Don’t know? Simply paws for a second and skim this comparability weblog.
Have you ever been entranced by the ring-tailed lemurs and fossas present in Madagascar ever because you watched the Dreamworks film of the identical identify while you had been a child? Or maybe the large tortoises of the Galapagos Islands catch your eye with their sluggish walks and lengthy life expectancy? Initially, me too.
And second of all, now that you simply’ve established you’ve received a factor for animals (rightly so), and also you’ve narrowed down your journey of a lifetime to 2 animal-filled locations, the Galapagos Islands or Madagascar, which vacation spot must you select?
Plan A would clearly be studying this weblog evaluating the 2 international locations’ animals, plants and delicacies, after which making an knowledgeable choice. Plan B is studying this comparability weblog and attending to the top of it nonetheless uncertain which nation to decide on, then flipping a coin. Each choices are nice and each will make sure you mentally lock in your subsequent vacation vacation spot.
Animals
Endemic might as nicely be the Galapagos Islands’ center identify due to the variety of native animals that decision this archipelago their house. We’re speaking 20 reptile species, 5 land mammal species, 6 seabird species, 22 landbird species, 580 marine life species and 86 fish species (and that’s not even all of them).
However whereas the islands boast a cool assortment of fascinating animals such because the marine iguana, the Galapagos finches, the flightless cormorant and the Galapagos fur seal, it’s the Galapagos tortoise individuals journey far and vast to see. This species, which lives as much as a staggering 177 years, has earned the ‘largest tortoise on the planet’ title and now inhabits 10 of the 13 islands within the archipelago.
From studying in regards to the large tortoise’s origin, evolution, breeding patterns and threatened future and watching them of their pure habitat on Isla San Cristobel to wandering across the Charles Darwin Analysis Centre on Isla Santa Cruz for a glimpse of a child tortoise or two, our Galapagos excursions promise the proper alternative to get as near them as you may.
For those who transfer it (transfer it) all the best way to Madagascar, then you definately’re in for a furry deal with. This island nation is house to over 250,000 animal species, 90% of which are literally endemic to the island, making Madagascar a one-stop store for the lovable, cuddly, vibrant, scaly and slithery stuff you received’t see wherever else.
The lemur is the preferred of those animals, with round 107 species and subspecies current on the island, and a few have solely been recognized as not too long ago as 2008. Tireless conservationists have ensured that loads of these species, which specialists think about uncommon and endangered, nonetheless inhabit varied neighborhood reserves and nationwide parks.
So, whether or not you fancy coming throughout a convention of ring-tailed lemurs in Anja Park, recognizing the indri indri because it flits from tree to tree in Andasibe Nationwide Park or getting an up-close have a look at the charming bamboo lemur in Ranomafana Nationwide Park, you’ll go house with digital camera rolls full of those distinctive animals.
However Lemurs aren’t the one animals value coming to Madagascar for.
The slinky fossa, with its cat-like physique and its tightrope tail, strikes noiselessly between bushes. The comet moth (one of many largest moth species on the planet) dazzles with its spectacular 20cm wingspan and brilliant colors. The panther chameleon adjustments color with an astounding quantity of variation, snaring its meals with a fast, snake-like tongue. And naturally, the tomato frog lights up the forest ground with its glowing purple physique, leaving an oozy path in its wake.
Biodiversity
The numerous bizarre and wondrous animals of the Galapagos Islands may be what you come to see however it’s the plants and varied landscapes that you simply’ll inevitably fall in love with. One-third of the plant species are endemic to the islands, with particular ecological zones that function an array of fascinating vegetation corresponding to myrtle, saltbush, and incense bushes.
A number of the native plants on the islands is uncommon and endangered, however when you’re fortunate, you’ll have the ability to spot a prickly pear cactus as you navigate the arid lowlands or deal with your eyes on a journey by the mangrove swamps within the coastal moist zone area.
And don’t even get me began on the marine life. It’s simple to spend your days swimming and snorkelling within the crystal clear waters surrounding the islands after they’re stuffed with manta rays, swordfish, turtles and whale sharks.
It’d be secure to imagine Madagascar can’t get any cooler than the animals that inhabit it, however that’s solely as a result of I haven’t talked about the island’s wealthy plants, most of which might solely be seen in – yep, you guessed it – Madagascar. The flora of Madagascar consists of round 12,000 plant species and 10,000 of these can solely be discovered on the island, so for the budding botanists within the room, eat your coronary heart out.
Sure, Madagascar may be positioned in Africa and used to scorching summers, however its various geography lends itself to some fairly fascinating environments that aren’t deserts, with every nook of the nation boasting totally different vegetation. The western area is roofed in grasslands and is house to hog-nosed snakes and net-throwing spiders, whereas the east teems with tropical forests and its southwestern counterpart options spiny ones.
However maybe probably the most iconic of all of the vegetation in Madagascar is the baobob tree. Whereas it isn’t native to Madagascar as a species, six out of the eight kinds of the baobab tree are discovered on the island, so I reckon this unforgettable nation can (nearly) declare it as its personal.
Wanting as in the event that they belong in Tim Burton’s adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, these bushes all share an upside-down look however differ in form and measurement, and one stroll down the eponymous avenue within the nation’s west is sufficient to really feel as if you’ve been entranced in a fairytale.
Associated: 8 explanation why your subsequent journey must be in Madagascar
Delicacies
Being an archipelago in the midst of the Pacific Ocean, it’s no shock most of the conventional dishes of the Galapagos Islands function components that come from the ocean – suppose lobster, langostino, and sea cucumber. When you’ll see seafood on each restaurant menu (shrimp ceviche is a agency favorite), you received’t must dine solely on dishes corresponding to encebollado, a thick fish soup made with yucca, chilies, and onion, or arroz marinero (seafood rice).
Hailing from neighbouring Central and South American international locations, particularly Ecuador, there’s loads of conventional meat dishes to go ‘spherical with the bulk involving potatoes and rice and different grains. Sure, the meals within the Galapagos is easy however it’s recent and filled with heaps of flavour, so whether or not you like to munch on fried plaintains or sip seafood soup, you’ll by no means go hungry on these islands.
You won’t see Madagascan delicacies (or Malagasy) on many restaurant menus, however that doesn’t imply it’s not stuffed with flavour and delectably scrumptious. Influenced by loads of neighbouring international locations together with Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia, in addition to international locations additional afield corresponding to France, India and Indonesia, Malagasy delicacies is characterised by its use of recent components and distinctive native produce.
For instance, Madagascar’s nationwide dish is made out of cuba zeba meat (an area sort of cow) which is served with a light-weight broth and rice. If that doesn’t tickle your tastebuds, maybe a royal serving of henakiosa sy amalona will do the trick? Manufactured from pork and eel, this dish is taken into account a Madagascan delicacy and must be tried when you’re feeling adventurous.
And for dessert, munch on some Madagascan chocolate which boats a foresty, fruity flavour profile.
The decision
They may be on reverse sides of the world, however the Galapagos Islands and Madagascar have extra in widespread than many individuals realise. Each crammed with distinctive animals, exceptional ecoystems and a few of the greatest meals you’ll ever deal with your tastebuds to, every of those locations promise (and ship) a vacation you’ll always remember.
However which one must be first in your must-travel-to listing? Usually it takes the identical period of time for me to decide because it does for a large tortoise to stroll 50 metres, however this one’s simple. It’s a draw. Not the reply you had been hoping for? Perhaps it’s time for plan B.
