Madagascar
Welcome to Eden revisited
Deciduous forests, crystalline lakes, massive caverns and savanna grassland dot the western plains with magnificent desert along the southern tip of this island. Located off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island with a steep mountain range paralleling the entire eastern coastline.
Filled with a diversity of life, flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth, it is a micro-continent with limitless opportunities to explore. The Malagasy people have a profound veneration for their ancestors and deep love and respect for their children giving them a serene tranquility and sense of continuity of life
The island can be divided into three main parts; The East Coast home of the rain forest and narrow coastal strip, the Central Highlands culminating at 9430 feet and decorated with immense rice fields; and the West coast home of baobabs and thorny forest. Coral reefs fringe a portion of the coast. Most plants and animals found in Madagascar exist only there. Discover the 1800 miles of beautiful beaches, exceptionally good food, fascinating flora such as the many species of lemurs, and some of the riches Fauna in the world with over 1000 different species of Rochaids, palms, six species of Baobabs and the carnivorous "pitcher Plant" Or Nepenthes.
Traveling here is still an adventure and not for everyone. The tourism industry is relatively young, communication can be limited. If you enjoy adventure and the unexpected, meeting extraordinary people and discovering a fascinating island, Madagascar is the place.
An old Malagasy proverb: "They who drink the water from the Manangareza river always come back to Madagascar" is a true indication of the special magic of a place you will definitely want to revisit.
Sample Itineraries:
Key Facts
Geography
Madagascar split off Africa at least 160 million years ago. The island has an untouched coastline of white sanded beaches, coral inlets and the third largest coral barrier on earth. Large rivers from the west flow into the channel of Mozambique. Sub arid areas with thorny bushes in the south and the green hills in the highlands. The exotic landscapes and terrain also include jungle in the East and dry forest in the west. There are Massifs at Isalo, strongholds of jagged tsiny in the limestone.
Health
Malaria medication: As Malaria is endemic through the country, prophylactics are recommended. Yellow Fever vaccination: required only if you travel through an infected country before entering Madagascar (children less than a year-old are exempted). Cholera vaccination: required only if you travel through an infected country before entering Madagascar (children less than six months-old are exempted).
Entry Requirments
Travelers must have a passport valid at least six months beyond arrival with at least two facing visa pages. A visa is also required and may be obtained by local embassies in Washington or the New York UN Mission. Outside of the US Embassys and Honorary consulates in Paris, London and Nairobi. To obtain the visa a signed & completed form, passport photo, copy of your roundtrip ticket, and fee.
Currency
The Malagasy currency is called Malagasy franc or Franc Malgache, abbreviated as FMG. Bills and coins are denominated either in francs or in a popularly-used unit called ariary, or both. One ariary equals five francs. Banks and numerous hotels and shops accept credit cards and foreign currency.
Climate & Best Time to Travel
Madagascar’s climate is tropical with two seasons: the rainy season from December – April and the Dry Season from May – November. The best season to visit isduring the dry season with lower temperatures and sunny weather. During the rainy season the island receives up to 340 inches of annual rainfall. For specific activities, certain seasons are better:
Photographers will particularly like the months of April/May when everything is lush and green after the rains. The Lemurs new babies are born in September and Octorber. Reptiles and Amphibian are best during the rain season January to March. For Birders September – December is the breeding season and most vocal, Whale watching is from July to September.
Electricity
220 volts / 50 cycles, electric outlets match the French standard.