PART 1 GENERAL INFORMATIONChapter 1 The CountryGeography, Climate, A brief history, Government and politics, EconomyChapter 2 People and CultureEnigmatic origins, Beliefs and customs, Malagasy society, Ethnic groups, LanguageChapter 3 Natural HistoryIntroduction, Geology, Flora, Fauna, Madagascar's ecosystems, Conservation, Protected areasChapter 4 Practical InformationWhen to visit, Choosing a trip to suit you, Highlights and itineraries, Tour operators, Red tape, Getting there and away, What to take, Money, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays, Shopping for souvenirs, Arts and entertainment, Communications, Business hoursChapter 5 Health and SafetyBefore you go, Specific health issues, Medical kit, Safety, Advice for specific types of travellerChapter 6 Madagascar and YouResponsible tourism, How you can helpPART 2 THE GUIDE Chapter 7 Antananarivo and AreaHistory, Ivato airport area, Antananarivo city, Day excursions from Tana, Overnight excursionsChapter 8 East of TanaAntananarivo-Co^te Est Railway, Tana to Moramanga, Lake Alaotra, Moramanga to Andasibe, Andasibe area, Andasibe to Brickaville, Brickaville to ToamasinaChapter 9 The Highlands South of TanaTana to Antsirabe, Antsirabe (PK 169) and around, Ambositra (PK 259) and around, Ambositra to Fianarantsoa, Ranomafana National Park, Fianarantsoa (PK 408) and around, Ambalavao (PK 405) and around, Andringitra Massif, Ambalavao to IhosyChapter 10 The SouthHistory, Ihosy to Ranohira, Isalo National Park, The Makay Massif, Ranohira to Toliara, Toliara, Ifaty and Mangily, North of Ifaty, Anakao, South of Anakao, Toliara to Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin), The far south, Mandrare Valley, Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin)Chapter 11 The West: Menabe RegionToliara to Morondava, Morondava, North of Morondava, Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, RN2 to MaintiranoChapter 12 The North and NorthwestAntsiranana (Diego Suarez), Ramena and the east coast, Excursions west from Antsiranana, Montagne d'Ambre (Amber Mountain) National Park, Excursions south from Antsiranana, Ankarana National Park, From Antsiranana to Iharana (Vohemar) by road, Ambilobe to Ambanja (and on to Nosy Be), Bays and inlets accessible to yachts, Antsohihy to Mahajanga, Fly-in resorts, Mahajanga (Majunga), Ankarafantsika National Park, Southwest of MahajangaChapter 13 Nosy Be and Nearby IslandsHistory, Transport, Activities and excursions, Hell-Ville (Andoany), Ambatoloaka, Beach hotels and other accommodation, Islands around Nosy Be, Mitsio Islands (northeast of Nosy Be), Islands southwest of Nosy BeChapter 14 Toamasina to Masoala and the SAVA RegionHistory, Toamasina (Tamatave), Toamasina to Soanierana-Ivongo, Soanierana-Ivongo to Maroantsetra, Masoala Peninsula, Antalaha to Iharana (Vohemar), Andapa areaChapter 15 Ile Sainte Marie (Nosy Boraha)Ile Sainte Marie, main island, Ile aux Nattes (Nosy Nato)Chapter 16 The East Coast between Toamasina and TaolagnaroPangalanes Canal, The east coast from Vatomandry to Mananjary, The east coast from Mananjary to TaolagnaroAppendicesHistorical Chronology The Malagasy Language Further info Index.