Madagascar

Types of trips: Nature, Geography, Culture, Adventure, Exploration, 

Best known for: High levels of unique biodiversity, Vanilla/Pepper production, Size & Location

Why Go?: With 90% of Madagascar's wildlife unique to the island, this is a destination perfect for nature lovers! The National Parks, beaches, barrier reefs and forests make this a country full of amazing sights to see, and will be a memorable trip for everyone regardless of age and interests. 

Fact File

Population: 22,000,000

Capital: Antananarivo

Language(s): Malagasy, French

Ties to the UK?: Good relationship, popular travel destination

Landscape: Central highlands with grasslands and some humid forests, with dry desert type land and coastal swamps to the west and tropical forests to the east. 

Climate/Seasons: A hot and rainy season running from November - April with cooler and drier weather from May - October. 

When to Go: July - October is the best time to visit, with all of the attractions open for the peak tourism season and pleasant temperatures during the day and cool nights.

Reasons to Visit: Diversity of nature and landscape, local culture

How to Get There: Flying is the best wya to get to Madagascar from the UK - you may have to take some connecting flights though!

Places to Go: Musee Andafivarata, Musee d'Art et d'Archeologie

Famous People: Hery Rajaonarimampianina, Albert Rakoto Ratsimamanga, Gisèle Rabesahala

Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Avenue of the Baobabs, Isalo National Park, Ranomafana National Park

History: Colonised by the French in 1897, later gaining independence in 1960

Architecture: Rova of Antananarivo

Culture: Influenced by past Arabian, Indian, British, French and Chinese settlers, but with the original culture of the local people still strong

Sport: Rugby, Football, Athletics, Maraingy, Petanque

Events: Santabary, Expo Madagascar, Independence Day, Assumption Day, Donia

Watch Out For: You will need a visa to travel here, but you should be able to get 30 day tourism visas on arrival at the airport. Avoid big crowds and political events!

Medical Issues: Some vaccines and boosters are advised - see here for a good general overview and always talk to a doctor.