Vatovavy

The Region Vatovavy Fitovinany, is part of the province of Fianarantsoa and is located in the South-east of Madagascar. It is bounded to the north by the Atsinanana Region, to the south by the Region Atsimo Atsinanana, to the east by the Indian Ocean and to the west by the regions of Haute – Matsiatra and D’amoron’i Mania. Composed of six districts: Ifanadiana, Ikongo, Manakara, Mananjary, Nosy Varika and Vohipeno.

The capital of the region is the city of Manakara, located about 720 km from the capital Antananarivo. The districts of Ifanadiana and Ikongo, extending into the interior, i.e. the west of the region, are characterized by a scenery sometimes of mountains and cliffs, sometimes of medium hills. Those of Nosy Varika, Mananjary, Manakara and Vohipeno, on the coast side, to the east, are characterized by a Landscape of low hills and coastal plains.

The Vatovavy Fitovinany Region, like the entire eastern zone of Madagascar, has a tropical climate of the hot and humid type, on the whole, with, nevertheless, some difference between the climate of the coastal zone and that of the mountainous zone. The temperature within the region varies between 15 °C and 32 °C.  This varies in particular according to the seasons and according to the relief. It is warmer on the coast, but cooler, even very cool during the austral winter (from May to September) on the cliff area and the mountainous areas on the part West of the region.

The population of the Vatovavy Fitovinany Region consists mainly of four groups ethnic: Antambahoaka, Tanala, Sahafatra and Antemoro.The Antambahoaka populate the northeastern part of the region, more precisely the valleys of Mananjary and Nosy Varika. The Tanala and Sahafatra are settled in the west, in the districts of Ikongo 40 and Ifanadiana. The Antemoro occupy the southeastern part, i.e. the districts of Manakara and Vohipeno. Other ethnic groups, resulting from immigration, are found in the region, including the Antesaka, the Betsileo and the Merina.

The Vatovavy Fitovinany Region, also known as “the Spice Coast”, is already a recognized tourist destination, thanks in particular to the Ranomafana Park, the Fianarantsoa – East Coast railway line, the city of Manakara, etc. But, the potential of the region exceeds the sites thus already known and frequented.

• Ranomafana Park in Ifanadiana District, which is the 3rd  tourist destination of Madagascar, whose main attractions are: the primary forest with its flora and its wildlife, Ranomafana Hot Spring, etc. Many other attractions can be operated, such as: waterfalls and waterfalls, various circuits, the descent of the river Namorona
• Vohimasy Nature Reserve and Mangatsiotra Nature Reserve, also in the Ifanadiana District. the railway line and the city of Manakara; the historical value of the line and the landscapes found along the line makes it a potential attraction; This is the case of the city of Manakara with its colonial architecture buildings;
• The Canal des Pangalanes and the lagoons it connects;
• The city of Mananjary with the collective circumcision ceremony, the Sambatra, organized every 7 years.
• Sakaleona Falls, in the district of Nosy Varika;
• The village of Vohipeno, cradle of Antemoro paper and Sorb.