Madagascar, a gem of the Indian Ocean, boasts a captivating blend of culture, history and its iconic lemurs. Dive into boat trips for whale spotting or kitesurfing lessons, rounding off your days with a glass of Malagasy wine or adventurous burnt rice water. Explore our guide for essential things to know before travelling to Madagascar.
Climate and Weather in Madagascar
The climate in Madagascar is influenced by the south-eastern trade winds from the Indian Ocean, resulting in distinct seasons. November to March brings hot and wet weather with heavy rains and cyclones, primarily in the eastern slopes and highlands. April to October, considered winter, offers warm and dry conditions, perfect for coastal activities. This period is perfect for sightseeing and potential animal watching, although some creatures may be in hibernation. June to September is whale-watching season, so be sure to keep one eye on the horizon to try and spot a pod of humpbacks migrating along the east coast.
Food and Drink in Madagascar:
Malagasy cuisine centres around rice, and features a light portion of sauce, meat and vegetables alongside it. Zebu (steak) with green peppercorn sauce is a popular local choice, while the coastal areas excel in fresh seafood with a range of fish, lobster and shellfish. While Malagasy cuisine isn't typically spicy there is always some sakay, a chilli relish, nearby to add some heat to a dish. When you over do it on the sakay and your mouth needs some relief, try a soft drink classic ranovola (burnt rice water) or a bold shot of litchel (lychee aperitif).
Language in Madagascar:
Official languages are Malagasy and French. While not an official language (apart from briefly between 2007-2010), English is also spoken across the island.
Health and Safety in Madagascar:
Travelling to Madagascar, despite its many attractions, does require an element of caution. Theft and street crime are prevalent in urban areas, nature reserves and on beaches, and sensible precautions include securing doors, avoiding isolated areas after dark and safeguarding valuables should be taken. In areas such as Antananarivo, armed robberies can occur on the main roads so be sure to keep your car doors and windows locked, especially at night. Seasonal plague outbreaks occur during the rainy season, and so precautions like drinking only bottled water, avoiding ice in drinks and taking antimalarial treatment are recommended.
Things to do in Madagascar:
Embark on a safari adventure in Madagascar, where over 80% of the flora and fauna are exclusive to this tropical paradise. While under the African umbrella, a Madagascar safari offers a unique experience, with lemurs stealing the spotlight. Keep an eye out for chameleons, birds, bugs and grubs. Baobab trees and diverse lemurs await at Amber Nation Park, while Ankarana Reserve is a haven for tree frogs and nocturnal creatures.
Explore the thrilling marine life along the coast, especially between June and September, when humpback whales migrate from Antarctica. The calm waters of Ile St Marie offer a prime spot for whale watching, where you might witness calves nursing and playing. Head up north for pristine reefs brimming with animal life and relatively unexplored by tourists. Fort Dauphin is a haven for kite surfers, boasting ideal conditions with around 300 windy days annually. Take a lesson and hit the waves in this former French settlement turned adrenaline hotspot.
Transport in Madagascar:
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road in Madagascar. To drive as a tourist, you will need to get an International Driving Permit or convert your license to a Malagasy one. While still humble in many areas, the road network is steadily improving with major routes in reasonable condition. Bush taxis, known as taxi brousse, are the quickest form of transport, with fares changing depending on the distance of the journey and number of passengers.
Additional Information:
Useful phone numbers include:
Police: 17 or 117 (emergencies) from a mobile phone.
Fire Brigade: 18 or 118 from a mobile phone.
Gendarmerie: 19 or 119 from a mobile phone.
Taxi fares should be agreed upon before travel.
Tipping, around 5%, is becoming common in tourist areas.
The legal drinking age is 18 years old.
