Sainte‑Marie stories & guides
Travel notebook, hidden places and practical tips to plan your stay on Sainte‑Marie Island.

Sites to See in Madagascar: 12 Places Worth the Trip
Explore the 12 best sites to see in Madagascar, region by region, with the days each one needs, the best season and real travel times between them.
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When to Visit Madagascar: Best Time by Month and Region
Find out when to visit Madagascar: April to November is the best time. See the weather month by month, region by region, and the months to avoid.
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Is Madagascar Safe? A Traveler’s Guide for 2026
Is Madagascar safe for tourists in 2026? Real risks, areas to avoid, health and practical safety tips from a local host.
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Madagascar Culture: Traditions, Beliefs and Customs
Explore Madagascar culture: ancestral beliefs, famadihana, taboos (fady), music and customs to know before you travel to the island.
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Food in Madagascar: 12 Dishes You Have to Try
From romazava to mofo gasy, discover the 12 dishes to try and where to taste authentic food in Madagascar.
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Things to Do in Madagascar: 15 Unmissable Experiences
Discover the 15 best things to do in Madagascar: wildlife, baobabs, beaches, culture and where to go, from someone who lives on the island.
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Why Travel to Madagascar: The Real Reasons to Go
Why travel to Madagascar, when it sits so far from everywhere? Because nothing on earth looks quite like it. This island has been on its own for 88…
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Madagascar Travel Guide: Everything to Plan Your Trip
Madagascar rewards travelers who plan ahead. This island off East Africa lies 400 km from Mozambique. Reaching it takes one connecting flight, plus real time on the ground.…
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Humpback whales in Sainte-Marie: a complete guide to the season
From mid-June to late September, 2,000 to 3,000 humpback whales return to Sainte-Marie. Our complete guide to choosing the right period, operator and stay.
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Signature cuisine in Sainte-Marie: the private chef experience
At Kokoa Serena, a private chef composes each meal around market produce and the catch of the day. Here is what this gastronomic experience looks like.
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