Greetings All,
I have often been asked whether I knew Madagascar - I
can safely now say yes, very well!
Last June I spent three weeks travelling all over
this huge Island Country. It is certainly unlike any other place I
have ever visited and in so many ways does not feel like
Africa.
What stands out most is the unique flora and fauna,
epic landscapes of amazing diversity, dry and wet forests, the
stunning coastline, the tropical islands and the delicious food (it
was a French colony).
For those who are a little more curious, it's a must
see Country!!
Yours laterally,
Nick Matthews, Laterallife London, UK.
Madagascar is utterly unique - 5% of all known animal
and plant species are only found here. It is the world's 4th largest island and in just 300 km you
can travel from rain forest to desert… on the worst roads I have
ever experienced! Madagascar has 500 km of coastline, extensive
reefs and 250 islands.
Beaches, snorkeling, diving and sailing around the
islands are all very much on offer. Lemurs, chameleons, baobabs and
rainforests all contribute to making Madagascar a dream
destination.
Best time to visit - July to October.
Vakona Lodge.
Three hours' drive from the capital Tana (Antananarivo)
and you arrive at Andasibe. There are 4 National Parks here, where
you are guaranteed to see close up at least 5 species of lemurs.
Vakona Lodge is a superb hotel to stay at. Comfortable
accommodation in bungalows, excellent food in the lodge, which
overlooks a stunning lake nestled within the forest.
Canoeing, horse riding, mountain biking on paths within the
forest is all readily available. Great family hotel with lots to do
for all concerned.
Constance Lodge Tsarabanjina.
60 km and an hour by boat off the coast from Nosy Be (near Nosy
Komba) lies the Mitsio group of islands.
There you will find Tsarabanjina - a real Robinson
Crusoe Island, with 25 thatched very comfortable air-conditioned
beach villas spread over 2 beaches.
To be honest you could be in the Maldives or the
Seychelles but if it's snorkelling, swimming, diving, kayaking,
sailing or just lying on the beach you are after, then this place
certainly got my vote after those arduous Madagascan
roads!!
Litchi Tree.
Fly from Tana to the far North of Madagascar and you arrive at
Diego Suarez. 30 minutes' drive inland is the town of Joffreville
built in 1902 for the famous French Marshal, Joffre.
This hotel has been beautifully restored with
excellent facilities. Accommodation is at the rear of the property
and the restaurant and bar situated within the house. It is located
3.5 km away from Amber Mountain National Park which is a
fascinating area to walk and trek with its wonderful waterfalls and
pristine forest.
You will certainly see lemurs and very colourful
chameleons as you hike along the pathway.
Anjajavy l'Hotel
Well for me this was the crowning glory of Madagascar,
accommodation wise! Only the hotel's private plane gets you there.
24 villas facing the Mozambique Channel set on a string of divine
beaches. It's 550 hectares of private reserve forest comprised of
baobabs and rosewood trees which shelter the Verreau Lemur, birds
of paradise, chameleons, the Cuvier Oplure (type of iguana). Fish
eagles can regularly be seen flying along the coast.
It has a glorious swimming pool, excellent boating facilities,
numerous nature walks, superb cuisine and the fishing wasn't half
bad either! 11/10.
Tsara Komba.
You will find this gem of a hotel 20 minutes by boat from
Ankify on the North-West coast of Madagascar. It is an 8 lodge
hotel tucked away on the slopes of Nosy Komba Island. Each lodge
has a seaview from their terraces.
The surroundings are a private nature reserve home to
lemurs, chameleons, hummingbirds, parrots, vanilla, cocoa and wild
pepper.
No roads here - just walking, canoeing or travelling
by boat - a must stay!