There's something about Baobab trees. They just seem like something from another world, like something that doesn't belong on Earth. Make no mistake that Baobabs are from this planet and do belong here. The just make you feel like you're somewhere else entirely.
You can find these trees in Africa, India, Australia, and beyond. But in my mind, I directly associate them with Madagascar, an island nation off the East Coast of Africa. It is a place of incredible biodiversity, filled with unique species that can only be found there.
This African nation isn't exactly tiny, either. It is the second largest island country in the world, not to mention the fourth largest island period. On top of that, nearly 32 million people call Madagascar home. There is a lot to see, do, and experience here.
The great outdoors
As tends to be the case with limited space and lots of people, urbanization and nature come into conflict on Madagascar. That's probably why there are several national parks, nature reserves, and more. Madagascar has 123 protected areas, 22 of which are marine.
Andasibe National Park is a big one on my list. It has more than 100 species of frogs, several species of lemurs, and the Parson's chameleon. The park forest is home to indri lemur, which are known for their singing. Or at least what's referred to as singing.
Ankarana Special Reserve is another key stop for me. It is a showcase for incredible limestone rock formations called tsingy, which are both plentiful and stunning. It's also an incredible place to do some wildlife spotting, particularly fossa, mongoose, and an impressive array of reptiles.
Going snorkeling
One of my favorite things to do on vacation is go snorkeling. Living in the middle of a landlocked region all too close to the Arctic tends to leave few opportunities. But a place like Madagascar offers endless chances to explore waters teeming with life.
Resting in the western Indian Ocean, Madagascar has the fifth largest reef in the world running along the southwestern coast. It's approximately 450 kilometers, or 280 miles, long. There are hundreds of fish and coral species as well as manta rays, whale sharks, and sea turtles.
There are smaller islands that are also part of Madagascar, such as the Nosy Be archipelago. In addition to the coasts of the main island, Nosy Be also offers incredible snorkeling. Various protected areas in and around these islands have helped protect the health of the reefs.