Madagascar has always been a mysterious island. Its ever-changing features draw tourists and nature lovers who yearn for the unusual. It is the world’s 4th largest island (587 042km²) — 1 571km long and 571km at its widest point. A mountainous central ‘spine’ separates the permanently damp east from the drier west and sub-desert south.
With dramatically contrasting climatic zones each region has its own complement of plants and decidedly odd animals. Ninety per cent of Madagascar's forest birds are endemic, as are about half of the island's 260 recorded birds. Five families of bird are only found here enticing birdwatchers from far and wide. There are 19 000 listed plant species, including 1 000 varieties of orchids, and over 100 000 invertebrates, at least 3 000 of which are butterflies. Malagasy chameleons, descendants of antediluvian monsters, represent two thirds of the species world-wide.
Separated from the African mainland for 160 million years and from India for 90 million years, its wildlife has evolved independently. Of all its animals, lemurs have been studied the most intensively and have received much attention from the conservation community and tourists. Currently there are about 71 species (new ones are being identified frequently).
The island has its share of white sandy beaches and world class reefs. Once lost to the outside world, they were only visited by fishermen on their pole pirogues. Now they are major draw-cards for families, honeymooners and divers alike.
Man arrived approximately 2000 years ago by from Melanesia, Polynesia, Indonesia and Africa. Although the 19 million contemporary Malagasy are separated into 16 major tribes they are united by language and culture. The best known Malagasy ceremony is the ‘bone-turning’ or ‘famadihana’ ceremony, held from June to August. From June to September, humpback whales return from the Antarctic to give birth near Ile Sainte Marie.
Madagascar is a Third World country and is definitely not a destination for everyone. There are no 5 star hotels and in places the accommodation and facilities are quite basic. Mid-January to mid-March is the cyclone season, but adverse weather could occur outside of this period.

Sent: 07 September 2010
Subject: FW: Masoala Forest Lodge
Hello
Was just telling my boss about you and your superb travelling advise :) we actually just passed by the agency after working lunch but I saw you were busy on the phone so did not want to disturb....Sorry, I have indeed been very busy, but wanted to tell you that Madagascar was really absolutedly great, only wish it would have been/felt longer!!!!
Regards,
Gracia
From: Sharon
Sent: Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Hi Janet
Thank you so much! We absolutely loved Madagascar! Little Zarina says that it’s the best holiday she’s ever had. She preferred it to Italy, Croatia, Madeira, Mozambique, Zanzibar and Kenya. Corinne and I loved it too – just so relaxing and peaceful. The Royal Beach Hotel was really lovely (apart from the fact that they forgot to collect us from the Nosy Be Airport on Saturday night – the airport closed, the lights went out, everyone left and there Corinne, Zarina and I were left sitting outside entirely on our own. We phoned the Hotel three times and eventually the bus arrived.) However, the hotel was really great. The food was excellent and the service outstanding. I am so glad we booked the Suite, as it was very spacious and comfortable.
The excursions were well worth it, even though it is now 60 Euro’s per person and not 45. We went to Nosy Komba and Zarina was in her element being able to touch and feed the Lemurs. The beaches on the different Islands are gorgeous – turquoise clear blue water.
I would really recommend it and would also recommend Unusual Destinations – your service was great.
Best regards
Sharon
Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010
Subject: Thanks for Stay - Sakatia Lodge
Dear Jose and Isabelle
Thank you for a lovely holiday. We had a very enjoyable two weeks with you and really hope to be back to carry on the scuba diving sometime next year! A very special thank you to you Isabelle for looking after Jill’s special dietary problems so well. And thanks also for the fantastic food which made me put on a few kilograms!! The crayfish/lobster feast we had on our last night on Friday was amazing!
We had an easy trip home with only a 2 hour delay arriving in Johannesburg but that was not a problem at all. You have a great staff there and we enjoyed being with them and with you. We hope to see you both again one day.
Kind regards
Dick
From: Peter
Sent: 05 July 2010
Janet, Janet Dear Janet……..!!! Wow had a truly stunning time as the ten day 3 island hop rolled out. Just blown away by the Island magic…..it was “Exchange in Abundance” all round and we had a super fabulous time!!!
Thank you VERY MUCH for arranging such beautiful rooms for us at each venue. It truly could not have been a better break – from your quick and exceptional service to the venues awaiting us there.
We both had a fantastic break and are recharged and ready for post World cup and getting down to more business.
Thanks once again and Big hugs from us. Cant wait to utilize your fantastic recommendations and service soon.
Peter
From: Scott
Sent: 21 July 2010
Hi Elise
We had a great time. The islands were beautiful, the weather warm, the food was good and the hotel L'Heure Bleue was comfortable and very friendly.
Thanks again
Scott
From: Lynne
Sent: 27 May 2010 08:01
To: Helen Mann
Subject: Trip to Tana, Morondava, Sakatia Lodge and Iranja
Honeymoon was awesome, thank you! Still sorting pics so we can post them, need to reduce 1500 down to something acceptable.
Regards, Lynne
From: Jann
Sent: 26 May 2010 19:01
Hi Helen
We just got back last night - and it was absolutely absolutely amazing at Sakatia Lodge. Once we have all the images ready will I contact you to discuss details/recommendations.
Keep in touch. Regards, Jann
From: Donna
Sent: 19 May 2010 11:31
To: Rita Bachmann
Subject: RE: Madagascar memories
Rita,
Great to hear from you. It is 310am in Denver and I am up and running. No problems on my return flights. The trip to Madagascar, Rita, was so fantastic. Thank you so much for arranging such a wonderful experience. You are the BEST! Please keep me posted on any other trips you put together, since I am always eager to return to Africa and its neighbors.
Can’t wait for the cd and the blog, so please keep me posted. Also, please let me know when you will be in Denver; I hope we can get together.
Big hugs,
Donna
From: Karen
Sent: 19 May 2010 21:30
Subject: Madagascar
Hi Rita,
Well done! And a huge thank you for a terrific introduction to marvelous Madagascar! The perfect number of days, the perfect size group, the perfect Anjajavy ending, the perfect hostess. You are such a WOW and I feel privileged to have shared your passion for Madagascar.
Big hugs, huge thanx, Karen
From: Sheena
Sent: 18 May 2010 09:01
Subject: Thank You
Good Morning Rita
Back to work with a bump and a chill this morning! I just wanted to thank you again so much for arranging this trip and letting me join you, I had such a fantastic time and can sell the properties with confidence!
Will catch up with you in a couple of days to swop photos – just downloading mine now but work as to take precedence unfortunately so may only get to look at them tonight.
Warm Regards
Sheens
From: Angelique
Sent: 19 May 2010 11:31
To: Rita Bachmann
Subject: RE: Madagascar memories
Hi
I was quite relieved I took the day off yesterday. My flight to Durban was delayed by an hour so I only got back into my bed around 1am.
I have returned back to so many emails from our branches asking me questions so Michelle will put a date together for me to do some training.
Thank-you once again for the amazing opportunity. I really enjoyed myself, learnt so much and it was a real bonus that we had such a fantastic group.
Kind regards, Angelique
From: Ingrid
Sent: 12 April 2010 15:16
Hi Helen
I left a message for you to call me earlier. Firstly, irrespective of all the complications with the flights etc. I just want to let you know how fantastic our stay at Nosy Be Hotel was. It really was a spectacular experience that we will recommend to all our friends.
Thanks again for helping arrange a beautiful honeymoon.
Take care, Ingrid
Hi there
Just back from Madagascar yesterday.
Aside from the delay at the airport five hours and arriving in the forest at midnight all went well.
Baboo village is delightful, the food is excellent.
The scenery gentle and replenishing.
The facilities have all that one can require.
The forest was lovely. The accommodation was good enough not great and the food was poor but acceptable. Our guides were superb and took good care of us and taught us much. We saw the limas, walked, sweated, and even did a night walk and saw the mouse lima.
The trip too and fro is quite exhausting and the airports very African!
On the way back we left at five in the morning and got home at seven at night. The people inspite of their poverty are polite, and kind.
From: Alta
Sent: 30 November 2009 10:01
Hi Helen
Just to report back: I had a fantastic time in Madagascar. All the arrangements from yourselves and Za Tours happened exactly as planned. I enjoyed the quality of the accommodation, transfers and the great spirit and knowledge of the guides and people. They did everything possible to deliver on expectations. Jessica from Za Tours was a real ambassador and can be highly recommended.
Alta
From: Melissa
Sent: 15 October 2009 1
Subject: Jon & Melissa are back from Madagascar- THANK YOU
Dear Helen
THANK YOU for the most amazing holiday experience ever. We are totally sold in Madagascar and were completely blown away by your arrangements. We could not have had better guides, and were treated like royalty all the way. We felt utterly spoilt getting Rija from Za Tours for the last four days. It was a total surprise we were not expecting.
This holiday will live on as a lifetime highlight. And we will definitely be in touch for our return- hopefully soon! I sent this info to all other &Beyond Travel planners as well as the Veruschka- so hopefully you will get more calls from us!
I have written up a report on my Blog www.andbeyond.com/melissa_adey under My Adventures. its long- but hopefully a fun read.
Warm wishes
Melissa &Jon
15 August 2009
Dear Elise
Just to let you have some feedback concerning Diane and Simon’s holiday to Anjajavy. This report came from Cedric the manager there.
Diane & Simon Reeves had a good time in Anjajavy. Their marks we receive with the comment sheet they just fill few hours ago are :
96% of the points are marked “Very satisfied”
4% of the points are marked “Satisfy”
They took hundreds of pictures of fauna and gave me wonderful pictures of a Paradise Flycatcher in the Oasis garden.
Thank you very much
Hello Elise
Hope this mail finds you well. On behalf of Andrea and myself, we would like to thank you very much for all the work you put into organizing our honeymoon between Madagascar and Mozambique, as well as the complimentary stop over in Maputo. It has been much appreciated.
In the end Londo lodge was well and truly worth it and we had a brilliant and relaxing time and would definitely recommend Londo and unusual destinations in the future.
Many Thanks
Ewen and Andrea
From: Jeffrey
Sent: 10 August 2009 10:46
Hi Helen
How are you doing? I hope all is well! I have been meaning to let you know that the Daisley’s had the BEST time in Madagascar (if I haven’t told you already – please remind me to do so, in a bit of a rush right now but will comment later). Mrs Daisley was glowing with her feedback so truly well done to all!
Cheers
Jeffrey
Sent: 23 July 2009 08:56
Dear Elise,
The Kim family had a fantastic time with us at Anjajavy. They appreciated to stay long enough in order to discover the place, get a taste of Madagascar and relax and have family quality time.
They have enjoyed their fishing trips and their guided walks in the reserve to observe wildlife. Please find attached their comments of their stay at Anjajavy. We had a fantastic time with them, as they were all very nice.
Nathalie
Sent: 23 July 2009 08:56
Dear Elise,
The Kim family had a fantastic time with us at Anjajavy. They appreciated to stay long enough in order to discover the place, get a taste of Madagascar and relax and have family quality time.
They have enjoyed their fishing trips and their guided walks in the reserve to observe wildlife.
Please find attached their comments of their stay at Anjajavy.We had a fantastic time with them, as they were all very nice.
Please to not hesitate to contact me for further details.
Kind regards,
Nathalie
North-East and East
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More than 6 weeks prior to departure:
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Ile Sainte Marie (Nosy Boraha), a 57 km-long island off Madagascar’s east coast, is an authentic tropical island with lush vegetation interspersed with many small villages.
Nosy Be means "big island" in Malagasy. Its tropical climate makes it a leading sea, sun & sand destination.
Situated 120 km north of Mahajanga is Anjajavy Hotel, a luxury beach and nature property. Built on a peninsula overlooking a large bay and surrounded by a 450 hectare reserve of dry deciduous woodland this is ideal for beach and nature lovers.
Link to our island and beach packages.
The East of Madagascar has an exceptional concentration of unique fauna and flora and is a must for serious nature lovers. Visit the Masoala Peninsula which is one of the world’s only remaining untouched destinations and home to Madagascar’s largest national park – Parc National Masoala.
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is Madagascar's most visited tropical rainforest, as it is easily accessible. It holds a large variety of rare rainforest animals, notably the baboon-sized Indri, largest of all the Lemurs.
Relax on Ile Sainte Marie with its isolated beaches.
Link to North-Est and East packages
Home of the Sakalava people, a large ethnic group with interesting African beliefs and customs such as possession of spirits, the tromba and cult of royal relics, the north-West is a vast region with only remnants of the dry, deciduous forest which once covered the entire domain. Anjajavy is an luxury option if you re looking for secluded beaches and unique wildlife. In the north you will find the bizarre landscape of the Ankarana Reserve with 127km of underground caves. Ankarana is best combined with Montagne d'Ambre National Park (Amber Mountain). This montane rainforest area is great for hiking. End your stay at one of the beaches in the Nosy Be archipelago.
Link to North-West and North packages.
The scenic countryside of terraced rice fields around Antananarivo (Tana) and all the way to Finarantsoa attest to the Asian ancestry of the Merina and Betsileo people, Madagascar's political and intellectual elite. The overland route from Tana to Tulear, is Madagascar's most scenic and culturally interesting drive. By travelling the RN7 you'll experience some breathtaking scenery, pass through some typical Malagasy towns and villages, visit the tropical rain forests of Ranomafana National Park and the high plateau granitic outcrops and sandstone canyons of the Isalo National Park and finally visit the bizarre Spiny Desert near Ifaty.
Link to Central Highland and Antananarivo Business packages.
The South is noted for its vegetation of unique interest where tropical moist forest meets southern dry forest, and is the gateway to the renowned Mandrare River Camp. Mandrare River Camp is a true luxury camping experience with strong attention to local culture and eco-tourism.
Andohahela National Park shelters 13 species of lemur and spectacular spiny forest. Berenty is a small reserve with a large population of lemurs.
Set on a sheltered, forest fringed bay, Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge is offering barefoot luxury in a truly tranquil setting: azure blue seas, lush verdant forests, and distant mountains.
This area is home to the Antandroy "people of the thorns" on the coast, to the nomadic Vezo fishermen, and to the Mahafaly renowned for their funerary art. Visit Fort Dauphin the getway to the parks.
Link to South-East packages.
The western region of Madagascar offers spectacular vistas with majestic baobabs and "forest" of karst pinnacles of the World. visit Morondava with its Baboab Avenue. Kirindy Forest is the best place to find rare mamals (like the Fosa), birds and three species of Baobabs.
Venture into the Heritage Site of the Tsingy de Bemaraha, the best way to access this rare site is by private charter.
The extreme south-western area around Tulear has hardly has any rain at all. Birding is particularly rewarding at Zombitse National Park and Ifaty and Anakao regions.
Link to West and South-West packages.