Madagascar
Madagascar, is an island country lying off the southeastern coast of Africa. Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, after Greenland, New Guinea, and Borneo.
Languages spoken | Malagasy and French |
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Currency used | Malagasy ariary |
Area (km2) | 587,041 |
Country name | MADAGASCAR |
Things to do | 1. Look for LemursOf all Madagascar’s weird and wonderful creatures, lemurs are without a doubt the most iconic. There are nearly 100 different species and sub-species of lemur on the island, all of which are endemic. These charismatic primates range in size from the tiny pygmy mouse lemur to the majestic, monochrome indri. The best way to spot Madagascar’s lemurs is to head to one of its many national parks. In particular, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is known for its large indri population while Ranomafana National Park is home to 12 species including the critically endangered golden bamboo lemur2. Swim with Whale SharksThere’s nothing quite like an encounter with the world’s largest fish. Those visiting Madagascar from September to December can do just that, off the northwestern island of Nosy Be. At this time, these behemoth fish gather to feed on blooming plankton and can easily be spotted from the surface. Despite their huge size (whale sharks reach an average length of around 31 feet/9.5 meters), they are naturally docile and pose no threat to humans.3. Marvel at BaobabsBaobab trees are intrinsically woven into the fabric of African folklore. In the past, indigenous people depended upon their products for survival, and as such, these strange trees are often called the “Tree of Life”. Today, they are remarkable for their vast size, with the largest species growing up to 46 feet/14 meters in diameter.4. Explore AntananarivoFounded by the king of the Merina people at the beginning of the 17th century, the Malagasy capital is steeped in history. Known locally as Tana, Antananarivo also served as the capital for French colonialists in the 19th and 20th centuries and remains the island’s center of political and economic power today. There is much to explore in Tana. For beautiful colonial architecture head to the old Haute-Ville area of the city.5. Sign Up for Scuba DivingWhether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner hoping to take the plunge for the first time, there are plenty of incredible scuba diving opportunities in Madagascar. With approximately 3,000 miles/4,800 kilometers of coastline, you’re never far from the ocean; while the southwest boasts the world’s third largest coral reef system. This reef provides a habitat for over 6,000 marine species, many of which are unique to Madagascar.6. Sample Local cuisineWherever your adventures take you, make sure to sample the local cuisine. Traditional Malagasy dishes usually consist of either meat or seafood served with vegetables and rice. Spices are used sparingly, but the food is nevertheless flavorful. Try koba, a popular street food consisting of banana, peanut and rice paste wrapped in a banana leaf casing. Romazava is the traditional beef stew, while kabaro (curried lima beans and coconut) is popular in the Morondava region.7. Visit the stone forestMadagascar is full of extraordinary scenery but perhaps the most striking of all its alien landscapes are the limestone karsts of northwestern Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. Approximately 200 million years ago, the limestone seabed was pushed upwards, creating a vast plateau. Over time, the plateau was eroded, eventually becoming a dense “forest” of jagged limestone needles interspersed with canyons, waterfalls and almost impenetrable forest.8. Spot endemic BirdsThere are approximately 280 bird species in Madagascar. Although this isn't a particularly high figure for the fourth-largest island in the world, a high level of endemism confirms its status as a prime birding destination. Over 100 species are Madagascar exclusives. There are three main regions for those in search of endemic birds - the eastern rainforest, the southern spiny bush and the deciduous forests in the west.9. Discover Pristine BeachesWhite sand, abundant palms and azure waters make Madagascar one of the most beautiful island destinations in the Indian Ocean. Some of the country’s best stretches of sand are found on outlying islands in the northwest. Tiny Tsarabanjina, for example, evokes Robinson Crusoe with its deserted sandy coves and crystalline seas. The island is only accessible by boat and offers luxury accommodation in the form of private beach bungalows.10. Go whale watchingThose heading to Madagascar between July and September should make their way to the northeastern island of Île Sainte-Marie to witness the annual humpback whale migration. Also known as Nosy Boraha, this idyllic island plays host to hundreds of humpbacks, all of whom have traveled thousands of miles from the nutrient-rich waters of the Southern Ocean. Their sojourn to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean is something of a winter vacation - a time to come together, mate and give birth before returning to Antarctica. |
Time+Tide Miavana
6R69+43Q Miavana nosy ankao, Ambovobe, Madagascar
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An ultra-luxurious beach resort at Nosy Ankao, Madagascar.
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