Baobab Alley Mada Copy

IMAGE: Baobab Alley in Madagascar

Madagascar Botany

Botanizing attracts large numbers of people to Madagascar

Studying plants in their natural setting attracts many visitors to Madagascar

Botanizing, or studying plants in their natural setting, attracts huge numbers of tourists to Madagascar. Which leads me to a statistic demonstrating how truly special and biologically significant this 'mini continent' is: even though Madagascar accounts for a mere 2% of the African land mass, the island is home to 20% of Africa's vascular plant species, and of these, about 80% are endemic - that is to say, found nowhere else.

Breaking that down a little further, Madagascar for example, has 6 of the world's 8 Baobab species. Africa and Australia each have only 1. Madagascar has more species of Orchid, Palm and Bamboo than are found on the African mainland. And so the list goes on.

Visitors to the humid Eastern rainforest band, appreciate the many Orchids, best known of which must be the Star or Comet orchid, with its waxy white blooms and long spurs. Orchids are best viewed in sites such as Ranomafana National Park, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park and also Ile Sainte Marie as plant species diversity peaks in the rainforests. That said, orchids can be seen in any of the country's habitat types. Broadly speaking the best months to seek them are September and March.

Baobabs are icons of Madagascar and known locally as Reniala, Za or Boringy, meaning ;mother or rather of the forest. These fascinating trees range from the relatively small Adansonia rubrostipa (pictured, in the spiny bush of Ifaty Beach ) to the massive, towering giant Grandidier's baobabs which line the 'Alley of Baobabs near Morondava. In the South near Berenty Private Reserve and Ifotaka Community Forest you'll see the large southern species Adansonia za, and in the north, especially at Anjajavy Reserve the big northern Adansonia madagascariensis, is prominent. In the weird and chaotic southern Spiny bush, you can also see a catalogue of other bloated, drought-resistant trees and plants.

Some very familiar Malagasy plants have been cultivated around the world, examples including the colourful Flamboyant tree, which actually originates in remote Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park and the Madagascar periwinkle, used in medication to treat childhood leukaemia. If you're keen on appreciating the immensely diverse flora of Madagascar - be it succulents, orchids or other, call us - we'll set up a super trip for you.

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails.

August, 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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