Endemics, endemics, endemics! Madagascar, Africa’s largest island, is home to some of the richest biodiversity on the planet. About 90% of the wildlife found on the island is endemic, meaning that it can be found nowhere else on earth. Of the 150,000 endemics, there are over 100 species of lemurs (a member of the primate family). Excursions into the various national parks allow visitors to see a variety of mammal, bird and reptiles species with relative ease (Madagascar is home to almost half of the world’s 202 chameleon species).

 

Given the vast size of the country (roughly the size of France), a trip to the island generally requires close to two weeks. This allows visitors to see and travel between at least three very different habitats, each with their own unique wildlife as well as to learn about the Malagasy culture in Antananarivo.

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Accommodation ranges from very basic to hyper-5 star luxury. The north-east of the island has an already impressive array of mid to very high-end lodging, where one can combine lemur trekking with a unique beach experience and incredibly rewarding scuba diving and snorkeling.

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Key Points: 

-Main attractions: lemur trekking, chameleon viewing, scuba diving, snorkeling, night treks, fossa viewing, hyper-luxury and dining experience at Miavana Lodge to the north-east, cultural immersion with the Malagasy people.

-Best visited: Year round for trekking; the eastern part of the island receives ample rainfall from November through April

-Suggested stay length: 7-10 days to see two parts of the island, 14 days to see ‘most’ of the country

-Suggested traveller: biodiversity buffs, adventure seekers, Africa junkies