World Challenge Independent Expeditions: Madagascar...'The Lost Eden'?

Home to 5% of the world's animal and plant species and long isolated from its neighbouring continents, Madagascar has been dubbed an 'Explorer's Paradise' and 'Lost Eden'. Even more astonishing is the fact that most of these plants and animals are endemic to Madagascar- they are found no where else in the world! Not only are lemurs just from here, out of 10,000 plant species in the country 90% can only be found in Madagascar, so perhaps it is no wonder this country has claimed so many titles.

Stopping off at a waterfall

Compared to the 4 week Independent Expedition to Madagascar I have only had a small glimpse on what is on offer when I took week long trip there in March; however it certainly proved itself to be a fascinating and colourful country! We started with a 3 day boat trip down the Tsribihina River, taking us from Miandravazo to the west coast. Cruising down the river we had the opportunity to spot wildlife (lemurs, bats, birds), visit the villages and meet the locals (with very broken French and the odd work of Malagasy!) and take in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the country.

Water taxi!

Zebu-car!

At the end of the boat trip we travelled by Zebu-car (possibly the slowest and bumpiest way of travelling!) to the jeeps which took us over to Kirindy Forest where on a night walk you can spot: snakes, jumping rats, chameleons, spiders and lots of nocturnal lemurs- including the tiny mouse lemur!

Close by was Baobab Avenue- an iconic place which you will have seen in the guide books...although trees aren't really my 'thing', I think anyone would find it hard to to be impressed by these 2000 year old monsters!

Baobab Avenue

My trip ended with a visit to the jungle in Andasibe National Park; the cooler temperatures were a welcome relief from the coast! This park is home to the rare indri and diademed sifaka- you can hear their 'call' (more like a 'hoot'!) across the forest every morning.

Sunset on the coast

And then it was back to the UK! It was a whirlwind trip, trying everything that the Independent Expedition to Madagascar covers in their 3rd week. The country certainly is stuffed full of flora and fauna, lending this itself to any budding ecologists or biologists that are considering going on expedition. However, with its Arab, Indonesian, Chinese, French and African influences the people, history and culture of this country was also a fascinating mix and left me desperate to go back and see more!