Madagascar island is the home of eco tourism. 80 percent of its plants are endemic and people come from across the world to see the large variety of lemurs.

Madagascar Island - Fourth Largest in the World

Situated off the southeast coast of Africa, Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. It is separated from the coast of Africa by the Mozambique Channel - the shortest distance between the island and the mainland is 400 km. This dazzling tropical island is a mass of unusual and colorful flowers and other flora.

Paradise for Ecotourism

Madagascar is a beautiful island, ringed by golden beaches and palm trees and with an unspoiled interior that is quite dazzling in its variety, from grassy plateaus to volcanoes and opaque forests and natural reserves – a true home from home for the serious eco travel tourist.

The Island of Madagascar consist of two percent of Africa's landmass boasts of 10,000 species of plants or which 80 percent are endemic (found no where else in the world) to this Indian Ocean Island.

Volcanic outcrops on Madagascar produce heights over 6,000 ft (the highest point being Tsaratanan, at 9,450 ft) and two former volcanic areas, Ankaratra and Andringingtra, reach over 8,500 ft.

East Coast of Madagascar Island

The eastern coast is almost straight and has very few anchorages. Behind its coral beaches there is an almost continuous line of lagoons from Foulpointe to Farafrandana. These are linked by man-made channels to form an inland waterway called the Pangalanes Canal (400 miles long) where you can find wilderness lodges like Bushhouse.

Antananarivo (Tananarive), Capital of Madagascar

Most visitors arrive in Tananarive via the Ivato International Airport. Locally known as Antananarivo, also called Tana for short, the capital of Madagascar is a city of 2,000,000 located on the High Plateau.

Flights, Trains, Boats and Buses in Madagascar

You can travel between coastal villages in dugout canoes known as Pirogues or Lakana or hire Dhows or hitch a ride on larger cargo boats. Ferries sail between Toamasina, Nosy Boraha and Maroantsetra and connect Manompana and Soanierana-Ivongo with Nosy Boraha. The railway system connects Antananarivo and Toamasina; Antananarivo and Antsirabe; Fianarantsoa and Manakara; and Moramanga and Ambatondrazaja. But in Madagascar, Bush Taxis and mini-buses are the main form of transport. Some larger buses run between Antananarivo and Toliara.

Madagascar has a Unique Biodiversity – Lemurs and Vanilla

Madagascar dazzles with its rich wildlife and biodiversity which makes this African Island a choice eco travel destination. One of the most popular creatures visitors come to see in its natural habitat is the lemur; there are over 10 different species of lemur on Madagascar.

Lemurs are fascinating primates, and they are a delight to watch and hear. In different parts of Madagascar eco tourists will see a variety of Lemur species. Visitors, even the non-eco travel minded, like to make an extra effort to venture into the humid forests to spot the night-active Lemur species. It is recommended that as even the day active Lemurs are difficult to spot, visitors should book a guide.

Madagascar is also famous for Vanilla. Originally from Mexico, Madagascan vanilla is sold the world over. The pod comes from the vanilla orchid plant.

Origin Tours and Safaris Offers Three Madagascar Packages:

• Constance Lodge Tsarabanjina
• Sakatia Island -Orchid Island
• Nosy Be Island -Perfume Island

Madagascar Package, Budget and Eco Tours

Cotrez Travel arranges custom tours, package tours, budget tours, eco tours to Madagascar. Check out their comprehensive website which includes a map of Madagascar's 22 National Parks and Reserves.

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