MADAGASCAR TRAVEL GUIDE

ESSENTIALS | WHEN TO GO | WEATHER | COSTS | ACTIVITIES | SIGHTS

INTRODUCTION

The fourth-largest island in the world was created more than 125 million years ago when a piece of the African mainland broke away and drifted into the Indian Ocean. Isolated from the mainland, this tropical Eden known as Madagascar, evolved into a safe haven for some of the most unusual life forms on earth - a zoologist’s dream island teeming with chameleons, mongoose and lemurs and an apothecary’s laboratory with precious medicinal plants and herbs.

Relatively undiscovered until a few decades ago by tourists, the ‘Great Red Island’ of Madagascar has seen an increase in tourist traffic with travellers discovering and appreciating the unique delight of virgin rain-forests, pristine beaches, warm blue waters of the Indian Ocean, sandy deserts and an astonishing array of unusual wildlife and truly impressive flora.

COVID-19 TRAVEL STATUS

Updated:

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Madagascar has suspended all flights with the exception of medical evacuations, repatriations outside of the country, and cargo shipments. All flights must take off or land before 10 am.

TRAVEL ADVISORY

LOCATION MAP

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QUICK FACTS

• Capital: Antananarivo
• Currency: ariary (MGA)
• Area: total: 587,040 km²
• Population: 26,26 million (2018)
• Language: Malagasy (national & official) French (official)
• Religion: Indigenous beliefs 52%, Christian 41%, Muslim 7%

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

• 8 March, Women’s Day
• 29 March, Martyrs’ Day
• 1 May, Labor Day
• 26 June, Independence Day
• 15 August, Assumption
• 14 October, First Republic Proclamation Day
• 1 November, All Saints’ Day
• 11 December, Fourth Republic Day
• 25 December, Christmas Day

Also, the Christian holidays of Easter, Easter Monday, Ascension, Whit Sunday, and Whit Monday.

FESTIVALS

WEATHER SYNOPSIS

In Madagascar, two seasons are recognised: a hot, rainy season from November to April and a cooler, dry season from May to October. The east coast has a sub-equatorial climate driven by easterly trade winds, along with the heaviest and most consistent rainfall, with a maximum of 3,700 mm annually. The west coast of the country is generally drier and is subject to significant coastal erosion. The southwest and the extreme south are semi-desert environments, receiving less than 800 mm of rainfall annually. The average annual temperatures vary between 23°C and 27°C along the coast and between 16°C and 19°C in the central mountains.

TOURIST SEASONS

HOT MONTHS:

MODERATE MONTHS:

COLD MONTHS:

WET MONTHS:

DRY MONTHS:

SPORT & ACTIVITIES

HEALTH

Be aware of possible health risks in 

Madagascar

Yellow fever - The yellow fever virus is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. The virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no medicine to treat or cure an infection. To prevent getting sick from yellow fever, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and get vaccinated.

Zika Virus - Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.

Malaria - Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented.

Dengue - Dengue is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick. For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe.

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