Even for those who have seen many of Africa’s national parks, Madagascar feels unlike anywhere else. Its primordial forests, dramatic peaks, extinct volcanoes, and stony deserts are truly otherworldly.
Around seventy percent of the fauna and ninety percent of the flora are found only here. A chain of mountains runs down the eastern seaboard, creating a tropical climate that nurtures six lush rainforests. Offshore, a 450-kilometre coral reef, the fifth largest in the world, adds another layer of wonder. All this makes it a biodiversity hotspot and one of the world’s great eco-tourism destinations.
Around seventy percent of the fauna and ninety percent of the flora are found only here. A chain of mountains runs down the eastern seaboard, creating a tropical climate that nurtures six lush rainforests. Offshore, a 450-kilometre coral reef, the fifth largest in the world, adds another layer of wonder. All this makes it a biodiversity hotspot and one of the world’s great eco-tourism destinations.
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Adventure and Hiking
Nowhere else on Africa’s east coast can come close to Madagascar's Jurassic-Park-style wilderness. Rutted roads (the RN5 is the most notorious), makeshift bridges and pole rafts over running rivers makes getting around an adventure in itself. But the rewards are worth it.
Hiking the trails in the Parc National d’Andringitra is like having Yosemite all to yourself, while scaling the via ferrata (fixed-cable routes) along the limestone pinnacles of the Tsingy de Bemaraha will test the nerves and fitness of any adventurer.
Hiking the trails in the Parc National d’Andringitra is like having Yosemite all to yourself, while scaling the via ferrata (fixed-cable routes) along the limestone pinnacles of the Tsingy de Bemaraha will test the nerves and fitness of any adventurer.
unforgettable Wildlife
For wildlife lovers, the island is unforgettable. Ring-tailed lemurs, sifakas, and aye-ayes move through the trees, while rare birds and tiny chameleons inhabit every corner of the forests. Even a short walk along the Avenue of the Baobabs feels like stepping into another world, with sunsets that turn the ancient trees into silhouettes against a blazing sky!
Culture and food
The French left a lasting impression when they colonised Madagascar. There are croissants everywhere. Dine Malagasy style at a hotel, one of the slightly dingy roadside establishments, serving up stacks of fried dough balls (mofobols) and super sweet coffee with condensed milk. Other choices will include deep-fried bananas and rice cakes. It's hardly fine dining, but the people watching and hospitality make the experience priceless.
