Madagascar

All things bright and beautiful and a little more besides.

First, decide how to best make use of your time - each of Madagascar's fascinating corners offers something different. Is your priority bumming around on beaches? Hiking pristine rainforests in search of lemurs? Climbing bizarre rock formations or canoeing down a river? You're spoilt for choice here.

Madagascar was badly affected by Cyclone Ivan, which struck on 17 February. Over 80 deaths were reported, 187,000 people were left homeless, and flooding was widespread. More heavy rain is expected; travellers to the island should monitor weather reports closely, and expect disruptions to transport and communications services.