Madagascar is undoubtedly an exotic destination! This biodiversity hotspot that split from the Indian subcontinent around 88 million years ago, is the world’s second largest island country and this isolation has allowed native plants and animals to evolve in relative confinement. Situated in the middle of the warm Indian Ocean, this must-see location is about 400 kilometers off the coast of East Africa but easy to reach from South Africa, Kenya and Europe – making this an excellent add-on to a traditional safari!
Madagascar Wildlife
Though the name Madagascar conjures up images of tropical rain forests with exotic flying creatures and colourful chameleons, the country is also home to some spectacular and very dry desert scenery. The island’s diversity is mind-blowing, and one can have a complete change of landscape no matter which direction from Tana you take. The capital city, Antananarivo, is locally named “Tana” and conveniently situated in the middle of the country.
Travel east from Tana and you’re in a popular area called Andasibe where most tourists head to see lemurs in the forests or on to the controversial Vakona island where habituated lemurs jump onto your shoulder, begging for a bite of fruit. Fly south and slightly west, to access the weird and wonderful Spiny Forest where the several species of lemurs choose to live amongst the cactus-like Octopus trees.
The Eastern side of Madagascar spoils with beautiful tropical beaches and too many species of palm trees to possibly count. Rain forests filled with lemurs, chameleons, spiders, foot-long worms, bright red snakes and exotic reptile species are only some of the few exciting things you’ll discover on a day or night walk with your guide. One of the best things of Madagascar is that none of their snakes or spiders are poisonous, making this an ideal destination for all, including families with children.
West of Tana you’ll find the famous Baobab Alley in Morondova and to the North up the West coast you can see the strange formations of the Tsingy (needle-like limestone cliffs) that oddly also house many species of lemur, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Nosy Be is a tiny island off the tip of the north-west coast that has possibly the best accommodations in the entire country as it’s a world hot spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, whales and whale sharks as it’s on the protected Mozambique channel. This island is immaculate, and one can be forgiven for thinking you have reached heaven. Nosy Be has lemurs but is also close enough to the famous Madagascan vanilla and cacao fields to make an easy day trip!
Accommodation
Though Madagascar is relatively undeveloped in terms of tourism, there are good hotel accommodations available throughout the country with a smaller selection of higher end boutique properties. Beautiful fully inclusive safari-style camps with excellent service and amenities are scarcer, but we’ve handpicked a select few that meet our standards in terms of overall experience and excellent guiding.
The Lost World of Anjajavy le Lodge
Information & Videos
Click the tabs below to learn more about Madagascar or watch one of the videos showcasing the unique experience Madagascar has to offer…
