Madagascar Trips

Rich with wildlife, there are 10 different species of lemur that inhabit the island, and about half the worlds 150 or so species of chameleons. The island is also a mass of unusual and colourful flowers and other flora. In terms of biodiversity alone, Madagascar is one of a kind. Separated from the African continent, 200 millions years ago, Madagascar shows its difference.

With different ethnic groups coming from Africa and Indonesia compose a real mosaic of beliefs and cultures entirely devoted to the ancestors. It is characterized by the dissimilarity between the humid east and the dry west. Its Eastern slope shows rugged hills sported by parcels of humid tropical forest because of the dryness of its climate; the south west side has a unique flora with 95%endemic species. Madagascar is an island of contrast with a strong geographical identity for each region.

Antananarivo – the capital city of Madagascar
Antananarivo, often abbreviated to Tana, the capital City has a distinctively French flavor and atmosphere: French is widely spoken, and road as well as shop signs are mostly in French. The City is built on three levels. Dominating the city is the Queen’s palace and associated Royal Village or Rova. Now a national monument, it was once the residency of the Merina Dynasty which, in the 19th century, united all Madagascar for the first time.

Antsiranana (Diego-Suarez)
Diego –Suarez is firstly the third harbor of Madagascar. Used to the French presence since 1875, Antsiranana shelters, in a strategic place ideally located in the heart of the world 2nd greatest bay, not too far away from African coasts, Comorus, Mayotte, Seychelles, an important naval base established from 1885 by the French navy.

This historical aspect has contributed to put Europe inside the heart of Antsiranana and Diego-Suarez.

Malagasy and cosmopolitan, Diego-Suarez is a rare place that should be preserved. More than 80,000 people live in this disturbing and attaching town. A strange impression of a city set by a glorious past is felt in Diego. Relics still exist in some historical places but the story goes on, and Malagasy people are the main actors. Diego-Suarez has a lot to be explored like the National Park of the Amber Mountain (Montagne d’Ambre), the French Mountain, Fishermen village of Ramena and bays, The Emerald Sea, The Amber Cape, the Ankarana Reserve and the Red T singy.

The Sainte Marie Island
The Sainte Marie Island or Nosy Boraha stretches along the east of Madagascar. The Island conceals thousands treasures to be discovered; walks, bath, dive, discovery of its history rocked by the piracy, meet with whales with bump and testing of punch coke in front of the sea illuminated by a magnificent sunset. The origin of the population of the island remains mysteries even today. It was one of the cradles of piracy in Indian Ocean becoming a strategic base for the pirates such as David William, Thomas Tew, Thomas white among others. The Island succession is of small villages with ravinala hurts all along the beaches. The Coconut plantation Robert situated in the North of Sainte Marie borders a long beach of white sand, far from the natural swimming pool, filled every day by the waves, which break out on this Coast.

Further is the sacred site of the Lighthouse Albrand. The ‘Nato’ Island is a magnificent small island with immaculate beaches, situated at the end of the Southern point of Sainte Marie. In the month of July and September , Sainte Marie becomes a meeting place of the humpback whales, which come to reproduce in these warm waters, after along migration of several thousands kilometers, that lasts several months .

The giant of the oceans become the main attraction of the island, cheering up the every day life of Sainte –Mariens of there visible spectacular jump from the beaches and villages. This exceptional scene, of a rare beauty is a delight not to be missed.

The authenticity of this island is not in the large predators of the Savannah plains as in Tanzania or the King of the Jungle in Uganda or Rwanda, it is what can only be described as the unique endemic qualities of both the fauna and flora; and often the smaller not the larger species that bring about the most satisfaction to the open-minded traveler.

Wildlife of Madagascar

316 endemic species of reptiles (including half of the world species of chameleon), 109 endemic species of birds, a variety of species of lemur with still more being discovered every day, and a wide selection of marine life including whales, make Madagascar an island with something for everyone.

May be not as dramatic as other destinations in the size and ferocity of its wildlife, this island definitely makes up for it in its diversity. The lemurs are fantastic to watch and vary in size from the tiny mouse lemur that could fit in a teacup to the teddy-bear like indri. Waking up to the calls of these remarkable creatures as the forest canopy is shrouded in mist is an unforgettable experience.

Accommodation while on Madagascar Tours

From mobile camping to luxury lodges, Madagascar offers a vast array of lodging possibilities, often made from local materials amidst spectacular settings. The island makes up for what it lacks in infrastructure by the dramatic surroundings that you find yourself in.

Suggestions for Trips to Madagascar

A selection of safari are on offer, ranging from the Southern circuit safari which takes in the contrasting scenery of the rainforests of the east, the plains of the south and the beaches of the west coast to northern safaris, which can take in pristine getaways such as Tsarabanjina island- a perfect hideaway after the adventure of mainland Madagascar, with beautiful locally-crafted bungalows and excellent diving.

Best time to visit Madagascar

Madagascar can be visited throughout the year, although it is generally wise to avoid the cyclone months of January-March. Other month of the year bring different delights to the traveler. April- May is luscious and green; July-September is cool, but is the peak whale-watching season (Antongil Bay); September-December is excellent for birding; and October-November brings milder weather and is the baby lemur season.