Madagascar50Madagascar's vibrant capital city is amongst the most unusual and attractive capitals in the developing world. Built on a series of hills, many of the old buildings and narrow cobbled streets retain an almost medieval quality. There is the incongruous juxtaposition of old and modern as zebu carts laden with produce plod slowly along the same roads as cars and buses. At the heart of the city is the old 'High Town' from where the views are commanding. Far below is Avenue de l'Independence, the hub of the lower part of town with the impressive old train station at the far end. Hotel le Royale Palissandre MIDThis elegant hotel is located in the bustling centre of Antananarivo. In spite of its modern feel, there is plenty about it that is traditionally Madagascan - the welcome, the food and of course the beautiful views over the city. It has 46 air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant and bar, and fi rst-class health club.Residence Lapasoa MIDThis is a relatively new family-run hotel housed in a large colonial-style mansion with an attractive brick façade and iron balconies. Each of the ten rooms is large, airy and uncluttered, with wooden fl oors, white-washed walls, wooden-framed beds and views across the city. Attached to the hotel is one of the best restaurants in Antananarivo, Ku-De-Ta, whose excellent Franco-Malagasy fusion menu is complemented by the décor and fabulous atmosphere.La Pavillion de L'Emeryne HIGH OUR CHOICEThis lovely boutique hotel is located in the historic upper part of Antananarivo. It is unique in occupying a traditional 1930's house with high ceilings and polished fl oors. Each of the 12 rooms is quite different, but throughout the hotel there are elegant and complementary furnishings.Madagascar is a country like no other. So often are the words "unique" and "bizarre" used when describing the world's fourth-largest island that they have become synonymous. Coupled with all that makes it unusual, Madagascar also displays great diversity with distinct areas of rainforest, deciduous forest, high mountains and deserts. And it is the extraordinary array of wildlife that these habitats support, the majority of which is found nowhere else in the world, that is Madagascar's feature attraction. In short, Madagascar is intoxicating - a destination brimming with intrigue and excitement. It offers a strange and incongruous mix of wildlife and culture that combine to produce a country unlike any other. Memories of the friendly people, unique habitats and bizarre wildlife will linger and the overriding experience will be of an island lost in time.Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982Antananarivo

Montagne d'Ambre National Park Located towards the island's northern tip, Montagne d'Ambre was Madagascar's fi rst national park and derives its name from the coloured resin that oozes from some of the trees. It is reached by fl ying to Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), from where it is less than an hour by road. It is a cool green mountain oasis in an otherwise parched landscape with a well-maintained and labelled trail system that make it particularly rewarding, especially as crowned lemurs and Sanford's brown lemurs are frequently seen. Reptiles, especially a wonderful array of chameleons, and numerous leaf-tailed geckos are abundant. Nature Lodge MIDLocated a short drive from the park entrance, Nature Lodge provides comfortable accommodation with marvellous views across to the Indian Ocean. Individual thatched chalets, each with its own deck area, are simple but well-appointed, while a tasteful central restaurant and bar provides a focus.Marojejy National Park Marojejy towards the northern extreme of the rainforest belt comprises some remote and unexplored areas. This is the best place to look for the rare silky sifaka and no fewer than nine other lemur species. Other species include ring-tailed mongoose, helmet vanga plus countless reptiles and frogs. Marojejy is the last remaining place where it is possible to walk through unbroken forests from sea-level to the top of a high mountain. The view from Marojejy peak at 2,132 metres is spectacular, however not for the faint-hearted. It is reached by air into Sambava then a drive to Manantenina. It is then two hours on foot.Camps Mantella, Marojejia & Simpona Three basic but well maintained camps (huts with bunks and separate fl ushing toilets) are located on the trail leading to the summit. Camp Mantella at about 450 metres is two-hour's walk from the park boundary; Camp Marojejia at 750 metres is an hour beyond and has one of the most impressive views across rainforest and mountains imaginable. Camp Simpona at 1,250 metres is a three-hour steep hike further still.Masoala National Park The Masoala peninsula supports the largest remaining area of lowland rainforest and the greatest collection of species in Madagascar. The park occupies around 230,000 hectares of mountains and valleys cloaked in primary forest on the western side of the peninsula and in many places it drops down to glorious sandy beaches that fringe the Bay of Antongil. This is the last refuge of the beautiful red-ruffed lemur, together with numerous chameleons including panther and tiny stump-tailed leaf chameleon. Bird rarities include helmet vanga, Bernier's vanga and Madagascar serpent eagle. On nocturnal forays you may see mouse lemurs, woolly lemurs and possibly even the extremely rare aye-aye.Hotel Relais du Masoala MIDThis is the fi rst stop for most trips to Masoala National Park and Nosy Mangabe. This spacious and stylish hotel comprises 12 elegant thatched bungalows, each with two double beds, set in large gardens and coconut groves adjacent to the beach. The restaurant creates a relaxed ambience and serves excellent food, with the emphasis on local produce and seafood.Masoala Forest Lodge HIGH OUR CHOICESet next to the beach, this up-market lodge brings comfortable African safari-style camping to Madagascar. Large furnished tents are set on thatched shelters, with en-suite toilets and showers with hot water. In addition to exploring the forest you can take out kayaks and snorkel in the nearby marine reserve. In July and August there are humpback whales that come into shore to breed and calve - spectacular to see from a kayak!Arol Lodge MID Located just behind the beach and near to some of the best areas of forest, Arol Lodge is simple but comfortable. Individual chalets are tastefully furnished, some with en-suite facilities. The restaurant serves simple local cuisine and bakes its own bread and pastries.Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com51AFRICA | MADAGASCAR