The Island Country of Madagascar

About 300 miles east of southern Africa, across the Mozambique Channel, lies the island of Madagascar, a biodiversity hotspot. Best known for its lemurs (primitive relatives of monkeys, apes, and humans), colorful chameleons, stunning orchids, and towering baobab trees, Madagascar is home to some of the world's most unique flora and fauna.

Few destinations can boast such a unique face beyond the postcard image of white sand, turquoise waters, and bright sun. Madagascar, the crossroads of many worlds, promises an exceptional journey. I concentrated on what's popular being a first-timer. I made some friends along the way with like minds & interests, exploring the world.

ANTANANARIVO, the capital which translates to “City of Thousand Soldiers”, like any capital of many 3rd world countries is crowded & shows the deep need of the people & the country's economy. However, beyond this city lies the beauty of Madagascar. We flew to Morondava on the country’s local carrier, Madagascar Airlines. 

First point of interest…the otherworldly Avenue of the Baobabs (ALLEE DE BAOBABS), where majestic towering ancient trees line the dirt road. We embraced its beauty during the day and stayed until sunset for a truly magical experience. We discovered the different kinds of baobabs such as “baobabs in love”, “ancient sacred baobab”, the “V baobab”, “happy baobab” & many other species, which can produce delicious juices, medicinal oils & many more.

KIRINDY RESERVE & FOREST

Visit to a dry primary forest, protected because of its high rate of endemic wildlife: medicinal plants, trees with precious wood, baobabs, lemurs, birds, reptiles, and the fosa – the largest carnivore on the Great Red Island.

ROYAL HILL OF AMBOHIMANGA

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

It is considered the embodiment of Malagasy cultural identity. It has immense historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. Royal Hill was the burial ground for its sovereigns. The site retains clear archaeological proof of the former exercise of power and justice.

LEMURS BURST IN MADAGASCAR! It's time for a delightful experience connecting with a fascinating group of primates native to Madagascar, an island off the coast of east Africa. They are related to monkeys and apes, but are more primitive and evolved before them, making them a type of prosimian. Lemurs are the world's oldest living primates, with ancestors likely arriving on Madagascar around 70 million years ago.

These unique primates are considered one of the most endangered groups of animals. Lemurs play critical ecological roles in the forests where they live, both as seed dispersers and pollinators.

This is just a small part of this big island nation. I'm bound to explore more on our return.