|
Madagascar General Information |
- Area: 594,180 sq km
- Capital: Antananarivo (Tana) (pop 588,000)
- Currency: Malagasy Franc
- Climate: It is hot with sub tropical weather. From November to March is it's summer which is also known as the hurricane season. From April to October it is winter, which is dry and the temperature are mild.
- People: Eighteen major ethnic groups, including Malayo-Indonesian, African, Arab, French, Indian, Creole and Comoran
- Official Language: Malagasy, French
- Time: GMT plus three hours
|
 |
Madagascar: Madagascar is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Africa. Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world. It is the home to five percent of the world's plant and animal species, 80 per cent of them are unique to Madagascar. Most famous among these species are the lemurs. Madagascar and Mauritania are the only countries not to use a decimal currency. Its teeming fertile forests and geographical isolations have served to preserve and propagate 'nature's design laboratory' in a mix found nowhere else on earth. Madagascar's forests are a shimmering and seething mass of a trillion stems and dripping leaves.
History & Background: The written history of Madagascar began in the seventh century A.D - when Arabs established trading posts along the northwest coast. However, the first people who came to Madagascar were from Southeast Asia, mostly from the Indonesian islands. These people arrived in around the fourth century, probably via East Africa. This explains the Malagasy features which are a mixture of Asian (Austronesian) and African, as well as of the Arabs who came later. Because of tropical storms which commonly affect the coast, some of the early settlers left the coast and went to live in the centre of the island in the mountains where the weather was cooler and less windy. The people who live in the mountains today have preserved many of the Asian features.
Best Time to travel: With Monsoon time from December through to March the best time to travel to Madagascar is generally in February to December. Madagascar has two seasons: a hot, rainy season from November to April; and dry season with a cooler temperature from May to October. There is, however, great variation in climate owing to elevation and position relative to the dominant winds. The east coast has a subequatorial climate and, being most directly exposed to the trade winds, has the heaviest rainfall - averaging as much as 3.5 meters annually! Because rain clouds discharge much of their moisture east of the highest elevations on the island, the central highlands are drier and, owing to the altitude, also cooler. The dry season in the highlands is pleasant and sunny, although somewhat chilly, especially in the mornings. During this time, the blue skies of the central highlands are considered by many to be among the clearest and most beautiful in the world. The west coast is drier than the east coast and the central highlands because the trade winds lose their humidity by the time they reach this region. The south-west and the extreme south are semi-desert; as little as one-third of a meter of rain falls annually at Toliara (Tulear).
|
Main Attractions in Madagascar |
RESERVE NATURELLE
This area was once practically inaccessible, but since it became a UNESCO World Heritage site it has begun featuring on more and more tour itineraries! The largest protected area in Madagascar (152,000 hectares), Tsingy de Bemaraha, is in the west of the country and includes a huge forest of eroded limestone pinnacles that harbours a stunning display of wildlife.
|
|
The reserve is actually two parks, the Petit Tsingy and the Grand Tsingy. So far, recorded, there are 53 species of bird, eight of reptile and six of lemur. Organised trips into the Tsingy may include a spectacular canoe trip down the Manambolo River.
In the south of Petit Tsingy is the spectacular Manambolo Gorge where you can see waterfalls, lemurs and magnificent untouched forests.
|
ISALO NATIONAL PARK
Park National de Isalo was established in 1962 and covers 81,540 hectares of wildly eroded sandstone massif. The grassy plains are surrounded by sandstone ridges sculpted into various wild forms, and secluded in the rocks are many Sakalava Tombs. The Canyon des Singes ( 'Canyon of Monkeys') makes for an interesting day walk, and you will have a good chance of seeing sifakas (a common lemur) leaping through the trees.
|
|
You can also walk along the canyon to the Piscine Naturelle - a hot and thirsty walk but worth it for the breathtaking landscape along the way. The Grotte des Portugais is at the northern end of the park. The cave isn't worth seeing, but the surrounding Forêt de Sahanafa is beautiful, with natural springs and a lot of lemurs to enjoy.
The Isalo is about 400km south-west of Tana, and the nearest town is Ranohira.
|
ANDASIBE NATIONAL PARK
Parc National d'Andasibe-Mantadia with its 12,810ha encompasses two distinct areas: the small Réserve Spéciale d'Analamazaotra (often referred to as Périnet, its colonial-era name, or simply as the Indri Reserve) in the south by Andasibe; and the much larger Parc National de Mantadia to the north.
|
|
The park is easily accessed from Antananarivo and is a popular stop on many tourist itineraries. The Réserve d'Analamazaotra - which is where most visitors go to - gets crowded on weekends, but is usually much calmer during the week. It also tends to fill up during late July and August, which is Madagascar's tourist high season.
Topographically, the area is characterised by low hills covered by a degraded forest and dotted with a few small, attractive lakes. The best times to visit this area is from September to January, and in May.
|
RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK
Parc National de Ranomafana (approximately 40,000ha), with its rain forested hills and abundant wildlife, has long been considered one of Madagascar’s highlights, and is one of the most heavily visited of the country’s national parks. Its entrance lies about 7km from Ranomafana village. Altitudes in the park range from 800m to 1200m. In addition to its densely forested hills, Ranomafana’s terrain is characterized by numerous small streams - which plummet down to the beautiful Namorona River.
|
|
Although much of the region has been logged, the easternmost part of the park retains a relatively large area of the primary forest.
The main tribal group in the area is the Tanala, who are known for the honey they produce, as well as for their 'tavy' (slash-and-burn) farming methods.
|
ANTANANARIVO
Winding cobbled streets, narrow houses with wooden balconies and shuttered windows... along with picturesque church spires and a cool highland setting amid a dozen hills give Antananarivo an atmosphere unique among the world’s other capitals, and unique among Madagascar’s other cities and towns!
|
|
Many travellers don’t linger long enough to appreciate Antananarivo’s charms – put off by the pollution, traffic jams and crowds. Yet the city has much to offer one, including interesting architecture, bustling markets, a handful of historical sites and friendly people. The capital is at its best early in the morning before the streets get full, and in the evening when the setting sun spectacularly illuminates its hillsides.
Antananarivo is a city for walking. Some of the most interesting places and views will be chanced upon during leisurely walks - that may climb haphazardly over the hills.
|
NOSY BE
Nosy Be is a beautiful tropical island covered with palm trees and bougainvillea. It's also one of Madagascar's main tourist destinations, and - with its lack of the gruelling taxi-brousse journey and its wonderful Indian Ocean ambience - it makes a relaxing break from travelling around the main island (which is known as La Grande Terre). In the surrounding waters are numerous smaller equally attractive islands that are becoming increasingly popular.
|
|
With an area of 321km2, Nosy Be ( 'Big Island') is the largest of Madagascar's offshore islands. It's often billed in tourist brochures as the Ile aux Parfums and, like the nearby Comoros islands, is a centre for the production of perfume essence from the ylang-ylang tree. Other island products include sugar cane, coffee, vanilla, pepper, saffron and other spices.
Nosy Be is a beautiful place where you could easily spend the entire day simply watching the changing hues of the blue in the sea and the sky. Although it is Madagascar's most popular resort destination, the tourist industry is nowhere near as developed here as, for example, on Mauritius. In July and August Nosy Be gets very busy, but otherwise it is relatively quiet. In addition to its attractive beaches, the island's assets include luxuriant foliage, friendly people and a relaxed ambience.
|
SAINTE MARIE
The slender 57km-long granite island of Ile Sainte Marie (the island’s Malagasy name, Nosy Boraha, is rarely used) lies 8km off the coast of eastern Madagascar. Its popularity has increased rapidly in recent years, to the detriment of Ambodifotatra - the capital of the island and its only real town.
|
|
Yet, Ile Sainte Marie still retains considerable charm - particularly in the small villages that dot the interior - and it makes for a relaxing break from the main island. With its long beaches, shallow seas and almost Caribbean flavour, the island has a completely different atmosphere from Nosy Be, which is Madagascar’s other popular resort destination to the north. It is also seen as interest for its several old buildings and for its long history as a pirate haunt. For outdoor-lovers, the island is crossed with many tracks, and offers many opportunities to explore on foot.
Most hotels are along the coast south of Ambodifotatra, where the beach is narrow but pleasant. The north-western part of the island is quieter, but more difficult to access. The east coast is relatively rugged and - until recently - undeveloped. It offers some of the better beaches, particularly on the Ampanihy Peninsula, which is separated from main island by the long Baie d'Ampanihy. The tiny Ile aux Nattes, off Ile Sainte Marie's southern tip, also offers pleasant beaches to enjoy and relax on.
Rain can be expected all year-round on Ile Sainte Marie, although the weather is usually the least wet from late August to late November. Between December and March, the island is subject to violent cyclones.
|
ANTSIRANANA
Antsiranana is set on a small promontory jutting into a large bay that forms one of the finest natural harbours in the Indian Ocean. Antsiranana means ‘Where There is Salt', although it's also spelt Antseranana (‘Where There is a Port). The town is commonly known as Diego Suarez, or simply Diego.
|
|
In the late 19th century, the French established a naval base here, which remained until 1973. Today Antsiranana is a provincial capital, an important port, and northern Madagascar's main town!
|
TAMATAVE, TOAMASINA
Toamasina (commonly known as Tamatave) is the major city on the east coast. It’s the country’s largest port, responsible for 70% of all cargo traffic to and from Madagascar. For travellers, it’s a pleasant place, with long, wide avenues lined with flamboyants and palm trees, a seaside promenade and a good selection of hotels and restaurants. It’s a convenient spot to break the journey between Antananarivo and Ile Sainte Marie, or to organize a trip down the Canal des Pangalanes.
|
|
Toamasina is a popular holiday destination among the Malagasy and is to Antanarivo what Brighton is to London, or Nice is to Paris. Unlike the waters off Brighton or Nice, however, the sea is not friendly - there is a beach, but it’s unwise to swim there because the water is polluted and sharks are attracted to the abattoir which is just around the corner.
The origin of the Malagasy name Toamasina is disputed. One theory states that it was derived form the Portuguese name São Tornás (St Thomas), while another's attribute it to King Radama I's first visit to the seaside in 1817 ; it is said that the king knelt to taste the water and said, 'Toa masina' ('It is salty')
|
FIANARANTSOA
Fianarantsoa ('Place Where Good is Learnt') is a provincial capital and the academic and intellectual centre of Madagascar. Thanks to extensive missionary activity it is also the country’s Catholic centre.
Fianarantoa was founded in 1830 when Queen Ranavalona I decided to build an intermediate capital between Antananarivo and the remote southern provinces.
|
|
It lies at the heart of one of Madagascar’s most fertile agricultural areas, and is renowned for its production of wine and tea. The city has a chilly high-country feel to it and can get quite cool in the evenings. To the west of Fianarantsoa is Mt Kianjasoa (1374m).
There are some good walks from Fianarantsoa. One easy one is leading north-west passing the Ambozontany cathedral; following the edge of the hill through villages, with pleasant views over the countryside.
|
TOLIARA, TULEAR
Toliara , which came into existence in 1895 and is also known as Tuléar, is Madagascar’s most recently established provincial capital. It is a regionally significant port and south-western Madagascar’s major town.
Most commerce in the area is controlled by Indo-Pakistani traders who bore the brunt of the Malagasy violence in 1987 rioting.
|
|
On one street, a Chinese store escaped untouched to continue business while the Indian premises on either side, along with most of the central area, were gutted.
Apart from several interesting churches, most of Toliar’s remaining buildings are fairly nondescript, as is its setting against a backdrop of mangroves and mudflats. The surrounding area, however, offers numerous attractions including good beaches, diving and snorkelling, surfing, kite surfing and wild surfing at Ifaty to the north and Anakao to the south; intriguing topography; interesting flora and fauna; and remote villages. In addition to the beach at Ifaty, popular travel destinations nearby include Sarondrano, Miary, Lake Tsimanampetsotsa and the Réserve Spéciale de Beza-Mahafaly. The Tropic of Capricorn crosses Madagascar just south of Toliara.
|
|
|
|
