The protected marine reserve of Nosy Tanikely is a fantastic spot for snorkelling, with amazingly clear waters and colourful marine life including parrot fish, angelfish, rays, dolphins and sea turtles. You can also hike up to the lighthouse at the island’s summit for wonderful sea views.

The small, turtle-shaped island of Nosy Komba has some lovely beaches and calm waters, sheltered by the volcanic rocks that surround it. Take a stroll around the village of Ampangoriana, meet the friendly locals and visit the fantastic Black Lemur Sanctuary.

The port city of Majunga (also known as Mahajanga) is woven from diverse cultural influences, with historic links to both India and the African mainland. It’s a two-hour drive to Ankarafantsika National Park, one of the largest remaining areas of deciduous forest in Madagascar, home to numerous species of lemur and chameleon.

There’s not much to see in the seaside town of Morondava, but nearby attractions include one of the most famous sights in Madagascar, the Avenue of the Baobabs. These uniquely weird and bulbous trees grow up to 30 metres tall and 10 metres in diameter. Also close by is Kirindy Forest, home to endemic wildlife including common brown lemurs, sifakas and fossas.

Tuléar (also known as Toliara) is located on Madagascar’s southwest coast, with some great snorkelling and diving just offshore. The small Renala Private Reserve, just to the north of the town, preserves part of Madagascar’s spiny forest, a unique ecosystem that supports rare wildlife including grey mouse lemurs and spider tortoises.

Richards Bay itself is an industrial city with little in the way of tourist sights, but the port serves as a gateway for the many attractions of KwaZulu-Natal province. Head inland and you’ll find traditional Zulu villages, undulating hills and wildlife including crocodiles, hippos and the rare black rhino.