Madagascar is a one-of-a-kind island that is full of natural and cultural treasures. Many kinds of animals can be found there, some of which are unique to Earth. Since the time of the dinosaurs, it has spread out from Africa and Asia. Imagine a location that is a zoological wonderland, where animals grow in fascinating and beautiful ways.
Living on this huge island by humans is a fairly new development that started less than 2,000 years ago. Before humans came, Madagascar was like an untouched Eden, with only its amazing and varied animals living there. Biologists are still trying to figure out what this strange place is all about, which has led some to call it not only the eighth continent but also a separate world within our planetary system.
Our Madagascar travel guide has all the important details you need to know before you go on this exciting trip. Find out about a place that is so different that calling it the "second planet" might be a better way to describe it.
So, forget about the hassles of expensive guided tours; instead, we believe in giving you the freedom to experience Madagascar as you see fit.
About Madagascar
Madagascar is a huge island in the ocean near Africa, and it's the fourth largest island globally. People have been living there for a really long time, maybe even before the year 200 AD. First, folks from Borneo came, then others like Bantu people, Arabs, and East Africans.
In the 1800s, there was a kingdom called Merina that ruled Madagascar. After that, from 1890 to 1960, it was part of France. But in 1960, Madagascar became independent.
Most people in Madagascar speak Malagasy, which is the local Austronesian language. Since they became independent, French has been an important language, and in 2007, English also became official. People in Madagascar follow Christianity and their traditional beliefs called Malagasy mythology.
Madagascar is unique because 5% of all plants and animals in the world live there. And a lot of them, about 80%, can only be found in Madagascar.
Early History of Madagascar
Let's explore the history of Madagascar, a big island off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It's the fourth largest island globally, about 250 miles away from Africa. Even though it's closer to Africa, most of the people in Madagascar are more connected to Indonesia, which is over 3,000 miles to the east. The island has unique plants and animals that are quite different from those in Africa. The capital city is Antananarivo. Now, let's take a look at some key events and people in Madagascar's history.
Early History
In the 20th century, scientists discovered that people first came to Madagascar around 700 CE. Even though the island is close to Bantu-speaking Africa, the language spoken there, Malagasy, is part of the distant Western Malayo-Polynesian group in the Austronesian language family. Interestingly, there are some words in Malagasy that come from Bantu, along with certain sounds and grammar rules influenced by Bantu.
The Malagasy people are a unique mix of Asian and African cultural features, making them unlike any other group in the world. While there is a stronger influence from Asia overall, there's also evidence of African ancestry and African impacts on Malagasy culture, both in material things and non-material aspects. However, the exact details of this relationship are still debated among scholars.
Madagascar from 1500 to c. 1650
Before the 16th century, Madagascar saw a lot of people moving around internally, settling the previously empty lands. These early inhabitants were called "tompontany," meaning the original masters of the soil. However, politically, the island remained fragmented. The various ethnic groups, making up the modern Malagasy population, didn't develop any sense of "national" identity until new political ideas arrived from abroad in the 1500s.
Despite European accounts from the 16th and early 17th centuries not showing any large state or empire, small local states existed along the coast. These states had small territories, independent rulers, and were often located near river mouths. Economic activities were mostly pastoral or agricultural, and wealth differences were not extreme. Some rulers had absolute power, while others were influenced more by elders and priests.
In southeastern Madagascar, particularly in an area that later became Fort-Dauphin, early Europeans thought they had found a Muslim state among the Antanosy people, ruled by a "Moorish king." This region was known as Zafindraminia.
In the early 16th century, Portuguese navigators found coastal towns in northern Madagascar resembling Kilwa in Tanzania. These towns were part of an Afro-Arab commercial network in the western Indian Ocean. One notable town, Vohemar, was a center of international trade with a unique blend of Malagasy and Afro-Arab customs.
Portuguese explorers in the Matitana River valley witnessed the arrival of Afro-Arabs ("Moors from Malindi") between 1507 and 1513. Over generations, these newcomers intermarried with the local tompontany, forming a group known as the Antemoro. By the 1630s, the Antemoro had established a theocratic state, the only one in Madagascar at the time with written texts. Using the Arabic alphabet, these texts covered both religious and secular topics. Proximity to Islam became a significant factor in determining the right to rule among the Antemoro, influencing other Malagasy communities over time.
Political Evolution from 1650 to 1810
In the 16th century, two important dynasties emerged in Madagascar: the Maroserana in the southwest and the Andriana-Merina in central Madagascar.
They later formed the Sakalava empire in the west and the Merina kingdom in the central plateau. The Sakalava were warriors who, after 1660, united with various clans, creating a sense of unity through religion. Internal struggles, attempts to replace ancestral beliefs with Islam, and wars with the Merina weakened the Sakalava empire.
The Betsimisaraka confederation along the eastern coast, led by Ratsimilaho, briefly thrived in the 18th century but later disintegrated. The Merina kingdom, founded in the Ikopa valley, saw division and reunification under Andrianampoinimerina in the 18th century.
He established uniform laws, a noble class (Andriana), a commoner class (Hova), and a slave class (Andevo). Upon his death, his son aimed to expand the kingdom to the sea.
Culture and Customs
The culture of Madagascar is a beautiful blend of influences from Southeast Asia, East Africa, and Oceania. The Malagasy people, who make up the island's population, have a rich heritage shaped by Arabs, Indians, British, French, and Chinese settlers.
Music
One of the most iconic musical instruments in Madagascar is the valiha, a bamboo tube zither brought to the island by early settlers from southern Borneo. This instrument closely resembles those found in Indonesia and the Philippines today.
Houses
The traditional houses in Madagascar share similarities with those in southern Borneo, featuring a rectangular layout, peaked roof, and a central support pillar. Tombs hold cultural significance, reflecting a deep respect for ancestors. They are often made of durable materials like stone and adorned with intricate decorations.
Silk Production
In Madagascar, making silk has been a traditional job for a long time. People there used to use silk from a type of silkworm called Borocera Madagascariensis that lives in the wild. But in 1850, they also started using another kind called Bombyx mori.
To create things with silk, Malagasy people use threads made from the cocoons of silkworms, especially the ones from Borocera cajani, which they call soherina. Women gather the silk from landibe silkworms and color it using plant dye, mud, and charcoal to get natural colors.
Unfortunately, the amount of silk made in Madagascar has gone down a lot. This happened for different reasons, like the Tapia trees, which are the main food for the landibe silkworms, getting destroyed.
Zebu cattle
African influence is seen in the sacred significance of zebu cattle, symbolizing the owner's wealth—a tradition rooted in the African mainland. Cattle rustling, once a rite of passage for young men in the plains, has unfortunately turned into a dangerous criminal enterprise. Herdsmen in the southwest, where the largest cattle herds are found, defend their livestock with traditional spears against increasingly armed professional rustlers.
Planning Your Trip to Madagascar
Making plans for a trip to Madagascar can be fun and worthwhile. The island country is famous for its unique wildlife, beautiful scenery, and deep cultural history. To help you plan your trip to Madagascar, here are some steps:
1. Research and Decide on the Duration of Your Trip
If you want to go to Madagascar, plan your trip for the tropical winter, which lasts from April to October and is dry and cool. The weather will be nice during this time, with bright, warm days and mild nights. This is a great time to visit the island's many sites.
Here are some other reasons why April to October is a good time to visit Madagascar:
- Weather: Temperatures are pleasant, and rain showers are less common.
- Accessibility: Roads are more accessible due to fewer rain showers.
- Activities: This time of year is great for trekking, surfing, scuba diving, and wildlife viewing.
March and November are also good times to visit, especially because there are fewer crowds.
Because Madagascar is such a big island, make sure you give yourself enough time to fully enjoy its unique wildlife, scenery, and cultures. Be open to changing your plans so you can enjoy this beautiful place at the best time of year for the weather.
2. Define Your Interests
Decide what you want to do on your trip to Madagascar before you start planning. With so many things to see and do, like unique wildlife, nature reserves, beautiful landscapes, and culturally rich places, knowing what you like will help you make the best plan for your trip.
Whether you want to see lemurs in Andasibe-Mantadia, the Avenue of the Baobabs in Morondava, or the lively culture in Antananarivo, knowing what you're interested in will help you have a more personalized and enjoyable trip to this beautiful island.
3. Obtain Necessary Travel Documents
Make sure all of your travel papers are in order before you leave for Madagascar. Check to see if you need a visa based on your country, and get any entry permits you may need.
Make sure that your passport is still good at least six months after the date you plan to leave. Not meeting these requirements could mean not being allowed to enter.
Find out how long it takes to get a visa, and if you can, try to apply early to avoid problems at the last minute. This is very important for a smooth and easy trip, so you can enjoy the different scenery, wildlife, and culture that Madagascar has to offer.
4. Create a Budget
Creating a budget for your trip to Madagascar is essential for effective financial planning. Think about all the costs that might come up, such as getting there and back, lodging, meals, events, and other costs. Find out how much things and services usually cost in Madagascar to make a budget that you can stick to.
This budget plan will help you keep track of your spending, so you don't go over your budget and can fully enjoy the things you want to do. Making a clear budget also gives you the freedom to change your plans if you need to, and it helps you decide what to focus on during the trip.
5. Look for Flights and Compare Prices
When you're booking your flight to Madagascar, it's best to look for the cheapest and easiest choices first.
The main international airport is Antananarivo (TNR). Try to book a round-trip ticket to see if you can save money. Most people agree that the best time to go is during the dry season, which lasts from April to October. At this point in time, the weather is better for traveling because it is warm and there is less chance of rain. It is important to look at prices from several companies and see if there are any discounts or special offers.
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you might be able to find cheaper flights, which will help you have a more affordable trip altogether.
6. Language
Malagasy and French are the official languages of Madagascar. Even though French is commonly spoken in cities and business settings, learning a few simple Malagasy words can make your trip much more enjoyable.
People who live there enjoy tourists who try to talk to them in their own language. This builds cultural respect and a sense of connection.
Saying hello, thank you, and other polite things can go a long way towards making conversations better. Accepting the different languages not only makes communication easier, but it also shows that you are interested in the culture, which will make your trip more fun and immersive.
Things to Do in Madagascar
Madagascar is known for its unique biodiversity and varied scenery. There are many things to do in Madagascar. You can do the following things in Madagascar:
1. Look for Lemurs
Madagascar has a lot of unique animals, but lemurs are the most famous. There are almost 100 kinds of lemurs on the island, and you can only find them there.
These interesting primates come in different sizes, from the tiny pygmy mouse lemur to the big, black-and-white indri. If you want to see lemurs in Madagascar, it's best to visit national parks.
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is good for spotting indris, while Ranomafana National Park has 12 lemur species, including the very rare golden bamboo lemur. While you're exploring the parks, you might also see other animals that you can only find in Madagascar, like tenrecs, civets, and the cat-like fossa.
2. Sign Up for Scuba Diving
If you love diving or want to try it for the first time, Madagascar offers amazing opportunities. With a coastline stretching around 4,800 kilometers (3,000 miles), the ocean is always nearby. In the southwest, there's the Tuléar reef, the world’s third-largest coral reef system.
This reef is home to over 6,000 marine species, many found only in Madagascar. Nosy Be island is famous for diving, and you can also hire charter boats in the north for liveaboard diving.
Conditions are great, with clear visibility and warm water all year. You might encounter incredible marine life like whales, dolphins, sharks, and more.
3. Sample Local Cuisine
When you visit new places, make sure to try the local food. In Madagascar, people usually eat dishes with meat or seafood, along with vegetables and rice. They don't use a lot of spices, but the food is still tasty. You should try koba, a popular street food made of banana, peanut, and rice paste wrapped in a banana leaf.
Romazava is a traditional beef stew, and kabaro (curried lima beans and coconut) is liked in the Morondava area. If you're by the coast, there's plenty of fresh seafood to enjoy.
To drink, you can try Three Horses Beer (THB) or ranonapango (sometimes called ranovola), which is made from burnt rice water. It might take some getting used to, but give it a try and enjoy your meal.
4. Visit the Stone Forests
Madagascar has some really cool landscapes, and one of the most amazing places is Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in the northwest.
About 200 million years ago, the ground was pushed up, making a huge flat area. As time passed, it wore away, turning into a dense "forest" of sharp limestone needles with canyons, waterfalls, and a super thick forest.
In Tsingy, you can find 11 types of lemurs, some only in this area. There are also special reptiles, birds, and a bunch of unique plants. It's like a prehistoric wonderland.
5. Spot Endemic Birds
Madagascar has around 280 different types of birds, and even though it may not seem like a lot for such a big island, many of them can only be found there.
More than 100 of these birds are exclusive to Madagascar, meaning you won't find them anywhere else. If you're into birdwatching, there are three main areas to check out:
- The eastern rainforest
- The southern spiny bush
- The deciduous forests in the west.
If you don't have much time, Ranomafana National Park is a good choice. It's home to rare birds like the short-legged ground roller and the yellow-bellied sunbird-asity.
The best time to go birdwatching is late spring or early summer, between August and December. During this time, the birds are very active and wearing their most colorful feathers for breeding.
6. Go Whale Watching
If you're planning a trip to Madagascar from July to September, don't miss the chance to visit Ile Sainte-Marie in the northeast. This beautiful island, also known as Nosy Boraha, becomes a hub for the annual humpback whale migration.
Hundreds of humpback whales travel from the Southern Ocean to the warm Indian Ocean to mate, give birth, and enjoy a wintertime break before heading back to Antarctica.
These whales are known for their acrobatic behavior, and if you join a whale-watching tour on Ile Sainte-Marie, you might witness them jumping out of the water, peeking above the surface, and slapping their large fins.
Getting There in Madagascar
Madagascar has stunning landscapes, with lush rainforests, tall baobab trees, and unique limestone formations. The human-made scenes are just as fascinating, with vibrant green rice fields in the highlands and colorful houses against granite mountains.
The east coast offers beautiful golden beaches with palm trees, and the west and south feature open plains, spiny forests, and winding rivers.
Here are some amazing places to explore in Madagascar:
1. Antananarivo
Antananarivo, which is sometimes called Tananarive or just "Tana," is a major city that is unlike any other in the world. In the middle of lakes, canals, and rough hills are green rice fields that form a beautiful necklace. In the middle of the city, there is a cute mix of pastel-colored homes on streets that are partly cobbled.
Since most of them are made in the traditional way with fired clay bricks, even the bigger shanties look better than most urban slums.
In the afternoon sun, these houses, which are tucked in among the shimmering rice fields, shine a bright pink color.
2. Central Madagascar
The middle part of Madagascar is called the central highlands. It's in the middle of the island and has bumpy hills, rocky mountains, and cool landscapes.
While there aren't many natural forests left, the area is still beautiful with deep valleys filled with rice fields. There are interesting towns like Antsirabe and Fianarantsoa, where you can see how people live in traditional ways.
You can explore these towns using horse-drawn buggies and learn about Malagasy crafts and famadihana ceremonies, which are special ceremonies.
If you go beyond the towns, you'll find the Réserve Villageoise Anja. Here, you can walk among cute lemurs, which are small and furry animals. There's also the Parc National de Ranomafana, a rainforest where you can find rare golden bamboo lemurs.
3. Southern Madagascar
Southern Madagascar is home to some of the island's most exciting places to visit. You can explore the unique sandstone plateau of Parc National d’Isalo or the towering mountains of Parc National d’Andringitra. There are also spiny forests, beautiful beaches for surfing and diving in the dry southwest, and charming landscapes around the port of Fort Dauphin in the far southeast.
However, it's essential to know that this region is the poorest in Madagascar and has more issues with lawlessness, like cattle theft and highway robbery, compared to other parts of the country.
4. Nosy Be
Near the protected western coast, you'll find the famous island of Nosy Be, surrounded by smaller, captivating islands in the Mozambique Channel's warm waters.
Madagascar is covered in mostly deciduous dry forests, with patches of highland and lowland rainforests forming the Sambirano ecosystem. The southeastern part of Nosy Be is still covered in primary rainforest, home to rare and unique species.
Many people choose to visit Madagascar, drawn by the pleasant weather, warm seas, and convenient charter flights from France and Italy. Activities like diving, snorkeling, kiteboarding, and windsurfing are popular, especially around Diego.
5. Morondava
Out on the far west coast, there's a town called Morondava that has some really cool things nearby that attract people from all over the world.
One of the most famous is the Allee des Baobabs, also known as the Avenue of the Baobabs. It's just a short drive from the town. When you fly in, you'll see these big baobab trees that look like short wind turbines in the flat area surrounded by fields of sugar, cotton, and rice.
If you head further north, you'll find the not-so-famous Kirindy Private Reserve. It's the only place in Madagascar where you're almost guaranteed to see a fossa, which is a fierce animal about the size of a puma. It looks like a mix between a cat and a mongoose.
6. Ambatolampy
Ambatolampy used to be a town where people made iron and metal things in a special way. They are still known for making things out of metal and crafts, and now they also sell souvenirs.
You can see groups of people selling things along the road, like baskets, colorful metal toys, and even statues of the Virgin Mary.
One interesting thing to check out is the stalls selling musical instruments, like violins and banjos. If you drive south of Ambatolampy, you'll see the winding Onive River and beautiful countryside scenes with green rice fields, hillsides with red soil, and rows of colorful houses.
7. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Andasibe-Mantadia is a famous national park in the eastern rainforest of the country. It's well-known for having twelve kinds of lemurs, and the biggest one is called the indri, known for its distinctive wailing sound. The forest is magical in the early morning with the unique chorus of indris echoing through the mist.
The park is also home to 200 types of beautiful orchids, around 110 bird species, over 70 kinds of reptiles, and at least 100 types of frogs, making it the place with the most frog species in the world.
What to Eat and Drink in Madagascar?
In Madagascar, some meals are tasty, but many are heavy and greasy. Eating tough zebu steak with bone bits and soggy fries, along with lots of boiled rice, can make you crave a fresh salad, quiche, or delicious pasta after just two nights. If you're tired of zebu, try pork (called kisoa in Malagasy) – it's not as common but can be very flavorful.
Chicken is usually tough, but duck can be good, and a well-cooked romazava (a traditional spicy beef and pork stew) is almost like the national dish. You can also explore Chinese-style noodle soups (misao) and Indian curries (kary/kari) for different flavors.
Some of the yummiest meals can be found by the sea where they serve a lot of seafood. The shellfish is always great: you can get fresh lobster or crab there. Shrimps, giant prawns, and rock lobster are also really tasty and even cheaper. These are the main dishes in the tourist restaurants in Nosy Be and Ile Sainte Marie – along with squid.
You can also find whole fish, like the catch of the day, often cooked with coconut or served raw in the Tahitian style. Tuna, shark, and different types of big fish like swordfish, marlin, and barracuda are sometimes on the menu too.
However, it can be tough for vegetarians in restaurants because there's often not a lot that's guaranteed to be without meat. But most places can still make a salad with raw, peeled veggies and dressing, even if it's not on the menu. You can also find cheese from the highlands, crusty bread, and fruits like bananas, fresh coconut, and pineapple all the time.
In certain seasons, you'll also get mangos, lychees, rambutans, and mangosteens. And if you go to the markets, you can find peanuts, cashews, and coconuts to snack on, so you won't go hungry.
Where to Stay in Madagascar?
While Madagascar's lodging choices have been criticized in the past, things are starting to get better. People have recently put money into staying in unusual places, like camping in parks that aren't well known yet and fancy beach hideaways and jungle hotels.
Things to Buy in Madagascar
If you're wondering what to buy in Madagascar, the island offers unique handmade items using natural fibers and recycled materials like cans. Craftsmanship is a big deal here.
One standout product is vanilla, highly favored by chefs for desserts, fish, and meat. The demand for vanilla has caused issues as its value puts the environment at risk.
Aside from vanilla, Madagascar offers other popular souvenirs like baobab seeds, raffia, essential oils, crafted wood, coffee, and recycled items. Here are some other things you can look for in Madagascar.
1. Baobab Seeds
One cool thing to get as a souvenir in Madagascar is the seeds of the famous Baobab tree. Tourists often grab a small bag of these seeds, but you'll need patience because it takes up to three years for them to grow into a splendid tree. The wait is totally worth it.
2. Antemoro Paper
Madagascar is known for its unique Antemoro paper, which has a textured appearance and is off-white. It even has dried flowers embedded in it! This special paper has been around since the seventh century, thanks to Arab immigrants. You can buy envelopes, letter paper, book covers, and more made with this ancient artisan paper.
3. Zafimaniry Crafts
The Zafimaniry people in southeastern Madagascar are skilled wood craftsmen. They create amazing art, including chess games, wooden figures, sculptures, chests, and blowguns. Choosing just one item from their vast collection can be tough. It's no wonder their work is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
4. Artisan Gems and Stones
In Madagascar, you can find beautiful handmade items made from special stones like colomite, rose quartz, labradorite, and rock crystal. These stones are turned into decorative objects like ashtrays, polished balls, and eggs, creating unique souvenirs.
5. Essential Oils
Another interesting thing to buy in Madagascar is essential oils. Cinnamon, ginger, and helichrysum essential oils are known for their great quality and wonderful scents. These oils make perfect gifts for your loved ones and serve as a delightful reminder of your trip.
Final Thoughts
Madagascar is an interesting place to visit. The island's different landscapes, ranging from lush jungles to dry deserts, give tourists a lot of different things to do. Every moment is a journey because of the lively culture, friendly people, and strange animals. Madagascar leaves an indelible mark on those who are lucky enough to visit, whether they explore the Avenue of the Baobabs, meet lemurs in their natural environment, or just relax on one of the country's beautiful beaches. The country's unique charm and wide range of plants and animals make it a must-see for anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind vacation. A trip to Madagascar isn't just a holiday; it's a collection of memories that will last a lifetime. The island's beauty and warmth will stay with you long after you leave.
FAQs
Do people live in Madagascar?
Yes, people live in Madagascar. They're called Malagasy. They have their own language, yummy food, and love to dance. It's a cool place with friendly folks!
Why is Madagascar famous?
Madagascar is famous for lemurs. Lemurs are cute, fluffy animals that hop around in the trees. The island is also known for its unique landscapes, like crazy-shaped rocks and beautiful beaches.
Can you find penguins in Madagascar?
Nope, no penguins in Madagascar. Penguins live far away in colder places. But Madagascar has other awesome animals like chameleons, geckos, and the aye-aye, which is a super strange-looking lemur.
How do people get around in Madagascar?
People in Madagascar use different ways to get around, like buses, taxis, and even rickshaws pulled by people! It's a fun and colorful way to explore the island's cities and villages.