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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Madagascar

7 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Madagascar

Updated October 10, 2022

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Unusual Attractions in Madagascar

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All illustrations: John Mata for Atlas Obscura

Puzzle Monday: Living With the Dead in Madagascar

by Alex Bellos
"What would it feel like to live on this earth 1,200 years ago? How better to contemplate the life span of an ancient tree than by looking up at the stars in a very dark sky? I feel a sense of wonder and marvel at the idea of eternity, a concept I don’t think I will ever understand."

A Photographer's Journey With the Ancient Baobabs of Madagascar

The death of a sacred tree led to the discovery of other wonders.
by Winnie Lee
Nocturnal and reclusive, the aye-aye lemur is considered a harbinger of evil by some communities on Madagascar, the only place the animal can be found in the wild.

Loved or Loathed: Can Madagascar's Aye-Aye Survive Superstition?

Understanding how locals really view the world's weirdest primate may be key to protecting it.
by Bridget Alex
Not the prettiest!

Meet the World's Least-Charismatic Orchid

This newly described species has been dubbed "the ugliest."
by Jessica Leigh Hester
Vanilla planifolia, also known as Bourbon vanilla, flowers in Madagascar. The vanilla pods form as the flowers wither.

How Did Madagascar Become the World's Biggest Producer of Vanilla?

A tale of a botanical mystery, colonialism, and savvy marketing.
by Dan Nosowitz
The animal's stubby legs and stumpy tail resemble a badger's. The rest of its anatomy raises more questions than it answers.

How Island Evolution Forged a Bizarre Mammal in Ancient Madagascar

Back when reptiles were all the rage, Adalatherium really stood out.
by Isaac Schultz
Insect farming could serve an important role in alleviating food insecurity in Madagascar, where almost half of all children under five are malnourished.

To Save Madagascar’s Wildlife, an Entomologist Is Helping Revive a Bug-Based Cuisine

Local insect farms could save lemurs, baobabs, and more.
by Andy Isaacson
According to recent genetic analyses, "forest cats" may have arrived on the island as far back as 1,000 years ago.

The True Origin Story of Madagascar's 'Forest Cat'

Turns out this big, striped lemur-eater didn't come from mainland Africa.
by Jennifer S. Holland

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