Like many, I was glued to the television when Sir David Attenborough introduced us to Madagascar back in 2011. But it wasn't the first time as Sir David took his first trip to Madagascar in 1961, where he was searching for one of the rarest animals of all an Indri Lemur. Did you know that over 80% of animals and plants can't be found anywhere else on the planet? The island located on the southeast coast of Africa has as a diverse landscape as it does animals. As seen in 2011 Madagascar: The Strangest Place on Earth, the three BBC documentaries: are Island of Marvels, Lost Worlds, and Land of Heat and Dust. Since our first trip in 2014, we have returned again, only to be as amazed as we were on our first trip. Here is what you can experience when you travel to the land that time forgot.
Would you like to know what an Indri Lemur sounds like?
A to Z Travel Blog - Madagascar
Madagascar the Movie
*There are affiliate links in this blog. If you click on them, I may make a small amount of money.
At no additional cost to you.
Madagascar is more widely known today for the movie with King Julian and his friends. If you haven't seen it, It is very funny! Educational too with at least 4 species of lemur and of course the Fossa.
Arriving into Madagascar
We flew with Kenya Airways and again with Air Mauritius into the capital - Antananarivo known as Tana for short. Both flights were very good but if arriving in the evening the airport terminal is overrun with baggage porters. It was a much more relaxed experience arriving late morning.
For great flight deals check out Skyscanner.
The capital and largest city in Madagascar has a population of 1,299,080. It is home to the official government buildings, Rova of Antananarivo palace complex which was the centre of the Merina kingdom from the 17th century, and Lac Anosy.
Arrival into Madagascar ©MDHarding
Best Time To Visit
We visited both times in September/October. Which we found to be okay with the occasional very hot day. Do apply plenty of sun lotion, as the sun is very strong!
Three Bays ©MDHarding
Tours
There are several companies that do adventure-style holidays to Madagascar including G Adventures. Who we traveled with on our first group tour to south Madagascar. The tour was very interesting! On our return visit to the north of the island, we decided to travel independently with a locally based tour company - Go Travel Madagascar. Which we found to be outstanding.
Did you know you can also now visit by cruise ship?
World Travel Market London ©MDHarding
Landscape
The country is very diverse from rainforests to dry arid areas with spectacular geological formations and beautiful white sandy beaches. Look out for the flora and fauna that have adapted to these climate zones.
Baobab Trees
Products
Going traveling is no fun if you don't include a little bit of shopping. Madagascar is famous for vanilla, Ylang Ylang flower perfume/essential oil, arts & crafts, not forgetting its delicious chocolate. These make great gifts too.
Why not try making your own natural perfume at home with the Ylang Ylang oil or cook up a storm in the kitchen with Madagascan Vanilla, said to be Madagascan gold?
Madagascan Vanilla ©MDHarding
What To Pack
Don't pack too much as you will need room for shopping (wink).
Pack a combination of both shorts for the day and long trousers for the evening, same with tops. I love the great products from Craghoppers they even have built-in mosquito repellent!
Still Christmas shopping or perhaps looking for a wee treat for yourself?
Craghoppers are offering 10% off when you spend £70 or more online. There is also an exclusive offer just for you an extra 5% off when using the code CRAGMAS5 at the checkout.
One of my favourite Craghoppers long-sleeved mosquito repellant tops ©MDHarding
I hope you have enjoyed reading and are inspired to visit. Before you do, please take a look at What You Need To Know. As always I would love to hear from you. Email your questions/comments to enquiries@MDHardingTravelPhotography.com You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Happy Travels:) x