Madagascar

Hilary Bradt is the founder of Bradt Travel Guides. She broadcasts and writes about the joys and perils of travelling in Madagascar and other developing countries. Hilary is patron of the British charity Money for Madagascar, and in 2008 received an MBE for her contribution to the tourism industry and to charity.

Introduction
Part One General Information
The Country
Geography; Climate; A brief history; Government and politics; Economy
People and Culture
Origins; Beliefs and customs; Malagasy society; Ethnic groups; Language
Natural History
Introduction; Geology; Flora; Fauna; Madagascar's ecosystems; Conservation; Protected areas
Practical Information
When to visit; Choosing a trip to suit you; Highlights and itineraries; Tour operators; Red tape; Getting there; What to take; Money; Getting around; Accommodation; Eating and drinking; Public holidays; Shopping; Arts and entertainment; Communications; Business hours
Health and Safety
Before you go; Some travellers' diseases; Medical kit; Travel clinics and health information; Safety
Madagascar and You
Your carbon footprint; Responsible tourism; How you can help
Part Two The Guide
Antananarivo and Area
History; Ivato Airport; Getting there and away by road; Getting around; Antananarivo (Tana) today; Where to stay; Where to eat; Nightlife; Shopping; Money; Communications; Transport and trip planning; Emergencies; What to see and do; Day excursions from Antananarivo; Overnight excursions
The Highlands South of Tana
From Tana to Antsirabe; Antsirabe; Continuing south on RN7; Ambositra; Places of interest near Ambositra; Ambositra to Fianarantsoa; Fianarantsoa; Ranomafana; Continuing south: Fianarantsoa to Ihosy; Ambalavao; Ambohimahamasina; Andringitra Mountains; Beyond Ambalavao on RN7
The South
Background information; Ihosy; From Ihosy to Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin); From Ihosy towards Toliara (Tulear); Ranohira; Isalo National Park; Ilakaka; Continuing south to Toliara; Toliara (Tulear); Ifaty; Madiorano; North to Morombe and Morondava; The Onilahy region; Anakao; Beheloka and Ambola; Lake Tsimanampetsotsa National Park; Continuing south; Beza-Mahafaly Special Reserve; The road to Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin); The far south; Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin); Day trips from Taolagnaro; Multi-day trips; Berenty; Mandena Conservation Zone; Andohahela National Park; Ifotaka Community Forest (ICF)
Tana to Toamasina
Antananarivo-Côte Est Railway; Tana to Moramanga; Moramanga; Heading north or south; Lake Alaotra; Zahamena National Park; Continuing east on RN2: Moramanga to Andasibe; Andasibe-Mantadia National Park/Association Mitsinjo; Other protected areas nearby; Andasibe to Toamasina
South of Toamasina
Pangalanes; The southeast coast; Mananjary and Manakara; Continuing south
Toamasina and the Northeast
History; Getting around; Toamasina (Tamatave); Parc Ivoloina; The route north; Continuing north (if you dare!); Manompana to Maroantsetra; Maroantsetra and the Masoala Peninsula; Antalaha and beyond; Sambava; Andapa and area; Protected areas
Ile Sainte Marie (Nosy Boraha)
History; Getting there and away; Getting around the island; Ambodifotatra; Beach hotels; What to see and do; Ile aux Nattes (Nosy Nato)
The North
Antsiranana (Diego Suarez); Ramena and the east coast; Excursions west from Antsiranana; Montagne d'Ambre (Amber Mountain) National Park; Excursions south from Antsiranana; Ankarana National Park; From Antsiranana to Iharana (Vohemar) by road; Ambilobe to Ambanja (and on to Nosy Be); Bays and inlets accessible to yachts
Nosy Be
History; Getting there and away; Getting around the island; Activities; Hell-Ville (Andoany); Ambatoloaka; Beach hotels and other accommodation; Excursions; Islands around Nosy Be; Mitsio Islands (northeast of Nosy Be); Islands southwest of Nosy Be
The West
History; Mahajanga (Majunga); Ankarafantsika National Park; Fly-in beach resorts northeast of Mahajanga; Conservation areas to the southwest of Mahajanga; Soalala and beyond; Baie de Baly National Park; Tsingy de Namoroka National Park; The route north; Mandritsara; Bealanana; Maintirano; Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park; Belo-sur-Tsiribihina; Kirindy Reserve; Morondava; Excursions from Morondava; Morondava to Toliara; Miandrivazo; River trips
Appendices
Historical Chronology
The Malagasy Language
Further Information
Index