The Silk Road and the Lemurs

The Silk Road and the Lemurs is a captivating journey full of adventure and natural and cultural discoveries.

It is a true immersion into the heart of traditional Malagasy craftsmanship and the island’s incredible biodiversity, where responsible and community-based tourism truly comes to life. You will meet local village communities who have been working with the famous wild silk and cultivated silk for generations, along with many other handcrafted products, and visit a workshop where the renowned Atemoro paper is made.
The Southern Axis is full of stunning, typical landscapes and stands out for the diversity of its reliefs, shapes, and colors. It is home to charming villages reflecting Madagascar’s various ethnic groups, as well as spectacular scenery worthy of classic western films. Hiking in national parks with a high level of endemic flora and fauna is also a highlight, delighting ecotourism lovers and lemur enthusiasts alike. And what could be more relaxing than unwinding on the beautiful beaches of the South?

Ambatolampy and its craft workshops
Located on National Road 7 and a few kilometers from the foot of the Ankarana Massif, Ambatolampy is a typical small rural town in the High Plateaus region. It is renowned for its family-run foundries and the production of various aluminum objects, tools, and decorative items crafted by skilled local artisans.

The Spa town of Antsirabe
Visiting the beautiful region of Antsirabe, with its lush green landscapes, renowned volcanic lakes (Tritriva, Andranomafana, and Andraikiba), and its thermal spa is a must for beginning a wellness journey. Visitors can enjoy baths with numerous therapeutic benefits in a peaceful and harmonious environment. The “City of Water” is rich in history, heritage, culture, and traditions, reflected in its handicrafts made from zebu horn and natural fibers.

Ambositra, city of Culture and Crafts, and its Zafimaniry art
Once known as the “City of Roses” for its impressive floral surroundings, Ambositra is also recognized as the capital of Malagasy craftsmanship and marquetry, and as the cradle of Zafimaniry art—a highly refined woodcarving tradition inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list since 2008. Upon request, a visit to the village of Soatanana offers the opportunity to observe the production of natural silk fabrics. Ambositra is a charming stopover that will not leave you indifferent.
Beyond its craftsmanship, Ambositra’s cultural richness is also expressed through the traditional “Famadihana” ceremony, or turning of the dead, which takes place over several days and features various festivities and local culinary specialties. The “Savika” show, a traditional bull-taming sport, is also highly appreciated in the region.

Ranomafana Park and Spa Resort
Ranomafana National Park, nestled within a vast humid tropical rainforest, is one of the most visited tropical parks. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to an impressive endemic biodiversity of both flora and fauna, magnificent waterfalls, and natural hot springs that make it truly unique. The park includes 25 waterways and three major rivers, one of which supplies a hydroelectric power station, as well as a thermal spring, which gives Ranomafana its name, meaning “hot water” in Malagasy.

It also hosts an exceptional flora composed of aquatic plants, orchids, palms, various medicinal plants, and carnivorous plants. On the fauna side, 12 species of lemurs, including the Golden Bamboo Lemur and the Greater Bamboo Lemur, find refuge here, along with frogs, chameleons, reptiles, and a wide variety of birds. It is a perfect stop to enjoy nature and the healing benefits of the thermal springs of the resort.

Fianarantsoa: the city of wine and tea, between history and culture
Fianarantsoa, meaning “the city where good things are learned,” is the gateway to the southern region of Madagascar. It is a highland city rich in history and culture, built on the slopes of Ivoenana Hill. For a long time, it has been considered the city of education and learning, which explains the literal meaning of its name. It is home to numerous religious buildings and institutions reflecting its long-standing Christian heritage. The city is also well known for its tea plantations, highly appreciated throughout the island, as well as its local winemaking expertise. For those seeking adventure, an extraordinary train journey is also available, linking Fianarantsoa to the coastal town of Manakara on the Indian Ocean.

Ambalavao at the heart of the manufacture of silk and Antemoro paper
Located about fifty kilometers from Fianarantsoa, the charming town of Ambalavao will delight you with its beautiful pastel-colored veranda houses, featuring wooden balustrades decorated with geometric patterns, typical of southern Malagasy culture. Beyond being the second-largest zebu market in Madagascar, Ambalavao is also known for producing fine wild silk fabrics called “Lamba Landy.” The town is also famous for the production of Antemoro paper, whose origins date back to early Arab migrations in the early 16th century. Twelve kilometers south of Ambalavao lies the Anja Community Reserve, home to endemic flora and fauna, including a population of ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta). Ambalavao’s ancestral culture also reveals traditional tombs adorned with zebu skulls, hidden within rock formations. For wine enthusiasts, the vast vineyards surrounding Ambalavao stretch as far as the eye can see, as the region is also recognized as an important wine producer in the country.

Isalo National Park
The southern route crosses vast stretches of steppe and savannah across the Ihorombe Plateau. This region is gradually evolving towards modern agricultural development, with fields of jatropha used for biofuel production and moringa cultivated for essential oil extraction.

The journey then leads to Ranohira and Isalo National Park, where you discover the impressive Isalo Massif, famous for its “American Wild West”-like landscapes.

Nature lovers will find paradise here: the park is home to a wide variety of animal and plant species, many of which are endemic. It contains around 400 plant species, including Pachypodium rosulatum, Catharanthus ovalis, and members of the Apocynaceae family as endemic species. The park also features regional palm species such as Bismarckia nobilis, known for its fire resistance. Its fauna includes around 77 bird species, several lemur species such as Propithecus verreauxii, Mirza coquereli, and Lepilemur ruficaudus, about fifteen amphibian species, numerous micromammals, and over thirty reptile species.

Adventure seekers are also well catered for, with various hikes available, including the Namaza Canyon, the natural swimming pool, and many other explorations.

The unforgettable highlight is capturing a sunset photo at the “Isalo Window,” a naturally eroded rock formation offering a spectacular view.