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WHY BOOK A TOUR IN MADAGASCAR
Forget waving penguins and Ross from Friends as an anxious giraffe, the world’s fifth largest island is home to more joy and wonder than a thousand DreamWorks sequels.
There’s the endless tropical coastline and a good few hundred islands to explore, not to mention the coral reefs hiding below the water between them. On land there are sprawling forests, epic mountains, ancient baobab trees and some of the world’s most surreal natural sights.
The flora and fauna here is among the most unique you can find anywhere – 90% of it is endemic, making it one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions – but no inhabitant is as famous as the lemur, found sneaking up trees all over the country.
Don’t forget the human population, either. Many people would be surprised to learn that more people live here than in Australia, so be sure to get a taste for Malagasy culture and cuisine while you’re here, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s the best time of year to visit Madagascar?
Dry season, which runs from October to May, is widely considered to be the best time to visit. Not only does this mean you avoid the more extreme weather conditions of rainy season, but wildlife spotting is also at its easiest. Consider the transitional shoulder months (March or November) if you’re keen on lower costs and fewer tourists.
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What’s the climate like in Madagascar?
Madagascar has a tropical climate with two seasons. Rainy season is hot and wet, running from November through to April, while the dry season is a little cooler between May and October. Temperatures dip a little in the highlands but are generally high across the island.
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What’s the currency in Madagascar?
Malagasy Ariary
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What language is spoken in Madagascar?
The predominant language here is Malagasy. As a Francophone nation, around a quarter of the population also speak French. There are also some endangered rural tongues and dialects, most notably Maore Comorian.
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What’s the time difference in Madagascar?
East Africa Time (UTC+3) is the local time zone, meaning Madagascar is 3 hours ahead of London, 8 hours ahead of New York and 11 hours ahead of Los Angeles.
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Major Airports in Madagascar:
- Ivato International Airport (TNR)
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What are the top places to visit in Madagascar?
- Isalo National Park – do you like to move-it move-it? Do so with the lemurs at this national park
- Sainte-Marie Island – come from July to September for incredible whale watching opportunities
- Avenue of the Baobabs – synonymous with Madagascar, these giant trees can reach 100ft and grow for thousands of years
- Nosy Iranja – one of the best beaches in a country full of dreamy stretches of sand
- Bemaraha Tsingy – the otherworldly geological formations of this national park have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status
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What are the top five local dishes to try in Madagascar?
- Romazava – the national dish is a heart meat and greens stew, usually served with rice
- Ravitoto – cassava leaves are the base of this traditional concoction, grinded down with garlic and fatty pork, again served with rice
- Mofo baolina – scrumptious local donuts served at any time of day
- Zebu meat – this unique cattle breed’s meat is a staple in Madagascan cuisine
- Fish in coconut sauce – anywhere along the coast is bound to serve up delicious seafood dishes like this one