If you were asked to describe an island paradise, we’re pretty sure that all of the words you chose to use could likewise be used to explain Madagascar. The Indian Ocean’s island home to lemurs, baobabs, tropical rainforest, stretches of beach, desert and more, Madagascar is a dream destination for lovers of nature and the outdoors alike. And half of the fun of any trip to the island is in the actual journeys from one incredible attraction to the next. Home to 5% of all known animals and plant species, the island of Madagascar offers its visitors a wonderfully diverse little world to explore. The fauna and flora are complemented by landscapes of unique and incredible diversity – 300kms can deliver you from the depths of the rainforest to the barren lands of a desert on the same day.
As if this promise of a kaleidoscope of nature isn’t enticing enough, the various means by which one has to travel around the island make the experience all that more worthwhile. With a paradise like this, who needs to take the road? The off-road experience is far more rewarding offering people a once in a lifetime opportunity to get the most out of Madagascar. Some of the National Parks on the island see only 100 visitors a year giving you a sense of adventure as you make your way through them. And to drive that sense of discovery home is the fun you can have travelling by kayak to some of the most secluded and secret spots of the island.
With 5000km of coastline, 250 surrounding islands and 450km of the barrier reef, there is ample opportunity to lose track of time on the shores of Madagascar. Paddling in a kayak, you’ll be able to explore the southeast archipelago of the island which is rich with lush mangroves and secluded open lakes. Witness the beauty of the tropical beaches that run parallel to your kayak and crack a smile as the wild lemurs frolic in the treetops around you.
Whatever Madagascar means to you – even if you aren’t quite sure yet what it will mean – it’s an adventure that’s well worth the undertaking. Spend some of your free time on dives to see shipwrecks whose only visitors now are the rays, whale sharks and reef sharks who call the water their home. Or swing in a hammock and watch the sun go down after a day spent exploring the nearby islands or on a pirogue trip with a local fisherman.
However you choose to spend your days and however you choose to get around, there is one thing that’s certain for everyone: once you’ve gone to Madagascar, you’ll want to go back again and again.
