Madagascar

Madagascar is justifiably famous for its enchanting population of lemurs, but it is also home to a wide variety of other animal and plant species, many of which are indigenous to this amazing island and have been here since the early breakaway from Gondwanaland - the ancient world’s single landmass.

Madagascar’s natural history is unbelievably rich, with widely varying landscapes, among which are arid, semi-desert regions, beaches backed by lush rainforests and paddy fields terraced on steep mountainsides.

As a French colony throughout recent history, Madagascar has been treated as a private garden and many of the advances of the 21st century are yet to reach the island, but the hospitable Malagasy people are genuinely delighted to meet visitors from abroad. Conservation ideas are fairly new here and although the unique diversity of plants, lemurs, and chameleons is under pressure, the breathtaking scenery still retains swathes of great natural beauty. Visitors to the island have both these interiors to explore as well as countless sandy beaches, wonderful unspoiled islands and more than 600 miles of coral reef.  

Madagascar Vacations - Ideas You Might Not Have Thought About

		Isalo National Park – See the Strange Sandstone Formations. Isalo has a unique Madagascan landscape. Steep-sided canyons and gorges have been cut through the Isalo Massif, which rises high above the surrounding grassy plains. Remarkable sandstone shapes, caused by wind erosion, give the whole landscape an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Rare plants such as endemic succulents are found in this wonderful terrain, as is the Malagasy silkworm.
		Anjajavy - Madagascar in Miniature For nature and ocean lovers, the Anjajavy peninsula is a paradise. All the great diversity of this fabulous country can be enjoyed in this one unique location. The 988 acre reserve is home to a huge range of wildlife including the Sifaka lemur and bird of paradise. Accommodations at the Anjajavy hotel are in beautiful rosewood villas, overlooking a magnificent sandy bay.
		The Bushhouse – Arrive by Boat The cruise along the scenic Pangalanes Canal, through large lakes with beautiful lush shores, sandy beaches and remote villages, delivers visitors to the rustic lodge overlooking Lake Ampitabe, far removed from the mainstream tourist destinations.
		Ile. Sainte Marie – Whale Watching Hundreds of humpback whales congregate here between June and September to give birth and mate in the Ste. Marie Channel between the island and the Madagascar mainland. At Princesse Bora Lodge, guests have the opportunity to accompany scientists collecting data for the research program, which is run from the lodge. The whales are remarkably approachable and remain in the waters here until the calves have grown big enough to return to the icy Antarctic waters.
		Mantadia National Park – Explore on Foot Mantadia National Park is a protected area of around 25,000 acres of primary rainforest, famous for the population of indri indri lemurs, the largest lemur species. At a higher altitude than Andasibe, its more famous neighbor, Mantadia provides lots of opportunity for adventure and exploration. Local guides lead the way, cutting paths through hanging vines, and guests are rewarded with superb sightings of the many lemur resident in the park.