Caption 56 Ifaty Spiny Forest Although unprotected, the spiny forests near Ifaty are of great interest to birdwatchers and botanical enthusiasts alike. This is the best place to look for two of the islands most threatened birds - long- tailed ground roller and sub- desert mesite. There is plenty more of interest too, including an excellent diversity of other birds and some of the most bizarre fl ora imaginable - the crazy waving branches of devilishly-spined octopus trees contrast sharply with the rounded bulbous forms of squat baobabs. Hotel Le Paradisier MID Situated overlooking the Manambolo River, this lodge consists of a series of comfortable bungalows each with verandas. Madagascar's Beaches and Islands While the island's wildlife is certainly its main draw, Madagascar also boasts a beautiful coastline and offshore islands that offer the chance to relax in seclusion and style and, at times, continuing enjoying the island's biological riches. Here the pace of life is slowed and you will be able to experience the laid- back friendly atmosphere for which Madagascar is renowned. Anjajavy Private Reserve Located on a peninsula on the remote north- west coast, this private reserve is an oasis for both wildlife and visitors. It comprises mangroves, limestone outcrops and deciduous forest where many species of lemurs, birds and reptiles are easy to see. Along the coast, white sandy beaches mix with dramatic limestone outcrops and mangrove- fringed estuaries. Beautiful Coquerel's sifakas are the local stars and are often seen in the trees above the villas. L'Hotel Anjajavy HIGH French fl are and panache in splendid isolation. Sandy beaches and deciduous forest are the backdrop for a collection of beautifully appointed villas. These are spacious oases, with comfortable beds and lovely bathrooms. Each morning the soothing wash of the Mozambique Channel will caress your ears and lemurs may be feeding in the trees above you. This is a romantic and sumptuous place. A boat trip to Moramba Bay offers the chance to see the rare Madagascar fi sh eagle, experience the dramatic coastal baobab forests and swim in some of the most idyllic and remote bays imaginable. Nosy Boraha ( Ile Sainte- Marie) Tucked close to Madagascar's north- east coast, Nosy Boraha epitomizes all that is good about tropical island cliches, while avoiding so many of the pitfalls that are negative. There are miles of beaches with overhanging palm trees, fringed by turquoise lagoons with distant reefs protecting the shore from rough seas. Sleepy coastal communities and villages sit comfortably next to discreet beach hotels and the air is fi lled with the freshness of the sea and the intoxicating scent of cloves. Princess Bora Lodge HIGH Located on the south- west coast, this is the best hotel on the island. The lodge has 15 beautiful villas nestled amongst coconut palms, each with decks and hammocks and within a stone's throw of the sea. For those preferring fresh water, there is an infi nity pool. The restaurant serves both French and Malagasy inspired cuisine, with plenty of seafood. Princess Bora Lodge is an excellent base for whale- watching and runs world renowned interpretive boat trips. Boraha Village MID On the east side of the island lies Boraha Village, a small hotel comprising nine simple but tasteful sea- facing bungalows. The restaurant also faces the water and specializes in shellfi sh. There is no beach, but a long jetty gives access to the clear waters of the lagoon for swimmers. Nosy Be Off the north- west coast, Nosy Be is renowned for the production of ylang- ylang and the heady scent of the blossom fi lls the air. More developed for coastal tourism than other areas in Madagascar, the island has attractions for everyone; quiet secluded beaches, vibrant night life, intimate wildlife watching, comfortable accommodation and wonderful cuisine. It is also a major centre for deep- sea fi shing and scuba diving. Vanilla Hotel MID The Vanilla Hotel is pleasantly located by the sea, on the north- western coast of Nosy Be across from the island of Nosy Sakatia. Each of its 41 air- conditioned bedrooms is tastefully decorated and opens onto a terrace with a magnifi cent view across the tropical gardens to the sea. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

AFRICA | MADAGASCAR 57 Nosy Mitsio The archipelago of Nosy Mitsio, is a collection of ten or more islands that lie 70 kilometres north of Nosy Be and are reachable only by boat. The main island of La Grande Mitsio is surrounded by many smaller islands. Tsarabanjina is especially beautiful being fringed by pure white beaches lapped by crystal blue waters. The surrounding reefs harbour a wealth of marine life including turtles, rays and a myriad of colourful fi sh. There are also important seabird colonies with large numbers of nesting frigate birds, tropic birds and brown boobies. L'Hotel Tsarabanjina MID Few places match the solitude and tranquillity of Tsarabanjina. This is the place to live out your ' Robinson Crusoe' fantasies! The island covers a mere 22 hectares into which is set a collection of 18 beautiful wooden chalets all located by the beach. The ambience is attentive but laid back and days are spent snorkelling, scuba diving, sea- kayaking or simply relaxing. Nosy Iranja About 50 kilometres south- west of Nosy Be and off the Ampasindava Peninsula, Nosy Iranja actually splits into two islands at high tide, Iranja Komba and Iranga Kely, but at low tide the two are joined together by a long white sandbank. These islands provide important breeding beaches for nesting hawksbill turtles and work is in progress to safeguard and monitor their populations. Nosy Iranja Hotel HIGH Situated on Iranja Kely, this refurbished property is now one of Madagascar's most sought- after boutique hotels. Arranged sympathetically along the shore are 29 luxurious wooden rooms that ooze quality and class. Each has its own sea view. Fact! Nosy Komba is famous for its population of very tame black lemurs that are considered sacred by the local people. The island is very popular, so expect company! Nearby, the marine reserve of Nosy Tanikely offers great snorkelling and the chance to see a colony of roosting fruit bats ( fl ying foxes). These islands are generally visited on a day excursion from Nosy Be. Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com