"Madagascar" Top 5 Page for this destination Madagascar by grets

Madagascar Travel Guide: 1,263 reviews and 3,019 photos

Curious children at Lake Tritriva - Madagascar

Noah's Ark

Like many of my travels, the trip to Madagascar was inspired by a friend who’d been there and raved about it. Thank you Leonie, for moving Madagascar up the list, and providing me with such a wonderful and varied destination.

The brochure read: ‘Madagascar remains a challenge for the adventurous traveller’. This too inspired me to go, as I’ve always loved a challenge!

The trip was captivating from start (as soon as I bought my Lonely Planet and started reading) to finish (scanning the pictures this morning and re-reading my diary entries for these notes). Such amazing and unique culture, such diverse and wonderful wildlife, such beautiful and gracious people, such dramatic and varied scenery, such rustic and charming hotels. Madagascar is one of those destinations where it is hard to find negative observations.

Red-bellied lemur

The island is a veritable treasure chest in terms of wildlife; with 75% of the 200,000 living species (new ones are still being identified) found nowhere else on earth. We saw 13 different species of lemur alone, as well as chameleons, geckos, civets, frogs, spiders, stick insects, praying mantis, snakes, scorpions and innumerable birds. Madagascar is one of the 12 most important countries for biodiversity on the planet and has one of the richest floras in the world with 12,000 species.

In this unique environment, the scenery is magnificent and ranges from humid rainforests with spectacular waterfalls, to arid deserts with spiny cactus-like plants, from sandy coastal dunes to rocky plateaus with dramatic canyons, from impressive rice paddies to colourful coral reefs.

Pros and Cons

Pros:People, wildlife, scenery, hotels
Cons:How can I find a fault?
In a nutshell:A nature-lover's dream

Last visit to Madagascar: Oct 2003
Intro Updated Oct 18, 2007
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Reviews (39)

All join in Nightlife (1)

The dinner is sumptuous, with a delicious vegetable soup and an exceptional hot condiment. The main course is Zebu, rice... more travel advice

Ifaty Beach Things to Do (25)

The beach is nice and sandy, a few rocks and sharp stones to negotiate, but a pleasant walk without many hassles. Some... more travel advice

Chalets on the beach Hotels (7)

With sandy paths leading to the sea, rooms, pool and restaurant, the hotel is in a lovely position. I am pleasantly... more travel advice

The track to Ifaty Warnings Or Dangers (5)

The sandy track is a hazard to any vehicles other than ox carts, and we get stuck in the dunes, having to get out and... more travel advice

Favorites (1)
The beautiful people

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Comments (24)

Arkeolog Apr 10, 2009 at 7:11 AM Report Abuse

Hi Grete, you have an excellent page on Madagascar here. I loved the opening photo, also lemurs are great. Bora
Helga67 Jan 20, 2009 at 10:21 AM Report Abuse

Great page. I can't wait to see it all myself later this year.
dianneswain Sep 21, 2008 at 7:35 PM Report Abuse

thank you for your madagascar page.
bumpychick Sep 10, 2007 at 12:54 PM Report Abuse

Thought you might be interested to hear that the Relais de la riene has burnt down! well, the reception, bar and restaurant part. The villas are still ok.
spitball Nov 2, 2006 at 11:32 PM Report Abuse

I've heard Lemurs on an album by David Lindley and Henry Kaiser, rec. in Madagascar.One track,was a fluke, as the recording guy somehow managed to mix a drum track with the sounds of these animals, haunting sound.
toonsarah Sep 23, 2006 at 6:20 AM Report Abuse

Fascinating and really thorough tips. You seem to have had a great tour - which company did you travel with?
TheWanderingCamel Mar 28, 2006 at 1:27 AM Report Abuse

This is a wonderful page Grets - you really have the knack of taking us along with you. Years as a zoo docent have given me a real love of lemurs - I must make it to Madagfascar one day. leyle
victorwkf Mar 9, 2006 at 7:57 AM Report Abuse

Wonderful information & photos of the culture & animals of Madagascar !
VeronicaG Jan 5, 2006 at 6:37 AM Report Abuse

Madagascar is a true animal lover's paradise--loved the civet and lemurs! You must have been sorry to depart this interesting country!
RoyJava May 8, 2005 at 8:22 AM Report Abuse

Love the Lemures, great you spoiles us with your wonderful pics, enjoyed my stay with your VT Madagascar Gret ... thanks again my dear lady, greetzzz RoyJava