Zà-Tours caricature of madagascar, madagascar description, information on madagascar, madagascar,

Madagascar is the world’s 4th largest island after Greenland, New Guinea and Borneo. Madagascar measures 1, 571 km in length and at its widest point across, 571 km. The island’s surface area spans 587,042 km².

Malagasy is the first language. French is widely spoken. English is spoken by some people in the local tourism industry.

Currently no immunisations are required. Malaria prophylactics are essentials. Drink only bottled mineral water or take purification tablets with you. Travel insurance is compulsory.

Madagascar’s climate is exceptionally diverse, varying from the permanently humid East with its lush rainforest to the sub-arid South, where the bizarre “spiny desert” is found.
The hot western plains receive rain only in summer (December-April) while the vast central Highlands have an almost temperate climate.
A mountainous “spine” runs down the length of the island, separating the humid east from the drier west. The country’s highly variable climate is the most important consideration when planning your itinerary. The following tips may help you to select your travel dates:

From mid November to mid April, summer rains in the western Region render some park inaccessible (e.g. Tsingy de Bemaraha and Kirindy Forest); during this time, River trips along the wide western rivers are discontinued.
The rains peak countrywide in late January to February. At this time, violent cyclones occur virtually annually.
The Malagasy spirit (September to November) is most popular for birding, with most species calling, displaying and nesting.
The South, being mostly semi-arid, receives very little rain. Most of this falls in January and February droughts are not uncommon. The South-west may be visited year round.
Avoid permanently humid eastern region from the second half of January to February when cyclones may occur. Rainfall in the eastern region is high, with much of rainforest band experiencing rainfall up to 320 days per year.
The remote north-eastern rainforest region (Maroantsetra) is best visited from September to early January. From March to August weather in the Masoala Peninsula can turn unpleasantly rainy and windy quite abruptly.
The islands off the north-west coast (Nosy Be archipelago) are suitable for visiting most months. (The western half of Madagascar is much drier than the eastern half)
Temperatures vary regionally, altitudinally and seasonally. (Winter nights can be very cold). The West and North are much warmer, with days in spring and summer usually hot.

Air Madagascar and Air France operate regular flight from Paris CDG to Antananarivo and vice versa.
Air Madagascar also flies Milan — Bangkok — Johannesburg. Interair operates flights once weekly from Johannesburg to Antananarivo and vice versa.
There are regular flights from the islands of Reunion and Mauritius to Antananarivo, on Air France, Air Mauritius and Air Austral.

Air Madagascar serves a network of approximately 60 domestic airports. We arrange vehicles and drivers for all road journeys around the island.

Take comfortable, casual, and light clothing. Well worm, comfortable walking shoes or trainers / sneakers with a good grip are essential for the trails.
Pack warm clothing such as a fleece for winter nights and mornings, especially in the Southern and Central regions.
Take plenty of insect repellent and pack protective wear/gear for the tropical sun and rain.

All visitors need a visa. A 1 month, single entry visa is issued on arrival at Ivato Antananarivo airport.

In August 2003, the local currency was changed from the Malagasy Franc (FMG) to the Ariary. Note that the New Ariary is 5 times the value of the Malagasy Franc.
Both currencies are indicated on the notes.
Take hard currency (preferably Euro or US Dollars) in cash and travellers cheques. Credits cards are not widely accepted. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Where cards are accepted, bank charges on transactions are usually very high, from 5 — 8% so using cards is not recommended.