Ambanja

The large but laid back city of Ambanja rests on the banks of the lovely Sambirano River in northwest Madagascar, some 500 kilometres from the capital, Antananarivo. The region’s tropical climate and regular rainfalls make it an excellent agricultural area and the town is surrounded by lush plantations of coffee, cocoa, vanilla and ylang-ylang, some of which can be visited on guided tours. The town has two vibrant fresh produce markets where you can see the array of exotic fruit, vegetables and spices that are the hallmark of this fertile area. While in and around Ambanja, keep your eyes peeled for the vividly coloured chameleons for which the area is renowned.