An Unspoiled Natural Treasure
Anthropological evidence suggests that this island’s original inhabitants came across the ocean from Asia, rather than from mainland Africa, which is only 250 miles away. Nevertheless, getting here can be far more expensive then flying to nearby South Africa, and all modern visitors must have a visa before they arrive. Unless you come by boat, your first destination is sure to be Antananarivo, the national capital and the largest city. From here, tourists will have no trouble setting out to explore the rich biodiversity that thrives in Madagascar’s tropical climate. There are more than thirty national parks and protected areas dotted around the island, although its limited infrastructure makes reaching many of them impractical. The two most popular options for viewing Madagascar’s many different species of lemurs and its indigenous flora are the Perinet-Analamazoatra Reserve and Ranomafana National Park. Be sure to bring rain gear, bug spray, and good walking shoes.
