THE DETAILS

Getting There From Southeast Asia, the best route to Madagascar is via Johannesburg, from where South African

Airlink ( flyairlink.com) operates daily flights to Antananarivo. Morondava, the west coast’s gateway town, is a 10-hour drive from the capital for those who wish to rent a private car and driver; otherwise, it’s a one-hour flight on Air Madagascar ( airmadagascar.com). Where to Stay Lokanga Boutique Hotel Antananarivo; 261-34/ 145-5502; lokangahotel.mg; doubles from US$140. Palissandre Côte Ouest Nosy Kely, Morondava; 261-20/955-2022; hotelrestaurantpalissandrecoteouest.com; doubles from US$158. Ecolodge de Kirindy Kirindy Forest; 261-32/401-6589; kirindyforest.com; doubles from US$40. Le Soleil des Tsingy Bekopaka; 261-20/2220949; soleildestsingy .com; doubles from US$110.