Madagascar's isolation means most of its mammals, birds, and plants exist nowhere else on earth. This guide showcases the best of the island with details of all the sights included in tour operators' itineraries; trips along the Route Nationale 7, around Nosy Be, days trips around Antananarivo, and tours to the east and southwest of the country. Detailed maps include 'the top spots' - the six places most favoured by tour operators, and a birders' map identifies the island's key locations to spot birds. An authoritative chapter on conservation discusses many of the islands projects and outlines how visitors can help. With full colour photographs throughout, this handy book also acts as a field guide to lemurs, chameleons and a host of other exotic plants and animals.

'Madagascar Highlights will leave you brushing imaginary red soil from your shoes and sniffing phantom vanilla beans in the air. Austin and Bradt's evocative guide couples the authority of long experience with a child's bursting enthusiasm. When you pack your bags for Madagascar, don't forget it.' Peter Tyson Author, 'Madagascar: The Eighth Continent'

Daniel Austin is a naturalist and photographer who spent more than a year exploring Madagascar. Hilary Bradt is founder of Bradt Travel Guides and has visited Madagascar more than 30 times as a tour leader.