It’s home to a huge slice of the world’s flora and fauna, but visitors to Madagascar be warned: take the chance to visit before it’s too late.

In a world of disappearing natural wonders, Madagascar is still home to 5% of the all known flora and fauna. Despite the advance of human development, plant and animal life still abound, almost impossible to miss. You only have to stroll through Berenty National Park to come close to playful lemurs and spot some of the nation’s 40 chameleon species. Or trek through the rock formations and waterfalls of Isalo to glimpse eye-catching birds and strange reptiles. But the best of Madagascar should be seen in this lifetime – even this sanctuary is slowly disappearing.