MADAGASCAR, THE GALAPAGOS OF THE AFRICAN CONTINENT
Due to its isolation many stories are not written, many aspects of the country are incomplete. This fourth biggest island of the world is the “Galapagos of the African Continent” and the farthest gateway to Asia. A mixture of 18 cultures, a variety of landscapes, a nature with still many secrets to unveil are the highlights that only few countries boast to have. Madagascar began its slow separation from Africa during the age of dinosaurs. At that time, only very distant primate ancestors existed on earth. Over the millennia, the lineage that includes apes, monkeys and humans evolved on the African mainland, while lemur- like ancestors evolved in Madagascar. These lemurs lived in a gentle world, with no competition from monkeys and with none of the predators of Africa.
We agree, no wildlife safari as in Africa, but the contrasts, the cultures, the many endemic (80%) animals and plants that you will see, is part of the mysteries of this unique destination. A waiting call rings out through the forest. The Indri lemur is singing. The song has given rise to numerous legends about its origin……………………..
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
Andasibe Special Reserve: a huge rainy forest . Fauna includes “Indri Indri”, the largest lemurs, 9 endemic species of lemurs, 28 species of reptiles and 109 species of birds. Flora: hundred species of orchids.
Highland: Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa characterized by its green landscape with rice fields on terrace, rickshaws
Ranomafana National park: a huge rainforest. Fauna includes “the golden bamboo lemurs”,29 species of mammals, 12 species of lemurs, 5 species of viverridsring tailed mongoose, reptiles and about 98 species of birds.
Ambalavao: vineyards and wine production, “Anteimoro paper”, cattle market
Ambalavao: vineyards and wine production, “Anteimoro paper”, cattle market
Andringitra National park: a rocky chain mountain, with alpine vegetation with high altitude forest. Breath taking landscape, more than 10 species of mammals, 6 species of lemurs, 15 species of reptiles.
Isalo National Park: Eroded sandstone mountain, containing many canyons, natural swimming pool. Fauna includes 3 species of lemurs, 55 species of birds,geckos, chameleons. Flora includes succulent plants like pachypodium, tapia, aloes, pandanus…
Ilakaka: village of sapphires, “Madagascar texas”, then the spectacular Mahafaly tombs.
Ifaty: beach protected by coral reef, whales from June to September, baobabs and spiny forest.
THE ITINERARY
DAY 1: Tuesday: TANA:
Flight connection to Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. Arrival in Tana, meet and greet then transfer to IC HOTEL. Overnight at ICHOTEL ON BED AND BREAKFAST.
Included :1 overnight in *** hotel near the airport with swimming pool, breakfast. The hotel is overlooking the village of Ivato with a nice view of the rice fields. It has also a nice garden. All rooms have a small veranda, private bathroom, TV, telephone, internet, mini-bar, hairdryer.
DAY 2: Wednesday: TANA - ANDASIBE: 135 km = 3 to 4 HOURS
After breakfast, briefing for the whole tours with ICTours representative Around 09.30, we'll have a city tours: Tana called also City of thousands is the capital of Madagascar. Build in 3 stages: the high city, the first area occupied during the royal period where the old queen's palace is situated: we will see the “Rova”, the queen's palace, the House of the first minister during this day which is now a museum; all build during the colonization. Then we drive down to the mid-city or the administration area ending at the Rainiharo tombs, where all the chic boutiques of the capital are found. We then drive till the low city which is the commercial area of the town with its magnificent “ avenue de l'independence” and its imposing colonial building which is “ the old railways station”. In the afternoon, we start drive to Andasibe on the RN 2, through the green landscape of the east . This step brings us to the humid part of the country with many primary forest and lakes. Arrival at the end of the afternoon. Overnight at FEON'NY ALA HOTEL OR SIMILAR ON BED AND BREAKFAST
Included :2 overnights in ** small hotel, breakfast. The hotel is overlooking the rainforest of Perinet with a small lake where you can find many birds. It has also a nice garden. The standard rooms have a small veranda.
DAY 3: Thursday: ANDASIBE
At 07.30, departure to the national Park of Andasibe. Morning visit of the Special Reserve of Andasibe, to see the Indri Indri the biggest lemurs of the island. This 810 ha reserve is very unique one with endemic fauna and flora. It contains a wide variety of orchids, canopy, endemic animals like chameleons, tenrecs, and many birds. After the visit we walk into the orchidea park to admire all the nice flowers. In the afternoon, visit of Andasibe village, a typical Betsimisaraka (The-Many- inseparable) village, the second largest tribe of the island; they cultivate rice and plantations. This small visit helps us to have a close contact with local people, to see how they live, what they eat, then we visit the private park of Vakona “ l'îlot lémuriens” where we can find 3 species of lemurs: “ Sifaka, brown lemurs and variecia variegata”. Back at the hotel, overnight at HOTEL FEON'NY ALA OR SIMILAR ON BED AND BREAKFAST.
Included: Entrance fees in National Park Andasibe, local guide
DAY 4: Friday: ANDASIBE- TANA - ANTSIRABE: 275 km = 6 to 7 HOURS
After breakfast, we drive back to Tana, through the green landscape and luxuriant vegetation of the East. Along the way we'll see Merina village on the hill, Rocky Mountains. On the way stop in Mandraka to visit the private reserve of “Domaine Pyereras” where we can see all the different kinds of chameleons, snakes, lemurs, butterflies. Then we drive southward across the highland landscape with its beautiful rice-fields on stage and its spectacular eroded hills called "lavaka". This party reminds us the Far East with its rice fields on stage, its green landscape. Arrival in Antsirabe in the afternoon. Antsirabe or " the place of salt " lays 169 km south of Antananarivo, an elegant city ,best known as the centre of beer. Antsirabe means " the city of much salt". Founded by Norvegian in 1856, it is the only place which really feels and looks like an European city. Doted with cool climate and thermal spring, it is one of the most attractive place in Madagascar for its clement climate. Antsirabe is also known for gems and semi-precious stones. We make a city tours where we visit a lapidary of semi-precious gem, a workshop making pousse pousse and cars in miniature.Then we drive to the “ Andraikiba lake” . Back to Antsirabe., night in RESIDENCE D'ANTSIRABE OR SIMILAR ON BED AND BREAKFAST.
Included: **accommodation, guided tours of ANTSIRABE, breakfast
DAY 5: Saturday: ANTSIRABE - RANOMAFANA : 240 km = 5 to 6 HOURS
After breakfast, we head on to Ambositra the centre of Madagascar ' s wood carving industry. We are still in the highland with the green landscape which is dominated by rice fields on stages forest of pine and eucalyptus. One thing which marks the highland its architecture. Almost all houses are made with ornately carved wooden balconies and shutters with nice colours. Before entering Ambositra, we pass the "le col de tapia" a type of tree which resists to the Bush fire of the area. Arrival in Ambositra, a city known for its wood carving and its numerous small handicraft workshops and shop. We'll visit few workshops where we can admire the people working.
And then, continuation to Ranomafana through the "le col de tapia" a type of tree which resists to the bush fire of the area. The landscape is still dominated by rice fields on stage, forest of pine and ecalyptus, rocky mountains. Arrival in Ambohimahasoa where we can visit a tropical forest with lemurs. From there we drive 40km eastwards to Ranomafana that we'll reach within 1hour. The landscape is now changing into a greener one, with a tropical forest on the both sides, sometimes interrupted by small villages selling bananas or charcoals. The national Park of Ranomafana was created in 1991. It has 40,000 ha of superficies and consists of a series of steep hills from which numerous small streams run into the river Namorona, which tumbles down the valley in a series of waterfalls and rapids. Arriving in Ranomafana late in the afternoon. Night at IHARY HOTEL OR SIMILAR ON BED AND BREAKFAST.
Included: guided tours in Ambositra, ** hotel in RANOMAFANA with, breakfast.
DAY 6: Sunday: RANOMAFANA
Expedition in the forest with special guide to see 12 species lemurs, Ranomafana is the most important site of lemurs in Madagascar, it is the only confirmed site for the two rarest species the greater bamboo lemur Hapalemur simus and the golden bamboo lemur Hapalemur aureus. Different species like Fulvus Rufus, Varieca Variegata, Hapalemur griseus, Avahi lanigeur, Lepilemur mustelinus, Propithecus diadema edwardsi, Cheirogaleus major and Daubentounia madagscariensis are also seen there. More than 100 birds, five species of viverrids, reptiles, lizards, butterflies and other insects have been recorded in this park . The area is covered with forest, in the higher areas ,the trees are festooned with mosses and lichens, much of this secondary forest is dominated by the introduced tree Psidium cattleyarum, also giant bamboo Cephalostacyum viguieri, particularly various orchids such as Bblophyllum and Eulophiella, steep mountains, dramatic waterfalls and natural hit springs make this endangered and exotic forest charming and unusual . Apart from its huge tropical forest, the name Ranomafana means " hot water " so it is a thermal city where visitors can relax in the hot spring water. Night at IHARY HOTEL OR SIMILAR ON BED AND BREAKFAST.
Included: Entree fee National Park RANOMAFANA, local guide, 2 overnights in ** accommodation, breakfast.
DAY 7: Monday: RANOMAFANA - AMBALAVAO - ANDRINGITRA: 160 km = 4 to 5 HOURS After breakfast, we continue to Fianarantsoa. This is the centre of the catholic religion so almost the best school are found there. Called “the gate of the South” Fianarantsoa is the capital of Betsileo tribes. A very catholic city, this is the seat of Jesuits and the best university is found there . Besides, Fianarantsoa means " Place of good learning", as the Betsileo were taught by the Merina governors during 19th Century to behave in a good and civilian way. In Fianarantsoa, we'll have a short city tours: build in the same way as Antananarivo, this city has 3 different stages: the low city where lays the railway station and all the commercial business, the middle city which is for administrative and the upper town or the old city where we can find the cathedrale and where we have a nice view of the city. Afterwards we head southwards to Ambalavao to visit a wine industry for wine tasting as Ambalavao is the centre of wine industry. The climate is not said to be the ideal for grape plantation but it is a tradition left by priests and monks who lived in the area of Fianarantsoa. After still in Ambalavao, we visit the "Anteimoro Paper factory" a vestige of the Arabian civilisation in the island. Then we take the beaten track that brings us to Andringitra. The landscape there is decorated by blocks of granite and high rocky mountains. We'll also see some old Betsileo tombs hooked up in the middle of rocks. Apart from that, from one view point we'll admire the frame of rice fields on terrace which reminds us of the scenery of the eastern part of Asia. Night in GITE D' ANDRINGITRA OR SIMILAR WITH DINER AND BREAKFAST
Included: city tours of Fianarantsoa, visit Papier Anteimoro factory. 2 overnights in dormitory or tents (according to availability) accommodation with breakfast diner.
DAY 8 : Tuesday: ANDRINGITRA NATIONAL PARK
A full walking day in the National Park of Andringitra. This park, situated in the mountain chain of Andringitra, covers 31.160 ha. Altitude between 700 and 2658 meters , with unique granite and gneiss formation, Andringitra has 3 types of vegetations: lower altitudes are dominated by eastern lowland rainforest where leguminous tree like “ Dalbergia” are in common. Then the mid altitudes ( 800 - 1500 m) are covered with medium altitude rainforest where lichens and mountain woodland are dominating. The highest altitude is dominated by high mountain prairies and alpine like vegetation. Being the 2nd highest peak of the country, with its Pic Boby ( 2400 m), the highest altitudes have recorded the lowest temperatures known in Madagascar ( -8°C) and snowfalls may occur in July and August.
The most attraction to Andringitra is especially the landscape, the tranquillity of the area and the walk inside the National park, through its granite mountain. It has a particularly rich wildlife which had to adapt itself to the climate like the lemurs catta, the sifaka. The insects and reptiles are also quite abundant. Many walks can be done depending on your fitness and preferences. On one of the longer walks, we can reach the top of the rocky mountains and see the spacious grassland below where the Bara ( nomad tribe) herd their zebus. In the distance you can also see “the hat of Napoleon” on the grassland. On the way back, you can admire the purity of the two queen's and king's springs . Arrival in the gite at the end of the afternoon. In the evening, since there is no restaurant, food preparation is a joint effort between trekkers and local women. Night in GITE D' ANDRINGITRA OR SIMILAR WITH LUNCH - DINER - BREAKFAST
Included: Entry fee National Park ANDRINGITRA, local guide, 2 overnights in dormitory or tents (according to availability) accommodation with breakfast Lunch, diner.
DAY 9: Wednesday: ANDRINGITRA - AMBALAVAO - ISALO: 245 km = 4 to 6 HOURS
After breakfast, we drive back to Ambalavao. Wednesday is the biggest zebu market in Ambalavao so we'll have the opportunity to visit this huge and very animated market which is the meeting point of all people from all over the country Then we head on to Ihosy the capital of Bara tribes which are shepherds of Zebu. We pass through the mountain chain of Andringitra, which serves as a transition between green highland and the dry south. The landscape is becoming more and more grandiose. Huge Granite blocks are marking the spacious and empty plains. We feel like being swallowed by this emptiness, by this peace. From a long distance, we can already spot a huge imposing rocky hill called “Bishop's hat”. This is a sacred place for the local people, no one ever venture to walk down there though it is nice area for trekking as it is a burial site and was a place where the local people's ancestors preferred a collective suicide rather than to surrender to the Merina's domination. Then we will see the "3 hillocks" which area also among the imposing rocky hill. Another spectacular is the huge granite dome with twin rock towers called:" the gate of the south " which marks the end of the highlands and the beginning of the south. We arrive in Ihosy, the land of Bara who are more dark -skinned with African features if compared to Merina. They are cattle-raisers and many activities during their life are associated with Zebu. For instance, to get a wife, a man has to steal a few zebus to show his strength and virility. When they die, they have to kill many zebus as well. We pass through the huge " plateaux de Horombe with its very spacious red soil which reminds u of " the no man's land". This is a huge and empty grassy plain. From one place to another we can see some droves of zebus, accompanied by a Bara man with his rifle. Arrival in Isalo in the end of the afternoon. Night in MOTEL DE L”ISALO OR SIMILAR on BED AND BREAKFAST.
Included: visit Zebu market, 2 overnights in ** hotel with swimming pool with breakfast.
DAY 10: Thursday: ISALO
Visit of ISALO National Park. The parks covers an area of 81,540 ha comprising the entire stretch of the Isalo massif. This huge mountain is very spectacular with its eroded sandstone mountain Today we start our hiking to the "Natural swimming pool", where we stay for the camping. We drive from Ranohira village for about 10 minutes before we park our car, then we walk about 1 hour and half along vegetation like Uapaca bojeri, Pachypodium rosulatum or elephant' s foot, a native species of aloe and an endemic species in Isalo the Aloe isaloensis to reach the Natural Swimming Pool. Then we walk through the eroded mountains which are also the place where Bara put their dead before they can bring them into their real tombs, we start our climbing and reach the massif (after 20 minutes walk ), we'll have a very spectacular view of this huge sandstone mountains with its nice colours, its strange and eroded forms giving many different images like "the tortoise", "the masks" and "the crocodiles" and so on......We'll see small stream of water, small rivers which are marked by lines of brilliant green, generally made up of numerous Pandanus pulcher and the delicate, slim-stemmed, feathery leaved palm Chrysalidocarpus isaloensis. Along the way, for lemur' s lovers there may be sifakas , brown lemurs and ringtails, also fifty five species of birds lizards, snakes. We finally reach the swimming pool, a nice and crystal water which is a great rewarding after a long and very hot hour of walk. Back to the hotel. In the afternoon, we visit the “ fenêtre de l'Isalo” for the sunset. Back and overnight in MOTEL DE L”ISALO OR SIMILAR on BED AND BREAKFAST.
Included: Entree fee National Park Isalo with local guide, overnight in hotel with swimming pool with breakfast.
DAY 11: Friday: ISALO - TULEAR - IFATY: 240 km = 3 to 4 HOURS
After breakfast, continuation to Tuléar, the terminal of the National road N° 7. This step brings us to a very new scenery, among the dry forest of the west, the spiny desert of the south. On the way, we can also admire the different tombs like the "Mahafaly tombs" and few "Antandroy tombs". Short visit of Tuléar, then drive to Ifaty which lies about 27 km from Tuléar. Due to the bad condition of the road, it will take us about two hours and half to reach Ifaty. This step brings us to the driest part of the country. Situated in the deep south, the landscape will be dominated by the spiny forest like the cactus, different euphorbiacea and didieracea. We will cross the dry and sandy soil where local people suffer for the lack of drinking water. Many mangrove trees are lining along the coast alternated by Vezo villages which earn their living on fishing. We will see many small pirogues, men go on fishing twice a day . children and women are waiting on the coast to fetch the fishermen and bring the fish to Tuléar for sale. Night at BELLE VUE OR SIMILAR ** on BED and BREAKFAST.
Included: Visit of Ilakaka, City tours of Tuléar, 2 overnights in **hotel on the beach with breakfast.
DAY 12 : Saturday: IFATY
Day at leisure. Ifaty lays in the beach, it is an ideal place for diving and snorkelling. Many excursions can be arranged on the spot. Here you can also experience the Vezo Fishermen' s life, and a popular place for birdwatchers. Many excursions are possible like visit the Reserve RENIALA, a communal reserve where we will see 2 kinds of baobabs, spiny bush, reptiles like boa madagascariensis, gecko, chameleon parsoni ( the largest one) or take a boat to see the whales. From July to mid September, whales are coming to the cool sea of Madagascar to give birth. It is a very spectacular experience as sometimes we will see the whales very close to our boat. Situated in the largest lagoon of the country, Ifaty is also protected by a large coral reef which makes it an ideal place for diving and snorkelling. In the afternoon we can walk to the village of Mangily where we can visit a local school and where we can also experience the Vezo Fishermen's life, especially when the fishermen come back from fishing. Night in BELLE VUE OR SIMILAR on BED AND BREAKFAST.
Included: overnight in **hotel on the beach with breakfast.
DAY 13: Sunday: IFATY - TULEAR - TANA: MD 740: 14.40 - 15.45
Transfer to the airport. Then fly back to Tana. Transfer and overnight in I.C.HOTEL OR SIMILAR on BED AND BREAKFAST
Included: transfer to the airport of Tulear - transfer from the airport to hotel in Antananarivo, overnight in *** hotel with swimming pool near the airport with breakfast.
END OF SERVICE
NETTO PRICE per PERSON FOR LAND ARRANGEMENT: (minimum 2 persons)
FROM 2 PAX: ONLY ENGLISH SPEAKING DRIVER
2 PAX: 963 EUR/ PAX -- 4 PAX: 812 EUR/PAX -
FROM 5 ONWARDS: DRIVER + ENGLISH SEAPKING GUIDE
5 PAX: 693 EUR/PAX - 6 PAX: 662 EUR/PAX - 8 PAX: 552 EUR/PAX - 10 PAX : 485 EUR - 12 PAX : 441 -
14 PAX : 409 EUR - 15 PAX : 397 EUR
LOCAL PAYMENT: 225 EUR/ PERSON
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: 207 EUR
DOMESTIC FLIGHT TULEAR - TANA WITH AIRPORT TAXES: 145 EUR / PERS
Note : prices can change without notice due to fluctuating exchange rates and fuel prices.
VERY IMPORTANT: Local payment covers the 2 diners and 2 lunches in ANDRINGITRA as well as the entrance fees and special guides in Andasibe Special Reserves, Ranomafana National Park, Andringitra National Park, Isalo National Park and also transfers. Local Payment which must be paid to your Tour Leader in cash on Day 1 of the tour. The Local Payment is an integral part of your tour cost (total cost = price of land arrangement + local payment). By structuring your payment in this way we are able to keep the Local Payment in the destination where it is needed, avoiding costly bank charges and administration overheads, which in turn means we can pass this saving on to our clients. We regret that traveller's cheques and credit cards cannot be accepted.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE of LAND ARRANGEMENT
- Accommodation in double room based on bed and breakfast during the trip according to the program above
- Transports by private car / bus with fuel and driver
- For 2, English speaking driver
- From 4 pax onwards, driver and English speaking tour guide from Tana to Ifaty
- All Transfers by car airport / hotel / airport for the whole trip
NOT INCLUDED
- All Optional and free excursions
- Lunch and diner , visa
- All personal expenses, insurance for luggage, tips, drinks, laundry
- All flights ( international and domestic flights)
DEPARTURE DATES
- Tuesday February 9th till Monday February 22nd 2010 ( 5% of DISCOUNT for the whole trip except LOCAL PAYMENT)
- Tuesday February 23rd till Monday March 08th 2010 ( 5% of DISCOUNT for the whole trip except LOCAL PAYMENT)
- Tuesday March 9Th till Monday March 22nd 2010 ( 5% of DISCOUNT for the whole trip except LOCAL PAYMENT AND DOMESTIC FLIGHT)
- Tuesday April 13th till Monday 26th April 2010 ( 5% of DISCOUNT for the whole trip except LOCAL PAYMENT AND DOMESTIC FLIGHT)
- Tuesday May 11th till Monday 24th May 2010
- Tuesday June 8th till Monday June 21st 2010
- Tuesday November 16th till Monday November 29th 2010 ( 5% of DISCOUNT for the whole trip except LOCAL PAYMENT)
THE TOUR
This ** accommodation tour is guaranteed departure with a minimum of 2 participants. If you want to travel on individual basis, allotments and price are on request.
- From 2 till 4 participants:
The tour will be carried out with a private car (from 3 persons onwards a Mercedes Vito) and a French- or English speaking driver. A detailed road book in English will mention the distances and hours day-by-day, where to stop to take pictures or do some walking, the things to see on the way. In sum, all the necessary information and explanation that a tour guide tells during a tour. The purpose of the road book is not to copy a travel guide, but to give you info about your program that you will not find in a guidebook.
Our experienced Malagasy driver makes sure that the itinerary runs smoothly. At the end of the day he will explain the following day itinerary with a roadmap. He also organizes the entrance fees and the local guides in the National Parks. On your request French, English or German speaking.
- The group consists of 5 till a maximum of 15 participants:
The tour will be carried out with a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (18 seats bus), a French speaking driver and an English/French speaking guide. Our guides have years of experience with international groups and an extensive knowledge of the country. Their knowledge and experience of the country widely exceed what you can find in guidebooks.
THE ITINERARY
Is written on a 'mora mora' basis (malagasy for 'relax, no hurry')
To enjoy the full day we will depart early (07.30h) and arrive at our destination between 16.00h.-17.00h. This means that we can provide enough walking- and photo stops. Our aim is that you can enjoy the landscapes and villages along the way.
Your driver and/or guide will see to it that the tours runs smoothly. Their main task is to fulfill your expectations of this unique destination.
Our driver/guides are no biologists. For this we use the official local guides in the National Parks.
When the group size is more than 7 participants then we make use of an extra local guide in the National Parks. This way we divide the group, so that we can carry out the walks in small groups. These walks are focused on the fauna and flora and on the search of lemurs.
ACCOMMODATION
We overnight in ***/ ** hotels/bungalows. We have selected these hotels based on the comfort of the rooms, the friendly service, the restaurant. We have chosen accommodation with small capacity and beautiful setting, because these elements influence the charm of your stay. No mastodons' hotels.
MEALS
Only breakfast is included in the itinerary. One of the charms of Madagascar is to eat 'à la carte'. Besides there is no obligation to eat every time in the ** accommodation where you are staying. Your guide (or 'road book') knows the specialties and the places where you van have a touch of a real local (and hygienic safe) restaurant, where they serve excellent food. In some places you might compare it with 'la haute cuisine Française'.
Mostly we make use of a light picnic lunch at noon. In the evening you can let yourself go...
LOCAL BUDGET
The average budget of our participants in 2008 was 400 euro/person. This amount includes meals, drinks (even wine during dinner) and tips in restaurants, luggage carrier, etc. This budget is taken widely.
This amount excludes souvenirs.
PARTICIPANTS
No age limit. People with a normal physical condition can do this tour easily.
Please keep in mind that flexibility and an open mind will greatly contribute to an enjoyable tour. We are traveling in an undeveloped country. Tourism in Madagascar is still in its childhood. Regard this as a positive point. The people you will meet are kind and their curiosity is expressed by a smile.
Although I.C.T. is going to every measure run your tour as smoothly as possible, things do not always run according to plan. However we are convinced that Madagascar will give you in a good sense an experience of a lifetime.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Local currency: Ariary which has replaced the Malagasy franc (the former currency 1 Ariary is 5 Malagasy Francs). 1 EURO is about 2400 Ariary. Malagasy Ariary can be changed back in foreign currency at any banks and money changers.
Credit card: Visa Card is the most generally accepted credit card. Others, such as Master Card, Diner's and American Express, are not impossible. Travellers' cheques and Euro Cash are of better use in tourism. ATM machine are available in big cities. ( only with VISA)
Opening hours: Local bank and all offices open from 08.00 to 15.30. Closed on week-end and public holidays
Payment: Cash: Ariary, €, US$ - Traveller's cheque: €, US$ - Credit card: VISA only
Time zone: GMT + 3 hours.
Official languages: Malagasy and French.
Visa : is mandatory and the passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months, visas can be obtained at the airport upon arrival in Madagascar. Visa fees: 57 Euro. No photo needed, only return ticket and valid passport
Health: no vaccination is compulsory, however, an anti-malarial Treatment is recommended.
Country code: + 261
Electricity: 220 V. Some places have no electric network. Take battery powered appliances and take care not to leave them in nature once they are worn out.
Recommendations to travelers
- travel with light luggage, if possible; backpacks are very handy especially when taking public transport: light trousers, long sleeved shirts or T-shirts, pairs of tennis or sandals;
- Hikers must have good walking shoes;
- Mosquito repellent sprays and/or creams; Sun block cream and swimsuits;
- For bivouac lovers: swiss knives, first aid kit, flasks, water purifying tablets, sleeping bags (camping), torches,
- Cameras and/or video cameras to immortalize the highlights of your trip.
Seasons and weather
There are 5 climatic zones, which follow the varied physical geography of the island: there are the mild Highlands, the hot and dry western regions, the rainy and the eastern coastal regions under the influence of trade winds, the hot and wet North, and the semi-arid South. Rainfalls decreases progressively from the North-East (over 300 m) to the South-West (less than 400 m) with several variants between these two extremes. The dry season or the southern winter is from April to October, and summer is from November to March. If, at sea level, temperatures range from 27°C and 32°C in summer and 22°C in winter, on the Highlands, they may go down to 4°C or even less in winter nights.
SPECIFIC PURCHSE
ARE PROHIBITED:
Endangered animal and plant species listed in annex I of CITES (Convention on International Trade of Fauna and Flora Species).
Are particularly included in this category (Convention on International Trade of Fauna and Flora Species).
- lemurs - dugong - radiated tortoise - spur tortoise - sea tortoise - boa - Antongil red frog etc…
- Orchids - Euphorb, didieraceous, apocynaceous species (pachypodium)
- Authentic objects classified as national heritage (aloalo, Zafimaniry) - shutters, ancient object and documents…).
ARE CONSIDERED AS PROTECTED:
- vertebrate, fish and plant fossils
- dinosaur bones
- aepyornis eggs
THE TRAVELLER IS FREE TO TAKE OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY
- 250 g: hallmarked jewels (subject to justifying entry with foreign currencies, the traveller may be allowed to take as much as 1 kg)
- 2 kg of vanilla exempted from tax and duties.
PURCHASES IN DUTY FREE SHOPS
Now, it is well known, Antananarivo-Ivato duty free shops, with their renovated attractive lay out, are among the best- stocked and the cheapest in this zone.
Etiquette, taboos (fady) and prohibitions
The Malagasy population is known for being pacifist and tolerant. They are strongly attached to their customs and practices, namely in villages and rural communities. Therefore, be attentive to be respectful of traditions, and in particular of elderly people, or of those who are considered as people of high rank in society, and respect local “fady”, taboos and prohibitions scrupulously. It is advised to get information about them in advance and respect
them scrupulously. For example, there are communities who do not like their children's heads to be caressed. Before taking photographs of a person or a group of people, please ask for their permission first. Lastly, nudism is not allowed on beaches. In town, a lamba or a pareo covering one's monokini or bikini will be sufficient not to shock Malagasy sense of decency.
