We invite you to explore the uniqueness of Madagascar, often called the “eighth continent,” and for good reason: the island nation, though technically belonging to Africa, defies categorization. Located in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of the African continent, Madagascar is home to dancing lemurs, landscapes studded with mighty baobab trees, and unusual reptiles and insects.
For the past 88 million years, Madagascar has been left in almost complete evolutionary isolation, resulting in unparalleled biodiversity. Scientists estimate that 80 to 90 percent of the country’s flora and fauna are unique to the island. Birders, photographers, and nature enthusiasts can seek out its many endemic species. More than a third of its recorded bird species are also endemic.
This amazing biological diversity is supported by landscapes and ecosystems that include rainforests, cloud forests, spiny forests, deserts, savannas, wetlands, karst limestone formations, beaches, and coral reefs. The rust-colored soils of the central highlands lend the country its other nickname, the “Great Red Island.” Though many areas are protected, the country’s habitats are under extreme pressure from deforestation and mining activities. Opportunities to study biodiversity, geology, sustainability and conservation are abundant.
We’ll also explore Madagascar’s human history, which is relatively recent; it’s believed humans first arrived to the island only 2,000 or so years ago. The country’s population has become a mix of the early Indonesian cultures that first settled here, as well as African, Arab, and French.
We’re also working on adding additional people-oriented, economy-based activities, and possibly staying at a hotel in Antsirabe that is rooted in local social projects. We’ll include multiple talks on developing tourism and ecological endeavors.
From the capital city of Antananarivo to the lush cloud forests of Ranomafana and the spiny forests of Berenty, we will explore the country’s rich natural and cultural heritage and learn more about this mystical and welcoming island.
This program is full; we recommend adding your name to the waitlist at no obligation.
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