Madagascar

Madagascar is like a continent unto itself - an enormous island off Africa's east coast that separated from the mainland millions of years ago, allowing unique plants and animals to evolve that exist nowhere else on Earth! Over 90% of Madagascar's wildlife is endemic, meaning you can't find it anywhere else. Lemurs, the island's most famous residents, come in over 100 species, from tiny mouse lemurs to dancing sifakas. The Madagascar landscape ranges from rainforests to spiny deserts, towering baobab trees to coral reefs.

The Malagasy people (Madagascans) are a unique blend of African and Asian heritage, with traditions including famadihana (ancestor ceremonies) and vibrant music using the valiha (bamboo tube zither). The Avenue of the Baobabs near Morondava is a stunning natural cathedral of ancient trees. However, Madagascar faces environmental challenges with deforestation threatening its unique ecosystems. From chameleons that change color to tomato frogs that only live here, Madagascar teaches us about evolution, biodiversity, and why protecting unique habitats matters for the whole world!