Being the fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar is famous for its unique wildlife! Over 80% of the wildlife can only be found on the island, including more than 1000 years old baobabs, and different kinds of lemurs!
1. The Wildlife
It’s hard to think of Madagascar without lemurs coming to mind – they are the country’s most famous resident after all. And you’re not going to have a chance to see them in the wild anywhere else in the world. But don’t think lemurs are all Madagascar has to offer; the island is a bona fide paradise for all kinds of wildlife. There are 300 species of birds, 260 species of reptiles and hundreds of species of insects and other mammals including humpback whales from mid-June through to October. Definitely enough to keep even the biggest wildlife lover occupied!
2. The Beaches
Madagascar’s beaches are probably one of the most undiscovered secrets of the Indian Ocean. You can choose between Nosy Be and one of the northern islands, Ile Sainte Marie or the southern beaches near Ifaty or Fort Dauphin. All will offer you miles of unspoilt palm-lined beach, snorkeling and diving and some of the best seafood around. No high rise resort hotels spoiling the landscape here. Only the sight of fishermen plying the trade using traditional dug-out canoes (pirogues).
3. The Flora
Madagascar is home to almost 15,000 plant species, and over 80% of these are endemic to the island and found nowhere else in the world. The spiny forests of the south are home to countless shrubs and trees from the Didereaceae family – all brutally spikey, hence the forests name. Orchid lovers can have a field day looking at the 860 species, of which 650 are indigenous, as well as the world’s eight Baobab species and the 165 species of palm trees that can only be found in certain regions of the island.
4. The Fascinating Culture and History
Apart from the island’s amazing scenery and animal life, Madagascar, a former French colony is also a melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions. With more than 18 different ethnic groups, the Malagasy culture is a mix of African, Arab and Indian origin with some of the friendliest locals in all of Africa.
TRAVEL INFORMATION:
History Of Madagascar.
It’s believed that foragers visited the island from around 2000 BC, but the first inhabitants came from Borneo in outrigger canoes. Yep – picture sailing from Borneo, all across the Indian Ocean, in an outrigger canoe! Archeologists put this at about 350 BC. Around 1000 AD, Southeast African Bantu migrants came along. These influences can be found everywhere, particularly in the villages’ Borneo-style longhouses. A trading post from the 10th century onwards, Madagascar has a pirate history too.
From the early 17th century onward, Madagascar was separated into various kingdoms, eventually becoming one. There’s a long, bloody and absolutely fascinating history regarding this, and the lead-up to French colonisation in 1883.
Important things about Madagascar
Capital – Antananarivo
Currency – Ariary
Point of Entry – Antananarivo
Airlines – Air Madagascar & Air France via Paris, Kenya Airways via Nairobi, South African Airways via Johannesburg. Also, Etihad Airways, Turkish Air, Ethiopian Air, Emirates.
Flying Time – 3 hours 10 minutes from Johannesburg
Time Zone – GMT +3
Visa on arrival
Medical Requirements – Anti-Malaria pills recommended.
What Else You Need to Know
Beaches are not guarded. Lifeguards and security personnel are rarely stationed at beaches. If you plan on visiting a beach, do not leave your belongings unattended at any time, and keep a close eye on children. Some petty crime in some places.
Bottled water is a must. Tap water is not safe to drink at hotels, restaurants and all other locales in Madagascar, meaning you’ll need to drink bottled water at all times. You’ll also want to avoid ice in drinks unless it’s been made from filtered water.
Malaria is prevalent Local mosquitoes may carry malaria, so bring long-sleeved clothing, insect repellent with DEET (a chemical that limits mosquitoes’ ability to smell you) and anti-malarial medication, which can be obtained from your doctor.
Cash reigns supreme. Few restaurants, shops and hotels accept credit cards in Madagascar, so bring Malagasy ariary with you or withdraw some from a local ATM to pay for goods and services.
Safety. Pickpocketing and stealing luggage from Ivato International Airport’s baggage claim occurs regularly in Antananarivo so we suggeste to bring carry-on luggage only. It is best to be aware of your belongings and surroundings at all times and to avoid unpopulated roads and public disputes.
Requirements for Entry:
Passport, valid for six months from your date of entry and with three blank pages
Visa, obtain before traveling, or purchase at port of entry if staying less than three months. Visas may be purchased with U.S. dollars, euros, or Malagasy ariary, but credit cards are not accepted.
Evidence of onward/return travel
Proof of sufficient funds
World Health Organization (WHO) card with yellow fever vaccination if traveler has been in a yellow fever endemic area within six months of arrival.
WHAT TO PACK
Layers – long and short sleeve shirts and trousers
A warm fleece or jumper
A lightweight waterproof jacket
Comfortable but sturdy shoes
Flip-flops
Swimming costume
Small day backpack
A hat or baseball cap
Sunglasses/ glasses
Sunscreen – a must!
Spare batteries, plug adaptors and charging equipment
Insect repellent (non-DEET for eco- environment)
Camera
Power plug Type C and E
Padlock and keys for your luggage
A Neck Pillow for a bus
Anti-Malaria pills
Prescription medication
Hand sanitizer
First Aid kit or emergency meds (painkillers, latex, anti-diarrhea med, etc )
Climate
Madagascar offers a highly diverse subtropical climate with the rainy season lasting from December to March. The dry season runs from April until October, peak months are July and August. July is the coolest month, with mean monthly temperatures around the island ranging from the low 50s F (low 10s C) to the high 70s F (mid-20s C), and December is the hottest month, with temperatures between the low 60s and mid-80s F (mid 10s and high 20s C). Temperatures generally decrease with elevation, being highest on the northwest coast and lowest on the plateau.
Dress Code
Standard clothing is acceptable in the bigger towns and cities in Madagascar and dependent on the climate. Comfortable beach wear is fine on the coast, just be sure to take sun cream because the sun gets very strong in the summer months.
When on safari, light layers of clothing in neutral safari colors of green, khaki and beige are the best items to bring with you, as well as a warmer jacket or fleece for the colder evenings. A hat is also a must have! Bright and dark colors like yellow, red and purple are discouraged, or sometimes not allowed (on a bush walk) if you are going on safari.
