Set adrift off the southeast coast of Africa millions of years ago, the pristine island of Madagascar evolved in isolation from its neighbors, becoming both an ecological and geological marvel, home to 5% of all known plant and animal species in the world, 80% of which are endemic to the oldest island. While lemurs may be the draw for many to this stunning island, with over 100 species of the adorable creature, there is much more wildlife, culture, and nature to explore. 
The flora and fauna species are truly exceptional, existing in a variety of terrains – from thick rainforest, vast desert, canyons, and sandy beaches to limestone pinnacles. Visit the thick forest of Andasibe National Park to trek the famed Indri lemur, the largest and loudest lemur on trails sprinkled with rare orchid species and elusive chameleons. Head to Isalo National Park in the southwest for sandstone mastiffs with dramatic canyons, gorges, swimming holes and fabulous hiking trails where you can spot numerous lemur species, reptiles, and amphibians. Or head to Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in the northwest, an other-worldly UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving 200 million year old eroded limestone formations that have formed a labyrinth of karstic pinnacles connected by jaw-dropping trails of aerial suspension. Madagascar also offers remarkable diving along one of the largest coral reefs in the world, abundant marine life,  and pristine beaches on islands off the coast. The country is an amalgamation of French, Arabic, African, and Southeast Asian culture with the fusion cuisine to match. All this only scratches the surface of an island unlike any other destination on Earth, what many consider to be the Eighth Continent.