Travel The Unknown's Destination Of The Month is: Madagascar. A paradise for nature lovers and adventure junkies alike, Madagascar is an island full of activities and diverse landscapes, as well as strange and wonderful wildlife.
Unlike most areas of the world, Madagascar wasn’t discovered by human beings until 500 AD, allowing animals and plants that might have otherwise been wiped out to flourish. Madagascar is renowned for being home to many animals found nowhere else on Earth and for its signature animal, the lemur.
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Unlike most areas of the world, Madagascar wasn’t discovered by human beings until 500 AD, allowing animals and plants that might have otherwise been wiped out to flourish. Madagascar is renowned for being home to many animals found nowhere else on Earth and for its signature animal, the lemur.
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FIVE INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MADAGASCAR
- 5% of all known animal and plant species can only be found in Madagascar.
- Madagascar is the world's fourth biggest island.
- There is no official religion but 52% of the population of Madagascar follow animistic beliefs.
- Madagascar is home to half the world’s chameleons.
- The correct demonym for someone from Madagascar is 'Malagasy', and plural 'Malagasies'.
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Some Practical Info
- A visa is required for all visitors. This can easily be bought on arrival from the airport in either local currency, or dollar and euro equivalent.- Travellers must provide a return plane ticket and hold a passport valid for at least six months.
- The official language is Malagasy or French. Attempts at learning and using any Malagasy are greatly encouraged by the locals!
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The island is divided by a high central plateau; on the east lies lush rainforest and on the west there is a drier, deciduous forest. The south is recognisable for its arid and spiny woodland filled with indigenous plants.
It is quite possible that Madagascar was once a pirates' paradise thanks to its secluded nature and hidden coves. They must have enjoyed the turquoise blue waters, the natural pools and the incredible wildlife on offer!
Sadly for them, they probably didn’t try out any mountain biking, kitesurfing or rock-climbing, which have since become very popular on the island.
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It is quite possible that Madagascar was once a pirates' paradise thanks to its secluded nature and hidden coves. They must have enjoyed the turquoise blue waters, the natural pools and the incredible wildlife on offer!
Sadly for them, they probably didn’t try out any mountain biking, kitesurfing or rock-climbing, which have since become very popular on the island.
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Despite Madagascar's location just 250 miles from Africa, its culture bears a resemblance to Indonesia and Southeast Asia, located a lengthy 3,000 miles away. The Malagasy people also share similarities with other former colonies in Western Africa, since the island was colonised by France between 1895 to 1960. Throughout Madagascar’s history, the island has been influenced by diverse settlers and merchants, adding Arabic, Indian, French, English and Chinese flair to their rich culture.
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