Madagascar is a country of rare exotic tourism, for which only the most desperate traveler is ready. Here you will hardly be offered a hotel room that really corresponds to the declared 5 stars, and all kinds of flora and fauna will not fail to sting or even bite a guest from distant lands. At the same time, Madagascar will reward a brave tourist with incredible beauty of nature, as if emerging from nowhere like a mirage, and the richest exotic world of animals and plants in its diversity.
Geography of Madagascar
According to Extrareference, Madagascar is an island state located off the east coast of Africa, it is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean, namely the Mozambique Channel. Most of the territory of Madagascar, with a total area of 587,040 km², is mainly occupied by the high plateau of Anjafi. On the western side, it has rather gentle slopes, while in the east the plateau breaks off very sharply. The extinct volcano Marumukutru with a height of 2876 meters is located on the island, this is the highest point in all of Madagascar. There are also three lakes here: Alautra (900 km²), Ihutri (96-112 km²) and Kinkuni (100 km²). The rivers of Madagascar are narrow and short, the largest is the Maninguri, which originates from Lake Aalutr and flows into the Indian Ocean.
Capital
Antananarivo
Area
The area of Madagascar is 587,041 km2. sq., occupies the 45th place in the world by area.
Population
22 599 098
Currency
The national currency is the ariary (MGA).
Language
Official language – Malagasy and French
Visa to Madagascar
Citizens of the Russian Federation and the CIS countries will require a visa to enter the territory of Madagascar. It can be obtained at the Madagascar embassy in Moscow, but there is no need for this, because you will receive a visa immediately upon arrival at the airport. To apply for a Visa on Arrival, you just need to have a passport and a return ticket with you, a visa on arrival is issued free of charge for a period of 30 days. For a fee, you can get a visa for 3 months.
Weather in Madagascar
The climate in Madagascar, like on many large islands, varies greatly. It has zones of tropical monsoon, temperate monsoon and even arid climate. The average annual temperature in the center of the country is +18°C, in coastal areas – from +24 to +26°C. The driest and hottest part of the island is the northwest, since all the moisture from the southeast trade winds settles on the east coast and the central highlands. Its average temperature throughout the year is neither more nor less than +34 °C. At the same time, in the mountainous regions at night there are small frosts around 0 °C. The coastal zones of Madagascar are often victims of powerful cyclones. Madagascar is characterized by constant temperature and weather, there is practically no winter and summer here, and the rainy season, so hated by tourists, is completely absent. Thus, despite the difficult climate for a Russian tourist, traveling to Madagascar is equally comfortable throughout the year. The peak of tourist activity falls here in July-August.
Currency exchange in Madagascar
Currency exchange in Madagascar is not difficult, it is available at banks, exchange offices and hotels, although in the latter a commission is charged for operations. Please note that, despite the tempting exchange rate, currency exchange on the street in the country is strictly prohibited! Banks in the cities of Madagascar are open from 8 am to 3 pm from Monday to Friday. Acceptance of bank cards is available only in large cities, before traveling to other parts of the country, stock up on local currency, and in small bills, exchanging large ones can give you a lot of trouble. Traveler’s checks before traveling to Madagascar are best left at home.
Electricity
Voltage 110-220V, 50Hz. European style sockets with two round pins.
Religion
More than half of the population of Madagascar are pagans and profess the cult of ancestors, common in the countries of Austronesian immigrants. 45% percent of the inhabitants of the island are Christians and Protestants, although the majority practices a mixed faith with admixtures of the occult. 7% of the population of Madagascar preaches Islam, who came here from Arab traders.
Security
The situation in Madagascar is assessed as safe but potentially dangerous. This means that the country is open for tourism, but you should follow the standard rules of caution. Do not leave valuables unattended, it is better to store them in a special cell or safe. Walking alone in the city in the evening, sightseeing alone or carrying large sums of money in Madagascar can have unpleasant consequences for the tourist.
Health
In Madagascar, there is a potential risk of contracting malaria, so the Ministry of Health strongly recommends taking preventive pills before traveling, as well as using repellent and avoiding mosquito bites. On the island, foci of plague are also often noted; in December 2013, an epidemic of this disease even broke out. It is highly recommended to take out health insurance before traveling to Madagascar. During the trip, you should not drink raw water or brush your teeth with it, it is much safer to use bottled or boiled water. Due to the high level of spiciness of local dishes, it is advisable to stock up on medicines in your homeland in advance to improve the functioning of the digestive system. When swimming, be careful about choosing a place, avoid open areas not protected by nets or coral reefs.
