Once shipping pirates paradise, the Bahamas have become more sophisticated, diversifying into hotels, casinos for the tourist trade and a financial refuge from (over) taxation. The tourists flock willingly to be ‘fleeced’ in the casinos and to enjoy the magnificent Island lifestyle.

Consisting of over 2000 cays and 700 islands, this tiny (British Commonwealth) nation has produced some of the world’s best men and women track and field athletes at the most recent (1996-2008) Olympic Games.  The geography of the Bahamas diverse and scattered islands lends itself to sailing as a major sport and economic necessity for fishermen.

Traditional foods have their annual festivals; The Pineapple fest and the Crab fest are some that have rural cultural roots. Boxing Day and New Years day are some of the most celebrated in streets of the capital of Nassau with Junjanoo (John Canoe) parades of exotic costume, dance and (goombay) music. Music by drums, cowbells, horns, conches, bugle, and more recently introduced brass instruments has its own unique sound complementing the foot shuffling dance routine of distant African origin. Dozens of Bands and Dance groups now compete for the numerous prizes in different categories, adding new spice and flavour to every event.

Presently the Bahamas have a highly sophisticated tourism industry, consisting of major hotels, casinos, travel agencies with events management, flights, vacation tours, car hire and shipping arrangements in and around major and minor islands in this archipelago.  Long Island alone has three distinct zones. In the north are the magnificent cays with panoramic sea views. In the central areas are the rocky outcrops with the sea foaming through. In the south are miles of unspoilt beachfront surrounded by verdant dune forest.

Grand Bahamas Island has fine resorts, national parks, international bazaar, golf, theme parks and the ports of Lucaya and Freeport.

New Providence Island is home to the major city of Nassau, with a natural harbour for cruise ships to the region. Major attractions are Parliament buildings, Fort Fincastle, Lighthouse, Atlantis Hotel  (on paradise island), Ardastra gardens Zoo, Flying Fish fountain, underwater Aquarium, Cloisters and Public Library, to name only a few.

Seven of the Outer Islands have their own groupings of satellite islands, each with its own attractions of national parks and reserves, villages, museums, bays, cays, features and islands to delight the adventurous visitor.

Summing up the Bahamas Islands in a few words is difficult. Tropical Islands of unsurpassed beauty and variety. World class Tourist orientated infrastructure. Facilities from luxurious best to go-it-alone enthusiasts. Own unique culture. The subtropical summer climate of hurricanes is best avoided and the winter months provide the best weather for enjoying the perfect island holiday.

The beautiful island of Madagascar can be found about 400km from the African coastline.  Madagascar is the fourth largest island stretching 1571 km by 571km.  Its natural diversity can be found in the mountains, deserts, rainforests and beaches.

As a result of the island’s isolation, most of the wildlife, half of the birdlife and most of the plants are absolutely unique to Madagascar – nowhere else in the world to be found. Lemurs, dwarf chameleons, tomato frogs and giant jumping rats are just a few of the island’s unique inhabitants.

Antanarivo is the country’s capitol city and a must see for a first time visitor.  Here you will get a feel of the island’s unique culture and hospitality.  The Lemur Park in Antanarivo is a tourist attraction.
From Antanarivo is suggested that a visitor should go to Sainte Marie Island north east of the main island of Madagascar.  This island is a mere 60km by 7km and used to be a pirate’s haven.  Divers will experience the marine world at its most exquisite here, with whale watching possible from July to September.

Nosy Be Island is also known as the perfume island of Madagascar with the lovely smell of ylang-ylang permeating the air. Nosy Be is on the north west coast of Madagascar and has 11 extinct volcanoes.  Boasting with 12 months of sunshine this is a wonderful diver’s destination with Nosy Tanikely with its marine sanctuary a must see!  Nosy Komba is close by and is known as the Lemur Island.

Morondava is on the drier west coast of Madagascar.  This area is known as Baobab country. These beautiful trees have been many an artist’s inspiration over centuries and are everywhere to see.  Rather than diving, Morondava attracts tourists interested in fishing and river expeditions.

Diego Suarez is on the northern tip of Madagascar.  This scenic area is known for the amber mountain and the extinct volcanoes.  The area is covered by rainforests, craters and waterfalls.

The Perinet Rainforest gives a different experience to a tourist usually attracted to tropical islands.  Here, far from the beaches, nature can be experienced in all its glory and uniqueness that Madagascar can offer.  There are some wonderful tours and accommodation available in this forest that spans over 12000 hectare.

Unfortunately with all that this island has to offer, there are also some drawbacks.  Here you will not have the luxury accommodation that you might have come to expect from tropical holiday destinations. This poor community are also often in turmoil and fighting between the different political sectors within the country.  Beside the dangers associated with a semi-war zone, malaria, rift valley fever, bilharzia, TB and rabies are medical dangers not alien to Madagascar.