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Travel is quite uncomfortable on the rural roads once you
leave the capital, Antananarivo, because they are often
unpaved and full of potholes. Those who do venture here will
be rewarded with some of the most unique cultural sites in
the world, including the tombs to Malagasy ancestors,
who serve as a link between the living and the dead.
Some of the Indian Ocean's best beaches are located on the
north coast, and along with Isle St Marie, on the east
coast, both offer superb diving and the chance to mingle with
the descendants of real pirates who called the island home.
On your way south, stop off at amazing rain forest preserves
that protect the country's dwindling rainforests before heading
off to dive in even more of the 1500 miles of coral reef
that lines the Mozambique Channel.
Cash
The currency is the Malagasy Franc. French Francs
are the best currency denomination to bring with you, though
US dollars and increasingly Euros are being
accepted. Cash is best, but travellers checks are accepted
too; expect to be hit with a commission of upwards of 9%.
The cost of travelling on public transport in Madagascar is
moderate if you consider that fuel has to be imported. Expect
to pay about US$25 per day for travel with a decent room in
a guest house (though cheaper ones exist, they are unadvisable
for security reasons) and meals in local restaurants.
The costs will rise dramatically should you travel in the
tourist areas like Isle St Marie or stay too long in
Tana. High end hotels are centered in Antananarivo
and the beach resorts so you can easily spend US$100 a night
on places there.
Bargaining is done at all levels in Madagascan life so bring
these skills with you when you hit the market. Tipping is
best done by rounding up the amounts on
restaurant tabs.
Approximate currency conversion:
1 US Dollar = 6 Malagasy Francs
1 British Pound = 10 Malagasy Francs
1 Euro = 6 Malagasy Francs
For up to date currency information, check the Currency
Converter.
Climate
The island is thickly forested and lies south of the equator
off East Africa. The seasons are reversed from the Northern
Hemisphere, so April to October is winter, which is a dry
time of the year. The extremely hot summer (November to March)
is best avoided, for high humidity and heavy rainfall can
spoil your overland trips. Mountainous regions are quite cool
so it is important to bring appropriate clothing.
Dress
With such a religious population, it is wise to dress conservatively
- both men and women. Keep the legs and chest covered for
both sexes. Loose cotton clothes are advisable to avoid overheating
in the climate, though be prepared for colder temperatures
in the hills.
People
The people of Madagascar are an interesting mix of Arabs,
Africans, Malays and French, including eighteen
major ethnic groups. Eighteen million people call Madagascar
home. The island was believed to be uninhabited 2000 years
ago, before South-East Asian settlers arrived.
Most of the current inhabitants were immigrants that came
here from the Middle East, Asia, or mainland Africa; lowland
people are mostly of African origin: The largest coastal groups
are the Betsimisaraka (about one million) and the Tsimihety
and Sakalava (500,000 each).
Many original tribes still exist in the rural and highland
areas, like the Merina (2 million) and the Betsileo
(1 million). Christianity and Islam are the
dominant religions of the country though indigenous beliefs
in the spirit world still continue to exist. 40% of Madagascans
are Christian, split evenly between Protestant
and Catholic, and a historic rivalry between these
two sects continues to this day. The north is more Islamic
due to the Arab traders that settled the island, and the south
is more Christian due to missionary activities here.
Food
Rice (vary) is grown throughout the country
and forms, with cassava, the basis of most meals. Stews
are in fact the national dish with Romazava, a vegetable
and meat recipe being the most famous. Seafood is harvested
along the coasts and made into delicious grilled dishes. Food
is served in hotelys - cheap roadside stalls found
everywhere. Citronella tea is popular and many home
brews exist, particularly in the remote islands.
Language
Most people speak Malagasy, though French is the second
language and spoken among the urban population. It wasn't
until 1960 that the country gained its independence from France.
If you don't speak Francais then it's best to bring a phrase
book in French or Malagasy. The Malagasy language is of Malayo-Polynesian
origin and is generally spoken throughout the island. With
so many tribal people like the Bara, there are numerous
tribal languages widely spoken so communication in some areas
can be difficult.
Health
Yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are required;
malaria is a big problem in Madagascar and you must
meet with a tropical medicine doctor to discuss medication
to take while you're there. Avoiding ice, unpeeled fruits
and cold meats is advisable, especially in the rural areas.
Drink lots of bottled water to avoid dehydration.
Visas
Visas are required by all nationals, and need to be obtained
at a Madagascar embassy or consulate before departure. They
can be expensive, and are issued for 90 days. Tourist visas
can cost US$70 for a single month, but check with your local
embassy for details. |
