Largest island in the Indian Ocean, so near to the rhythm and beauty of Africa, and yet with so many unique natural and cultural features, Madagascar demands all of your attention. With its incredible indigenous flora and fauna, most of which can be found nowhere else in the world, and diverse landscape of jungles, beaches and mountains, Madagascar sure is something special!
Native culture. Some of the many interesting original features of Madagascar's culture, which is based on honoring the ancestors, include the fados, religious beliefs related to action. Their subjects differ depending on area and are difficult to predict without good knowledge of local culture. For instance in some villages of Madagascar you are not allowed to wear yellow because it brings you misfortune. In another area people believe that if you sing when you eat, you will get elongated teeth. Foreigners are not expected to know or follow these beliefs, but as their place in the local culture is very strong, it might be wise to get to know the taboos of a village you are planning to visit in advance. Otherwise you might end up offending people without even knowing it yourself.
Nature paradise. Despite is variety of cultures, Madagascar attracts tourists mainly with its many natural wonders. Madagascar is a paradise for birdwatchers, botanists, and all those who want to explore the wonders of unique local nature. The best environment for admiring the tropical flora and fauna of Madagascar is found in rainforests of Atsinana, a UNESCO World heritage Site composed of six separate national parks, offering interesting surroundings for wildlife watching in Madagascar as well as trekking in Madagascar. In addition to the treasures of jungle, there are coral reefs and sandy beaches inviting you to do some diving in Madagascar, not to mention spectacular valleys and rocky mountain peaks in Madagascar waiting to be explored, and fast-flowing rivers passing through this spectacular scenery.
Madagascar, the African adventure island with unexplored jungles and unique wildlife
Originally settled by people coming from India and later found by the Africans, Madagascar has deeper unifying roots than many other African nations. The interesting variation of local cultures and beliefs is most often found in the countryside, where religious beliefs are still stronger than in big cities of Madagascar.Native culture. Some of the many interesting original features of Madagascar's culture, which is based on honoring the ancestors, include the fados, religious beliefs related to action. Their subjects differ depending on area and are difficult to predict without good knowledge of local culture. For instance in some villages of Madagascar you are not allowed to wear yellow because it brings you misfortune. In another area people believe that if you sing when you eat, you will get elongated teeth. Foreigners are not expected to know or follow these beliefs, but as their place in the local culture is very strong, it might be wise to get to know the taboos of a village you are planning to visit in advance. Otherwise you might end up offending people without even knowing it yourself.
Nature paradise. Despite is variety of cultures, Madagascar attracts tourists mainly with its many natural wonders. Madagascar is a paradise for birdwatchers, botanists, and all those who want to explore the wonders of unique local nature. The best environment for admiring the tropical flora and fauna of Madagascar is found in rainforests of Atsinana, a UNESCO World heritage Site composed of six separate national parks, offering interesting surroundings for wildlife watching in Madagascar as well as trekking in Madagascar. In addition to the treasures of jungle, there are coral reefs and sandy beaches inviting you to do some diving in Madagascar, not to mention spectacular valleys and rocky mountain peaks in Madagascar waiting to be explored, and fast-flowing rivers passing through this spectacular scenery.
Practical information for your trip to Madagascar
Climate in Madagascar is tropical with small seasonal variations in weather. Average monthly high temperatures on this African island vary from 20 to 30 degrees of Celsius. However, as Madagascar is a large island, big regional differences occur and variation caused by altitude also needs to be noticed.
Photo: Luclegay, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
How to get there. There are direct flights to Madagascar's capital, Antanarivo, available from major African airports such as Nairobi and Johannesburg, as well as from Bangkok, Milan and Paris. Domestic flights are the most recommended solution for traveling around in Madagascar. There are also bus and train connections available, but due to many problems connected with maintaining the railroad and road network, their timetables cannot be trusted. If you plan to rent a car in Madagascar, a four-wheel drive is recommended. A mountain bike might also be a good choice for adventurous travelers. However, do remember that distances in Madagascar are huge, and roads in Madagascar are generally in poor condition.
Safety. Except for pick-pocketing and other risks common in big cities, Madagascar is a quite safe country where crime is not a particular problem. Dangers provided by tropical nature threaten travelers much more often. Malaria is a common problem in Madagascar. Vaccinations for yellow fever and cholera are also needed if you travel to Madagascar from infected areas.
Tourism infrastructure in Madagascar is modest, and travelers choosing this island are most often accustomed to independent tourism. Therefore, do not expect to find western-style beach holiday resorts filled with brigade of hotels in Madagascar or huge malls offering western-style experiences of shopping in Madagascar, but be prepared for adventure instead! Restaurants in Madagascar are generally of equally modest standard.
