How I met King Julien in Madagascar

Everybody knows King Julien! And yes — I got the chance to meet His Majesty personally, right in Madagascar.

Just before the powerful Cyclone Belal hit Réunion Island, our aircraft was diverted to the safer option: Madagascar. What was meant to be a precaution quickly turned into an unexpected bonus destination.

Thanks to a twist of fate, instead of going home, my stay in Réunion was extended. With Cyclone Belal heading directly toward the island, I suddenly found myself ticking off my 68th country — the extraordinary and unforgettable Madagascar.

First Impressions of Antananarivo: Poverty Meets Colonial Elegance

On our very first evening in the capital, Antananarivo, our station manager booked a dinner for the entire crew at the beautiful restaurant La Varangue.

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world, and Antananarivo reflects that reality clearly. Yet the contrast is striking: alongside poverty, you’ll find elegant hotels, colonial villas, and surprisingly refined restaurants catering to tourists and expats.

La Varangue is housed in a gorgeous colonial building with a relaxed, old-world atmosphere. This is where I tried zebu steak for the first time — zebu being the local humped cattle and a staple of Malagasy cuisine. Verdict? Very tasty… and yes, the hump is purely decorative.

Madagascar Wildlife: A Natural Wonderland Like No Other

Madagascar is famous for its unmatched biodiversity. Thanks to millions of years of isolation, over 90% of its wildlife exists nowhere else on Earth.

The island is home to lemurs, vividly colored chameleons, rare orchids, and the iconic baobab trees. Lemurs are primates that evolved on a completely different branch of the family tree — which perhaps explains their expressive faces and questionable life choices.

The ring-tailed lemur, best known as the inspiration for King Julien from the Madagascar movie, is the country’s most famous animal (even if it’s not officially the national one). The baobab tree, however, is Madagascar’s national tree — known also from The Little Prince.

Lemur Park Antananarivo: Where King Julien Reigns Free

The famous Avenue of the Baobabs may dominate Instagram, but it’s far from Antananarivo and not doable as a day trip. Luckily, just outside the city lies Lemur Park, a sanctuary we couldn’t miss.

Lemur Park is a true conservation area. Visitors can only enter with a guide (included in the ticket price). The lemurs roam freely — there are no cages or fences — but they choose to stay because the environment is safe and food is guaranteed. A very sensible life decision, if you ask me.

Touching or disturbing the animals is strictly forbidden, and guides make sure everyone behaves. The reward? Close-up encounters with lemurs who are completely relaxed around humans.

Madagascar is home to many different species of lemurs, each one more entertaining than the last. And yes — King Julien himself was there, ruling his leafy kingdom with confidence and zero concern for personal space.

Rain, Flood, and Dinner in Antananarivo

That evening, we headed to another stunning colonial restaurant, Le Petit Verdot Antaninarenina — though for a moment, it looked like dinner might be cancelled by nature.

Heavy rain had transformed the streets into flowing rivers. The locals, completely unfazed, placed their bags on their heads, rolled up their trousers, and walked straight through the water like it was perfectly normal (which, apparently, it was).

Our station manager bravely took the wheel, and somehow we managed to drive there safely — proving once again that Malagasy drivers deserve far more credit than Google Maps.

Language Tips for Travelers to Madagascar

Madagascar has its own language, Malagasy, but the majority of people also speak French. English is far less common, so if you’re visiting, remember: bonjour will get you much further than hello.

Madagascar arrived in my life unexpectedly, but it left a lasting impression — wild, poor, beautiful, chaotic, colorful and absolutely unforgettable. And honestly? Any country where King Julien lives rent-free is worth the detour.