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Africa 09Pg104
23/7/08
12:21
Page 104
Madagascar
Lying off the East Coast of Africa in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean you will find the enchanting island of Madagascar. Its 80million-year isolation has created an explosion of plants and animals found nowhere else on earth. Most famous are the acrobatic lemurs which are found in many of the country's pristine rainforest's. Surrounding this unique country are beautiful, unspoilt beaches with clear turquoise waters teeming with tropical reef and big game fish. The capital, Antananarivo (Tana for short), is a great place to start any Madagascar itinerary. This bustling city is a fascinating fusion of Asia, Africa and Europe and is sure to delight. Madagascar is a country of spectacular landscapes which will provide an inspiring and unique travel experience.
Antananarivo Sitting at 1400m above sea-level, Tana' is a fascinating mix of cultures but is quintessentially Malagasy. Pavements crammed with stalls selling everything imaginable, delightful cobbled streets, boutique guesthouse and vistas of rice paddy fields all provide you with an exciting start to your adventure. Route 7 (RN7) This road starts in Antananarivo and ends in the southwest coastal town of Tulear passing some of the most spectacular mountain scenery this country has to offer. Dotted along the route are some of Madagascars most famous National Parks such as Ranomafana and Isalo. Ranomafana National Park Walking through Ranomafana's 40,000 hectares of misty and magical cloud forest is a soul-soothing experience. The air is fresh and cool and the scenery is spectacular. The park is home to a vast array of mammals including 12 species of lemur, even the very rare Fosa. Guided day and night walks will introduce you to the wonders of this National Park. Isalo National Park With is unearthly and sometimes eerie landscape, Isalo is completely different to Ranomafana. Covering 81,540 hectares, it is a marvel of the evolutionary process and home to endemic plants as well as ringtail, brown and sifaka lemurs and sacred burial sights. Walk through spectacular canyons, swim in lush tropical pools and admire the unique flora and fauna. Beach Resorts Pure white sand beaches lapped by crystal clear warm waters makes Madagascar's beaches some of the best in the Indian Ocean. Each coast is slightly different. The north west coast is remote and has some of the country's most exclusive fly-in resorts (see page 105). The east coast islands have a fascinating history and are easily accessed from the capital. These unique lodges perfectly complement the beauty of the interior.
Madagascar Travel Tips
* Time: GMT +3 * Flying time from UK: 12 hours. There are no direct flights from the UK to Madagascar. All international flights arrive into and depart from Antananarivo. Air France has flights via Paris. For those wishing to combine Madagascar with either South Africa or Mauritius; South African Airways fly via Johannesburg while Air Mauritius fly to Madagascar via Mauritius. * Language: Malagasy and French are the official languages. All our guides speak fluent English, however, a little French goes a long way in Madagascar! * Currency: Malagasy Airy Airy (MGA). £1 = 3200 MGA. US$ are accepted in the larger resorts. * Visa requirements: Required by British Citizens holding a British or EU passport and travelling on holiday to Madagascar. It can be obtained in the UK or on arrival for US$90. * Tourist Office: Madagascar Consulate, 16 Lanark Mansions, Pennard Road, London, W12 8DT More useful information can be found on pages 112/3
Nose Be
Anjajavy
MADAGASCAR
Antananarivo
Mozambique Channel
RN7
Antsirabe
Ranomafana National Park
Fianarantsoa
Isalo National Park
Indian Ocean
Ifaty Tulear
Tolanaro (Fort Dauphin) Ambodiatafa
Ile Sainte Marie
Vohilava
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