Madagascar An Introduction to MadagascarMadagascar is legendary for its profusion of wildlife and flora, 80% of which is found nowhere else on earth.Isolated from the continents 160 million years ago, Madagascar followed a unique evolutionary path into enormous tortoises,elephant birds, and lemurs. Lemurs were the highest primate form on the island until the Malagasy people, of Afro-Polynesian ancestry, arrived a mere 2000 years ago.  Though
divided into at least 18 tribes or clans, the Malagasy share a belief
in the power of dead ancestors. This belief explains the importance of
tombs and funerals. Although the form differs among the clans, it is
after the first burial that the Malagasy honour their dead. The
best-known ceremony is the famadihana of the Merina people, a joyful
occasion to communicate with a loved one whose remains are exhumed and
wrapped in a new shroud.
 Some
of the world�s most unusual birds are found only on Madagascar �
gorgeous ground-rollers, the diverse vanga family, the couas. Birders
will be rewarded by a visit to any of Madagascar�s splendid reserves.
If you long to �tick off� most of the endemics, including oxylabes,
newtonias and the rare Madagascar fish eagle, we recommend a two-week
specialist birding tour. Ask us for further information.
 Madagascar
has three main climactic/floristic zones - the eastern rainforests, the
western tropical dry deciduous woods and the semi-arid south � with an
unsurpassed diversity of plant species. We can arrange tours for the
orchid enthusiast, who will be drawn by the 1200 varieties found in the
rainforests, and special botanical and natural history tours.
Madagascar's BeachesSome information about beach and diving holiday destinations in MadagascarNosy Be ArchipelagoThese tropical islands off the northwest coast have some of the region's finest beaches. Most accessible on Nosy Be is Andilana, the northernmost beach. Don't miss the day trip to beautiful, reef-ringed Nosy Tanikely, a marine reserve with a lovely, sunny beach. Nosy Komba has a good, small beach near Ampangorinana village; and quiet, unspoiled coves in the south of the island. There are real gems further afield on Nosy Iranja ("the turtles island") and in the Mitsio Isles.Ile Sainte MarieAlong the west coast, there are a number of secluded, palm-lined coves, off which to swim and snorkel and there is a stunning beach on the offshore islet of Ile Aux Nattes. The orchids are at their peak in September and the whales' migration takes place between July and October.IfatyIfaty has a pleasant beach and easy access to the spiny desert. The beach is at its best in front of the hotels Bamboo Club and Vovo Telo. The coral reefs attract scuba divers and there is an good PADI diving centre, but the coral is in very poor condition, mostly due to the effects of El Nino.Anakao & Nosy VeAnakao is a traditional Vezo fishing village on the southwest coast of Madagascar, about 35 km south of Toliara (Tuléar). Its isolation has protected it from most tourism and it remains fairly unspoiled. Among Madagascar aficionados, Anakao is known for its long white beach lined with an armada of brightly painted pirogues; its turquoise lagoon, with tints of emerals; its fishing, diving and surfing ('Flamball').Sadly, its once-superb snorkelling is a thing of the past, now that bleaching has reduced the shallow reef to a vista of dead coral. The traditional practice of hunting for sea cucumbers and octopus has caused further damage; and its growth, fuelled by demand from the Far East, is placing intolerable pressure on the marine environment. Purchasing items made by the local women provides them with an alternative source of income. A short walk south of Anakao will lead you to some tombs, and then to a peninsula on which fragments of Aepyornis eggshells can still be found (It is illegal to take them out of Madagascar.). A visit to the weekly market is another pleasure of a stay in Anakao. Most people enjoy being on a tiny desert island. Three km west of Anakao, the island of Nosy Ve, with its superb white beach, reefs and breeding colony of tropic-birds, makes a lovely day-trip. In addition to the Red-tailed tropic-birds, birders should encounter a variety of terns, and, with luck, Crab plovers and the White-tailed tropic-birds. MorondavaThe Morondava seafront has a wide, white sandy beach off which it is safe to swim. It is at its best in the vicinity of Hotel Chez Maggie.Island HoppingSail the Indian Ocean on board a luxury private yacht, mooring at inhabited and uninhabited islands in the Nosy Be Archipelago and the remote Mitsio Isles.Related links
External links Definitions from Wiktionary
 Learning resources from Wikiversity
Madagascar the Unknown Island
Conspectus of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar Project
Soumagnes Grass Owl - Tyto soumagnei - Information, Pictures
DreamWorks Animation - DreamWorks Pictures SKG
Madagascar (2005)
Naked Penguin Boy : Welcome
Mauritius Photos | Mauritius Pictures | Mauritius Images ...
GIS Data, Shaded Relief Images, DEM, Satellite Imagery, Geology of ...
Setifer Setosus: Greater Madagascar Hedgehog Tenrec
Des Pangalanes à TuléarCategory: Loisirs > Voyage > Récits de voyages > Afrique > MadagascarPhotos, carnet de voyage et récit ornithologique d'un voyage à Madagascar en septembre 2005 : Antananarivo, Antsirabé, Ambalavao, Isalo, Tuléar, Ifaty, ... www.chezfred.info/index-voyages.php?pays=MA1 NationMaster - Statistics on Madagascar. facts and figures, stats ...
USAID Africa: Madagascar
Money for Madagascar - Welcome Page
Madagascar
Madagascar News - Topix
Madagascar'a History, Culture, Cuisine and Language
ReefDoctor: Marine conservation, volunteering and gap year diving ...
CIA - The World Factbook -- Madagascar
Madagascar Travel Information and Travel Guide - Lonely Planet
Yahoo! Groups : Directory : MadagascarCategory: Regional > Africa > Madagascar > Society and CultureDirectory of online communities connected with or interested in the country. dir.groups.yahoo.com/dir/1600936279 | Towns and CitiesMalagasy towns and cities described for the traveller
AntananarivoAlso known as 'Tana', the Malagasy capital is about 1250 m above sea level in the Central Highlands. With a population of around 2 million people, Tana is the centre of the Merina tribe, who resemble the Malayo-Polynesian component of the first Malagasy settlers. The city is set in a basin surrounded by 12 hills. Much of the surrounding countryside is devoted to rice paddies. The houses of highland towns are typically multi-storeyed brick constructions, often with wooden staircases and balconies, built along narrow, cobbled streets and alleyways. Visit the markets, the Parc de Tsimbazaza zoo, museum, botanical gardens and enjoy the restaurants and night-life.
SPA BATHS, ANTSIRABE by courtesy of BOB HEWSON AntsirabeIn the colonial era, Antsirabe, 170 km south of Tana, was important for its thermal baths and almost temperate climate. Visitors still enjoy a bath or massage at the spa, but the town is now famed for its many and varied craft centres - including Joseph's Semi-precious Gemstone Shop. The colourful rickshaws are known as 'pousse pousses'. There are two volcanic lakes to the west of the town.Antsiranana/Diego SuarezThe capital of Madagascar�s northernmost province, Antsiranana � the name means �port� � has one of the world�s most beautiful deep-water harbours. A ring of mountains surrounds the town, which has a very diverse population of about 80,000 Sakalava, Antakarana, French, Arabs, Chinese and Comoriens.Since the town is the gateway to Montagne d�Ambre and Ankarana national parks, many visitors simply pass through Antsiranana without exploring its decaying colonial architecture (the old covered market and the former Hotel de la Marine for seafarers are notable examples), its vibrant market and the wealth of crafts workshops. There is a variety of hotels and restaurants in town, and at Ramena beach, about 18 km to the east. There are baobabs on the route between Diego and Ramena. Almost equidistant between Ramena and Diego is the Montagne des Fran�ais. The ascent offers superb views over the bay, and the prospect of good birding and sightings of Sanford�s brown lemurs. The cliffs and cave attract rock climbers. At the rock formation known as �Windsor Castle�, you will find some tsingy and a variety of drought-resistant endemic plants. From the top, the panorama stretches from Montagne d�Ambre in the south to the remote Cap d�Ambre, the northern tip of Madagascar. East of Ramena is a series of deserted bays: Baie des Dunes, Baie de Sakalava, Baie des Pigeons. Fort DauphinNo other town in Madagascar has such a stunning setting. Fort Dauphin (Tolanaro) is set on a small peninsula backed by high mountains and bordered by long, sandy beaches. Fort Dauphin is the lobster capital of Madagascar and excellent restaurants like the Gina, the Miramar and the Mahavoky offer delectable seafood dishes. The town is the gateway to Berenty and Andohahela Reservfes and to the bizarre spiny desert.TulearTulear (Toliara, in Malagasy) is a city of about 100,000 people - with probably has the greatest number of different ethnic groups of any Malagasy town - on the south-western coast of Madagascar and an important port. It stands at the end of the RN7, 1000 km from Antananarivo, and is the crossroads between the RN6, the route north to the beaches and spiny forest of Ifaty (and, eventually, the beaches and reefs of Ampsilava and Andavadoaka) and the route south to the beach resort of Anakao and Tsimanampetsotsa National Park. For birders, the city is the gateway to the birding hotspots of Ifaty, St. Augustin Bay and the islet of Nosy Ve.Tulear is most attractive from the end of September to March, when the flame trees are in bloom, decking the city in vivid colour. There are a number of comfortable hotels with swimming pools where you can break your journey and relax for a night or two. You could spend a few hours wandering around the busy streets admiring the painted pousse-pousses or mingling with the shoppers in the vibrant markets, one of the best places in Madagascar to buy a traditional lamba � or one of the fabulous mohair rugs from Ampanihy. There are two small university-run museums to browse. The Mus�e de Tulear houses an ethnological collection including a number of examples of burial art and local artefacts, a mock-up of a Vezo fisherman�s hut and a collection of photos representing local life. The Mus�e de la Mer displays many specimens of fish, crustaceans and eels � and a collection of the sponges and corals that were once the glory of this coast. The prime attraction is the only preserved coelacanth on display in Madagascar. Twelve kilometres east of town is the marvellous Arboretum d�Antsokay, a showcase for the flora of the hot, dry southwest. Some of Madagascar's most impressive tombs are within easy reach of Toliara. MorondavaReminiscent of a 'wild west' movie set, Morondava is the centre of the Menabe Sakalava people. The Morondava basin is baobab country and the hottest region of Madagascar. The town has several seaside hotels and is the gateway to Kirindy Forest and Belo Sur Mer.Madagascar Reef and Rainforest'Madagascar Reef and Rainforest' is a sample itinerary for a private tour of Madagascar. Explore the montane rainforest reserves of Andasibe(Perinet)-Mantadia National Park with your professional English speaking guide and marvel at the corals, marine life and legacy of Ile Ste Marie's pirate past from the very comfortable and stylish base of Princesse Bora Lodge.Day 1Depart from Paris CDG on the Air Madagascar overnight flight to Antananarivo. Day 2 On arrival in the very early morning, your guide and your driver will meet you and take you to a small hotel nearby where you can freshen up and have breakfast. Travel along a decent tarred road, through a landscape dotted with Merina villages, to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. After lunch, you can relax or begin your exploration of this fascinating rainforest. Evening walk in the rainforest for nocturnal species. Stay 3 nights at Vakona Forest Lodge, dinner and breakfast included. Day 3 Day to watch the Indri and look for the other denizens of Perinet. Birders may wish to visit one of the nearby wetland areas.  Day 4
Explore the primary rainforest of Mantadia National Park to seek Diademed sifaka, Black-and-white ruffed lemurs, the insectivorous tenrecs and the rainforest-dependent ground rollers. You may wish to take a picnic lunch and eat it beside a waterfall. Day 5 You have most of the day for the rainforest before you are driven to the capital. Overnight at La Varangue, dinner and breakfast included. Day 6 You will be driven to the airport for the flight to Ile Ste Marie for a 5-night stay in a double comfort bungalow at Princesse Bora Lodge, dinner and breakfast included. 
Enjoy the beach, discover the offshore islands, see the legacy of pirate and French settlement, explore the forests and the mangrove system, dive the reefs and the wrecks, snorkel, surf, watch village life and the whales, in season. Day 11 You will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Antananarivo where you will be met and taken on a city tour and to visit the artisans market before you check in for the Air Madagascar overnight flight to Paris. Day 12 Arrive Paris CDG at 07h40. 2007 Prices: From �1435 (to 30 March) /�1575 (14 May � 5 July) / �1625 (31 March � 13 May) Prices are per person sharing and include Air Madagascar international flights from Paris CDG and prepaid departure taxes; Air Madagascar domestic flights; accommodation and meals specified; reserve entry permits as specified; the exclusive services of a qualified driver and a professional English-speaking guide in the reserve; transfers and transportation; and the services of our local representatives throughout your stay. Reef & Rainforest Deluxe Combine three nights at Vakona Forest Lodge with an overnight stay at the landmark Hotel Colbert Carayon on a bed-and- breakfast basis with a 5-night stay at Constance Lodge Tsarabanjina. From �1900 per person sharing (June 2007) BROWN LEMUR & BABY, LEMUR ISLAND ANDASIBE-MANTADIA and DIADEMED SIFAKA, ANDASIBE-MANTADIA by courtesy of BOB HEWSON; LUXURY BUNGALOW, PRINCESSE BORA LODGE by courtesy of PRINCESSE BORA LODGE Updated 19 January 2007 Nature of MadagascarNature surrounds you, though it's rarely untouched. FaunaLemurs and chameleons - the two iconic vertebrates of Madagascar. They are both widespread throughout the island, in their various guises, and quite easy to find and observe. But don't expect any David Attenborough-like wildlife spectacular, unless you are prepared to travel to those inaccessible pockets where few are willing, or able, to go.  
Most wildlife experiences will be in degraded environments with animals that have become habituated to contact with humans. If you want to go on a real wildlife safari you would be better off travelling to the game parks of continental Africa, or to those in India and parts of Southeast Asia. Other places like Australia also offer far more rewarding opportunities for interaction with wildlife in natural habitats. 
These observations aside, lemurs are endearing little creatures. Imagine a smart and agile possum or cat with fingers and toes instead of paws. If you go looking in any of the major parks or reserves you are guaranteed to see several different varieties of lemurs. The common brown is, not surprisingly, the most common. Ringtails, sifakas, and indri are also relatively easy to spot. The common brown is also the only variety, so far, to adapt Madagascar's advancing eucalypt forests, feeding on the bloom. 
Chameleons, Madagascar's other iconic vertebrate, are also relatively easy to come across, depending on the sharpness of your, or your guide's, vision. And you will need to look hard, while they don't move fast they are considered to be masters of camouflage, although contrary to popular belief they don't change their colour to merge with their environment. Rather, each variety is adapted to blend in with their particular niche. Madagascar's chameleons come in a wide range of colours and sizes, varying from big and brilliant green, to tiny and drab. To see a good cross-section you are best off visiting a zoo or park. 
The desert tortoise is another slow-moving vertebrate that is easy to spot in the wild. I was a bit sceptical when I was told that in the southwest it is common to see tortoises clambering across the roads, but it was all too true. The prickly pear cactus that has overrun much of the desert country has also provided the tortoises with an abundant food source. There is no shortage of tortoises in Madagascar. The country does however appear to be short on other vertebrates. Habitat destruction seems to have hit the bird population particularly hard. Madagascar is reputed to be home to many endemic bird species, but as a person used to hearing bird-song even in the middle of my busy home city, the absence of birds was acutely noticeable. As a surfer, the general absence of sea birds was even harder to understand. 
As with birds, Madagascar's stock of invertebrates is said to be extensive and unique. This is really getting into specialist territory, but once again habitat destruction appears to have taken its toll. The endemic insects are probably there, but you need to know what to look for and where to find it. Nature of MadagascarNature surrounds you, though it's rarely untouched.FloraWhile from a botanist's point of view the state of Madagascar's flora
could seem a bit tragic, to the casual observer there may appear to be
no great cause for concern. The island is well covered with vegetation.
There are thick forests, extensive grass plains, and palm-tree fringed
beaches. Look a bit deeper though and the problems begin to emerge. 
Many of the thick forests are almost exclusively composed of aggressive introduced species like the Australian eucalyptus. Those native forests that still do exist are usually compromised to some extent. Primary native rainforests are rare and fragmentary and increasingly endangered. The extensive grasslands are the products of annual burns and their principal component is another introduced species. 
But despite these and many other qualifications Madagascar is a naturally beautiful country. Many of the country's emblematic plants like the baobab and travellers' palm are still widespread, the later to the point of becoming a weed, and remnants of the island's original forest cover do survive, with some measures being undertaken to protect and extend these remaining areas of ecological significance. 
The best examples of more or less pristine native forests that I observed during my brief sojourn in Madagascar where not in the wet and tropical regions but in the dry southwest. Here large sections of the unique spiny forest have thus far been spared from clearing and can still be found in all their weird yet harmonious diversity. 
In the rocky hills flanking Lake Tsimanampetsota (sorry, no help with the pronunciation of that one), a slightly wetter climate has produced a spiny forest of stark yet enchanting balance. Shrubs and trees are patterned in a garden-like layout, as if deliberately positioned to achieve the most pleasing visual effect. The area is also abundant in native birds and mammals. 
Further south, in the flatter plateau country, the spiny forest takes on more of the characteristics of an impenetrable wall. Low, and thorny, and overlooked by bizarre succulents with loping trucks that always lean to the south. The forest here is made all the more unwelcoming by broadening stands of prickly pear cactus, another of the aggressive exotics suffocating Madagascar's native forests. Related links
See also
References
|
