Most visits to Madagascar will pass off without any problems - the main issue for which Britons required consular assistance in 2007 was lost or stolen passports - but there are still a number of tips to take on board before heading to the island.

Perhaps most importantly, travellers should note that there is no British Embassy in the country, although there are Honorary British Consuls in Toamasima and capital city Antananarivo.



It is also worth taking into account the fact that cyclone season runs from January to March, with the latest instance being tropical cycle Ivan, which struck on February 17th.

Coastal areas tend to be affected by such disasters and on this occasion the north-east coast was hit particularly hard, meaning travel and communications may still be restricted.

Britons should also be aware that there is an underlying risk of crime in urban areas, which is most likely to come in the form of muggings or armed robberies.

As such, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has the following advice: "You should keep large amounts of money, jewellery, cameras and cell phones out of sight when walking in town centres. Avoid walking in city centres after dark.

"You should also take sensible precautions in crowded areas such as street markets and airports, where pick-pocketing is common."

Anyone intending to drive in the country should remember that secondary roads often become impassable during the rainy season (December to April), so checking out a route with your tour operator before setting off is advisable.

In terms of gaining access to Madagascar, a visa is required at a cost of £45, although it can be obtained at the airport on arrival.

The country experiences regular cases of bilharzia, tuberculosis, rabies, bubonic plague and malaria, while there have also been reports of dengue fever and the Chikungunya virus.

The FCO advises against drinking local water or having ice in drinks, while it suggests that avoiding mosquito bites and contact with domestic animals is also a prudent course of action.

Having said that, Madagascar certainly oozes a unique character borne out of 2000 years of culture steeped in taboo and magic, derived from the first settlers who arrived from south-east Asia.

It also plays hosts to an extraordinary array of wildlife and forestry which has led to it gaining its status as the world's number one conservation priority.

Such natural charm and beauty is reason alone to want to spend a well-earned break travelling around the island to see what spectacles it has to offer.