Madagascar, an exceptional island

Located off the coast of Mozambique, Madagascar is one of the pearls of the Indian Ocean. This island, covering 587,000 km2, is home to 18 ethnic groups whose ancestors were…

Located off the coast of Mozambique, Madagascar is one of the pearls of the Indian Ocean. This island, covering a vast 587,000 km2, is home to 18 ethnic groups whose ancestors were African, Indonesian, European or came from the Near East. Madagascar is known as the Red Island: its plateaux of laterite, a rock characteristic of tropical regions, give it a recognisable reddish-ochre colour.

But Madagascar is much more than that. It’s plant and animal species that are found nowhere else but on this island, magnificent beaches and breathtaking landscapes. A madagascar trip offers a great experience that you absolutely must try.

Unique fauna and flora

The fifth largest island in the world, Madagascar is separated from East Africa by the Mozambique Channel. The Red Island, its other name referring to the laterite of its plateaux, is famous for its exceptional flora and fauna. More than 100,000 animal species and almost 19,000 plant species are endemic to Madagascar, some of which can be seen in the national parks. Of the 9 species of baobab in the world, 7 are found only on the island. When it comes to wildlife, Madagascar stands out for its lemurs, including the Maki Catta, the best known worldwide.

Travel Madagascar: varied landscapes in a single island

Travelling to Madagascar means discovering the range of landscapes this island has to offer. Tropical forests can be found on the east coast, stretching from Toamasina to Taolagnaro. The landscapes of this humid part of the island contrast with those of the far south, characterised by aridity and dry savannahs reminiscent of the bush of southern Africa. The semi-arid West is dotted with bush and savannah. Some of the most spectacular scenery in Madagascar is well worth a visit. These include the Tsingy de Bemaraha, the white sandy beaches of Sainte-Marie or Nosy Be, the rice fields of the highlands, the caves of Anjohibe in Antsanitia, Majunga and the Cirque Rouge, also in Majunga. The choice of destinations is therefore vast, and all that remains is to choose your itineraries for an out-of-the-ordinary experience.