Madagascar Travel Advice For Beach Breakaways

Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, lies off the coast of southern Africa, and like its neighboring continent, it is blessed with some of the finest seaside resorts. Should you be planning a holiday to this region, some Madagascar travel advice will help you choose the best seaside retreat.

Madagascar is a tropical island situated in the Indian Ocean off the south eastern coast of Africa. It is a haven for naturalists who visit the area to enjoy the splendor of the beaches, rain forests, and the unique fauna and flora this region has to offer. On a day hike into the rain forests, one can encounter an incredible variety of exotic reptiles; a diverse variety of bird life; and 70 different species of lemurs, all of which are endemic to the region.

And then there are the stunning exotic beaches where one can relax and soak up the sun, or partake in a multitude of water-sports and outdoor activities that are available. There is something for everyone, including diving or snorkeling the tropical coral reefs, fishing trips, kayaking, as well as biking and hiking on land.

L'lle Sainte-Marie: Situated off the north east coast of Madagascar, L'lle Sainte-Marie offers tranquil palm fringed white sandy beaches surrounding a crystal blue tropical lagoon. The channel separating this island from the mainland is the breeding ground of humpback whales, which can be viewed during the breeding season (July to September) when they migrate northwards to give birth and rear their young in the warm tropical waters of this protected channel.

Nosy Be: From budget options for backpackers to exclusive hotel resorts, Nosy Be offers accommodation for all budgets, making it a popular destination. Situated 8 kilometers from the north west corner of the mainland, Nosy Be, meaning Big Island, is surrounded by a myriad of smaller islands, allowing one to easily island hop to sample the variety of beaches nearby.

Nosy Iranje: Nosy Iranje is comprised of twin islands, Nosy Iranje Be, and the smaller Nosy Iranje Kely, which are linked by a 1.2 kilometer sand bar that is only visible when the tide drops. Nosy Iranje is situated to the south west of Nosy Be, and is famous for its turtles as hawksbill turtles come ashore here to lay their eggs.

Masoala: The Masoala Peninsula is one of the most exquisitely lush tropical settings. It is surrounded by virgin forest of the Masoala National Park, a recently declared World Heritage Site, which covers an area of 230,000 hectares, and includes three marine reserves. The protected area covers multiple habitats, including rain forest, flooded forest, coastal forest, mangrove forest, salt marshes and offshore coral reefs. It is home to a huge diversity of unique plant and animal species, and as such is the perfect destination for the naturalist. It also offers excellent kayaking opportunities, with various overnight kayaking expeditions to choose from.

If you are a nature lover, whose ideal holiday includes spending time lazing about under gently swaying palm trees, with nothing around you but bleached white beach sand meeting azure blue water, surrounded by dense virgin rain forests, then Madagascan beaches beacon. After your seaside sojourn in the sun, you will depart feeling totally revitalized


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