Madagascar separated from Africa in two main stages, each of which dramatically changed the appearance of the island. The first separation occurred around 170-180 million years ago, and the final one about 90 million years ago.

Two stages of separation from Africa

Beginning of the rift (about 180-170 million years ago)

Everything started about 180 million years ago, in the Early Jurassic period, when Madagascar began to break away from Africa. The first separation occurred in the Middle-Late Jurassic period, with the formation of the rift in the Late Lias. At that time, the island began to move away from the coast of present-day Kenya and Tanzania.

As a result of this event, a characteristic cliff formed on the western coast, and the plateau sloped towards the east, with rivers flowing in that direction.

Final isolation (about 90 million years ago)

The second important stage occurred around 90 million years ago, when Madagascar finally separated from the Indian subcontinent. During this period, a new rift zone opened in the eastern part of the island, and it tilted in the opposite direction - towards the west.

Then there was a real revolution in hydrology: rivers changed their courses, the direction of runoff was completely restructured, and a steep cliff formed on the eastern coast.

Conclusion

Madagascar separated from Africa about 180-170 million years ago, and finally became isolated in its current position around 90 million years ago. This means that it has existed as an isolated island for at least 120-130 million years, which explains its unique nature.

If you are interested in what happened to the island after the separation or how the unique animals appeared there, I can tell you about this in more detail.

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