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Madagascar

Travel Guide Madagascar

Madagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island, lies off the eastern coast of Africa and is a true paradise for nature lovers. Famous for its extraordinary biodiversity, it is home to countless species found nowhere else on Earth, as well as landscapes that range from lush rainforests and towering baobab trees to dramatic highlands and pristine beaches. For travellers seeking an adventure beyond the ordinary, Madagascar offers an unforgettable journey into one of the planet’s most unique natural wonders.

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Highlights in Madagascar

Along the coast of Madagascar, you will find amazing places to rest, relax and revive. You can enjoy the beaches or discover the tropical forests and mangroves in your surroundings, or explore the water by boat or on diving trips. Besides the beautiful coral reefs along the coast, you also have the chance to see whale sharks, sea turtles and rays. Also, a trip to the lovely and peaceful island of Nosy-Be, north of the main island, is an alternative worth considering.
Encompassing 2,300 square kilometres of rainforest and 100 square kilometres of marine parks, Masoala is Madagascar's largest protected area. The park was established in 1997 to preserve this unique ecosystem comprising coastal rainforest, flooded forests, marsh and mangroves from the serious threatens by encroachment from the local communities that depend on the area for agricultural land and firewood, and from international logging companies seeking to harvest timber. A place for those who love the Rainforest!
Since its foundation, the Berenty Reserve has been designed to protect lemurs and their natural environment: the dense gallery forest dominated by tamarind trees and the spiny dry forest. Since its opening to the public in 1981, it has gained international fame. The Berenty Reserve is a reference site for scientists and is visited by many travellers, curious to discover the animal and plant diversity that inhabits these more than 1000 hectares of protected areas..
Despite being Madagascar’s number-one beach destination, the island of Nosy Be remains relatively low-key. The climate is sunny year-round, and Nosy Be is a paradise for water-based activities. Diving is the island’s most popular activity, and there is plenty of swimming, snorkelling and sailing for those who want to explore Madagascar's wonderful ocean life.

Geography of Madagascar

Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. There are four geographical zones alongside the 5000 km coastline: The Central Highlands, the North, the West and the South-west. The Central Highlands make up around two thirds of the entire island. The highest point of the Highlands is Maromokotro which is the highest mountain on Madagascar at just under 3000 m. The Southwest is the driest part of the island. The vegetation in this area is made up of succulents, baobab trees, and a spiny forest in the south. This spiny forest is considered one of the most fascinating biotopes on the planet. Around 60% of the plant life in the area is endemic, and the majority have spines to protect themselves against herbivores. In contrast to the dry south-west, the East is covered by tropical rainforest. Sadly, the Madagascan rainforest is under severe threat from slash and burn tactics and illegal trading in tropical wood. The Masoala Rainforest is the largest contiguous rainforest area on Madagascar. It is one of the rainforests of the Atsinanana, which UNESCO have placed on its list of World Heritage in Danger sites.

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Geomorphology/Geology

Madagascar is a geologically ancient island, separated from the African mainland over 160 million years ago. The diverse and complex geomorphology has dubbed Madagascar as a mini-continent. Ranging from high plateaus, deep river valleys and coastal plains. Madagascar’s dramatic landscape was shaped by tectonic movement, erosion and ancient volcanic history. The metamorphic and igneous rock form part of the prehistoric Gondwana supercontinent, and Madagascar and India were once connected to the African continent. This separation left Madagascar as a continental fragment, vastly geologically different from the nearby islands.

In the western and northern regions of Madagascar, bizarre rock formations can be found that are called Tsingys. Tsingys are karstic plateaus with sharp-edged, sometimes even needle-like rocks that were formed due to weathering and the influence of groundwater on the former limestone. Madagascar's characteristic red soil derives from the mineral laterite, which is a product of intensive weathering in tropical zones and contains mostly insoluble residues with aluminium and iron minerals. Madagascar's active dormant volcanoes are found in the central highlands of the Anaratra Mountains and in the northern Montagne d’Ambre.

Madagascar's pressing geological issue is soil erosion, created by deforestation, slash and burn agriculture and intense seasonal rainfall.

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Travel advice for Madagascar

Travelling around Madagascar is an adventure in itself; it requires patience, flexibility, and a good understanding of the country’s limited infrastructure. Main roads are maintained poorly, especially during the rainy season.

Bus: In Madagascar, the bus is quite an established local form of transportation. For shorter distances smaller busses, the so-called Taxi-Brousses, are commonly used. By using long-distance busses, also remote destinations can be reached. Tickets can be bought in advance at the bus station or directly from the bus driver. A cheap way of travelling can be uncomfortable, overcrowded and slow.

Rental car: Considered the most efficient and comfortable way to get around the island, although not very common.

Train: The rail network in Madagascar is considered slow, limited, and outdated. An option for very adventurous travellers and a unique way to experience Madagascar’s scenery. There are two main lines on offer to passengers, most commonly the Fianarantsoa – Manakara Railway, 161km of scenic beauty, tunnels and bridges.

In town: It is widely common to use taxis to get around in cities. You raise your hand to signal the driver that you need a ride and negotiate about the price before heading off. Ask someone from your accommodation in advance what the normal price for a taxi is. Another alternative is the traditional Pousse-Pousse, a rickshaw with space for one or two passengers.
- January 1: New Year's Day
- March 8: International Women's Day
- March 29: Martyrs' Day
- May 1: Labour Day
- June 20: Summer Solstice
- June 26: Independence Day
- November 1: All Saints' Day
- December 11: Republic Day
- December 21: Winter Solstice
- December 25: Christmas Day
Movable Holidays: Easter Monday, Whit Monday, Assumption Day
Do
- Do expect longer travel times as roads can be terrible.
- You should be prepared to eat a lot of rice.
- It is a tradition to spill some alcohol on the ground before drinking, in honour of the ancestors.
- It is very important to be polite and respectful in Madagascar.
Don't
- Don't drink tap water; always drink filtered or bottled water.
- Try not to give money to begging kids, as it is only a trick in most cases.
- Try not to feel offended if people stare at you or point at you.
- Do not point at a grave stone nor take pictures.
- Do not take pictures of people without asking first; this is considered very rude.

Climate in Madagascar

The climate in Madagascar varies with the elevation of a region. Overall, it can be said that the climate is tropical and mostly hot, like in the northern region of Madagascar, whereas it can be colder in the highlands, especially in the months of the African winter. The eastern part of the island has a tropical climate with a lot of rainfall throughout the year. In contrast, the southern region is the driest in Madagascar.

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Flora and Fauna in Madagascar

Madagascar hosts around 14,000 plant species, many of which are endemic to the island. Moreover, the island of Madagascar is known for the incredible lemurs; the country hosts 107 species of lemurs. The smallest species is the mouse lemur with a body length of about 8 cm, whereas the biggest one is the endangered indri that can reach a body length of almost one meter. 68 species of lemurs are exclusively nocturnal. In general, lemurs climb from tree to tree and only on rare occasions leave the safety of the heights. Madagascar has ten species of carnivores, including the fossa and several species of mongoose and civets. Furthermore, the island is home to several amphibians and reptiles like chameleons, over 250 different species of frogs, snakes and crocodiles like the Madagascar boa or the Nile crocodile. Along the coast, it is possible to see marine life such as sea turtles and rays.

Despite the large amount of flora, Madagascar only has five plant families, including more than 900 orchid species, around 200 species of palms, and iconic species as six species of baobab, the traveller's tree, and the Madagascar periwinkle.

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Social Geography of Madagascar

Most of Madagascar's inhabitants are of South Asian descent, but also migrations from East Africa and the Middle East have influenced the population and led to today's diversity of culture. The Malagasy people of Madagascar have very mixed ancestry, from Indonesian and Bantu African populations, though there are also smaller groups with Arabian, French, and Indian origins.
The Malagasy language is generally spoken throughout the island. Because of the French colonial period, French has become the second official language in Madagascar and is mainly spoken as a second language and used for international communication. On the island state’s western coast, Makoa is sometimes spoken; on the island of Nosy Be, some bilingual speakers of Swahili are resident. English is not standard, especially in non-tourist areas.
In the years 2009-2013, Madagascar was hit hard by a political and economic crisis, but ever since the democratic election in 2013, the country has been recovering steadily. The majority of Madagascar's population is relatively poor, and the unemployment rate is high. When travelling in the dark and in crowded areas, you should keep an eye or two on your belongings as pick-pocketing can be common.
In Madagascar, more than 50% of the population belongs to natural worships, another major part of the population is Christian, and a smaller percentage is Muslim. Moreover, the ancestor worship, which includes the adherence to the so-called “fadys”, is common among the people. These are rules to live by in the daily routine; they may vary locally. Violation is partly punished. In most cases, locals excuse the “misbehaviour” of tourists, though.