Information to help you prepare for your holiday or vacation to Borneo.
Lying in the Indian Ocean off Mozambique, Madagascar is the world's fourth largest island, its central chain of high mountains creating marked ethnic, climatic and scenic differences between east and west coasts. Millions of years' isolation from the mainland has resulted in astonishing biodiversity and some 85% of the island's species are unique Madagascar.
The north is particularly lush with high altitude rainforests, lakes, waterfalls and beautiful white sand beaches, while western Madagascar is an area of savannah where the local economy is based on the zebu, a species of ox introduced by 8th century settlers from South-East Asia.
The south is an arid region noted for its cactus and baobab-like flora as well as the local people's highly developed funerary art. Most of the islands are well served with a range of hotel, lodge and camping accommodation, and local guides can add new insights into Madagascar's rich and diverse natural and cultural heritage.
Wildlife
The best reserves/national parks (starting from the north and going clockwise): Montagne d'Ambre, Ankarana, Masoala, Nosy Mangabe, Andasibe-Mantadia (Périnet), Ranomafana, Berenty, Kirindy, Ampijoroa. Others, for enthusiasts: Marojejy, Andohahela, Tsingy de Bemaraha.
Scenery
The central highlands between Fianarantsoa and Ambalavao, Andringitra, Isalo, and Andohahela National Parks, Avenue of the Baobabs (Morondava), Ankarana, Montagne d'Ambre.
Beaches and watersports
Madagascar's best beaches are on the west coast, but disappoint many people because of the shallow water (it is often impossible to swim at low tide). The beautiful beaches of the east coast are for sunbathing only -sharks are a danger to swimmers. The very best beaches are in remote areas such as Anjajavy, islands around Nosy Be, Ile Sainte Marie, and south of Toliara.
Diving and snorkelling have become much more organised in recent years, hence the extra coverage in this edition. The main centres are Nosy Be, Ile Sainte Marie, Toliara (Ifaty), and hotels specialising in diving down the west coast (see map). Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin) is a new centre. Lists of diving centres are given in each relevant chapter: check the index.
Surfing is a growing sport in the Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin) area and in some places in the southwest.
Sport fishing can be organised from Nosy Be.
See Madagascar for yourself, check out our
Madagascar holidays.
