Left : Nosy Komba island |
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a further male clinging in turn onto his back for good measure ). I have inadvertently gatecrashed an amphibian mass orgy . At once , I understand why that first frog had seemed in such a single-minded hurry .
Raising his voice above the tumult , Angeluc explains that the proper term for this gathering is an explosive breeding event . Evidently , I ’ m very lucky to witness it , as it occurs for just a day or two each year when temporary shallow pools form in the forest at the start of the rainy season . I learn that these creatures , known to scientists as aglyptodactylus securifer , are normally solitary souls and not even yellow but rather a drab , mottled brown so they can be camouflaged among the leaf litter . I gaze at the frenzied crowd of frogs making merry before my eyes , astonished in the realization that the attendees are brightly colored solely for this party .
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As we hike back to the trailhead , we happen upon troops of both crowned lemurs and Sanford ’ s lemurs . I ’ d imagined that these would certainly be the highlight of the day , but I cannot fully appreciate them now ; I ’ m still buzzing too much from the unforgettable frog jamboree , the invisible leaf-tailed gecko and my mystical encounter with the frolicking paradise flycatcher .
You see , this is how it is in Madagascar . It ’ s all about the little things . If you visit this remarkable country expecting an epic African safari experience , then you risk coming away feeling sorely disappointed . There ’ s nothing so in-your-face as a rhinoceros or an elephant , nor anything so fierce as a lion or a leopard . In fact , barely any native Malagasy animal is larger than a domestic cat . But , if you care to spend some time and look a little closer , this one-of-a-kind Indian Ocean island is full of extravagant wildlife experiences .
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ESSENTIALS
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When to go : The dry season ( April-November ) has the most pleasant weather and therefore is the optimum period for flora and fauna . The wet season brings high rainfall but accommodation tends to be less expensive and there are fewer tourists . Currency : $ 1 = 4,525 MGA Language : Malagasy and French , but English is increasingly spoken among tourism professionals . Getting around : For comfort and
ease , we can arrange a driver who can double up as a guide to explore the country . Keep in mind that it ’ s a huge island with poorly developed road infrastructure , so use domestic flights for any longer trajectories .
BOOK IT NOW
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Board PONANT Cruises ’ 15-night Adventure in Madagascar sailing and discover the incredible natural riches of this island and the authentic traditions of its people . Get an exclusive bonus of $ 100 shipboard credit per person only when you book through our agency . Departs from Victoria , Seychelles , on January 13 , 2024 .
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image : getty . Illustration : jessica kendrew |
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