Floating off the south east coast of Africa, Madagascar is an island covering an area of around 594,000 sq kms, making it the fourth largest island in the world. Home to a mind-boggling variety of plants and animals, a huge proportion of which are wholly endemic to Madagascar, this is a country whose unique natural history has attracted botanists, geologists, zoologists and naturalists from every corner of the globe, leading to an advancement in education, research and awareness that has unfortunately in some cases, happened too late for many of the species that are now, in the 21st century, at great risk of extinction.

The cultural heritage of Madagascar has been influenced mainly by Asia even though its proximity to Africa would naturally suggest otherwise, and historical evidence has revealed that travellers from the middle east established trading posts along Madagascar's north-west coast as far back as the 7th century. The Malagasy language of the islanders displays similarities with that of some oceanic and south-east Asian communities, although being under French rule for several decades has left its mark with a language that has proved to be a valuable asset to the country's rapidly growing tourist industry as well as a thoroughly cosmopolitan attitude that has happily never quite managed to overwhelm the ancient customs and traditions of a fascinating and colourful past.

A central ridge runs the entire length of Madagascar from north to south - high plateaus that reach up to over 1,000 m and falling away steeply on the eastern side to landscapes dominated by rain forests, while the western side of the ridge consists largely of dry tropical forest, shrub land and desert. Sadly, none of these carefully balanced natural environments have escaped from the extensive deforestation that has proved to be a popular method for boosting local economy, but is an activity that has also succeeded in destroying the habitats for so many species of flora and fauna on the island that a significant number are now said to be in danger of disappearing from the planet forever.

Three mountain massif zones exist along the central ridge, Maromokotro being the highest peak at just under 3,000 m in the northern-most Tsaratanana massif whose volcanic mountain terrain seems to, in effect, separate the Antsiranana province from the rest of the island. With its impressive natural harbour and a collection of tiny volcanic islands off the north-west coast of the province, Antsiranana is a haven for tourists, a favoured location undoubtedly being Nosy Be Island whose paradise beaches, breathtaking scenery and outstanding resorts are irresistible to those seeking holiday apartments and villas in Madagascar for an unforgettable vacation that will be enhanced by blissful tropical sunshine and unprecedented luxury throughout any season of the year.

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