The names of Madagascar's regions are rooted in its historical past. Some local names have French equivalents. In such cases, you will usually find both versions on maps or in reference books.
Antananarivo is located in the center of Madagascar, there is no access to the sea. It is in the central regions of Madagascar that the administrative center and capital of the entire country, the city of Antananarivo, is located. The High Plateau, stretching from north to south, is home to volcanoes, mountains, hills and valleys, and rivers. From Antananarivo to Fianarantsoa, long terraces of rice fields feed the inhabitants. The forests of Ambatulampi are reminiscent of Scotland. There is also the volcanic Lake Trivitra near the town of Antsirabe, where waterfowl and amphibians gather.
Antsiranana. The province is located in the north of the island. In the south of the province on the Masoala Peninsula there is a national park with the same name, to the north is the Montagne d'Ambre National Park. Generally, the northern regions of Madagascar are the notable volcanic massif of Tsaratanana with the most prominent mountains. The central town of Antsiranana is located in the center of a picturesque bay. There's the Ambre National Park where you can see lemurs and birds, butterflies and reptiles. Beautiful orchids grow around and waterfalls attract the attention of visitors.
Mahadzanga. Like other central cities of Madagascar regions, the administrative center has the same name. The city of Mahadzanga is quite developed. The province is located in the northwestern part of the island. On the western side it is washed by the Strait of Mozambique. In general, the western side of Madagascar is characterized by a variety of landscapes. Where the mountainous part, you can find rivers that cut through the deepest gorges. Near the coast near the river deltas, green plains are formed. In the north-west stretches the savannah, to the south it turns into semi-desert-bush. The flora is very diverse, with baobabs and tall palms growing nearby.
Near the village of Murundava rises the limestone massif Tsingy de Bemaraha, karst rocks here of gray-blue color. A chain of peaks, intricately worked by wind and water, rises 30 meters and higher. This is a biosphere reserve. There are baobab forests here. The Ankarafantsik Reserve Forests are spread out near the town of Mahajanga.
Tuamasina is located on the eastern edge of Madagascar, with the city of Tuamasina as its capital. It is also the most important commercial port. Along the coast is the island of Nusi-Buraha. The eastern coast of Madagascar is washed by the Indian Ocean. There are dense tropical forests. From Tuamasina to Manakara stretches for 700 kilometers channel Pangalan. It is home to rare species of birds, as well as lemurs, lizards, tropical fish. Along the banks are coffee plantations. Vanilla and cloves are grown here.
In the reserve Andasibe (Perine) there are many orchids. It is here that the indri, the largest of the lemurs, still lives along with others. Birds such as parrots, falcons and many others also nest here.
The southern regions of Madagascar are less populated but generally cooler.
Tuliara occupies the southern and southwestern parts of the island. The city of Tuliara as an administrative center is not considered popular among tourists, but it is quite civilized.
Fianarantsoa is located in the southeastern side. Four national parks can be visited on the territory of the province: Andringitra, Ranomafana, Midongyi Do Sud, Isalo. The region is abbreviated as "Fianar". It is a bush zone, there are also semi-deserts, cacti and even baobabs grow here. The Isalu Massif, a nature reserve, resembles the craters of the moon with its sand and granite landscapes.
