5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Madagascar

5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Madagascar

The world’s fourth largest island, Madagascar is a vast magical land just waiting to be discovered. Rich in flora and fauna, much of which is found nowhere else on earth, the former French colony offers a beguiling range of things to see and do as well as many areas to be explored. Read our blog and find out why you should travel there for your next holiday.

1. The Wildlife
It’s hard to think of Madagascar without lemurs coming to mind – they are the country’s most famous resident after all. And you’re not going to have a chance to see them in the wild anywhere else in the world. But don’t think lemurs are all Madagascar has to offer; the island is a bona fide paradise for all kinds of wildlife. There are 300 species of birds, 260 species of reptiles and hundreds of species of insects and other mammals including humpback whales from mid-June through to October. Definitely enough to keep even the biggest wildlife lover occupied!



2. The Beaches
Madagascar’s beaches are probably one of the most undiscovered secrets of the Indian Ocean. You can choose between Nosy Be and one of the northern islands, Ile Sainte Marie or the southern beaches near Ifaty or Fort Dauphin. All will offer you miles of unspoilt palm-lined beach, snorkelling and diving and some of the best seafood around. No high rise resort hotels spoiling the landscape here. Only the sight of fishermen plying the trade using traditional dug-out canoes (pirogues).




3. The Flora
Madagascar is home to almost 15,000 plant species, and over 80% of these are endemic to the island and found nowhere else in the world. The spiny forests of the south are home to countless shrubs and trees from the Didereaceae family – all brutally spikey, hence the forests name. Orchid lovers can have a field day looking at the 860 species, of which 650 are indigenous, as well as the world’s eight Boabab species and the 165 species of palm trees that can only be found in certain regions of the island.

4. The Fascinating Culture and History
Apart from the island’s amazing scenery and animal life, Madagascar, a former French colony is also a melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions. With more than 18 different ethnic groups, the Malagasy culture is a mix of African, Arab and Indian origin with some of the friendliest locals in all of Africa.

5. Miavana
Located on Nosy Ankao island off the north-east of Madagascar, This property has taken luxury beach retreats in the Indian Ocean to a whole new level. Very much off-the-beaten-track, the remote and completely unspoilt location is one of Miavana’s major draw cards, and for those with the time and budget, transferring here from the Madagascan mainland by helicopter must rate as one of the world’s greatest arrivals. A genuine, once-in-a-lifetime hotel.




If our blog has got you interested in booking a holiday to Madagascar then get in touch with us on 020 7843 3500 or email info@africatravel.co.uk and we can start planning your dream holiday today.