The fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar is one of the most bio-diverse countries on earth, home to thousands of species of plant and animal life, of which about 80 percent cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. Lying off the east coast of Africa, Madagascar is very different from its African neighbor, and its uniqueness in the world has led some to class it
as the Eighth Continent.
Madagascar is world famous for its lemurs, of which there are about 50 different types, ranging from the unusual to the utterly bizarre. Lemurs are endemic to the island and generally resemble a cross between a monkey and a squirrel; but lemurs are not the only curious creatures inhabiting this exotic realm. Dwarf chameleons, Tomato frogs, giant jumping rats and hedgehog-like tenrecs are among the host of peculiar indigenous fauna, while the country's isolation has developed plants with remarkable shapes such as the swollen Baobab, Madagascar's national tree, and the spiny forest that exhibits an incomparable ecosystem. Wilderness areas such as Isalo National Park and Tsingy Nature Reserve are wonderful places to discover Madagascar's exotic fauna, flora and striking geological features.
Besides this natural wonderland, Madagascar also has its share of beautiful beaches and wonderful coral reefs, such as those found on the cluster of islands off the north east coast. Best known is Nossi Bé; while Ile Ste-Marie off the east coast, and Toliara in the south, are also major attractions for divers, snorkelers and sunbathers. The bustling capital, and first and last stop for visitors arriving by air, is Antananarivo, or 'Tana', which has a distinctly French flavor and is an excellent place to shop for Malagasy arts and crafts. Go looking for the unexpected and be ready to mingle with a warm-hearted nation, and you will find an undeniably fascinating destination that makes for a refreshingly different sort of holiday under the tropical sunshine.
Climate
Generally the climate of Madagascar is subtropical, with a hot and rainy season between November and April, and a cooler dry season from May to October. However there is a big variation in climate depending on altitude and geographical position. The west coast is drier than the east coast and the central highlands, while the far south and south west is a semi-desert region that experiences very little rainfall. The east coast receives the most rain and is hot and humid during the wet season, and also prone to cyclones between February and March. Temperatures are much cooler in the highlands. Antananarivo has a pleasant, temperate climate. Along the coast temperatures range from 81°F to 90°F (27°C to 32°C) in the wet season and 64°F to 72°F (18°C to 22°C) in the dry season. May to October is the most pleasant time to travel to Madagascar, with cooler temperatures and little rain.
Getting Around
Air Madagascar connects Antananarivo to 51 towns on the island although flights do not depart daily for most locations. The train journey between the capital and Toamasina, and between Fianarantsoa and Manakara is recommended for its scenery. Buses are the most commonly used form of transport for the local population and are generally overcrowded, leave at irregular times and are slow. The island has just three main roads (from Tana to Mahajanga, to Toamasina and to Tuléar), with dirt tracks covering the rest of the country, and many roads are impassable during the rainy season. Car hire is not common, but agencies can be found in the main tourist towns.
Language
Malagasy is the official language, but French is used in business and government and is widely spoken in the main cities. A few people involved in the tourism industry might be able to speak some English, but it is not widely spoken.
Currency
The official currency is the Malagasy ariary (MGA), which has been reintroduced to replace the Malagasy franc. Coins and notes display both currencies, but newer notes display the ariary more prominently than the franc. One ariary is equal to five francs. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and official bureaux de
change, but the ariary cannot be changed back into hard currency. Some banks will only accept US dollars or Euro. Travelers cheques can be exchanged at most banks and in major hotels, but some banks refuse to accept them. ATMs are available in Antananarivo. Most major credit cards are starting to be accepted in top hotels and major travel agencies in the capital and other major towns, but have limited usage elsewhere.
Visas
Passports of all visitors must be valid for at least six months after entry date. Visas can be issued on arrival, but it is recommended that visitors obtain visas prior to arrival if embassy available. At least one blank page is needed in passports, reserved for use by the Madagascar Immigration Authorities. Return or onward tickets are required; otherwise a deposit must be paid before arriving in Madagascar, which is equivalent to the cost of a flight to the country of origin.
