Madagascar

Travel Tips

Madagascar has some of the finest beaches in the world - whether you head to the spectacular Nosy Be archipelago off the north-west coast, or the magical pirate island of St Marie in the east, you're sure to find pristine beaches, gorgeous lodges and meet famously unique wildlife. Lying 400 kilometers off the east coast of Africa, Madagascar is legendary for the profusion of its wildlife and flora, 80% of which is found nowhere else in the world. 

The island offers diverse and spectacular scenery: mountains, deserts, rainforests, dazzling beaches fringing the Indian Ocean and island archipelagos linked by coral reefs and clear turquoise waters.

Madagascar is however a Third World destination, so not everyone’s ‘’cup of tea’’. 

Reasons for visiting the Indian Ocean Islands

• Nature
• Adventure
• Honeymoons
• Family Holidays
• Corporate Incentives

Top Attractions

• Nosy Sakatia (Orchid Island) 
• Kayaking experiences along the coast
• Antananarivo – Capital (also called Tana)
• Andasibe-Mantadia National Park – Rainforest
• Masoala Peninsular, Nosy Mangabe – Lemur reserve
• Ile Sainte Marie – Mountain Biking, Whale watching (July to September)
• Ampefy, a volcanic region with spectacular waterfalls and geysers or Perinet, a nature reserve that is home of the indri (a tail-less lemur) and many species of orchid
• More wildlife awaits in the Ivolina Zoological Park and Botanical Gardens, which contains every kind of vegetable species from the eastern forests
• Go scuba-diving at the main centers of Nossi Bé, Nossi Lava, Toliara and Ile Ste-Marie. Many offer beautiful white sand beaches and coral reefs.
• Try waterskiing or sailing at Ambohibao (Lake Mantasoa), Antsiralse (on Andraikiba Lake) and Ramona
• River-rafting can be done in the Highlands and on the East Coast

Getting there

Air Madagascar and Airlink fly regularly between Antananarivo (Tana) and Johannesburg.  Flight duration is three hours.

Visas

All visitors require visas.  They can be obtained on arrival for USD 100 or 60 Pounds, payable in cash.  Please make sure your passport has two blank pages and is valid for at least six months.

Currency

After clearing customs exchange some money into the local currency, the Ariary, at the airport bank.   The Ariary can be converted back into hard currency prior to leaving Madagascar.  Credit cards are not widely accepted, but if you do take one, take only a Visa card.

Health

No immunizations are necessary.  Malaria prophylactics are essential.  Drink only bottled water (or take water purification tablets).  Travel insurance is essential.

Travel Insurance

If you need medical care whilst on holiday, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

What to pack

Take comfortable, casual and light clothing.  Well-worn walking shoes or sneakers are essential.  Pack warm clothing for winter nights.  Also take a good torch, insect repellent and protective gear for the tropical sun and rain.

Climate & When to go

Nature enthusiasts should go from late August to January.  Certain parts of western Madagascar are not accessible after the rains in summer (December to March).  Avoid the north-east from March to July.  Cyclones can occur mid-January to mid-March.

Customs & Luggage Allowance

500 cigarettes and 1 liter of alcohol.  

20kg of luggage and one item of hand luggage.

Language

Malagasy is the first language, French is the business language and English is spoken in the tourism industry.

Power Supply

European two-prong plugs of 220v

Time Zone

GMT + 3 hours

Submit an enquiry so we can help you tailor-make and plan a once in a life-time holiday to any one of these ‘’Indian Ocean Islands’’.   We can also combine this with any other destination in Southern Africa or East Africa.