A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
World Lemur Day takes place on October 30, and the World Lemur Festival is celebrated in the weeks surrounding this date to raise awareness about lemur diversity and their critical conservation needs. Sadly, 98% of lemur species are threatened with extinction, with 31% categorized as critically endangered, marking the highest level of threat.
You can blame DreamWorks and David Attenborough if all you know aboutMadagascaris that it’s the home of curious, charming lemurs and lithe-tongued, color-changing chameleons. The wildlife – and indeed the plant life – is incredible, with 90% of it endemic to this island where life has evolved in isolation since it separated from India around 88 million years ago; however, Madagascar is also an amazing adventure arena.
One could argue that taking 12 to 24 hours to cover the 163km between Madagascar’s highlands and its Indian Ocean coast is a rather slow and inefficient way to travel. It is, but that is the point. Traveling on the Fianarantsoa-Côte Est (FCE) railway isn’t really about getting from A to B – it’s about the journey.
Lying in the Indian Ocean off the southeast coast of Africa, the island of Madagascar has evolved in splendid isolation for over 80 million years, resulting in a unique and startling world full of upside-down trees, stone forests, and, of course, lemurs.
Antananarivo, the tongue-twisting capital of Madagascar, is often overlooked by travellers, which is an opportunity missed. Yes, it’s a busy, ramshackle sort of place where traffic is a problem and security is taken seriously; however, look beyond this, and you’ll find a colourful city full of charm, history, and incredible views at every turn.
Meta Description:Explore Madagascar, known for its unique wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich culture. Discover essential travel tips, key attractions, and best times to visit this enchanting island nation.