I was thinking of a trip to Madagascar, to see the wildlife. But have just watched Simon Reeve on BBC tv UK documentary. It looks pretty much like there isn't a lot of rainforest or wildlife left to see. What do travellers who have been there actually think about this and the state of the wildlife? Is it worth a visit for me for a wildlife based trip or should I maybe forget the idea and try somewhere else?
1
kaz
Yes, my thoughts while watching it were 'wish I'd been there 20 years ago'.
I'd still love to see lemurs, but it didn't look good, did it?
2
bensontiggar
No it didn't. It would be good to hear what recent travellers to the island found, as it's best not to go on one account. Although he does seem to show things as they are (unlike tour brochures!)
3
rubbertramp
From Wikipedia
"Since the arrival of humans 2000 years ago, Madagascar has lost more than 90% of its original forest. 70% of the forest cover of Madagascar was destroyed between 1895 and 1925, while Madagascar was under French rule."
4
rorygemwriter
I think it is well worth visiting for the wildlife which you won't find anywhere else.
6
rorygemwriter
Yes 2003, 2007, 2010 and 2011.
I'm about to watch the BBC programme. Might I suggest the Attenborough programmes on Youtube.
The point is that most of the wildlife is found nowhere else so it depends if that is what you wish to see.
7
bensontiggar
Wow.. Lots of trips - I guess that must mean it wasn't too traumatic for you.
As for what I want to see - lemurs mostly, then birdlife, then flowers, but any and all wildlife really. Would love to see a fossa! Cant imagine being lucky enough to see an aye-aye.
I will check out the Attenborough programmes. What an inspiration he is.
Please let us know what you think of the Simon Reeve programme.
8
cowantimmy12
I haven't seen the tv program but I have been to Madagascar
I went looking at plants not lemurs
however in my search for plants I saw lemurs everywhere
tiny, big, noisy, day and night
I urge you to turn the tv off and go
you wont be disappointed
9
jp83
I watched this program and it has really annoyed me.
I am going to Madagascar later in the year and made sure my itinerary covered what I wanted to see, i.e. wildlife, rainforest etc
Now while I don't dispute that many of the national parks are surrounded by areas of deforestation, I don't think the Itinerary of Simon Reeves was appropriate for showing the countries ecosystems and wildlife to people who would like to potentially visit.
He started in the Tulear region in the south West and followed the southern coast around the bottom of the island ending up in the Fort Daulphin area in the South - all of which is an arid area.
He did not venture anywhere near the rainforests of the East and North before making his judgement that he didn't see any wildlife or rainforests.
But what he did mention was how poor the population were and how desperately needed was a solution to help the people out of poverty whilst protecting the environment. But for this to happen then tourism is a big part of the solution and by not taking the opportunity to showcase the many different microclimates of this country I fear he has put off many potential visitors and therefore not helping the problem but making it worse! Basically irresponsible journalism.
Just my thoughts anyway.
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