Salama, welcome to Madagascar

This other-worldly Indian ocean island is bigger than France. 80% of the species are found here and nowhere else. Thousands of years of fascinating human history have shaped this land, a melting pot of Asian, African and European cultures. Creatures like the fossa and aye-aye occur here - in fact, Madagascar is home to well over 100 lemur species, dozens of chameleons, frogs, baobabs and unique birdlife that makes this country a must-visit location for any wildlife lover or intrepid explorer.

You can indulge yourself in the more touristy northwest of the island or venture out to the remote parts. Travel is not easy in Madagascar but it is rewarding and exciting. Some destinations are accessible by flight but others require driving which is not for the faint-hearted. This is an ecologist’s dream, a honeymooner’s delight or an adventurer’s adrenaline rush.

I have visited the island quite extensively and you would need a minimum of 7-10 days to get a great overview of what Madagascar is about. I have previously been tasked to write an in-depth travel document about the island and reckon that you would need 6 weeks to cover this island (including most habitats). I’d recommend doing 2 or 3 trips to Madagascar for anybody who is serious about acquainting themselves with the biodiversity here.

You can add Madagascar to your mainland Africa safari but I strongly recommend it as a trip on its own.

When to go:

May - November is recommended as Jan-March is cyclone season and make travel impossible. From June to September its relatively dry, especially on the west and from October - December it gets very hot up until the rains arrive.