patch on Madagascar for diversity. Blissfully overlooked by humanity until the eighth century, the island is a walk on the weird side for intrepid visitors. Around 80 percent of its species are unique; ultra-rare primates like Perrier’s black sifaka, tropical tree frogs, half of the world’s chameleons in jewel-box colors, plus a panoply of lemurs — their 100-plus species Madagascar’s star attraction. Conservation International includes Madagascar among only 17 countries that it considers to be ‘megadiverse’. So where to go? Within striking distance of
the capital Antananarivo, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is a Disney-esque jungle of glossy foliage and waterfalls which the world’s biggest
lemur, the indri, calls home. In north-east Madagascar, Masoala National Park is a hassle to reach but worth the effort for 890 square miles of UNESCO-designated primary rainforest. Parc National d’Isalo is a better choice for walks, while Allée des Baobabs near Morondava has avenues of baobab trees guaranteed to explode an Instagram account. Berenty Private Reserve is excellent for lemurs and night walks. Nature guides are essential to make the most of it all, and trips booked through specialist ecotourism operators ease logistics. Madagascar is tricky for travelers due to its
size, which means that internal travel can eat up holiday time. the country’s relative poverty means tourist infrastructure is limited. In short, this is a place for adventurous holidaymakers.