Madagascar Travel Directory

INTRODUCTION
Madagascar consists mainly of a block of crystalline rocks. It is the fourth largest island in the world. Situated off the southeast coast of Africa, the country is separated from the coast of Africa by the Mozambique Channel and the shortest distance between the island and the mainland is 400 km.

It is generally depicted as a plateau, mounting stridently from the narrow plain of the east coast and moving downward in a series of steps to the strip of sedimentary rocks along the west coast. The high plateau is much indented on the eastern edge, cut by deep gorges and waterfalls. There are numerous volcanic outcrops that produce heights over 6,000 ft (the highest point being Tsaratanan, at 9,450 ft) and two former volcanic areas, Ankaratra and Andringingtra, which are over 8,500 ft.

Behind its coral beaches there is an almost continuous line of lagoons from Foulpointe to Farafrandana. These are connected by man-made channels to form an inland waterway called the Pangalanes Canal. The island's major rivers flow westward.

HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR
Previously a sovereign kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony in 1886, but regained its independence in 1960. During 1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were held, ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second presidential race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and 1980s, was returned to the presidency. The 2001 presidential election was raced between the followers of Didier RATSIRAKA and Marc RAVALOMANANA, nearly causing secession of half of the country. In April 2002 the High Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA the winner.

POPULATION
According to the Census of July 2002 Madagascar has a Population of 16,473,477.

CLIMATE
Generally, the climate all through the island is moderated by altitude, with the coast being hotter (average temperature 21°-26°C or 70°-80°F) and wetter than the plateau (average temperature 13°-19.4°C, 55°-67°F).

MONEY
The Official Currency in Madagascar is Malagasy franc. Travelers’ cheques can be exchanged at banks and hotels. Credit cards are accepted at the major hotels. It is advisable to take with you foreign currency in US Dollar as generally air travel and 1st class train travel will be required to be paid for in foreign currency. Foreign currency must be affirmed on arrival.

LOCAL TIME
Madagascar is 3 hours ahead of GMT

VISAS REQUIREMENTS
If you are arriving from the African continent you MUST have a yellow fever vaccination certificate. All visitors must have visas, except citizens of some African countries. Verification of return ticket is obligatory. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from departure date.

TRANSPORT
Air: The domestic airline serves most the country's town with the exceptions of a few in the central highlands. On all flights a small departure tax is charged.

Water: Ferries sails between Toamasina, Nosy Boraha and Maroantsetra and connect Manompana and Soanierana-Ivongo with Nosy Boraha.You can travel between coastal villages in dugout canoes known as Pirogues or Lakana. You can also hire Dhows and larger cargo boats.

Road: Road conditions are very poor, some impassable during heavy rains however Buses, Taxis and mini-buses are the main form of transport on the road. The railway system connection Antananarivo, and Toamasina; Antananarivo and Antsirabe; Fianarantsoa and Manakara; and Moramanga and Ambatondrazaja. Some larger buses run between Antananarivo and Toliara. Most the vehicles are in a very poor state and crowded. Road conditions are very poor, some impassable during heavy rains. Road conditions are very poor, some impassable during heavy rains.

MADAGASCAR TRAVEL INSURANCE
In case you need medical care whilst in Madagascar, most of the medical providers will be ready to attend to you when you have cash but not the travel Insurance as you may expect. So you need to have enough money to cater for your medical fees after which you will keep all the receipts and documentations you have received to file a claim against your insurance company for compensation. This therefore entails an aspiring traveler to Madagascar to have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. For more assistance, contact the country's local embassy or representative.
Note should however be taken that compensations will only be done to those clients who have been treated by licensed medical personnel. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN MADAGASCAR
The Madagascans are exceedingly welcoming, even though their tranquil attitude to time (public forms of transport, for example, will not generally move until they are full – no matter how long it takes to fill the last seat) may be infuriating. Dress is casual, except for the very smartest hotel and restaurant functions. Visitors are advised not to wear any military-style clothing; locally it is disapproved of and could lead to detention. Entertaining is done in restaurants and bars, and a good degree of social contact is necessary before being invited to a family home.
The best Madagascar tourist attractions include unspoilt reefs, making this a watersport lover's ecstasy!
Madagascar is a land rich in diversity, both with regards to its natural wonders and endemic wild and plant life species. Ruggedly fine in areas such as Isalo, Ranomafana, the Masoala Peninsula and the rainforest reserve of Perinet, the endemic rainforests provide a luxuriant wonderland of discovery for the intrepid explorer. Lush coastal regions, unspoiled coral reefs and incredible game fishing make this island a watersport paradise.
For the botanist a wonderland of opportunity summons further exploration of animal, plant and birdlife, the species found no where else in the world. These Madagascar tourist attractions have an aura of mysticism that will both thrill and intrigue the visitor, guaranteeing incredible memories of a fantastic destination.
Madagascar has a wide range of natural resources ranging from graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, salt, quartz, tar sands, semiprecious stones, mica, fish, and hydropower.

HOTELS IN MADAGASCAR
Like any other African countries, Madagascar has a wide range of accommodation ranging from basic, mid range and luxury.