Madagascar

Madagascar

Overview

The fourth largest Island in the world, this unique place lies off the southeastern coast of Africa. One of the last major landmasses on earth to be settled, its people originated from Indonesia, not Africa. Having been separated from Africa for 160 million years this is a place where the wildlife is unique unto itself. Over 85% of plants, animals and reptiles exist nowhere else on earth. One of the rarest mammals on earth lives in Madagascar, the Silky Sifaka, a white furred lemur which is locally known as the “Angel of the Forest”.

Home to more than 21 million people, there are more than 20 ethnic groups whose heritage is from southeast Asia, India, Africa, and the middle east. The Malagasy language has its roots in Borneo.

Our Madagascar trip is about exploring the unique national parks and wildlife, surfing deserted waves, and immersing oneself in the unique culture that is Madagascar.

Highlights

• Visit numerous national parks with vastly different wildlife, geology and plant life
• Marvel at the contrast between West, Central and Eastern Madagascar as we fly over the landscape, visiting different national parks
• Surf multiple reef pass setups, as we explore the West Coast surf breaks.
• With a private boat and local surf guide, get the best waves the country and conditions have to offer
• Hike into the national parks for sightings of lemurs and chameleons
• Swim in a true fresh-water dessert oasis
• Partake in additional activities like horseback riding, diving, wind surfing and snorkelling.

Weather

The hot and wet season extends from November to April and the cooler, drier season is from May to October. The climate is dictated by the south-east trade winds which bring moisture laden air to the Western side of the Island. As the winds continue blowing westward, moisture is lost until it hits the West coast with little moisture remaining.

July is the coolest month between 10 degrees Celsius and 22 degrees Celsius and December is the hottest month with temperatures fluxuating between 15 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius. Tropical cyclones effect Madagascar between December and march.

Nature and Wildlife

Because of the island’s isolation for millions of years, there are many endemic species in Madagascar that exist nowhere else in the world. There are 40 different species of lemur indigenous to Madagascar, 100 species of Chameleon, seven different species of the Baobab tree.

While wildlife safaris in Africa boat the “Biggest Five” animals in the world, Madagascar boasts the “Smallest Five”. These consist of a staple sized frog, a 30mm long Chameleon, 1.1 ounce mouse lemur, a 2mm long bee, and a 10mm long snake.

To explore the national parks in Madagascar is to feel the geological forces of millennia, as the landscape was torqued and twisted through uplifting, then eroded by wind and rain resulting in deep canyons, sandstone domes, flat topped mountains, and runiform mountains (odd shaped).

The rainforests of the east coast are in stark contrast to the dry and arid plateau of central Madagascar while the tropical feel of the east coast with white sand beaches and local sailing vessels are like entering another world. Each distinct area is a must see to truly experience Madagascar.