Flights to Madagascar from CAD 1,744*

Flights to Madagascar with Air France from Canada

The country ofMadagascarcovers the entirety of one of the world’s largest islands, giving it a surface area of 587,000 km², slightly larger than mainland France. The population of 26 million are divided into around 18 different ethnic subgroups, although there are just two official languages,Malagasyand French. Madagascar is 8 hours ahead of Toronto and 11 hours ahead of Vancouver and a flight to Madagascar(to the capital city,Antananarivo, with a connection in Paris) from Montréal will take just over 21 hours. The best time to visit is probably during the dry season from May to October/November, when temperatures are cooler (from 9 to about 21°C). Cyclone season is generally December through to March and best avoided. The local currency is theMalagasy Ariary, with the Euro the most useful foreign currency.

Nature-lovers, welcome to Madagascar, one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet!

The geographical isolation of Madagascar has resulted in an island with a remarkable collection ofnative fauna and flora. So many (90%) of plant and animal species are found nowhere else in the world that the island has been called ‘the eighth continent’ by some naturalists.

The wide variety of ecosystems, from paddy fields and tropical rainforest tospiny forestsand mangrove swamps has contributed to this diversity. Madagascar is particularly rich in plants such as palms, orchids and the incrediblebaobab trees, while most of the world’schameleonspecies call the island home. The 103 species of thelemurfamily and 110 species of bird are only found here.

There are a number of national parks, including a grouping of six which collectively have UNESCO World Heritage status under the umbrella nameRainforests of the Atsinanana in the country’s east. This includes the Andringitra National Park, which contains the country’s second-tallest peak, Imarivolanitra and some 13 species of lemur. The other UNESCO-classed natural park is the remarkable Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve. Although it’s most famous for its needle-like limestone formations, it’s also home to the famous aye-aye, the rare Henst’s Goshawk, of which there are fewer than 3,000 in the wild, and the Manambolo river gorge, which it’s possible to navigate by boat. Isalo National Parkto the south features strange sandstone formations, dry deciduous woodland, natural swimming pools, waterfalls and over 100 bird species, making it very popular with hikers. However, the Avenue of the Baobabs requires no such physical effort, being a line of some 20 to 25 trees alongside a road. Some of the trees are 2,800 years oldand reach 30 metres high. They can be viewed at any time of the day, but sunset is a particularly popular time. The Avenue of the Baobabs can be reached by car from all major cities, but as so often in Madagascar, it’s recommended to get a guide/driver rather than self-drive.

Try a more maritime take on your Madagascan holiday!

Madagascar is not generally seen as a beach vacation destination, but there are some outstanding places to enjoy either chilled-out or more sporty seaside activities. Kite-surfing and wind-surfing, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, diving and snorkelling, and evenwhale-watchingare all options.

Beautiful beaches range from Lokaro in the south to Nosy Sakatiain the far north. The latter is particularly known for itsgiant sea turtleswhich can be seen grazing amongst the sea grass beds.

Some of the country’s national parks also offer protection to marine wildlife. The Nosy-Ve Androka National Parkin southwest Madagascar boasts coral reef beds and sandy beaches and welcomes such wildlife as dugongs, dolphins, sea turtles and even the rare coelacanth. Do book ahead to ensure you get the best possible hotel deals in your chosen destination.

The web is your best friend when it comes to planning your trip to Madagascar!

Take a look at these practical websites for more information on what to enjoy during your stay in Madagascar.

• madagascar-embassy.ca/en/tourisme-culture/tourism/discover-madagascar
• madagascar-tourisme.com/en/
• whc.unesco.org/en/list/494 (Tsingy de Bemaraha)
• whc.unesco.org/en/list/1257 (Rainforests of the Atsinanana)
• travelmadagascar.org/index.html