Madagascar Pictures

Madagascar is the only country in the world where wild lemurs reside. You'll find 97 species of this one-of-a-kind primate living throughout the island. gracethang Getty Images

The majestic baobabs that make up the Avenue of the Baobabs stand as much as 98 feet high and are best viewed at sunrise or sunset. dennisvdw Getty Images

Climb to the top of Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve's limestone pinnacles and you'll discover breathtaking forest vistas. dennisvdw Getty Images

If you didn't get your fill of sea turtles while snorkeling at Nosy Sakatia, visit Nosy Iranja's beaches to watch nesting sea turtles lay eggs. sgar80 Getty Images

Although Madagascar still boasts lush forests, most have been wiped out for agriculture, firewood and building materials, causing nongovernmental organizations like the World Wildlife Fund for Nature and the Lemur Conservation Network to increase conservation efforts in the area. dennisvdw Getty Images

Though you can't climb these red rock formations, you'll enjoy taking pictures of Tsingy Rouge Park's iconic landscape. ANDREYGUDKOV Getty Images

In addition to growing bananas and vanilla pods, Madagascar harvests three varieties of cocoa beans, all of which are used to produce the country's world-famous chocolate. petrenkod Getty Images

Swim alongside manta rays, embark on a four-wheel drive tour, kitesurf and more at The Three Bays. pierivb Getty Images

Most Malagasy people live in rural villages and work in the agriculture sector, growing food staples like rice, tobacco and lima beans. mihtiander Getty Images

Nine kinds of lemurs live in Lemurs' Park, a private wildlife sanctuary and rehabilitation facility. Artush Getty Images

Situated in northern Madagascar, Antsiranana Bay stretches approximately 97 square miles, making it the second largest natural bay in the world. Pierre-Yves Babelon Getty Images

Isalo National Park's plethora of wildlife, hiking trails and natural swimming pools cannot be missed. Dave Stamboulis Travel Photography Getty Images

These traditional fishing boats are easy to spot floating on the mainland's surrounding waters. Dietmar Temps, Cologne Getty Images

Nosy Sakatia's clear blue water is beautiful to admire, but to make the most of your time here, dive in and snorkel with the wild sea turtles. Pierre-Yves Babelon Getty Images

Travel roughly 100 miles east of Antananarivo to reach Mantadia National Park, where 14 lemur species and more than 1,200 kinds of plants reside. Westend61 Getty Images

Madagascar's capital is filled with restaurants, bars, markets and shops, some of which are housed within colonial buildings. Yann Guichaoua-Photos Getty Images

Ravitoto – a pork and cassava leaf dish – is found on many Malagasy restaurant menus. mtcurado Getty Images

Anja Community Reserve can be enjoyed in a few hours, but to make the most of your time in this environmental and cultural preservation site, pitch a tent and camp on-site. Yann Guichaoua-Photos Getty Images

Though it's unlikely you'll miss the lemurs swinging in Lokobe National Park's trees, you'll have to look closely to spot smaller creatures like geckos and chameleons. sgar80 Getty Images

This former palace, which was built for Queen Ranavalona I by Scottish missionary James Cameron, sits atop Antananarivo's highest hill. Yann Guichaoua-Photos Getty Images