image: get ty. Illustration: jessica kendrew
MADAGASCAR
Left: Nosy Komba island from above
------------ When to go: The dry
ESSENTIALS -
a further male clinging in turn onto his back for good measure). I have inadvertently gatecrashed an amphibian mass orgy. At once, I understand why that first frog had seemed in such a single-minded hurry. Raising his voice above the tumult,
Angeluc explains that the proper term for this gathering is an explosive breeding event. Evidently, I’m very lucky to witness it, as it occurs for just a day or two each year when temporary shallow pools form in the forest at the start of the rainy season. I learn that these creatures, known to scientists as aglyptodactylus securifer, are normally solitary souls and not even yellow but rather a drab, mottled brown so they can be camouflaged among the leaf litter. I gaze at the frenzied crowd of frogs making merry before my eyes, astonished in the realization that the attendees are brightly colored solely for this party.
36 • postcards As we hike back to the trailhead, we
happen upon troops of both crowned lemurs and Sanford’s lemurs. I’d imagined that these would certainly be the highlight of the day, but I cannot fully appreciate them now; I’m still buzzing too much from the unforgettable frog jamboree, the invisible leaf-tailed gecko and my mystical encounter with the frolicking paradise flycatcher. You see, this is how it is in Madagascar.
It’s all about the little things. If you visit this remarkable country expecting an epic African safari experience, then you risk coming away feeling sorely disappointed. There’s nothing so in-your-face as a rhinoceros or an elephant, nor anything so fierce as a lion or a leopard. In fact, barely any native Malagasy animal is larger than a domestic cat. But, if you care to spend some time and look a little closer, this one-of-a-kind Indian Ocean island is full of extravagant wildlife experiences.
season (April-November) has the most pleasant weather and therefore is the optimum period for flora and fauna. The wet season brings high rainfall but accommodation tends to be less expensive and there are fewer tourists. Currency: $1 = 4,525 MGA Language: Malagasy and French, but English is increasingly spoken among tourism professionals. Getting around: For comfort and ease, we can arrange a driver who can double up as a guide to explore the country. Keep in mind that it’s a huge island with poorly developed road infrastructure, so use domestic flights for any longer trajectories.
------------ Board PONANT Cruises’
BOOK IT NOW -
15-night Adventure in Madagascar sailing and discover the incredible natural riches of this island and the authentic traditions of its people. Get an exclusive bonus of $100 shipboard credit per person only when you book through our agency. Departs from Victoria, Seychelles, on January 13, 2024.
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