Book Review
Title: Madagascar the Bradt Travel Guide
Author: Hilary Bradt
ISBN-10: 1 84162 197 8
ISBN-13: 978 1 84162 197 5
Publisher: Bradt Travel Guides Ltd
Edition: Ninth edition July 2007 Reprinted February 2008
We offered our first Heritage Destinations group travel program to Madagascar back in 2002. Researching the project then was difficult; there didn’t seem to be much material readily available except for one notable exception which of course was the Bradt Guide. My immediate impression was of a guidebook that was personal, innovative and in-depth. I literally have hundreds of travel books of all genres and sometimes there’s a bit of world-weariness evident with some authors. Not in this one though, and it seemed to be more than a mere guidebook, possessing an unmistakeable enthusiasm and genuine affection for the destination.
This ninth edition of Hilary Bradt's award-winning guide reflects the changes in tourist infrastructure that have made Madagascar increasingly accessible. Nine editions says something about its quality. Hugely authoritative and brimming with character, this is the ideal companion both for independent visitors and those on group tours. Inside are suggested itineraries for all budgets and interests; detailed descriptions of Mada’s unique natural history; details on national parks and reserves; fully updated information on hotels, restaurants and transport; close to 60 maps (all completely revised and updated for this edition)and town plans; 24 pages of colour photographs; and contributions from nearly 50 experts and countless travellers.
Hilary Bradt wrote and self-published her first book, 'Backpacking Along Ancient Ways in Peru and Bolivia', back in 1974, following a year-long journey through South America. After it was rejected by a publisher, she founded Bradt Travel Guides which now has over 100 titles in print.
Here’s what she writes about Madagascar …
'In the last two decades nothing has changed and everything has changed. This is what's so magical about Madagascar - in so large an island you can still find yourself among people who have rarely seen a white person, or you can still join other tourists in a fail-safe wildlife experience in Périnet or Berenty, where the accommodation is excellent, the guides superb, and the animals so accustomed to humans that you know you will get a close view. Or you can retreat to one of the new luxury island lodges off Nosy Be where the marine wonders are equal to those anywhere on the Indian Ocean, and the landscape and plants are unrivalled.'
With the author's unparalleled knowledge of the country - the product of almost 30 visits in as many years - this is simply the best guide to Madagascar. Those who are planning a trip will find this an invaluable companion; and those who aren't will soon find themselves wanting to visit this intriguing and unique island.
Contact me at our Heritage Destinations office if you are contemplating an organised group visit to Madagascar or an independent journey and would like some assistance.
Ray Boniface, June 2008
