For sightseeing, there is quite literally no other place in the world like Madagascar. Formed more than 150 million years ago when a chunk split off the supercontinent Gondwana, eventually creating the globe’s fourth-largest island, Madagascar evolved in isolation, developing a unique ecosystem entirely its own. Up to 90 percent of all Madagascar’s plant and animal species exist nowhere else. This is the only place to visit the natural habitat of proto-primate lemurs; the multifingered aye-aye; the catlike fossa; spindly baobab trees; and the multiple exotics found in the unique rain forests, dry deserts, high plateau, coasts and island ecosystems of what is dubbed “the eighth continent.”
Most business is conducted in the centrally located capital city Antananarivo, referred to as Tana, where visitors can see important historical sites: old town, the fortified Merina settlement on the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, the royal palace complex, and native wildlife in Lemurs’ Park.
To truly experience the unique environment, it’s essential to get out of town. With limited time, plan for an easy excursion 30 miles east to Mantasoa Lake, once the weekend getaway for colonial residents — the Hamptons of the region. Ocean lovers can select from more than 50 nosys (islands) offering water sports, canoeing, snorkeling, bird-watching, fly-fishing, and lodging in fancy resorts or thatched bungalows. Nosy Be is the largest, busiest resort. Or choose to go east to whale-watch on Île Sainte-Marie, once the main hideout for Indian Ocean pirates; many lie interred in a cemetery overlooking the bay.
© Artushfoto | Dreamstime.com
You may choose to tour the country’s 46 national parks and reserves, each unique in biodiversity. On a high-plateau trip down the country’s spine on National Road 7, visitors pass rice fields, vineyards, tea plantations, thermal water spas, national forests and woodcarving villages. They arrive at last at the sandstone rocks of Isalo National Park, home to brown and ring-tailed lemurs and spiny, succulent Pachypodium Madagascar palms.
While rental cars are plentiful, an extensive system of domestic flights complements the road network, which can prove challenging. Major cruise lines make stops in Madagascar, often in combination with the Seychelles. Aiding travelers, the Ministry of Tourism supports 20 regional tourist offices. More than 60 travel agencies registered in the Association of Professional Tour Operators arrange group tours, eco adventures, safaris and customized private excursions to destinations seen nowhere else on Earth.
Read This Next
Are You Guilty of Fraud on Expenses?
September 2023
Sep 30, 2023
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jul 26, 2024Accor Unveils Its First Handwritten Collection Brand in the United States
San Francisco, a city renowned for its commercial hubs and cultural sites, will become the first destination in the United States for one of Accor's newest brands, Handwritten Collection. The city’s Hotel Stratford San Francisco, Handwritten Collection is a European-style boutique property located near Union Square on the famous Powell Street cable car line. The area will now have the Handwritten Collection name behind it. The property becomes Accor's third hotel in San Francisco, joining the Fairmont properties atop Nob Hill and at Ghirardelli Square.
Sponsored Content
Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win
Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!
Global City Guidebook 2024
Jul 26, 2024Bask in Nature’s Tranquility at The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo
When the two of us entered The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo, past the backlit boutique items and local artisan-painted wood carvings, the place wrapped us in a feeling of tranquility. Its stone walls, earth tones, woven wall hangings and furniture made of natural materials reminded us we are part of nature’s spectrum, the abundant windows showing native plants and trees outside.
Daily
Jul 26, 20244 Boutique Hotels with Exclusive Wedding Buyout Offerings
Couples looking for an over-the-top wedding, consider one of these properties around the world, offering total property buyouts to say your “I do’s.”
Sponsored Content
Reconnecting the World: GBTA Convention 2023 Spotlights the Vital Role of Business Travel and In-Person Connection
In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention remains an indispensable platform for business travel industry professionals seeking to make the most of the power of face-to-face connections. Taking place August 13–15 in Dallas, the 2023 GBTA Convention provides the unique opportunity for professionals and companies to join visionaries, thought leaders and industry experts for meaningful networking, cutting-edge insights and inspiring innovation.
Airlines
Jul 26, 2024BermudAir Maximizes Choices for Travelers with New Options
BermudAir announced an expanded fare structure, allowing customers to choose from five fare types across economy and business class, up from the previous three options. Travelers can now select fares based on their preferences for lounge access, checked baggage, change fees, refunds and priority boarding.
Discover Hvar, Croatia’s, Best-Kept Secrets
Daily
Jul 25, 2024Daily
Jul 24, 2024SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites Introduces Custom Wine Itineraries
SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites offers guests personalized journeys to Mendoza’s finest wineries from Susana Balbo’s family. Immerse yourself in bespoke wine itineraries recommended by Balbo, Argentina’s first female winemaker; her son and third-generation winemaker, José Lovaglio Balbo; and her daughter, hotelier and wine tourism marketer, Ana Lovaglio Balbo.
Sponsored Content
L’Ermitage: Your Beverly Hills Self-Care Haven
Nestled amidst the palm-lined boulevards of Beverly Hills, L'Ermitage exudes refined elegance and unparalleled service. This haven, a Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond and, most recently, Two Key MICHELIN Guide recipient, continues to captivate discerning travelers and Angelenos with its unwavering dedication to personalized hospitality and self-care.
eFlyer Reviews
Jul 24, 2024Althoff Grand Hotel Schloss Bensberg Review
After a long drive from our previous destination, it was a relief to see Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg in our view. When we pulled into the hotel court, I felt like we were pulling up to a royal palace. Considering the hotel was originally built as a castle for Prince Elector Johann Wilhelm II of Duesseldorf and his wife, Maria-Luisa of the Medici family, my thought wasn’t that far off.
ShareThis