Madagascar

Photo: Madagascar sifaka sitting on a branch

Ninety percent of the plants and animals found on the island of Madagascar evolved there and nowhere else. All of the country's 70-plus species of lemur—including this sifaka—are considered endangered. To help protect them and other unique species, the government has set aside more than nine million acres (3.7 million hectares) of land.

Photograph by Hermann Erber/Photo Library

The map says it's part of Africa, but don't believe it. • Plopped in the Indian Ocean more than 200 miles off the coast of Mozambique, this long island nation, whose southern tip dips below the Tropic of Capricorn, is off the chart in terms of unique attractions. • See the world's smallest and largest chameleons. • Walk in the steps of the elephant bird, the largest avian species ever to roam the planet. • Up for some world-class dining? The capital, Antananarivo, is your bet. • The sugared coastline affords not only great snorkeling but also the odd shipwreck and some neat pirate history.

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  • Photo: Close-up of a sifaka lemur

    Sifaka

    Learn how Madagascar's sifaka got its unique name. Find out more about this endangered primate's life on this African island.

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Map: Madagascar
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