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Introducing Madagascar
Travel Alert: The political situation is volatile in Madagascar and travellers should exercise caution. Refer to the BBC for news updates or the Safe Travel for current government warnings.
Forget Hollywood fripperies, Madagascar is like no place else on earth. In fact, all things considered, it barely qualifies as part of Africa: the two are separated by hundreds of kilometres of sea and 165 million years of evolution – long enough for Madagascar’s plants and animals to evolve into some of the weirdest forms on the planet. Nowhere else can you see over 70 varieties of lemur, including one that sounds like a police siren, the world’s biggest and smallest chameleons, and the last stomping ground of the elephant bird, the largest bird that ever lived. Near Ifaty in Southern Madagascar you will see forests of twisted, spiny ‘octopus’ trees and in the west, marvel at the bottle-shaped baobabs, especially the Avenue du Boabab near Morondava. And be on the look out for the carnivorous pitcher plant found around Ranomafana, there are over 60 varieties of them. Not for nothing is Madagascar regarded as the world’s number one conservation priority.
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Latest headlines for Madagascar
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Leaders urge Madagascar solution
21 June 2009 10:06AM
Southern African states call for peaceful dialogue in Madagascar, naming an ex-president of Mozambique to lead talks.
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Madagascar action 'not advisable'
10 June 2009 8:59AM
The UN and France warn against military intervention to resolve the political crisis in Madagascar.
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Madagascar sentences ex-president
3 June 2009 4:11PM
A Madagascar court has sentenced ex-leader Marc Ravalomanana in absentia for alleged abuse of office, says a minister.
