Circuits and trips to Madagascar

“The origin of the Baobabs”. The largest island in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is famous for its unique wildlife and biodiversity. With stunning views, white sand beaches, an incredible rainforest and delicious local food, this place offers an unforgettable and unrepeatable experience. Rainforests inhabited by graceful lemurs, landscapes decorated by gigantic and ancient baobabs and endless miles of white sand and a coral reef that give life to this country. The fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar is undoubtedly an exceptional holiday destination for its incredible endemic biodiversity and for being still a destination little sought by tourists.

Programs at Madagascar

Useful information for traveling to Madagascar

Documentation

To travel to Madagascar, Spanish citizens must have a valid passport that does not expire within 6 months of entering Madagascar. In addition, it is essential to obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport.

Language

The official language in Madagascar is Malagasy, which is the language spoken throughout the island, while French is used more in urban areas, business and tourism.

Religion

Christianity is practiced by 84.7%, traditional religions by 4.7% and Islam by 3.1%.

Traditions

In the central part, the greeting between men, between women and between both, consists of shaking the right hand, while the left hand holds the right arm of the counterpart below the elbow. It is important to greet and say goodbye to all those present.

Gastronomy

Malagasy cuisine encompasses the diverse culinary traditions of the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar. Throughout most of the island, contemporary Malagasy cuisine typically consists of a base of rice served with accompaniments. The many varieties of laoka can be vegetarian or include animal proteins, usually featuring a sauce flavoured with ingredients such as ginger, onion, garlic, tomato, vanilla, salt or curry powder. In parts of the south and west of the island, rice is replaced with corn, cassava or fermented zebu milk. A wide variety of sweet and savoury fritters, as well as other street foods, are available throughout the island, as are a variety of tropical fruits. Locally produced beverages include fruit juices, herbal teas and alcoholic drinks.

Climate

The climate is tropical along the coast, temperate inland and arid in the south. The weather is dominated by the trade winds originating from the Indian Ocean anticyclone. Madagascar has two seasons, a hot and humid one from November to April, and a dry and cold one from May to October.

Health

It is recommended to travel with international medical insurance that includes repatriation by medical aircraft if necessary. Mandatory vaccinations: Yellow Fever (if coming from an endemic country); generally recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus-diphtheria/Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, MMR; and vaccinations recommended in special situations: Typhoid fever, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Influenza, Pneumococcal.

Currency

The Malagasy ariary (MGA) is the currency of Madagascar. 1 EUR is equivalent to 4,970.16 Ariari.

Payment methods

Credit cards are not widely used in the country, except in large cities and hotels. VISA is the most widely accepted card and MASTERCARD in large hotels and restaurants in the capital.

Electricity

Type C, Type D, Type E, Type J and Type K power plugs and sockets are used. The mains voltage is 127/220 V at a frequency of 50 Hz.

Means of transport

Public transport is basically limited to taxi-brousse and taxi-be. Unfortunately, the railway is not very developed and is used almost exclusively for freight transport. The best option for getting around Madagascar is to hire a vehicle with a driver before your arrival.

Hour

(GMT+3), meaning Madagascar is 1 hour ahead of Spain.