Scientifically intriguing, Madagascar is an island country, the world’s second-largest, in fact, after Indonesia. Some 88 million years ago, the country split from the Indian subcontinent, in so preserving the indigenous species of flora and fauna. As a consequence, Madagascar is an important biodiversity hotspot, being home to plants and animals that are not found anywhere else on the planet. Not extremely popular as a holiday destination, probably because of its ubication and expensive flight tickets, the East African country should instead attract the attention of tourists for its uniqueness. After all, this is the island of the gigantic baobabs, the funny big-eyed lemurs, and the delicate orchids. Do you want to know more? Read on and find out about the top things Madagascar is famous for.
1. The extinct elephant bird
Weighing around 1000 pounds (500 kilograms) and reaching a height of up to 9.84 feet (3 meters), these gigantic, flightless birds were once roaming Madagascar - and Madagascar only, it appears. I know what you’re thinking: what could be so interesting about a big bird that went extinct millions of years ago? That’s exactly where it gets interesting. Elephant birds - closely related to ostriches and emus - only disappeared about 1000 years ago, probably wiped out by humans who hunted the animal for its giant, very nourishing eggs.
2. The endemic orchids of Madagascar
Delicate, colorful, and artistically shaped, orchids are one of the most sought-after flowers. 85% of the nearly 1000 orchid species are endemic to Madagascar. One of the most famous is the “Darwin’s orchid”, also known as “Christmas orchid” as it flowers between December and January, or the “Star of Bethlehem orchid” for its star shape.
3. Madagascar's national dish, Romazava
Romazava is a stew made of a combination of local leafy greens, such as mouth-numbing para cress, spinach-like anamamy, and mustard greens. These are cooked together with meat, either chicken, beef or zebu (yes, zebu!), tomatoes and onions. Romazava is Madagascar’s national dish and is traditionally served with rice. The addition of a hot sauce, aptly called “sakay” (spicy, in Malagasy), made of chilies, ginger, and garlic, add a delicious kick to the earthy stew.
4. Chameleons
Chameleons aren’t cute animals as such, but they’re certainly impressive for their hunting skills and fascinating for their camouflaging abilities. Chameleons are, in fact, known for their sticky tongues that can be rapidly catapulted out and directed towards their prey with incomparable precision. But what really sets them apart is their ability to change their skin color and pattern to blend in with the surroundings. And guess what? Madagascar, the Great Red Island, is home to nearly half of the world’s 200 species of chameleons.
5. Isalo National Park
Found in the southern end of the country, part of the Ihorombe region, Isalo National Park features mesmerizing works of art made out of sandstone. The erosion action of the wind, over the years, has created an otherworldly landscape of deep canyons, extensive flatlands, and rocky outcrops. It’s the second-largest park in Madagascar and one of the most popular among tourists.
Isalo National Park
Address: Madagascar
Website: Isalo National Park
6. The capital Antananarivo (from USD 30.0)
How can you best explore and get to know a place if not by walking its streets in the company of a local? GetYourGuide offers personalized walking tours of Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo. You’ll be assigned the best local host based on your interests, the time you have at your disposal, and the neighborhood you’ll be staying in. Expect stories, tips on the best things to do, see, and eat, as well as instructions on how to get around, and much more. Don’t be shy to ask your host questions as they’ll be more than willing to share their love and passion for the city with you.
Antananarivo: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Duration: 2.0 to 6.0 hour
7. The praying mantis
Yet another quirky animal makes it on this list! It’s the praying mantis. There are many species of this peculiar insect that’s mainly found in South-East Asia and Africa. Much like the chameleon, the praying mantis usually resorts to mimicry to both elude its predators and hunt its prey. In Madagascar, it’s not unusual to find the ghost mantis, with a tiny, leaf-like body, the “Idolomorpha madagascariensis”, with a thin, elongated body that resembles high grass, and the dead leaf mantis: brown in color with dark and white spots, it mimics the shape and movement of a decaying leaf.
8. The Malagasy lemur
If you haven’t watched it already, the movie “Madagascar” has become somewhat of a hit - and not only amongst kids, - thanks to the funny and extravagant character played by an endemic species of the island, the lemur. There are over 100 existing species of lemurs of all shapes, sizes and colors in Madagascar. They’re famous for their characteristically large, inquisitive eyes.
9. The cat-like fossa
Last on the list of Malagasy animals is the fossa. Less popular compared to the others mentioned here, this cat-like mammal defies classification. It has been compared to a small cougar, despite its silky, light brown fur. It’s the largest mammalian carnivore to inhabit the Great Red Island. Don’t cross them during mating season, as males become particularly aggressive!
10. The gigantic baobabs
Another famous Madagascar native, this time belonging to the plant kingdom, is the baobab. These gigantic, deciduous trees are also found in mainland Africa and Australia. They can reach a very old age - over 1000 years - and an impressive height, around 75 feet (23 meters). Baobabs’ dark green leaves have many curative properties, so do their seeds and kernels, which are used by indigenous tribes to treat various illnesses.
A unique, otherworldly land
Famous for its endemic species of flora and fauna, Madagascar will have you completely mesmerized. Trek amongst the ginormous baobabs, catch the high-pitched screams of the funny-looking lemurs, take pictures of the quirky rock formations and the romantic waterfalls at Isalo National Park, or walk the streets of the capital, Antananarivo, accompanied by a local guide. There’s so much to do, see and discover on the Great Red Island. Have you booked your flight tickets already?
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