Adventure
Women - Join AdventureWomen on a wildlife and
nature safari to see Madagascar’s fascinating
animals in one of the most unique wildlife viewing
hotspots in the world. Once connected to the African
continent, and the fourth largest island in the world
African
Encounters - We have now introduced Madagascar to
our portfolio of fantastic destinations. Shrouded in
mystery, amazing and varied wildlife and spectacular
beaches have long made this a popular international holiday
destination. Only recently has the South African market
begun venturing to this stunning island.
African
Horizon -
Propelled to international fame by the animated movie
of the same name and best known for its lemurs, Madagascar
still remains relatively unknown to many travelers.
With stunning and contrasted landscapes, friendly
people, National Parks teeming with a rich and diverse
fauna and flora, the world‘s 4th largest island
is a gem not be missed by anyone intent on exploring
less trodden destinations.
CC
Africa Safari - Madagascar is located off the coast
of Africa, and hosts numerous breathtaking beaches
and magnificent coral reefs. It is the fourth largest
island in the world, with a variety of climatic conditions,
including both temperate and tropical weather. Madagascar
is home to over 200,000 species, and eighty-five percent
of the island’s animals and plants are endemic
only to this country.
Jenman
African Safaris - Jenman African Safaris is one
of the leading safari travel operators in Southern
and East Africa. Lead by brothers Garth, Brendan and
Andrew, Jenman African Safaris is based in Cape Town,
South Africa with operational offices in Tanzania,
Madagascar and Zambia! Offering tailor-made travel
to all destinations in Southern Africa, East Africa
and Madagascar... Join Jenman African Safaris for a
Safari in Africa now!
Pulse
Africa - Madagascar is an extraordinary island,
stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Mozambique
Channel, drifted
away from the mainland of Africa some 165 million years
ago, creating a gigantic treasure trove of spectacular
natural wonders. Today this land, frozen in time, boasts
a diversity of culture, fauna and flora found nowhere
else in the world.
Safari
2 Africa -
Safari 2 Africa is a tour operator offering luxury African
Safaris, African Safari Honeymoons, Botswana Safaris,
Victoria Falls Hotels, and travel tours around southern
Africa, including South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe,
Mozambique , Mauritius & Madagascar
Uyaphi -
Looking for an African safari with a difference then
spend some time in one of the world's wildest destinations
- on a Madagascar safari.
Why
you Want to Visit Madagascar
Madagascar
is the world's fourth largest island -- about size
the size of Texas or France -- and has been isolated
from the African mainland for over 160 million years.
The country is home to some 17,000,000 people in addition
to some of the planet's most unique biodiversity.
Madagascar's wildlife is special and most of its species
exist nowhere else in the world.
Because long time ago, Madagascar wasn't an Island.
It was part of a huge continent called Gondwanaland which
included India, Africa, South America, Australia and
Antarctica. The huge continent moved slowly through years
and formed a number of independent areas of land. So
Madagascar--and its animals--became cut off from the
rest of the world.
Places
of Interest
Antananarivo - Antananarivo, often abbreviated to Tana, has a distinctively
French flavor and atmosphere: French is widely spoken,
and road as well as shop signs are mostly in French.
The city is built on three levels.
Ambohimanga -
The birthplace of the Malagasy state, Ambohimanga is
20km from the capital. Known variously as "the
Blue city", "the Holy city" and "the
forbidden city", it is surrounded by forests.
The citadel was an important Merina stronghold and
retains several structures associated with their ceremonies.
Mahajanga -
A provincial capital, Mahajanga stands at the mouth of
Madagascar's largest river, the Betsiboka. Boats depart
for Nosy Be and several other islands. The beach here
is said to be free of sharks.
Nosy Be -
Nosy Be is Madagascar's most important holiday resort.
An island surrounded by smaller islands lying off the
northwest coast, it is one hour by air from the capital.
Ile Ste-Marie -
Ile Ste-Marie (Nosy Boraha) lies off the east coast,
150km north of Toamasina. Its dense vegetation and
the difficulty of navigating the lagoons which surround
it made it an ideal base for pirates and, later, a
colony for convicts.
Language
The Malagasy
language (pronounced Malagassy) is of Malayo-Polynesian origin and is generally spoken throughout the island.
Madagascar is a francophone country meaning it speaks
French, and is a part of the French speaking population.
French is spoken among the educated population of this
former French colony. English, although still rare, is
becoming more widely spoken and in 2003 the government
began a pilot project of introducing the teaching of
English into the primary grades of 44 schools, with hopes
of taking the project nationwide. Many Peace Corps volunteers
are serving to further this effort and train teachers.
Cuisine
Rice is the the staple of the Madagascar diet. The
resourceful natives have developed literally dozens
of delicious preparatory techniques for this plentiful
grain. But the Malagasy diet is a varied one, and heaping
mounds of rice are usually topped with zebu, an excellent
local beef, as well as pork, chicken, crab, fish, corn,
peanuts, and potatoes. Fresh fruits and vegetables
abound. Spicy curries are popular, as are the numerous
exquisite French dishes served at the island's finest
restaurants and hotels.
When in Madagascar, you'll be urged to try the national
snack: Koba, a pate of rice, banana, and peanut.
Unless you're a fan of that peculiar combination
of flavors, skip the Koba and order one of the island's
famous seafood salads. You'll be handed a heaping
plateful of luscious ginger-and-lime flavored crab
and lobster meat, resting on a bed of fresh greens.
Akoho sy voanio, a chicken dish prepared with rice
and fresh coconut, is also quite delicious, as is
the Foza sy hena-kisoa, a stir-fried crab, pork,
and rice dish.
