Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, located off the southeast coast of Africa. Offering unique flora, fauna, and animal species including Lemurs and pristine beaches. This means Madagascar provides unforgettable family holidays and romantic honeymoons.
Madagascar is one of the most bio-diverse countries on earth. Home to thousands of species of plant and animal life. Of which about 80 percent are not found anywhere else on the planet. This makes it a true nature lovers paradise.
Lemurs are the most famous animal unique to Madagascar and there are about 50 different types. Other exotic creatures include Dwarf Chameleons, Giant Jumping Rats, and Tomato Frogs. These are mainly, but not only; found in Southern Madagascar.
The island extends 1,000 miles in length and 360 miles at its largest width. Which is more than twice the size of Great Britain!! Madagascar is famous for pepper, vanilla, and of course; lemurs. The main languages spoken are Malagasy and French.
With 5,000 kilometers of coast, the beaches in Madagascar are uncrowded and a major attraction for divers and sunbathers. The main beach holiday towns and resorts are in Northern Madagascar.
From Eco-safaris to luxury honeymoons or family getaways, this island is the perfect setting for a tailor-made adventure. We recommend Madagascar to travelers who are not in a rush. Plus, used to long drives in 4×4 vehicles and are flexible.
Madagascar is a malaria area so please consult your doctor or travel clinic at least 6 weeks before traveling.
Antananarivo
The capital of Madagascar is Antananarivo; often shortened to Tana. It has a distinctly French atmosphere. Road, as well as shop signs, are mostly in French.
Tana is much like other African capitals. Crowded, polluted, and noisy but it certainly does have parts that are worth exploring. The city is built on three levels. On the upper level is the Queen’s Palace and associated Royal Village or Rova Palace of Justice; Palace of Andafiavaratra. 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.
The main market is found on the lowest level. In the ‘pavilions’ at Analakely. Antananarivo is a great place to shop for Malagasy arts and crafts.
Andasibe National Park
The Andasibe-Mantadia corridor is in the foothills of the eastern escarpment of Madagascar. The 154 km2 park consists of two protected areas. Namely the special Reserve of Indri d’ Analamazaotra and the National Park of Mantadia Analamazaotra. Which is better known as “Périnet”.
In addition to the Indri; you should also see woolly lemurs, grey bamboo lemurs, red-fronted lemurs, black-and-white ruffed lemurs, and Diademed Sifaka. One of the largest lemur species.
Both Perinet and Mantadia are sanctuaries for birdlife. The area is the best Ground-Roller (related to Kingfisher, bee-eaters, and rollers) reserve in the country. Altogether; this area boasts 112 x bird species, 11 x lemur species, 39 x reptile species, and also 36 x frog species. Other species of mammals include the Lowland Streaked Tenrec. Tenrecs are widely diverse; as a result of convergent evolution, some resemble hedgehogs, shrews, opossums, rats, and/or mice.
Madagascar Weather and when to visit
Madagascar has a tropical climate. The hot and rainy season is from November to March (summer). The cool dry season is from May to October (winter). Although good from May to December, the warm and relatively dry conditions from September to November are ideal for beach holidays. At higher altitudes, the cool, dry months, from May to October, are best for hiking. However, the coldest months, June to September, are not as good to see some animals. The shoulder months (April, May, October and November) are best for serious wildlife viewing. In January to March, it is not recommended to visit southern Madagascar.
Top Tip:
If you are flexible and looking for the unexpected; or if you want to meet extraordinary people, then go and discover this fascinating island!
We are still adding Madagascar accommodation so please do not hesitate to contact us with your requests.
Kaya Mawa (Lake Malawi)
The boho chic Kaya Mawa Lodge is on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi. A boutique barefoot luxury lodge is ideal for honeymooners and families
