An island of curious creatures, extraordinary landscapes and surprises around every corner.
There are many places in the world that people can go to and fall in love with. Madagascar is certainly one of those places. It makes you look twice at things, and often makes you smile in disbelief at creation.
Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world covering 587,000 square kilometres. This is no small island that can be explored in a long weekend. It is an enormous, diverse and fascinating island with many different landscapes and habitats ranging from rainforest and mountain to baobab trees and coastal villages.
A world of its own
One of the most remarkable things about Madagascar is that around 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth. That’s right, the island is home to an astonishing collection of plants and animals.
Madagascar is often referred to as the ‘eighth continent’ as it is home to some of the world’s most unique biodiversity with thousands of endemic plant species found on the island.
The island is a wonderland for nature lovers, bringing out the child in us all with its amazing, curious and, at times, very strange creatures.
There is so much to see that you will never get bored.
Lemurs, chameleons and a few surprises
I had kept chameleons as pets as a child so was really looking forward to seeing a giant chameleon in Madagascar. This creature was as big as I had imagined, looking as though it was on steroids and was as impressive as I had remembered the little creatures to be. He was about 45cm long and 25cm high.
Some of Madagascar’s creatures are so unusual that you just have to see them for yourself.
The lemurs are, of course, the most famous of Madagascar’s creatures. There are many species, each with their own personality, charm and unique characteristics. From the familiar ring-tailed lemur, with its striking black-and-white tail, to the haunting call of the indri echoing through the rainforest, each species has its own personality and charm.
But some of the lemur species are threatened with extinction, mainly due to the destruction of their habitat, the deforestation and hunting. Responsible tourism can help to support the conservation of Madagascar’s unique wildlife and the communities that are trying to protect them.
I was able to observe lemurs in their natural environment. Some of the most extraordinary creatures on earth are more fragile than you could imagine.
An island of extraordinary contrasts
Madagascar is not just about the wildlife of the island though, as its varied landscapes are also so amazing to see.
Imagine giant Baobab trees, such as the Adansonia grandidieri, standing tall in the sunset light, silhouetted against the sky. Or, walking through the lush rainforest, with birds calling in the trees overhead, and leaves falling to the forest floor. You never know when something small and furry will appear from between the leaves on a branch above you.
On the other hand, there are the most beautiful tropical beaches with the warm waters of the Indian Ocean lapping on the sand and not a thing to do but relax.
Not a bad combination, is it?
However, with fewer international visitors than many of Africa’s more popular destinations for wildlife, Madagascar remains relatively undiscovered. It offers many opportunities for travelers to experience local culture and visit places of outstanding natural beauty and interest, which are far removed from normal life.
Travel to Madagascar can be a bit of a journey and can be longer than expected, particularly by road. Travel between regions can be complex, and domestic flights are not always available on the days or at the times that you require. It is best to check flight schedules before you travel.
As there is so much to do, please do not try to see everything on your first trip. Madagascar is so big and there is so much to do on this amazing island.
So, where should you go?
The island is made up of numerous nature reserves and national parks, some of which can be combined with coastal town experiences.
For a first trip to Madagascar I would recommend a wildlife and rainforest experience combined with a beach holiday on the coast. This would allow the traveler to experience the many incredible wildlife species and landscapes of the island and then relax on the beach for a few days before returning home.
Antananarivo, affectionately known as “Tana” is the capital and a common starting point for journeys around the island. It’s a bustling city of hills, markets and colourful street life, where Malagasy is the main language and French is also widely spoken. English is used in parts of the tourism industry, although a few friendly words of French or Malagasy can go a long way.
This can lead on to the rainforest of Andasibe where you can search for the many species of lemur and the chameleons of the forest. Or travel west to the Avenue of the Baobabs, with their massive trunks and unique canopies, standing like ancient giants in the landscape.
On the other hand, the beaches of Nosy Be are perfect for those who are looking for a relaxing, slow paced beach holiday on a tropical island with clear blue waters and white sandy beaches.
The possibilities are many, and each region has its own personality.
How long should you stay?
For the best experience we recommend a minimum of 7–10 nights for your Madagascar adventure. This will allow you to do the two main experiences of the island and not be travelling all the time.
This can be a shorter nature-focused trip of 3 nights or a longer beach trip of 4 nights plus depending on the flight times and what you wish to include in your trip.
There are many ways to travel Madagascar, whether you are interested in wildlife, in unusual landscapes, in taking photos or just want to experience something completely different.
We at Africa Calls will help you plan your journey and match it to your interests.
My final thoughts
Madagascar is a unique travel destination and may require you to travel with a different mindset to other holidays.
It’s an unexpected destination that holds many highlights for the traveler. A chameleon can be the biggest attraction, the lemurs can make you feel like a child again, and a sunset over the giant Baobabs can be simply breathtaking.
You won’t see all of Madagascar in one trip. But you don’t have to.
Let us help you to plan the perfect trip to Madagascar, whether you want to explore the island’s incredible rainforest, its amazing wildlife, or its stunning beaches. We can create a tailor made itinerary to suit your needs and interests, so that you can experience the best that Madagascar has to offer.
Madagascar is different from anywhere else in the world, and that’s what makes it so special to visit.
Answer the Call of Africa and let Madagascar surprise you.
