 Overview: A land unlike any other, Madagascar is an enticing destination
for those who find its lack of modern conveniences, tourist
infrastructure and efficient transport system an interesting
proposition rather than a problem. Despite its volatile political
situation, Madagascar continues to draw adventurers from all over
the globe. The fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar is one of the
most bio-diverse countries on earth, home to thousands of species
of plant and animal life of which about 80 percent cannot be found
anywhere else on the planet. Situated off the east coast of Africa,
Madagascar is very different from its African neighbour, and its
uniqueness in the world has led some to class it as the Eighth
Continent. Madagascar is world famous for its lemurs, of which there are
about 50 different types, ranging from the unusual to the utterly
bizarre. Lemurs are endemic to the island and generally resemble a
cross between a monkey and a squirrel; but lemurs are not the only
curious creatures inhabiting this exotic realm. Dwarf chameleons,
tomato frogs, giant jumping rats and hedgehog-like tenrecs are
among the host of peculiar indigenous fauna; while the country's
isolation has developed plants with remarkable shapes such as the
swollen Baobab, Madagascar's national tree, and the spiny forest
that exhibits an incomparable ecosystem. Wilderness areas such as
Isalo National Park and Tsingy Nature Reserve are wonderful places
to discover Madagascar's exotic fauna, flora and striking
geological features. Besides this natural wonderland, Madagascar also has its share
of beautiful beaches and wonderful coral reefs, such as those found
on the cluster of islands off the north east coast. Best known is
Nossi Bé; while Ile Ste-Marie off the east coast, and Toliara in
the south, are also major attractions for divers, snorkellers and
sunbathers. The bustling capital, and first and last stop for
visitors arriving by air, is Antananarivo, or 'Tana', which has a
distinctly French flavour and is an exc
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