Want something new and strangely different in a holiday? Then head to Madagascar, the world's 4th largest island after Greenland, New Guinea and Borneo, nestled in the Indian Ocean and known as the 'Great Red Island' (for its red-orange soil). One of the 'lost world' islands, Madagascar has a great deal to offer its visitors, from unique biodiversity, mountainous interior and sub-humid forests, to deserted beaches with soft sand and clear water, a wide variety of activities and sightseeing opportunities, as well as a number of boutique hotels.
In splendid isolation, Madagascar, the island of marvel, has evolved its unique quite extraordinary wildlife, more than eighty percent of which is found nowhere else on earth. It is the only place in the world where you can see 93 lemur species, dancing with their babies in the wild. It is nicknamed 'the land of living fossils' because of its amazing endemic flora and fauna. There are 101 species of native mammals, 303 species of amphibians, 346 known species of reptiles, such as giant tortoises, geckos, leaf-nosed snakes and many others, as well as about 290 bird species. What concerns to flora, we should say that floristic species of the island are not yet well known. However, according to scientists' inventories over 12,000 species are found, including the most famous Aloes, Lalonas, Baboos, Ferns, palms and more than 1,000 species of orchids.
Covering a total area of 587,040 square kilometers Madagascar is divided into five geographical regions, including the east coast, the Tsaratanana Massif in the north, the central highlands, the west coast and the southwest. Maromokotro is the highest peak at an elevation of 2,876 meters. The island is home to a wide range of rivers that ensure the fertility of the country, quite a few lakes making the country beautiful, with the largest Lake Alaotra, and a spectacular coastline stretching over 4,828 km with many beaches offering wonderful water adventures.
Madagascar enjoys a subtropical climate characterized by hot and rainy season that lasts between November to April, the temperatures ranging between 27C and 32C and cooler dry season from May to October with temperatures hovering between 18C and 22C. Thus, the best time to visit the island is indeed in the dry season.
Popular tourist attractions include: Antananarivo, the capital city n nestled in a magnificent valley near the island center, famous for colorful flowing market, botanical and zoological gardens and some of the best hotels, like Hilton Madagascar, Ibis Antananarivo and others; Canal Des Pangalanes, connecting a number of lakes and rivers and featuring lush vegetation; Nosy Be, the only resort of the island and much more.
Madagascar has it all-rich history and culture, breathtaking beauty of lush tropical nature, a plethora of alluring national parks and private reserves where you can marvel at the island's most famous inhabitants and enormous variations in ecosystems and geology. Stay in stunning forest lodges and beachfront hotels and indulge in plenty of water experiences, including swimming, surfing, snorkeling and whale watching. Madagascar is a tourist's delight that guarantees a perfect stay for those who want to be close to nature with its great coastal regions, exotic rich wildlife and enchanting beauty.
Madagascar Hotels
Located near Lake Anosy Hotel Carlton Antananarivo, (formerly known as Hilton Hotel) is one of the world's most visited holiday destinations, offering quality service and perfect facility options for those who want to be far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The hotel caters to business travelers and is only 15 km from the airport. The hotel features 179 spacious and gorgeously furnished rooms and suites with lake and pool views and modern room amenities, including air-conditioning, international phone call access, tea and coffee making facilities, a mini-bar, cable TV and laundry.Recreation involves children's playground, aerobics, billiards, tennis and massage. Discover the blend of both international and local cuisines in hotel's three restaurants, gamble in the casino and indulge in the plenty of adventures creating amazing memories to long a lifetime.
Nestled in the unspoiled northern coast of Nosy Be Island, off the northern tip of Madagascar, Amarina Hotel is a perfect isolated escape for those who want to enjoy and unwind Madagascar's hidden pleasures, including tropical gardens, comfortable accommodation, great dining options and a diverse array of land and water adventures. This exclusive 'getaway' features 58 sea facing comfortable rooms, all with elegant design, en-suite bathroom, single and double beds, separated toilets, air-conditioning, mini-bar, safe, wireless internet connection, and internal telephone.
Guests can also enjoy utmost luxury in the more spacious deluxe suites offering a separate sitting room. The following hotel facilities and amenities are available: 24-hour reception and room service, restaurant with fine dining options, babysitting request upon request, swimming pool, spa and massage service performed with natural oil fragrances, reading room on the mezzanine as well as sports and leisure activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, kayaks and excursions to one of the nearby islands, walking tours, beach volleyball and tennis.
Palissandre Hotel & Spa is an upscale hotel, situated on a hillside, just in the heart of the capital Antananarivo, offering warm hospitality typical of the Malagasy people. It is home to 46 well-arranged spacious rooms, decorated with Palissandre wood, offering great views of the hills and plateaus of Antananarivo. In the bar 'L'Amphore' you can enjoy delicious dishes and wonderful homemade cocktails. Palissandre Hotel & Spa is ideal spot for business travelers and for tourists seeking tranquility and serenity. For more adventurous the hotel offers exciting water sports, a casino as well as ample to keep the entire family occupied.
With exotic sights, warm welcoming hospitality, and warm perfect weather, Madagascar will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.