Madagascar has always been a mysterious island. Its ever-changing features draw tourists and nature lovers who yearn for the unusual and unique. The world's 4th largest island, Madagascar measures 1571km in length and 571km at its widest point (587 042km²). A mountainous central 'spine' separates the permanently damp east from the drier west and sub-desert south.

The island has dramatically contrasting climatic zones and each region has its own complement of plants and decidedly odd animals. There are 19 000 listed plant species, including 1 000 varieties of orchids. There are over 100 000 invertebrates, at least 3 000 of which are butterflies. Descendants of antediluvian monsters, the Malagasy chameleons represent two thirds of the species in the world.

Madagascar has been separated from the African mainland for 160 million years, and from India for 90 million years. For this reason its wildlife, which may have originated in Africa, 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. There are about 71 species of lemur, with new species being described 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 means of outrigger canoes from Melanesia, Polynesia, Indonesia and Africa. Although the 17 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 spawn near Ile Sainte Marie.

One of the world's poorest nations, Madagascar is not for everyone. Prospective visitors must be aware of the island's 'lowlights' before going there.

• Anjajavy: An excellent option if looking for a combination of natural history and upmarket secluded beach. Situated 120 km north of Mahajanga is the luxury Anjajavy hotel. Regarded as a four star hotel (Relais & Chateaux Hotel), it is built on a peninsula in a large bay, behind which lies a large natural reserve of 450 acres - perfect for nature lovers! Itinerary 3, Itinerary 4B
• Ankarana Reserve: The "Lost World within the Lost World". Bizarre landscape 65-km south of Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) featuring a fortress-like limestone plateau decorated with fields of sharp pinnacles. Underneath are awesome caves, passages and subterranean rivers. Wildlife abounds in forested canyons. Ideally visited in combination with Montagne d'Ambre Reserve and Nosy Be. Itinerary 8
• Berenty Reserve & Andohahela National Park: Magnificent diversity in the Fort Dauphin region, southeastern Madagascar. For sub-desert Lemurs you can't beat Berenty. In this small-protected habitat live large populations of Ring-tailed lemur, Red-fronted Brown Lemur and Verreaux's Sifaka, as well as White-footed Sportive Lemur, Reddish-grey and Grey Mouse lemurs. Itinerary 1
• Ifaty Beach, Anakao, Saint Augustin Bay & Tulear: Southwest desert corner. There's plenty to see in this remote, low-key area: coral reefs, spiny bush and rare birds are the main attractions. Seaside hotels at Ifaty Beach and St Augustin Bay offer scuba diving and snorkelling, as well as trips to Nosy Ve marine reserve islet, off remote Anakao. Itinerary 9, Itinerary 12, Itinerary 12B
• Mahajanga, Ampijoroa Forest Station: One of Madagascar's top wildlife hotspots. Easy trails into tropical dry deciduous forest over gentle terrain. Accessible all year around. Abundant lemurs (especially Coquerel's Sifaka, Mongoose Lemur, Brown Lemur and at night, Western Woolly Lemur, Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur and two species of Mouse Lemur). As it is the best place in western Madagascar for birding, Ampijoroa is included in all birding itineraries. Itinerary 2, Itinerary 13, Itinerary 16
• Masoala Peninsula and Nosy Mangabe: Maroantsetra is the gateway to the eco-tourist destination Masoala. Nosy Mangabe is a rainforest-clad lemur reserve island, where large populations of Black & White Ruffed Lemur, White-fronted Lemur and the bizarre Aye Aye find sanctuary. The campsite on Nosy Mangabe has been upgraded and staying there for at least a night is recommended. Itinerary 16
• Morondava, the Baobab Avenue & Kirindy Forest: Vibrant west coast town, centre of the Menabe Sakalava sub-tribe. There are wide beaches where swimming is safe. 60-km to the north by sand road is the Kirindy Forest, Madagascar's best place for nocturnal wildlife. Rare mammals, birds and three species of Baobab trees flourish there. Itinerary 13
• Nosy Be Archipelago, Tsarabanjina and Iranja: The Nosy Be Archipelago is situated off the north-west coast of Madagascar (30 x 40 km) and has about 40 000 inhabitants. It is commonly known as the “big Island” as there are numerous smaller surrounding islands.  It’s tropical climate and classical ‘Indian Ocean holiday island’ appeal makes it a leading sea, sun & sand destination. The average temperature is 25-30º Celsius.
  
  To make the most of your time on Nosy Be, be sure to visit some of the surrounding islands. Deservedly the most popular of these, is Nosy Tanikely, a marine reserve offering world-class snorkelling and diving. The best beaches are Andilana Beach and Amporaha on Nosy Be itself and the smaller island of Nosy Iranja and Tsarabanjina on Nosy Mitsio.
  
  Other places worth visiting include Lokobe, a fisherman’s’ village located south east of Nosy Be. Travel there by local pirogue and walk one hour into a tropical forest. Discover fascinating fauna and flora including Lemurs, Chameleons and Boa Constrictors. Nosy Sakatia (Orchid Island), a small lush island, a short boat trip from the mainland offering excellent snorkelling, diving and moderate hiking. Nosy Komba, the Lemur sanctuary allows you to get up close and personal to these endearing animals.
  
  Back on Nosy Be, there is a wide choice of excursions to suit all tastes, visit the Ylang Ylang distilleries; sample the local rum at Djamandjary, the local rum manufacturer; visit the highest point on the island Mont Passot crater lakes. A worthwhile stop would be to the Artisans market on the outskirts of Hellville where Malagasy handicrafts can be purchased (be sure to barter!)  Not to be missed is the Sunday buffet lunch on the beach at Chez Lou Lou on Andilana Beach. For the more energetic, Nosy Be offers a multitude of dive schools, motorbike/car hire, bicycle hire. If you have time on your hands and want to experience mainland Madagascar, take a 30-minute boat trip to Ankify or Russian Bay (opposite Nosy Be) and explore this interesting coastline. Russian Bay’s marine life is mesmerizing and offers world-class snorkelling, diving and fishing. Nosy Be boasts fine hotels ranging from upmarket resort type hotels to small intimate guesthouses, there is certainly accommodation to suit all budgets.  Itinerary 4, Nosy Be packages, Itinerary 8, Itinerary 14
• Perinet Reserve (Andasibe/Analamazaotra): Eastern mountain rainforest area known for its population of the ape-like Indri lemur and many other interesting animals. Perinet itself is small - 810 ha, with well mapped trails. Expect to see Indri, Eastern Lesser Bamboo Lemur, Brown Lemur, and at night the Eastern Woolly Lemur, White-toothed Sportive Lemur, Hairy-eared Dwarf Lemur and Goodman's Mouse Lemur. Visit the neighbouring Mantadia National Park for spectacular primary rainforest and rare birds and mammals. This 10 000 ha rainforest is spectacular as much of it is still pristine. Itinerary 1, Itinerary 2, Itinerary 4A, Itinerary 4B, Itinerary 5, Itinerary 12, Itinerary 12B, Itinerary 13, Itinerary 14
• Ranomafana National Park: Exquisite mountain rainforest housing 12 species of lemur, in particular all three of the Bamboo lemurs (including Golden and Eastern Lesser Bamboo lemurs). Commonly seen are Red-bellied Lemur, Red-fronted Brown Lemur, Black & White Ruffed Lemur and Milne-edward's Sifaka. Accessible by road from Antananarivo or fly to Fianarantsoa. Itinerary 9
• Ile Sainte Marie and Ile Aux Nattes: 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. This island is beautiful, offering the ultimate escape from civilisation. The hotels along its coast range from basic to classy establishments with all necessary modern facilities. The lush surroundings bring to mind images of an enormous tropical garden. It’s ideal for honeymoon couples or anybody with a romantic flair. Ile Sainte Marie boasts numerous white sandy beaches and secluded coves, fringed with coconut palms. The coral reefs offshore offer excellent snorkelling and scuba diving. In August and September, hump-backed and other types of whales migrate here and are a huge attraction. The roads beckon mountain bikers and most hotels hire bicycles and snorkelling gear.
  

  Ile Aux Nattes is a small island south of Ile Sainte Marie. Off its idyllic beaches are some of the best reefs in the Malagasy region. This is a wonderful option for budget travellers. Boat transport to and from the nearby Ile Sainte Marie is easy to arrange. No cars on the island!

  As of June, the humpback whales, with a length ranging from 15 to 18 meters (Megaptera) come from the waters of the South Pole and join the Sainte-Marie Island by hundreds. They are easily approachable thanks to their sociable and merry character which is proven by spectacular jumps. They come to give birth and mate in the Sainte-Marie channel a few cables off the coast. The place is ideal, protected by the East coast of Madagascar and by the Sainte-Marie Island. They will remain for four months close to the Sainte-Marie Island – the time that the whale-calves take to grow-up - before returning to the waters of the South Pole to stuff themselves with krill. Itinerary 5, Ile St Marie packages

• Getting there: Air Madagascar & Airlink fly six times a week between Antananarivo and Johannesburg. Flight duration is three hours.
• Getting around: Air Madagascar serves 60 domestic airports. There are also some very interestingoverland routes. We will arrange all excursions and transfers.
• Be wary of pickpockets in Antananarivo. Wear a money belt and leave valuables with hotel reception or in your room safe. Do not leave your possessions unattended anywhere, even on tables in restaurants or in hotel dining rooms!
• Currency: As soon as you have cleared through immigration and customs, change some money into Ariary at the banks at the airport. The monetary unit is the Ariary (BUT you may still encounter the Malagasy Franc - Note that for example 5000 Ariary is worth 25000 Malagasy Francs). Ariary can be converted back into hard currency prior to leaving Madagascar. You will not be able to convert it outside of Madagascar.
• Do not take South African Rand to Madagascar- you will not be able to use it or convert it. Note that credit cards are not widely accepted and then only VISA. You should take Euros. There are ATM machines at Tana airport, at the Carlton Hotel in Tana, near the Colbert in Tana and in Fort Dauphin where you may be able to use your visa card to draw cash. However, the machines may not always be operational.
• Breakfasts in almost all hotels are 'continental'. Should you want something else, please ask the hotel's restaurant staff in good time.
• Health: No immunisations are necessary. Malaria prophylactics are essential. Drink only bottled water or take water purification tablets. Travel insurance is essential. Be meticulous with personal hygiene. IMPORTANT- If you are travelling from a yellow-fever endemic area to Madagascar health authorities at the airport may ask you for proof of your current Yellow Fever vaccination.
• SOUTH AFRICANS: Legislation requires that South African citizens who hold more than one passport must depart and re-enter South Africa on their South African passport.
• IMPORTANT - If you are travelling from a yellow-fever endemic area to South Africa, immigration officials may ask you for proof of your current Yellow Fever vaccination. It is important to keep this vaccination up to date and to keep it with you when travelling abroad. Be aware that the vaccination only becomes valid 10 days after inoculation and is valid for 10 years.
• Visas: All visitors need visas. Visas can easily be obtained on arrival (vary dependant on the current exchange rate between the Ariary and other currencies - approx Euro60). Please make sure your passport has a blank page and is valid for at least 6 months.
• Time zone: GMT + 3 hours.
• What to pack: Comfortable, casual and light clothing. Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are essential if you are visiting nature reserves. Pack warm clothing for winter nights (only in the highlands). Take insect repellent, sunscreen and protective wear for the tropical sun and rain.
• Always reconfirm your flights and be at airports two hours before flights are scheduled to depart.
• Customs allowance: 500 cigarettes and 1 litre of alcohol.
• Luggage allowance: 20 kg & 1 item of hand luggage. Please note the airlines will no longer accept any item of baggage exceeding 32 kg in weight or size exceeding 900 mm x 720 mm x 450 mm. This is enforced to comply with Health & Safety regulations.
• Language: Malagasy is the first language; French the business language and English is spoken in the tourism industry. It is advisable to take a French-English phrase book with you if you are unable to speak French.
• Power supply: 220v; European two-prong round plugs.