Daniel Austin's fascination with Madagascar began long before he managed to muster the funds to go and see the island first-hand, on what he planned to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip before submitting to the inevitability of getting a ‘proper job'. Whether it was his aversion to such drudgery or the allure of Madagascar that was stronger than he expected isn't certain – perhaps both – but the trip changed the course of his life and he has returned at least once every year ever since, often for three months at a time. Now occupied full time with all things Malagasy, he leads small-group tours to the island ([...] gives occasional lectures on Madagascar, is secretary of the London-based Anglo-Malagasy Society, founded the Madagascar Library ([...] and co-authored the other Bradt titles Madagascar Wildlife and Madagascar Highlights. [...]

Hilary Bradt's career as an occupational therapist ended when potential employers noticed that the time taken off for travel exceeded the periods of employment. With her former husband George, she self-published her first guidebook in 1974 during an extended journey through South America. As well as running Bradt Travel Guides, Hilary worked for 25 years as a tour leader in Madagascar. Her in-depth knowledge of the country has brought her lecture engagements at the Royal Geographical Society, the Smithsonian Institution and on board expedition cruise ships, as well as numerous commissions for travel articles. She received an MBE in 2008 for services to the travel industry, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Guild of Travel Writers in 2009, and a Travel Media Special Contribution award in 2019. She now lives in semi-retirement in Devon and is delighted to have handed over the hard graft of researching new editions to Daniel. [...]

Introduction



PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION

Chapter 1 The Country

Geograph, Climate, A brief history, Government and politics, Economy

Chapter 2 People and Culture

Enigmatic origins, Beliefs and customs, Malagasy society, Ethnic groups, Language

Chapter 3 Natural History

Introduction, Geology, Flora, Fauna, Madagascar’s ecosystems, Conservation, Protected areas

Chapter 4 Practical Information

When to visit, Choosing a trip to suit you, Highlights and itineraries, Tour operators, Red tape, Getting there and away, What to take, Money, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking , Holidays and festivals, Shopping for souvenirs, Communications

Chapter 5 Health and Safety

Before you go, Specific health issues, Medical kit, Safety, Advice for specific types of traveller

Chapter 6 Madagascar and You

Responsible tourism, How you can help

PART TWO THE GUIDE

Chapter 7 Antananarivo and Area

History, Ivato Airport area, Antananarivo city, Day excursions from Tana, Overnight excursions

Chapter 8 East of Tana

Antananarivo–Côte Est Railway, Tana to Moramanga, Lake Alaotra, Moramanga to Andasibe, Andasibe area, Andasibe to Toamasina

Chapter 9 The Highlands South of Tana

Tana to Antsirabe, Antsirabe (PK 169) and around, Ambositra (PK 259) and around, Ambositra to Fianarantsoa, Ranomafana National Park and beyond, Fianarantsoa (PK 408) and around, Ambalavao (PK 465) and around, Andringitra Massif, Ambalavao to Ihosy

Chapter 10 The South

History, Ihosy to Ranohira, Isalo National Park, The Makay Massif, Ranohira to Toliara, Toliara (PK 926), Ifaty and Mangily, North of Ifaty, Anakao, South of Anakao, Toliara to Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin), The far south, Mandrare Valley, Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin)

Chapter 11 The West: Menabe Region

Morondava, South of Morondava, North of Morondava, Melaky region

Chapter 12 The North and Northwest

Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), Ramena and the east coast, Excursions west from Antsiranana, Montagne d’Ambre (Amber Mountain) National Park, Excursions south from Antsiranana, Ankarana Special Reserve, Continuing south on RN6, Fly-in luxury beach resorts, Mahajanga (Majunga), West of Mahajanga, RN4: Mahajanga to Antananarivo

Chapter 13 Nosy Be and Nearby Islands

History, Transport, Activities and excursions, Hell-Ville (Andoany), Ambatoloaka, Beach hotels and other accommodation, Islands around Nosy Be, Mitsio Islands (northeast of Nosy Be), Islands southwest of Nosy Be

Chapter 14 Toamasina to Masoala and the SAVA Region

History, Toamasina (Tamatave), Toamasina to Soanierana-Ivongo, Soanierana-Ivongo to Maroantsetra, Masoala Peninsula, SAVA region

Chapter 15 Île Sainte Marie (Nosy Boraha)

Île Sainte Marie (main island), Île aux Nattes (Nosy Nato)

Chapter 16 The East Coast between Toamasina and Taolagnaro

Pangalanes Canal, The east coast from Vatomandry to Mananjary, The east coast from Mananjary to Taolagnaro

Appendix 1 Historical Chronology

Appendix 2 The Malagasy Language

Appendix 3 Further Information

Index