MADAGASCAR
Madagascar is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Africa. It is the fourth largest island in the world and is home to five per cent of the world's plant and animal species, 80% of it unique to Madagascar. Most famous among these are the lemurs. Madagascar and Mauritania are the only countries which do not use a decimal currency. Its teeming fertile forests and geographical isolation have served to preserve and propagate 'nature's design laboratory' in a mix found nowhere else on earth. Madagascar's forests are a shimmering, seething mass of a trillion stems and dripping leaves that hide myriad natural treasures. Book your Madagascar holiday today and explore this fabulous destination firsthand.
History & Background:
The written history of Madagascar began in the seventh century CE., when Arabs established trading posts along the northwest coast. However, the first people who came to Madagascar were from south-east Asia, mostly from the Indonesian islands; they arrived in the fourth century CE, probably via East Africa. This explains the Malagasy features which are a mixture of Asian (Austronesian) and African, and also hints at the Arabs who came later. Because of the tropical storms that commonly affect the coast, some early settlers left the coast and went to live in the centre of the island in the mountains where the weather is cooler and less windy. The people who live in the mountains today retain many of these Asian features.
There are so many options available for those who choose to partake in a Madagascar travel experience; from cultural tours, to beach holidays, special interest tours, scuba diving, birding, kite surfing, surfing, fishing and so much more. Make your African travel arrangements through Aardvark Travel Centre and save yourself the hassle of doing the research yourself - we have already done it for you!
Best Time to travel:
With Monsoon season lasting from December through to March the best time for Madagascar travel is generally February to December. Madagascar has two seasons: a hot, rainy season from November to April; and a dry season with a cooler temperature from May to October. There is, however, great variation in climate owing to elevation and position relative to 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 3.5m annually. Because rain clouds discharge much of their moisture east of the highest elevations on the island, the central highlands are appreciably 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 Madagascar holiday makers to be among the clearest and most beautiful in the world. The west coast is drier than either the east coast or 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 regions; as little as one-third of a meter of rain falls annually at Toliara (Tulear).
Destinations of interest:
Nosy Be
These tropical islands off the north-west coast have some of the region's finest beaches. Most accessible on Nosy Be is Andilana, the northernmost beach. An African holiday would be incomplete without a day trip to beautiful, reef-ringed Nosy Tanikely, a marine reserve with a lovely, sunny beach. Nosy Komba has a good, small beach near Ampangorinana village. There are real gems further afield on Nosy Iranja (the 'turtles' island) and in the Mitsio Isles.
Ile Ste-Marie
Along the west coast, there are a number of secluded, palm-lined coves off which you may swim and snorkel, and there is also a stunning beach on the offshore islet of Ile Aux Nattes. The orchids are at their peak in September and the whales' migration takes place between July and October. Its dense vegetation and the difficulty of navigating the lagoons which surround it made it an ideal base for pirates and, later, a colony for convicts. There are several historic sites to be explored in this region, including Madagascar's oldest Catholic Church (1837). The island is also known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and coral reefs.
Ifaty and Nosy Ve
Ifaty has a pleasant beach and easy access to the spiny desert. The coral reefs attract scuba divers and there is an excellent PADI diving centre. The offshore islet of Nosy Ve is a terrific place for snorkelling and most people enjoy spending the day on a tiny desert isle. Another attraction is the graceful tropic birds that breed on Nosy Ve.
Madagascar statistics:
Capital: Antananarivo (Tana) (pop 588 000)
Area: 594 180sq km
Currency: Malagasy Franc
Climate: Hot with sub tropical weather. From November to March it's summer which is also known as hurricane season. From April to October it's winter, its dry and the temperature is 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
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Madagascar Travel Packages:
Holiday Packages
