Back to the Island
Wildlife - Occupying the world’s fourth-largest island off the southeast coast of Africa, Madagascar is famous for its variety of wildlife. Left to develop in isolation, this island nation is home to more than 600 unique species of plants and animals. Included is one of the world’s smallest primates, Berthe’s mouse lemur, one of 41 unique mammals.
The panther chameleon, also found only in Madagascar, is one of 61 unique reptiles.
Population - Madagascar’s population of 25 million is mostly descended from East Africans and seafaring Austronesians, who arrived from Southeast Asia nearly 2000 years ago.
Language - The local language is Malagasy, although some English is spoken, as well as French — reminders of Madagascar’s colonial past.
If you are doing a research project on natural selection and can’t get to the Galapagos Islands, Madagascar could be the next best thing. Biodiversity — or variety of life-forms — drives Madagascar’s tourism industry. Lokobe Strict Reserve and Andasibe-Mantadia National Park are among the best places to observe this.
Explore - There are other things to do here besides collecting beetles and walking around the forest looking for lemurs. There are beautiful islands to explore, including Nosy Sakatia and Nosy Be. And you can enjoy spectacular white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters without going offshore. (Remember, Madagascar is an island!)
The Three Bays — Sakalava, Pigeon, and Dune — on the northeastern coast offers swimming, hiking, windsurfing — even kite surfing. And if you have time, the dramatic red rock formations at Tsingy Rouge Park in the north have been compared to those at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah.
Fun Fact: The Avenue of Baobabs
Now, click here to read some facts about Maputo, Mozambique.
and click here for a great picture of a huge baobab tree.
and click here for a great picture of a huge baobab tree.
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