The southeast trade winds have long whispered through Madagascar’s history, carrying with them stories of adventure.

Like the seafarers of old, we have come to learn the winds’ tales and feel their rhythms. This is a wonderful time of year on the island as the winds of change can be felt in the air and the gentle song between seasons begins.

For centuries, these winds danced across the Indian Ocean, guiding Arab and Persian traders to Madagascar’s shores from as early as the 1st century AD. Laden with spices, silks, and ideas, their ships followed the winds’ invisible paths, bringing with them cultures that would forever blend with the island’s own, weaving their way into the layers of its delicious food, unique dialects and interesting traditions. The southeast trade winds became a bridge between continents, linking Madagascar with the rest of the world.

Miavana Cabinet des Curiosities Madagascar History Experience

As the steady southeast trade winds swept across the island’s coast, they shaped its landscapes, while creating a natural rhythm that still sways Madagascar today. It is not humans alone who are guided by these winds. Drawn by instinct and the pull of warm, gentle seas, large groups of humpback whales travel thousands of miles from the icy Antarctic, guided by currents and winds that have carried travellers for millennia.

In the waters surrounding Miavana, the humpback whales complete their migration as they gather in the warm, sheltered bays to birth and nurse their young. This is the perfect time for intrepid travellers who want the opportunity to see whales revelling in what it means to be alive. At this time of the year, their songs echo, haunting and beautiful, carried by the wind across the waves. It won’t be long before the call of the deep beckons them homeward once more.

Humpback Whale Migration Madagascar Miavana Wildlife Experience

In September, as the dry season lingers in Madagascar, the wildlife stirs in harmony with the shifting winds.

The southeast trade winds, gentler now, sweep across Miavana, carrying with them the whispers of change. Lemurs start giving birth in anticipation of the bounty brought by the change of season and these inquisitive youngsters might make an appearance on guided walks on the island. Birdsong fills the air, as Madagascar’s vibrant species, like the Malagasy kingfisher, flit through the branches and butterflies flutter in the foliage. The wild orchids are starting to bloom, and with over 90% of the 1000 species found only in Madagascar, these are a rare and wonderful sight.

Wildlife on Miavana seen on Guided Walking Tour of Island

This time of the year there’s still an abundance of terns on a nearby island in our archipelago that hosts one of the largest nesting sites in the Indian Ocean. From mid-May to September, over 40 000 breeding pairs arrive on Manampaho where they hatch their chicks and patiently wait for them to grow big enought to take to the skies. They will soon make their way out to the open ocean where they will largely stay until they’re ready to make landfall to breed again in a year’s time.

Terns nesting in Madagascar Miavana Wildlife Experience

The southeast trade winds have long been the guiding force behind the creation of the Madagascar we know today. These winds continue their ancient dance, guiding the wildlife through the rhythm of life. They hold within them the spirit of adventure, carrying whispers of the past across Miavana’s beaches and trees, their influence etched into the island’s very soul. As the winds lull and change their course, we have the chance to reflect and welcome the new season.

Come explore Madagascar with us…

travel@timeandtideafrica.com

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We spent five days at Miavana. The place is just out of this world! I cannot find words to qualify it. Miavana is so so so great the island is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE I know! That team are very helpful and effective. And the food is just amazing!

Laya, 2023
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Extraordinary staff, very relaxing with beautiful scenery. Well after a few hours a wave of peace floated in and for the next few days we were in heaven.

Carla, 2020
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Breathtakingly beautiful and indescribably luxurious. Cannot fault or complain about absolutely anything. The Miavana team, the food, the beautiful accommodation creates paradise within paradise. This is a one of a kind place that will exceed your highest expectations!

Marina, 2022
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My week long stay at Miavana was unparalleled in almost every aspect of luxury. Defining luxury not only in terms of great quality and exclusivity, but in terms of craftsmanship, consciousness and a unique enriching experience. The richness of the culture set the context for such unique environment, and is the pillar of every impressive distinguishing feature of Miavana.

Tessa, 2023
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Miavana will exceed your expectations. We traveled to Miavana for a week and had an incredible experience. The weather was perfect, the staff was attentive and there was enough activities on offer to keep us busy (honestly we could have stayed an extra week). The island is also home to a group of crowned lemurs which were amazing to see!

Ashley, 2022