Catch up TV

Series 4: 3. Madagascar

In the final part of his African odyssey, Romesh travels to the 4th largest island in the world – Madagascar. But like most people, when he brings to mind this former French colony in the Indian Ocean his only reference is an animated Disney film.\n\nRomesh embarks on a mission, guided by exuberant diving instructor Bic, to find out what Madagascar has to offer the uninitiated - apart from cartoon dancing lemurs.\n\nIn the chaotic capital of Antananarivo, Bic samples a popular soup made from an eye-watering delicacy, Rom discovers that local taxi drivers have an intoxicating way of economising on fuel, and they admire breathtaking views from an impressive hilltop palace, once home to Madagascar’s notoriously brutal 'Mad Queen'.\n\nLeaving the bustling capital behind, Bic is excited to show Rom the stunning coasts and national parks on the west of the island, near where Bic grew up as part of the Vezu fishing tribe. Rom risks his life (and dignity) trying to hike vertical razor-sharp rocks and endures some of the worst roads in the world, but is rewarded with a gastronomic hidden gem.\n\nRom and Bic encounter ancient baobab trees, sail traditional pirogue boats and visit a village shaman famed for channelling the spirits of long dead ancestors. There’s nothing for it but to go with the flow when their ferry is hijacked by a snake stowaway, and it’s love at first sight when Rom finally comes face to face with the legendary lemurs.\n\nIn Madagascar, Rom discovers there’s far more to the country than he had ever imagined. But he also learns that the diverse flora and fauna that are endemic to the island and its people face unprecedented threat from climate change.

Source: BBC 2