HIGHLIGHTS

FAMOUS FOR

Lemurs: The hundred known lemur species are found nowhere else in the world.

Chameleons: Half of all chameleon species live on Madagascar.

Baobabs: Six of the eight species can be seen here.

WHEN TO VISIT

WHY VISIT MADAGASCAR

The more you learn about Madagascar, the more enchanting, otherworldly and enticing it becomes to experienced travellers yearning for new horizons and truly authentic experiences. Lying off the eastern coast of Southern Africa, it is the world’s fourth largest island and punches well above its weight when it comes to biodiversity. The statistics are incredible: 90 percent of all species are endemic, found nowhere else in the world. Of the eight species of baobab, six are on Madagascar as are half of chameleon species and all 100 types of lemur. Add to that birds and whales, and you’re sure to be dazzled by the sheer array of nature found here.

Being such a big island (half the size of the country of South Africa), Madagascar is also home to Indian Ocean beaches, subtropical islands, rainforests and even deserts. This is a country where the north, south, east and west are very distinct from each other. Malagasy culture is also an unusual coming together of Eastern, African and European influences. We would definitely classify Madagascar as a bucket-list destination for anyone who enjoys safari travel and is open to new experiences.

OUR FAVOURITE MADAGASCAR DESTINATIONS

NOSY BE

Lying off the north-west coast, Nosy Be is a picture-perfect island paradise of warm azure water, nodding palm trees and golden sand. Spend your days snorkelling, birdwatching or just soaking up the sun while at night thousands of stars come out to light the sky.

RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK

The Southern Highlands are home to Ranomafana, a lush rainforest replete with hot springs (‘rano mafana’ means hot water in the Malagasy language) and forest lemurs, including the greater and golden bamboo lemurs. Hikers should keep an eye out for 30 endemic bird species here.

AVENUE OF THE BAOBABS

Also known as Allée des Baobabs, this stunning stretch of soaring Grandidiers baobabs alongside a simple dusty road is beautiful to see especially at sunrise and sunset. It is located in the west near the town of Morondova.

ANDASIBE-MANTADIA NATIONAL PARK

A relatively short drive from the capital, Antananarivo (also known as Tana), this verdant park comprises protected rainforest with trails leading past waterfalls. It is home to large Parson’s chameleons and the eerie indri, the largest lemur species known for its spooky, unearthly calls that is also known as a babakoto.

TSINGY DE BEMARAHA

‘Tsingy’ is a Malagasy word that means, ‘where you cannot walk barefoot’. This description is apt as Tsingy de Bemaraha is a literal rock forest of sharp limestone outcrops eroded over centuries. Tsingy form their own mini ecosystems with specialist species carving out an existence in this hard environment. Tsingy de Bemaraha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

ÎLE SAINTE-MARIE

A small island off the north-east coast, Île Sainte-Marie or Nosy Boraha is one the best places from which to see the annual migration of humpback whales between July and September. Le Crique beach is beautiful and the whole area has a storied history of pirates and smuggling.

EXPLORE MADAGASCAR

WHY BOOK WITH BIGGESTLEAF TRAVEL

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