Madagascar is the only Asian-African nation. The rich diversity of races has created a race of its own, whose people adhere to a strict social hierarchy and customs set despite, or because of, being one of the poorest countries. They are a spunky lot. Another part of the wonder is the landscape of Madagascar's central highlands. Few places can beat this for being so relentlessly gorgeous.
Superlatives become superfluous.
Even in the capital, Antananarivo, you are struck by the pretty pastel architecture clinging to the hillsides in a riot of French colonial garrets, turrets, gables and balconies. And then there's the natural history. Led by a compulsory local guide, the Ranomafana excursion was a window on a completely other world. Nothing like it. On the agenda, if you're lucky, are some of the weirdest creatures on the planet.