http://www.flickr.com/photos/vandevivere/312853406/

Intro

The island of Madagascar (off the east coast of Africa) is a place like no other. It has evolved into one of the world’s most phenomenal destinations for natural history travel. The world’s fourth-largest island is well known for its diverse and unique wildlife and is home to more than 250,000 species (70% of these are found nowhere else in the world). Madagascar travel takes you through diverse habitats from 5.000 km of coastal line, 220 small islands to Bio-diversity hot spot.

Weather

Madagascar has a tropical maritime climate that is affected by the monsoons, the altitude and the proximity to the sea. June to August can be cold on the High Plateau and cyclone season is from February to March. The best time to visit is from April to November.

Language

The official languages are Malagasy, French and English. Madagascar is a francophone country, and French is spoken among the educated population of this former French colony. English, although still rare, is becoming more widely spoken.

Tourist Attractions

Most people who visit Madagascar come for its wildlife which is among the best in the world in terms of diversity, abundance, and approachability and travel to Madagascar for this purpose is most rewarding. Visiting certain parks, you are virtually guaranteed to see some of the island’s better known animals including several species of lemurs, absurdly colorful chameleons, and brightly hued day geckos.

• Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is home to the Lemur family and a diverse variety of birdlife
• The Masoala peninsula is home to exotic rain forests. Most parts of this peninsula are now protected by the Masoala National Park

Apart from the National parks, Madagascar’s attractions also include

• Antananarivo: Madagascar’s capital city which is situated in a valley near the island’s centre. It has a wonderful flower market, botanical and zoological gardens.
• The port town of Tulear which offers some great diving and snorkeling.
• Nosy Be is Madagascar’s largest resort area which boasts relatively un-crowed sandy beaches, diving and snorkeling
• The Canal Des Pangalanes which connects a number of lakes and rivers along the eastern shore of Madagascar.

Sources

http://www.madagascarconsulate.org.za/tour.html

http://news.mongabay.com/2005/0526-wildmadagascar.html

http://www.africaguide.com/country/madagas/

Tourism Map

Product List