Madagascar, officially known as the Republic of Madagascar is located off the coast of East Africa. It is made up of the island of Madagascar and numerous smaller peripheral islands. Following the break up of the prehistoric super continent Madgascar split off from the Indian peninsuala 88 million years ago which allowed its plants and animals to evolve in relative isolation. This has made is a biodiversity hotspot with over 90% of its wildlife and 80% of its plants found nowhere else on earth. Madagascar is a unique place to visit.