The island of Madagascar, in the south of the Indian Ocean, slightly larger than France, presents a notorious peculiarity: it is a detached piece of the African territory, which preserved its original authenticity and conceals a fabulous diversity as regards landscapes, fauna and flora.

Its population, often French-speaking, is mostly poor, but nonetheless very welcoming. The island has the shape of a left foot in the Indian Ocean and has 5000 kilometres of coastline including 3000 kilometres of beaches. The country has a range of climates from humid subtropical to dry, with seasons reversed from the northern hemisphere. The Malagasy seasons can be divided in two: winter from June to September and summer from November to March with warm temperatures but which remain pleasant because the country is tempered by the trade winds.

The exceptional length of the island, stretched out on either side of the Tropic of Capricorn as well as the variety of its reliefs increase the variety of climates. A trip to Madagascar The island, preserved from civilization, has been able to conserve species that have disappeared elsewhere. It is a paradise for nature lovers. Among the UNESCO World Heritage sites are the Tsingy of Bemaraha with their sharp edges and below the longest water network in Africa (110 km). This natural park also counts 13 species of lemurs, 94 species of birds and endemic mammals such as the giant rat or the mongoose. Going up the coast to the north, we find Nosy Be Island and its white sandy beaches on an emerald sea. A real little paradise, Nosy Be is also a major producer of spices, especially vanilla, cinnamon and pepper. To the north is the town of Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) surrounded by beautiful white sandy beaches (Sakalava Bay, bay of dunes and pigeons). Diégo Suarez Bay is one of the most beautiful bays in the world. 35 km southwest of Diego Suarez, go to the Amber Mountain Park. It is a magnificent example of a humid forest that extends over 18200 hectares. You can admire waterfalls, numerous lakes housed inside ancient volcanic craters, including that of Mahasarika, giant ferns and many other botanical curiosities as well as a fauna just as spectacular. At the top, you will enjoy a view of the northern tip of the island with the Mozambique Channel on the left and the Indian Ocean on the right. The north-eastern region of the island alone deserves a visit, it is one of the richest in Madagascar where is concentrated all the production of vanilla, coffee and cloves. Nosy Boraha Island (Sainte-Marie) extends offshore. It is a tropical garden where coconut trees, cinnamon trees, cloves, orchids, bougainvilleas and flamboyants grow wonderfully. It is also one of the country's main tourist destinations. On the coast, the landscapes are occupied by rice terraces fed by a complex hydraulic network, the fruit of centuries of know-how. The capital, Tananarive or Antananarivo shelters houses of neo-colonial style rather original. A visit to the Analakely market is a must. Stroll through the different markets in the city and soak up the local atmosphere. On the hill of Tsinjoarivo, 120 kilometres from the capital, Queen Ranavalona decided in the 19th century to build a rova (i.e. a royal enclosure with different constructions to make it a holiday resort. Built on a five-metre high terrace, this palace houses five rustic wooden and clay buildings intended for the family and court dignitaries. All these houses preserve period furniture and objects and the Ministry of Culture has turned them into a museum. 30 kilometres north of Fianarantsoa (south-east), visit the cliffs and caves of Isandra. At the foot of the rocks, housed in landslides of are caves inhabited in the 17th and 18th century, fortified by the inhabitants.

Between January and April, it is the period of cyclones that mainly affect the east coast, but sometimes also the rest of the island. Then it is better to choose another period to book a flight to Madagascar. Poverty attracts lust: avoid ostentatiously carrying valuables and look after your personal belongings. Many cases of dengue fever are reported on the northeast coast of Madagascar.

Art and culture in Madagascar
The Art on wood of the Zafimaniry forest people has been recognized as World Intangible Heritage by UNESCO. The wood is carved and engraved in the mass according to geometric patterns. One finds achievements on the frontages of the houses (shutters, beams) or the objects of the everyday life (chairs, etc).