Madagascar island offers
diverse and spectacular scenery: mountains, deserts, rainforests,
dazzling beaches fringing the Indian Ocean and island archipelagos
linked by coral reefs and clear turquoise waters.
Ringed by golden beaches and palm trees, Madagascar
island has an interior that is resplendent in its variety, from
grassy plateaus to volcanoes and opaque forests and natural reserves.
Many species that are unique to the island have evolved, including
3,000 indigenous species of butterfly. Madagascar is legendary for
the profusion of its wildlife and flora, 80% of which is found nowhere
else on earth.
The main Madagascar island is the fourth-largest island in the
world but Madagascar the country includes several much smaller islands.
A central chain of high mountains, the Hauts Plateaux, occupies
more than half of the main island and is responsible for the marked
differences (ethnically, climatically and scenically) between the
east and west coasts.
See
our where to visit guide for more ideas on planning your holiday
to Madagascar
Map of Madagascar with main areas highlighted
 Beach
Areas
Nosy Be
Madagascars main beach Island with beach, sun and fun all available.
Ile
St Marie
Secluded beaches, soft white sand, warm weather, swaying palms as
well as a colourful past as a Pirate's haven.
Tulear
Nearby beach and reef areas of Ifaty and good surfing
Cities and Towns of Interest
 Diego
Suarez
North Madagascar's main town and activity centre.
Andasibe
perfect base to explore the local National Park
Antananarivo
Known simply as “Tana”, is similar to many African cities,
but has a flair all its own.
Morondava
Baobab country and the hottest region of Madagascar
Ranomafana
Small Village gateway to the Ranonafana Park
Fort
Dauphin
A town with much historical importance and mining centre
National Parks of Madagascar
Perinet
Andasibe National Park
famous for the Indri, a lemur that sings like a whale
Ranamafana National Park
Rain forested hills and abundant wildlife, one of Madagascar’s
highlights
Montagne d'Ambre National Park
Crater lakes and waterfalls one of the most beautiful and biologically
diverse areas in all of Madagascar
Fast Facts about Madagascar
Time GMT/UTC + 3
Population 16.9 million
Seasons Wet (November to March), dry (May to October), hot (October
to April)
Telephone Country code 261; international access code 00
ATMs In all major towns
Budget US$25 to US$30 per day
Capital Antananarivo
Visa One-month, single-entry visa US$32; issued on arrival
Languages French, Malagasy
Area 587, 401 sq km
Money: Ariary
Antananarivo
Also known as 'Tana', the Malagasy capital is about 1250 m above
sea level in the Central Highlands. With a population of around
2 million people, Tana is the centre of the Merina tribe, who resemble
the Malayo-Polynesian component of the first Malagasy settlers.
The city is set in a basin surrounded by 12 hills. Much of the surrounding
countryside is devoted to rice paddies. The houses of highland towns
are typically multistoried brick constructions, often with wooden
staircases and balconies, built along narrow, cobbled streets and
alleyways. Visit the markets, the Parc de Tsimbazaza zoo, museum,
botanical gardens and enjoy the restaurants and night-life.
Flag of Madagascar
Madagascar Money
Ariary (AR) is now the local currency being used in Madagascar,
in place of Franc Malgache (FMG). Many people still refer to the
Franc Malagasy (FMG) when selling or buying something, as they are
used to it, but all payment must be done in Ariary (1 AR = 5 FMG).
To check the updated rates, please have a look at the official website
of the Central
Bank of Madagascar
Credit cards (the most useful credit card is VISA CARD) are only
accepted in large hotels, restaurants and some shops, mainly in
Antananarivo. In the other big cities, you can get cash from Automatic
Cash Machines (ATM) only with VISA CARDS. There's now also an ATM
at the airport in Antananarivo. Don't rely on ATM machines only;
they are often out of order. Keep some cash in Euro for emergencies.
Travellers Cheques (TC) such as Thomas Cook, American Express etc.
are also not recommended, as many banks refuse to accept them. But
if you really want to bring Travellers Cheques then bring only TC
of EUR 50 or USD 50 face value, and do not forget to also bring
the invoice or receipt of where you bought the TC. In some provinces,
it may take you up to a few hours to change Travellers Cheques;
the rate is also generally higher than when exchanging cash and
some banks charge you commission
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Madagascar Flights
