Madagascar

The Republic of Madagascar is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, situated 400km off the eastern coast of Africa. Shrouded in mystery, filled with a spectacular array of amazing wildlife and ringed by stunning beaches, it is an entirely unique holiday destination. Roughly the size of Texas or France, Madagascar is home to more than 250,000 species, of which 80% cannot be found anywhere else!

Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world and was formed some 160 million years ago when it broke away from mainland Africa. Uninhabited until 2000 years ago, it became a haven for the evolution of tropical fauna and flora and as such is now the world's premier conservation area with thousands of endemic species. 

The Malagasy people who inhabit the island come from Polynesia originally and bear greater resemblance in their culture and customs to Asia than Africa. There are many taboos and sacred rituals such as 'turning over the dead' in which people's remains are removed from their tombs and returned there after festivities in their honor to celebrate communion between the living and dead.

There are an array of different destinations on the island. The South is home to the Berenty Nature Reserve where you can spot lemurs and chameleons and the Isalo National Park is famous for its stunning landscapes. Head West for unparalleled birdwatching in the Tsingy Nature Reserve or get off the beaten track on the eastern side of the island. The North is home to the breathtaking Nosy Be Archipelago and its collection of pristine beaches and coral reefs or escape to the idyllic island of Ile Ste Marie.

Read more about Madagascar in our blog.