Where is Madagascar?:
The world's fourth-largest island, Madagascar is located in the Indian Ocean, 250 miles off the coast of Mozambique in southeast Africa. The island measures approximately 1,000 miles long and 360 miles across at its largest point.
What's unique about Madagascar?:
Millions of years ago, Madagascar was part of Africa. Torn from the continent by a violent earthquake and set adrift, it now is one of the most biodiverse places on earth. Still wild and mostly undeveloped, Madagascar's topography includes mountains, forests, and coral reefs.
What are popular activities on Madagascar?:
Those who travel to Madagascar may swim in secluded coves, snorkel and dive the reefs, fish, water-ski, sunset gaze, collect shells, birdwatch, hike, trek, and go on nature walks in national parks and reserves.
Tamatave, Madagascar's major port, is home to the 697-acre Parc Ivoloina, which has nature trails, a zoo, and botanical gardens. There are 100+ lemurs and other native wildlife in the zoo and free-ranging on the grounds.
What kind of lodging is available for those who travel to Madagascar?:
There are few roads, tourism is limited, and many conveniences are unavailable outside of Antananarivo, the capital and home to two million people. Antananarivo's top hotels are the Colbert and Hilton.
Outside the capital, accommodations range from rustic to romantic thatched bungalows beside pristine beaches, such as Constance Lodge Tsarabanjina in Nosy Be in the northwest, the Riviera of Madagascar.
For the adventurous, Parc Ivoloina offers tent camping along a lake. .
When is the best time to travel to Madagascar? :
Rainy season extends from January through March. In April and May, much of Madagascar is at its lushest. Whale-watching is best in July through September. Nature lovers are likely to spot more lemurs in September and October, breeding season; birders recommend any time between September and December to view species.
How do we travel to Madagascar?:
Air France flies from Paris to Antananarivo several times a week; the flight takes almost 12 hours. Air Madagascar's Regional Flight Network includes flights to and from Mauritius, Kenya, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and other African cities.
An entry visa is required. Health matters, such as malaria prevention, should be taken seriously. Read up on Madagascar at Centers for Disease Control.
