We heard about a wild gold-mining site around 29 kilometres outside Ilakaka, so we decided to check it out. The journey took us along a rough dirt road, crossing rivers and stretches of deep sand, with several checkpoints along the way (Municipal fee: 2,000 MGA). On the way, we picked up...
Our journey also took us through Ilakaka, a town whose name has become synonymous with sapphires. Once a quiet rural hamlet, Ilakaka was transformed almost overnight after major sapphire discoveries in 1998, rapidly evolving into what is now widely known as the “sapphire capital of the...
Isalo began early for us at the national park office in Ranohira (🎟️ 65,000 MGA, tax 5,000 MGA), where we were assigned a mandatory guide for our 3-hour hike. This expense felt steep (160,000 MGA), especially since even a short visit requires paying for a full day. Established in 1962...
The drive from Ambalavao to Ranohira on the RN7 was a roughly 4.5-hour (~224 km) journey, transitioning from the lush, rocky highlands to arid, savanna-like landscapes. The road is generally paved and in decent condition, featuring scenic, winding, and straight stretches that pass through...
Nestled in Catta Camp in Tsaranoro Valley in southern Madagascar, we spent an unforgettable day exploring one of the island’s most breathtaking landscapes. Our adventure began with a five-hour morning hike through the valley (🎟️20,000 MGA, guide 100,000 MGA), winding past lush scenery and...