Isolated off the South-east coast of Africa, Madagascar,
the world's fourth largest island, is the continent's
last travel frontier. Settled on by Malays and mainland
Africans and blended with Arabian and French culture,
the country's population is one of the world's most
diverse. Madagascar houses unique cultural sites like
the tombs of Malagasy ancestors, who serve
as a link between the living and the dead.
The island's flora and fauna mirrors this diversity.
Trees, plants animals and birds are unlike any found
elsewhere on the planet. Endangered lemurs,
huge baoab trees and the world's smallest chameleons
are just some of the species guarded by the island.
Some of the Indian Ocean's best beaches are located
on the north coast, and along with Isle St Marie,
on the east coast, both offer superb diving and the
chance to mingle with the descendants of real pirates.
On your way south, stop off at amazing rain forest
preserves that protect the country's dwindling
rainforests before heading off to dive in even more
of the 1500 miles of coral reef that lines
the Mozambique Channel.
Read the full story -
background and travel essentials
