East

A wet and tropical climate paired with long, sandy beaches abutting the Indian Ocean make the eastern part of Madagascar an alluring destination. Surprises, you might say, at every turn.

Many come for Masoala and Marojejy National Parks, the latter being one of the most beautiful parks in Madagascar. The feel out here is decidedly remote and rustic – with less infrastructure and more roads under construction – which keeps the crowds away but also make access generally limited. The serenity leads to unforgettable Malagasy experiences in nature, with opportunities to admire a wide variety of floral species and draw in long breaths of irresistible perfumes like vanilla and cloves.

In this area, you’ll come across ethnic groups like the Betsimisaraka, Antemoro, Antesaka, Antanosy and Antambahoaka. Though many cultural nuances exist between them, the majority of these groups share a similar lifestyle. Their lives are led simply, ebbing and flowing with the waves of the Indian Ocean, with villages manufactured out of wooden boxes or vegetable material, drawn up into piles, and roofed using sheets of traveller’s palm.