Madagascar things to see and do

Climb the steep, rocky steps to Ambohimanga – the Malagasy’s Holy City. Visit the Rova Palace, built using cement made from egg-whites, for the huge, circular front gate that takes 40 men to roll into position. The city is also known as 'the blue city', 'the holy city' and 'the forbidden city' and is surrounded by forests.

Witness the scattered fragments of prehistoric eggshells from the extinct Elephant Bird (Aepyornis) in the Anakao fishing village where these hulking, mammoth-sized avian species (likened to a giant ostrich) once lived.

Revel in deep-water discovery in the diving hotspots of Nossi Bé, Nossi Lava, Toliara and Ile Ste-Marie where gorgeous crystal-clear underwater gardens of aquatic flora are flanked by unspoiled beaches and home to boxfish, barracuda, rays, sea urchins, starfish, eels, pinprick islands and migratory humpback whales (Jun-Sep).

See the wonderful arts and crafts in Fianarantsoa, an important centre for wine and rice production and a good base for exploring the southern highlands, and the Zafimaniny village, where intricate marquetry products are made. Other fine handmade Malagasy crafts include beautiful Antemoro Paper, mohair carpets from Ampanihy and a gorgeous wild silk called “landibe” made from the endemic tapia plant.

Soak up the gasp-inducing vistas in the Hauts Plateaux, a rugged spine of ravine-torn mountains in the Central Highlands that divide Madagascar neatly in two. At Montagne d'Arbre - a national park at 1,500m (4,900ft) – enjoy rare orchids and lemurs on a backdrop of striking views.

Take in the sights of Madagascar's lively markets. In Antananarivo, the daily Zoma Market and it eclectic mix of bric-a-brac, spices and electrical goods claims to be world’s second-largest. The port town of Toamasina has several bustling markets, including the Bazary Be where stalls are laden with books, gifts, fruits and fish.

Follow the exotic perfumed aromatic lure of the islands of Nossi Bé and the surrounding islets of Nossi Mitsio, Nossi Radama and Tanikely, where sweet-smelling plants such as ylang-ylang, vanilla, lemongrass and patchouli fill the air with the most delectable fragrance.

Hit the waves that break on offshore coral reefs to experience the island’s little-known surf thrills. Catch perfect barrels in the warm waters of the arid south-west coast, near Ifaty Beach where there is nothing to distract you from the swells other than the sounds of the sea.

Delve into some of the most impressive national parks and nature reserves on the planet. In the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, undisturbed forests, lakes and mangrove swamps are home to a variety of rare and endangered birds and lemurs amongst knotted forests, limestone plateaux, lakes, canyons and mangrove swamps.