Madagascar Tourist Guide
A large island in the Indian Ocean off the south-eastern tip of
Africa, Madagascar has historic connections with France and Britain
but is now an independent state. One of the main agricultural
products of Madagascar is vanilla and Coca Cola is an important
customer and trading partner. The geographical separation of
Madagascar from Africa has allowed numerous species of plants and
animals to thrive in isolation and many are not found anywhere else
in natural habitats. The port of Taomasina on the east coast is
main entry point for seaborne travellers arriving from Mauritius or
Reunion.
The Canal des Pangalanes is a waterway of natural freshwater
lakes linked by man-made canals that half the length of
Madagascar's east coast, meaning a boat cruise is a delightful way
to explore the country. The canal was cut during French colonial
times and it remains a vital artery for transport and trade. The
waterway passes by traditional villages and small islands and is
lush with Mangroves and other aquatic vegetation.
Beside Lake Ampitabe, the third largest lake of the Canal des
Pangalanes, there is Bushhouse Lodge, a delightful eco-tourist
accommodation project made up of bungalows in the wilderness. From
here you can visit the Palmarium, a nature reserve where you can
encounter Madagascar's most famous jungle inhabitant, the tame and
friendly lemur, in its natural habitat. You'll also see endemic
palms, orchids and other exotic plants native to the island. You
may also see chameleons - famous for their changing skin color, and
among the local bird life, scops-owls, cattle egrets, guinea fowls
and whistling ducks.
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