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Madagascar has always been a mysterious island. Its ever-changing features amaze tourist and nature seekers who yearn for the unusual and the never before seen. Everything remains to be discovered, nothing is commonplace and all seems new. The world's 4th largest island, Madagascar measures 1571 km in length and 571 km across at its widest point (587 042 km2). A mountainous central 'spine' separates the permanently damp east from the drier west and sub-desert south. Because of dramatically contrasting climatic zones, it's as though Madagascar is composed of a few very different countries crammed into one island. Each region has its own compliment of plants and often decidedly odd animals. Nearly everything you will see and touch on Madagascar is found nowhere else.
Madagascar has its share of beautiful beaches and magnificent coral reefs. The Northwest is the domain of the bays, white-sandy beaches and some coral islets with names such as Nosy Komba, Sakatia, Iranja, Mitsio, Tanikely and indeed Nosy Be. These islands, lost to the outside world, are only visited by fishermen on board their pole pirogues. From June to September, the humpback whales come back from the Antarctic to reproduce and give birth around Sainte Marie Island, formerly a pirate's colony.
The 17 million Malagasy constitute the world's only Afro-Asian nation. Man arrived at most 2000 years ago by means of outrigger canoes from Melanesia, Polynesia, Indonesia and Africa. The contemporary Malagasy, separated into 16 major tribes are united by language and culture. Best known of the Malagasy ceremonies is the "bone-turning" or "famadihana", held from June to August.
Madagascar has been separated from Africa mainland and India for 160 million years. This long history of isolation and over water colonisation has meant that numerous groups of mammals have not made it to the island. Of all the different groups of mammals on the island, lemurs have been studied the most intensively and have received much attention from the conservation community and tourists. Among the 35 varieties the Propitheque of Tattersall and the Hapalemur have only been discovered recently. How to speak in a few lines about 19000 listed vegetal species, among them 1 000 varieties of orchids, knowing that this is not the final list. The invertebrates count over 100 000 specials, at least 3 000 of them are butterflies. Descendants of antediluvian monsters, the Malagasy chameleons represent two thirds of the species known in the world.
One of the world's poorest nations, Madagascar is not for everyone. Prospective visitors must be aware of the island's lowlights before going there. Travel opportunities are unlimited.
 Anjajavy: An excellent option if looking for a combination of natural history and upmarket secluded beach. Situated 120 km north of Mahajanga is the luxury Anjajavy hotel. Regarded as a four star hotel (Relais & Chateaux Hotel), it is built on a peninsula in a large bay, behind which lies a large natural reserve of 450 acres - perfect for nature lovers! Ankarana Reserve: The Lost World within the Lost World". Bizarre landscape 65-km south of Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) featuring a fortress-like limestone plateau decorated with fields of sharp pinnacles. Underneath are awesome caves, passages and subterranean rivers. Wildlife abounds in forested canyons. Ideally visited in combination with Montagne d’Ambre Reserve and Nosy Be. Berenty Reserve & Andohahela National Park: Magnificent diversity in the Fort Dauphin region, southeastern Madagascar. For sub-desert Lemurs you cant beat Berenty. In this small-protected habitat live large populations of Ringtail lemur, Brown lemur and Verreaux sifaka, as well as White footed sportive lemur and Grey mouse lemur. Ifaty Beach, Anakao, Saint Augustin Bay & Tulear: Southwest desert corner. Theres plenty to see in this remote, low-key area: coral reefs, spiny bush and rare birds are the main attractions. Seaside hotels at Ifaty Beach and St Augustin Bay offer scuba diving and snorkelling, as well as trips to Nosy Ve marine reserve islet, off remote Anakao. Mahajanga, Ampijoroa Forest Station: One of Madagascars top wildlife hotspots. Easy trails into tropical dry deciduous forest over gentle terrain. Accessible all year around. Abundant lemurs (especially Coquerels sifaka, Mongoose lemur, Brown lemur and at night, Western woolly lemur, Fat-tailed dwarf lemur and two species of Mouse lemur). As it is the best place in western Madagascar for birding, Ampijoroa is included in all birding itineraries. Masoala Peninsula and Nosy Mangabe: Maroantsetra is the gateway to the eco-tourist destination Masoala. Nosy Mangabe is a rainforest-clad lemur reserve island, where large populations of Black & white ruffed lemur, White-fronted lemur and the bizarre Aye Aye find sanctuary. The campsite on Nosy Mangabe has been upMorondava, the Baobab Avenue & Kirindy Forest: Vibrant west coastgraded and staying there for at least a night is recommended. town, centre of the Menabe Sakalava sub-tribe. There are wide beaches where swimming is safe. 60-km to the north by sand road is the Kirindy Forest, Madagascars best place for nocturnal wildlife. Rare mammals, birds and three species of Baobab trees flourish there. Nosy Be Archipelago, Tsarabanjina and Iranja: Tropical climate, palm-fringed beaches and coral reefs abound. Nosy Be is the largest in the extensive archipelago, which lies off the northwest coast. Iranja and Tsarabanjina are remote jewels for the discerning traveller. Theres also the Lokobe Reserve nature trail on southeast Nosy Be. The islands can be visited all year except during February, which is cyclone season. Perinet Reserve (Andasibe/Analamazaotra): Eastern mountain rainforest area known for its population of the ape-like Indri lemur and many other interesting animals. Perinet itself is small - 810 ha, with well mapped trails. Expect to see Indri, Grey bamboo lemur, Brown lemur, and at night the Eastern woolly lemur, Sportive lemur, Greater dwarf lemur and Rufous mouse lemur. Visit the neighbouring Mantadia National Park for spectacular primary rainforest and rare birds and mammals. This 10 000 ha rainforest is spectacular as much of it is still pristine. Ranomafana National Park: Exquisite mountain rainforest housing 12 species of lemur, in particular all three of the Bamboo lemurs (Golden, Broad-nosed and Grey bamboo lemurs). Commonly seen are Red-bellied lemur, Redfronted brown lemur, Black & white ruffed lemur and Milne-Edward’s diadem sifaka. Accessible by road from Antananarivo or fly to Fianarantsoa.Sainte Marie Island: Narrow 60-km long island off eastern Madagascar. Today, Sainte Marie is one of the most popular beach holidays Madagascar has to offer. Along its coral-fringed coast are several hotels. Secluded coves, relaxed islanders and balmy Indian Ocean island ambience contribute to Sainte Maries magic. Whale watching in July to September is a highlight. Getting there: Air Madagascar & SA Airlink fly five times a week between Antananarivo and Johannesburg. Flight duration is three hours. Please note: From 16 June 2007 onwards SA Air Link will fly DIRECT to Nosy Be from Johannesburg and return on Saturdays. Getting around: Air Madagascar serves 60 domestic airports. There are also some very interesting overland routes. We will arrange all excursions and transfers. Be wary of pickpockets in Antananarivo. Wear a money belt and leave valuables with hotel reception or in your room safe. Do not leave your possessions unattended anywhere, even on tables in restaurants or in hotel dining rooms! Currency: As soon as you have cleared through immigration and customs, change some money into Ariary at the banks at the airport. The monetary unit is the Ariary (you may still encounter the Malagasy Franc - Note that for example 5000 Ariary is worth 25000 Malagasy Francs. Ariary can be converted back into hard currency prior to leaving Madagascar. You will not be able to convert it back outside of Madagascar. Do not take South African Rand to Madagascar - you will not be able to use it or convert it. Note that credit cards are not widely accepted. You should take Euros. There are ATM machines at Tana airport, at the Hilton in Tana, near the Colbert in Tana and in Fort Dauphin where you may be able to use your visa card to draw cash. However, the machines may not always be operational. Breakfasts in almost all hotels are continental. Should you want something else, please ask the hotels restaurant staff in good time. Health: No immunisations are necessary. Malaria prophylactics are essential. Drink only bottled water or take water purification tablets. Travel insurance is essential. Be meticulous with personal hygiene. IMPORTANT - If you are travelling from a yellow-fever endemic area to Madagascar health authorities at the airport may ask you for proof of your current Yellow Fever vaccination. NB. SOUTH AFRICANS : Recent legislation requires that South African citizens who hold more than one passport must depart and re-enter South Africa on their South African passport. IMPORTANT - If you are travelling from a yellow-fever endemic area to South Africa, immigration officials may ask you for proof of your current Yellow Fever vaccination. It is important to keep this vaccination up to date and to keep it with you when travelling abroad. Be aware that the vaccination only becomes valid 10 days after inoculation and is valid for 10 years. Visas: All visitors need visas. Visas can easily be obtained on arrival ( €12, US$15 or Ariary 30 000 - approximately). Please make sure your passport has a blank page and is valid for at least 6 months. Time zone: GMT + 3 hours. What to pack: Comfortable, casual and light clothing. Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are essential if you are visiting nature reserves. Pack warm clothing for winter nights (only in the highlands). Take insect repellent, sunscreen and protective wear for the tropical sun and rain. Always reconfirm your flights and be at airports two hours before flights are scheduled to depart. Customs allowance: 500 cigarettes and 1 litre of alcohol. Luggage allowance: 20 kg & 1 item of hand luggage. Please note the airlines will no longer accept any item of baggage exceeding 32 kg in weight or size exceeding 900 mm x 720 mm x 450 mm. This is enforced to comply with Health & Safety regulations. Language: Malagasy is the first language; French the business language and English is spoken in the tourism industry. It is advisable to take a French-English phrase book with you if you are unable to speak French. Power supply: 220v; European two-prong round plugs.
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