As the fourth largest island in the world, with a surface of 227,000 sqm, the Republic of Madagascar comprises the island of Madagascar and numerous smaller peripheral islands. Following the prehistoric breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana, Madagascar split from the Indian peninsula around 165 million years ago, allowing native plants and animals to evolve in relative isolation. Consequently, Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot; over 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth.
The island’s landscapes vary from palm and forest-fringed beaches to semi-arid deserts, limestone pinnacles, volcanoes and grassy plateaus. This distinctive ecology has led some ecologists to refer to Madagascar as the “eighth continent”, famous for more than 80 percent of its 14,883 plant species found nowhere else in the world, and endemic species such as the 103 species and subspecies of lemur, the carnivorous cat-like fossa and over 180 birds. The island is home to one third of the world’s chameleon species, including the smallest known, and new species of plants and animals are still discovered there.
Madagascar provides to this day one of the most unique wildlife experiences on Earth, granting the island the nickname of “Galapagos of Africa”.
October and November
15 days / 14 nights - from £3,250 per person
October and November
17 days / 16 nights - from de £ 3.830 per person
Capital city: Antananarivo
Flight time from Europe: 14 hours 30 minutes (via Paris)
Time difference: GMT + 3 hours
Best time to go: September to November
Visas: Required for UK passport holders
Health requirements: Cholera, malaria and dengue fever occur in some areas. Visit your health professional at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if a trip to sub-Saharan Africa has taken place recently.
Language: Malagasy and French
Currency: Malagasy Ariary
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