TRAVEL TO MADAGASCAR
I have recently returned from Madagascar. I went there with fairly low expectations but it was magical.
The island of Madagascar is two and a half times the size of the UK. It has an enticing fusion of natural beauty, cultural heritage and unique biodiversity. Approximately 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth.
I was lucky enough to be flown around Madagascar to ensure that I saw as much as possible during ten days. The scenery was breathtaking, and I was delighted to see so much of this diverse and beautiful island.
For me the highlight was seeing Lemurs (there are over 100 different species) This is the only place in the world where you will see them in their natural habitat. I saw the Mouse Lemur (weighing just 33grams) and listened to the enchanting but eerie call of the Indri Lemur with its’ siren-like call that can be heard miles away. I love Chameleons and wasn’t disappointed as Madagascar has more than half of the world’s chameleon species.
I was lucky enough to visit the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs with some reaching up to 30 meters in height. I felt like I had landed on another planet as the enormity of these giant Baobabs was surreal.
The landscapes are beautiful and varied from lush rainforests to rice paddies, unique limestone formations to idyllic beaches. The clear water is perfect for snorkelling and diving and the marine life is abundant. National parks like Andasibe and Isalo offer unique hiking and trekking.
The island is home to many indigenous plant species including over 1,000 species of orchids, many of which are endemic, plus medicinal plants used in traditional Malagasy medicine. Madagascar produces some of the finest vanilla in the world, specifically Bourbon vanilla prized for its rich, flavour and floral aroma.
The cuisine is a blend of African, Asian, and European influences. The local beef, known as Zebu, is particularly delicious. There is abundant fresh seafood and plenty of rice – the Malagasy people tend to eat rice three times a day. At Anjajavy I thought that the food was Michelin star standard – delicious and exquisitely presented.
Madagascar is a photographer’s paradise and I was excited to be able to take so many vibrant photographs of the wildlife, scenery and people.
For me, it was the people that made Madagascar so special. They are such friendly, yet humble people. The Malagasy people are renowned for their hospitality and friendliness. Their rich cultural heritage is influenced by various ethnic groups. I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the traditional lifestyle and customs of the Malagasy people and their singing was so beautiful that it brought me to tears. As for our guides, they were simply superb, so friendly and incredibly knowledgeable about their country.
There is wonderful and inexpensive shopping in Madagascar in the towns and the local markets. Examples include beautiful hand-embroidered tablecloths, great baskets, carvings, the softest cashmere, craftwork, vanilla and cashew nuts.
By visiting Madagascar, you can support conservation and eco-tourism aimed at protecting its unique ecosystems and wildlife. Many lodges focus on sustainability and responsible tourism.
I started my trip in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, situated upon a majestic mountain range at around 1400 meters above sea level. The city possesses a rich historical heritage with scenic landscapes and a large network of sublime hiking routes. History and architecture enthusiasts have plenty to see – from the remnants of the French colonial era in the old heart of the city to ancient Malagasy palaces and forts.
I then visited Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, which stretches across 154 square kilometers of eastern Madagascar. The region is dense with tropical rainforests teeming with a diverse array of endemic wildlife. Here I had my first lemur sightings!
Next, it was off to the seaside town of Morondova on the west coast, which serves as a gateway to the area’s claim to fame and main attraction: the world-renowned ‘Avenue of the Baobabs’. These massive, ancient Baobab trees tower over the terrain and create magical otherworldly silhouettes at sunrise and sunset.
After Morondova I flew to Anjajavy on the northwest coast which is home to a biodiverse reserve, luxurious beachfront lodges, a small fishing village, and spectacularly scenic landscapes. Anjajavy features pristine beaches and clear turquoise waters, abundant and diverse wildlife, and tropical landscapes covered with rosewood and baobab trees. This remote paradise offers many activities including lounging on secluded beaches, indulging in the spa, catching a glimpse of the Madagascan lemur, or enjoying fresh seafood. Anjajavy is a Relais & Chateaux lodge and the food is beautifully presented and utterly delicious.
The next idyllic location involved a flight to the northwest, to Nosy Be, then a boat trip to Nosy Komba which is a spectacularly scenic volcanic island between Nosy Be Island and the mainland. This popular tourist destination has remarkably beautiful landscapes featuring a rugged coastline covered in forested hills meeting crystal waters interrupted only by magnificent white-sand beaches hidden in picturesque coves. Activities here included visiting the friendly black lemurs at the Black Lemur Sanctuary and discovering fishing villages scattered along the shoreline, plus bird watching, whale spotting, diving, and snorkelling. I stayed at Time + Tide Tsara Komba Luxury Beach & Forest Lodge. It has just eight lodges with incredible views of the ocean.
For my final destination it was another boat trip, this time to the island of Nosy Tsarabanjina, one of the islets of the exquisite Mitsio Archipelago. This incredibly remote, private island has white-sand palm-fringed beaches and clear blue waters. Constance Tsarabanjina has 25 palm-thatched beach villas beautifully decorated in Malagasy style. Activities here include guided nature walks, bird-watching excursions, excellent diving and snorkelling, paddle boarding, sport fishing, hiking, plus a traditional boating trip. I have to say that the diving was simply incredible! This island retreat is perfect for those wanting to escape and immerse themselves in a tranquil island paradise.
Madagascar is an extraordinary destination for those curious to explore a place of unparalleled natural beauty, unique wildlife, and rich culture. Whether you are an adventure seeker, nature lover, or cultural enthusiast Madagascar has something special to offer.
I enjoyed Madagascar so much that I am returning in November to the newly renovated Miavana and who knows where else…
