is Madagascar’s additional unique New Year’s Day that lasts two days in March. Decorated buildings and street parties are their way of celebrating this tradition.
Santabary Festival takes place between April and May this festival consists of drinking, listening to music, good food, dancing and celebrating with friends. This is the Malagasy people’s way of showing thanks for their year’s harvest.
Feria Oramena takes place in June and celebrates Madagascar’s delicious lobster. Seafood, games and shows bring people to gather and enjoy this festival atmosphere.
Taking place in July, Hiragasy people compete in fun dancing, eating and playful events to follow a tradition started centuries ago.
Be sure to send us pictures to wanderersonlyinfo@gmail.com of all your Madagascar adventures.