Travel Alert: The political situation remains volatile in Madagascar following violent demonstrations in the capital Antananarivo and travellers should exercise extreme caution. Refer to the BBC for news updates or the Thorn Tree travel forum for advice from travellers.
Forget Hollywood fripperies, Madagascar is like no place else on earth. In fact, all things considered, it barely qualifies as part of Africa: the two are separated by hundreds of kilometres of sea and 165 million years of evolution – long enough for Madagascar’s plants and animals to evolve into some of the weirdest forms on the planet. Nowhere else can you see over 70 varieties of lemur, including one that sounds like a police siren, the world’s biggest and smallest chameleons, and the last stomping ground of the elephant bird, the largest bird that ever lived. Near Ifaty in Southern Madagascar you will see forests of twisted, spiny ‘octopus’ trees and in the west, marvel at the bottle-shaped baobabs, especially the Avenue du Boabab near Morondava. And be on the look out for the carnivorous pitcher plant found around Ranomafana, there are over 60 varieties of them. Not for nothing is Madagascar regarded as the world’s number one conservation priority.
Time GMT/UTC + 3
Population 16.9 million
Seasons Wet (November to March), dry (May to October), hot (October to April)
Telephone Country code 261; international access code 00
ATMs In all major towns
Budget US$25 to US$30 per day
Capital Antananarivo
Visa One-month, single-entry visa US$32; issued on arrival
Languages French, Malagasy
Area 587, 401 sq km
Money Ariary; US$1 = 1983Ar
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