CRAWFORD APRIL 2018 ONLINE
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The Avenue of the Baobabs in Madagascar<br />
| TRAVEL |<br />
GONE TOO SOON<br />
There are so many factors destroying our world. If it’s not climate change,<br />
deforestation, poaching or plastic, it’s politics! Whatever the reason for the<br />
destruction of our planet, we need to realise that things need to change and lessons<br />
need to be taught to our children. Why not start with visits to these five places that<br />
currently exist on a timer...<br />
Madagascar on the move<br />
Madagascar is a huge island nation off the southeast coast of Africa.<br />
It’s home to thousands of animal species, rainforests, beaches and reefs.<br />
Estimated time left: About 35 years<br />
Why is it disappearing? Did you know Madagascar is the world’s<br />
fourth-largest island? It was once covered in 300 000 square kilometres<br />
of forest, but today that number is sitting at a lowly 50 000! Forest<br />
ecosystems are being destroyed by logging, burning by subsistence<br />
farms, and poaching. Lemurs, which are native to Madagascar are in<br />
serious danger of extinction, along with many other species that have<br />
not even been recorded yet. Even though there are game reserves,<br />
these only occupy 5% of the island and animals aren’t contained,<br />
meaning they can leave the safe area at any time and venture into notso-safe<br />
areas.<br />
Book me a ticket! Madagascar’s wet season is from late December to<br />
March – often involving cyclones, so it’s probably best to avoid the area<br />
then. The best time to go is between April and mid-December.<br />
Don’t miss... While Baobab trees can be found all over the island, the<br />
most majestic experience is a sunset at the Avenue of Baobabs located<br />
in Kirindy, where one sandy “avenue” proudly lies lined with the giants<br />
posing for captivating pictures. If lemurs are more your thing, catch the<br />
lemur baby season (October to November) when cuddly babies can be<br />
seen in abundance. And from July to September, on the east coast of<br />
Madagascar humpback whales can be spotted migrating through this<br />
eastern oceanic corridor, specifically around Île Sainte-Marie.<br />
Antanarivo<br />
Traditional Malagasy sailboat in Morondava, Madagascar<br />
An angry panther chameleon<br />
Every child a masterpiece | 69
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