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Africa’s Largest Island
January 18th, 2010

Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island, located in the Indian Ocean approximately 500 kilometers from Mozambique. This African nation carries a bit of a mystique, perhaps due to its location and incredible wildlife, many species which are indigenous to the island.

If you’ve seen images of Madagascar on television or in movies, you’ve most likely seen the dense forests with lemurs (of which there are 40 different species there) swinging among the trees, or some similar image. In fact, while this certainly is a major part of the country’s landscape, visitors will also find beaches lined with palm trees, grassy plateaus to volcanos.

Travel to Madagascar is not for everyone. This country is still developing its tourism infrastructure and has not quite caught up to some other African destinations. However, those who don’t mind being a little flexible with their plans and traveling a little “off the map” will be greatly rewarded for journeying to Madagascar and take advantage of all that it has to offer.

• Divers and snorklers should head to Nossi Be (or Nosy Be) archipelago in the northwest to experience the world-renown coral reefs. The white sandy beaches on these islands complement the underwater beauty, making this a popular vacation spot for locals and visitors. This region is also known for its production of lemongrass, vanilla and rum.

• Perinet, also known as Andasibe-Mantadia, is nature preserve home to the indri, a tail-less lemur.

• Ampfey is a volcanic region about 90 kilometers from the country’s capital city and boasts magnificent waterfalls and geysers.

• In Ambohimanga, the birthplace of the Malagasy state, visit the citadel,  whose main gate is an enormous stone disk required 40 men to roll it into position. This city, nicknamed “the blue city”, “the forbidden city” and “the holy city” and is surrounded by forrest.

• In the capital city, Antananarivo (often abbreviated Tana) visit the Royal Palace and the Queen’s Village.

• Tsarantanana is the country’s highest mountain, located in the lush north region of the island. Reaching to 2880 meteres it’s covered with ferns and high altitude rain forests.

• In Antsiranana at the northernmost tip of the island, visitors will find a more modern port and can enjoy the lakes, waterfalls and rainforest that surround it. Here one can also explore Montagne d’Arbre national park – just make sure to obtain permission from the Ministère des Eaux et des Forêts located in town.

Fast Facts:

• A visa is required to enter Madagascar (for US citizens)
• The official languages are Malagasy and French, and English is not widely spoken.
• The country is very laid back, which means timelines and itineraries are not necessarily followed.
• The main airport is in Antananarivo. Flights from the US depart from New York with a connection in Paris or Amsterdam, and flights from London have a connection in Paris.
• Cyclone season runs from January to March so travelers may want to avoid this time of year, especially if visiting the coast.