Marolambo, Madagascar

This remote town in eastern Madagascar is about as far off the grid as you can get. Founded by French colonialists, Marolambo went over 30 years without a single automobile between 1972 and 2006. The area's lack of infrastructure and isolation make it a tough placement for outsiders like government officials and medical workers. Even getting to Marolambo is a challenge, with the 130 km unpaved National Road 23 from Mahanoro only passable by tractor for much of the year.

The Nosivolo River near Marolambo is known for its biodiversity, home to the endangered songatana fish. But the town itself serves as a modest local center, with a few high schools, hospitals, and merchants. An airstrip built by Mission Aviation Fellowship in the 1990s provides some access, though the dirt runway suffered damage during the rainy season until it was paved in the late 2000s.

Overall, Marolambo is a remote, infrastructure-poor outpost that will test the fortitude of all but the most intrepid adventurers. If you're seeking an authentically isolated African experience, this could be the place, but be prepared for a persistent bureaucratic headache.