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Madagascar
Madagascar, the fourth-largest island in the world, lies in the Indian Ocean just off the coast of Mozambique, and includes several much smaller islands in its diverse archipelago.
This wonderful island retreat is of course an excellent destination for beach holidays, but with a rich past and diverse range of ecosystems, Madagascar is also an ideal destination for those looking to delve further into Africa's rich history and culture, or for wildlife enthusiasts looking to experience somthing different from the usual safari routes of Eastern and Southern Africa.
A central chain of high mountains occupies more than half of the main island and is responsible for the differences - scenically, climatically and ethnically - between the east and west coasts. The narrow strip of lowlands on the east coast is largely covered by dense rainforests, whereas the broader west-coast landscape, is mostly savannah. The southern tip of Madagascar is semi-desert with great forests of cactus-like plants.
Madagascar's islands are surrounded by turquoise seas, pristine beaches and coral reefs teeming with fish. In terms of biodiversity, Madagascar is really one of a kind. Of roughly 200,000 known species found here, about 150,000 are endemic. Unique to the island are more than 35 types of lemurs and 3,000 species of butterfly, 1,000 orchids and 7 kinds of baoabab tree. The island also abounds with unusual and colourful flowers and other flora, as well as a diversity of reptiles, amphibians and birds.
TRAVEL ADVICE
February to March may be avoided because of risk of cyclones. The east coast may have cold rain between May and September.
Madagascar's central plateau tends to be cooler and drier than the coast with average temperatures between 13-19c April to November.
The coastal temperature varies between 21-32c.
There is excellent whale watching off Ile Ste Marie between July and September.
Infrastructure is limited, and so trips to Madagascar should not be rushed - plenty of time is needed to get the best from your visit.
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Regions in Madagascar
In complete contrast to the wet and densely forested eastern coast, the south is a world of dry arid canyons, towering baobabs and unique spiny forests.
The northern coast is home to a string of islands and islets, offering the perfect balmy Indian Ocean Island experience for honeymooners.
The east coast of Madagascar is a haven of wildlife and lush Madagascan rainforest, just what the island is famous for.
The Highlands form the central hilly region of the islands, dominated by the city of Antananarivo.
The western part of Madagascar is drier that the eastern part and consequently large pockets of deciduous forest flourish here, harbouring a wealth of rare endemic wildlife.
