Madagascar
Capital:
Antananarivo
Official Language:
Malagasy and French
Religions:
52% Traditional Beliefs, 41% Christian, 7% Muslim
Currency:
Franc = 100 centimes
Placements: Madagascan
Camp, Safari Camp
Map
Background
Madagascar's forests are a shimmering, seething mass of a trillion stems and
dripping leaves and slithering, jumping, quirky creatures out of nature's bag of
tricks: lemurs, periwinkles and baobabs, aloes, geckoes, sifakas and octopus
trees. Sadly, they are threatened by aggressive deforestation.
Special Events
Major events.
Climate
Madagascar's lush coastal areas have that warm, wet tropical feel, with
regular rain year round, while still managing a good amount of sunshine during
the day. Temperatures are moderate, usually peaking above 30°C (86°F) in summer
with only slight seasonal fluctuation. The average temperature drops as you head
inland to the central plateau, as does the amount of rainfall, except from
December to March, which sees a very stormy wet season.
Travel Info
Air Madagascar, Air France and Inter Air have flights into Madagascar. Air
France flies direct from Paris. Air Madagascar flies from both Johannesburg
(South Africa) and Nairobi (Kenya), while InterAir flies from Johannesburg. The
airport departure tax is always included in the price of airline tickets.
Sea travel is possible, but it's not as easy as you might expect. Cargo boats
from Mombasa (Kenya) or Zanzibar (Tanzania) often travel to the Comoros islands
from where several ships travel to Toamasina (Tamatave) in Madagascar. Boat
travel from South Africa is surprisingly infrequent. You'll need to ask around
in Durban, try the Port Authority. If you're aiming to leave Madagascar by boat,
it's best to head to Toamasina (Tamatave) and enquire at the port.
Visas
All visitors require a visa. Visas are valid for up to three months from the
date of entry.
Safety
Terrorism
The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be aware of the global
risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian
targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
Crime
Beware of pickpockets at the airport. Do not leave your bags unattended.
Safeguard valuables and cash. Deposit them in hotel safes, where practicable.
Keep copies of important documents, including passports, separately.
There is a danger of mugging in urban areas and there has been an increase
in the number of armed robberies. Do not carry excessive money or wear expensive
jewellery when walking in town centres. Take sensible precautions in crowded
areas such as markets. Avoid walking in the city centres after dark.
There have been occasional incidences of armed robbery in some National
Parks. If you intend to visit a National Park, seek advice from a tour operator
or from the park administration in advance.
Local Travel
Avoid travelling outside urban areas at night. There have been reports of
occasional hold-ups at night on some of the main highways.
The 2002 political crisis affected the travel and tourism industry badly
and many hotels closed. The majority have now reopened, but if you plan to
travel outside Antananarivo, you should re-confirm bookings before leaving the
capital.
Road Safety
Road conditions vary greatly. In the rainy season (December to April),
except for four-wheel drive vehicles, most secondary roads are impassable and
bridges are regularly washed away. Operation of river ferries may be irregular.
Check with the local authorities before setting off to find out whether your
chosen route is passable.
Most of the major roads out of Antananarivo carry heavy freight traffic and
have a number of steep gradients and sharp bends. Drive with extreme
caution.
Malagasy regulations specify that foreigners driving in Madagascar require
an international driving licence.
Air Safety
The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an
operating ban or restrictions within the community.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Certain parts of the country and many practices are covered by taboos
(called fady). Some areas subject to fady may be forbidden to foreigners, but
these tend to be in remote corners of the country. If you intend to visit remote
areas, you should seek prior advice either locally or from your tour
operator.
Drug smugglers are sentenced to hard labour and/or fined. After that, they
will be deported and will not be allowed to enter Madagascar for a further five
years. Foreign nationals resident in Madagascar will not be allowed to leave the
country and their passports will be confiscated for up to five years. They will
also be deprived of civil rights.
The import and export of foodstuffs (including fruit), protected plants and
animals is illegal.
Homosexuality is not illegal, but you should be discreet.
Health
Among the diseases endemic in Madagascar are malaria, bilharzia,
tuberculosis and bubonic plague. Malaria, including a virulent strain of
cerebral malaria, is particularly prevalent on coastal areas. Before travelling,
you should consult your doctor about suitable anti-malarial medication, and on
arrival in Madagascar ensure that you take adequate precautions against being
bitten by mosquitoes.
There have been reported cases of dengue fever and Chikungunya virus in
Madagascar. Both diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes. Precautionary measures
to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes should be taken at all times as the
mosquitoes are also active during daylight hours.
There is also a risk of rabies from stray dogs.
Sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS are prevalent throughout
the country.
Outbreaks of cholera are not infrequent, particularly during the rainy
season. You should observe the strictest food and general hygiene precautions.
Do not buy food from street vendors. You are strongly advised only to drink
water from bottles where seals are still unbroken at the time of purchase.
Although there are a number of public and private hospitals in the capital,
only routine operations can be handled. If complex surgery is required, patients
will be medically evacuated either to South Africa or La Reunion.
Injections required
Immunisations advised
Diptheria/Tetanus,
Poliomyelitis,
Hepatitis A,
Typhoid,
Yellow fever
Immunisations that maybe required
Tuberculosis,
Hepatitis B,
Rabies
Malaria Yes
Reciprocal Health Care None
