MADAGASCAR

A huge island country some 250 miles off the coast of East Africa, Madagascar boasts some of the most diverse wildlife on earth.  Home to the now endangered lemurs, this is one country that, if it’s on your bucket list, needs to be visited sooner rather than later. Deforestation has had a major impact but there are still outstanding areas of natural beauty that makes Madagascar unlike any other African country.  Similarities can be made though with other countries.  Here, you’ll see mangroves like those in DR Congo, beautiful coastlines of brilliant azure blue seas similar to those of Zanzibar, natural rolling green hills where you could almost be in South Africa, and even the fiery sunsets associated with the Serengeti.

Thing’s not to be missed include an encounter with the lemurs – unique to the island, the Avenue of the Baobabs, Isalo National Park and Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve.

Getting there: Flights from Heathrow via Nairobi or alternatively via Paris where you can pick up direct flights to Antananarivo.

Best time to visit: All times are good but it’s probably best to avoid the cyclone season! This runs from late December through to March.

Time difference: GMT +3 hours

Local currency: Malagasy Ariary