Travel to Madagascar

Madagascar is part of Africa, and at the same time not. Only a small strip of sea separates the country from the east coast of Africa, and yet everything is so different here. The population is an immigrant from Malaysia, and this so late that animals and plants have had the opportunity to develop in their own way. Today, there are species in Madagascar that are not found anywhere else in the world. The nature is also very fascinating, with everything from lush rainforests and unusual rock formations, to the desert with baobab trees and the entire 5,000 kilometers of tropical sandy beach that offers a fantastic experience.

See trips to Madagascar

Residents: 22 mill.

Capital: Antananarivo

Language: English, French, Malagasy

Madagascar was connected to the African mainland about 160 million years ago?

About 80% of the animals in Madagascar are not found anywhere else in the world?

Geography and climate of Madagascar

Madagascar ranks fourth as the world’s fourth largest island, after Greenland, New Guinea and Borneo. To the west are the Mozambique Channel and Mozambique. The nearest neighbor to the east is the paradise island of Mauritius. Thereafter, the Indian Ocean stretches mile after mile, all the way to the west coast of Australia. The center of Madagascar consists of mountains and plateaus that slope steeply down to the east coast, while the west coast is flat with many bays and estuaries. The landscape of Madagascar is enormously diverse. High volcanoes, mountain sides covered with rice terraces, vanilla plantations, pineapple plantations, gold-colored, desert-like plains and small villages with mud houses and waving children, are some of the memorial photos the visitor takes home. The climate is almost as varied as nature. The coasts have a tropical climate, with an average temperature of 20-26 degrees. In the middle of the highlands the climate is cooler and temperate, and in the south there is a dry climate. Precipitation is also not evenly distributed over the island, and it rains twice as much on the east coast as on the west coast.

Animals and plants in Madagascar

165 million years ago, Madagascar drifted away from the rest of Africa, first stopping in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Here, the island has been isolated ever since. Both animals and plants have developed independently compared to the rest of the African continent. This, as well as the absence of predators, has meant that Madagascar’s animals have been able to be divided into different subspecies. This applies, for example, to the lemur, which is found in about 60 different species. Another animal you have great opportunities to see in Madagascar is the chameleon, which is found in 75 different species. Madagascar’s plants have also become something out of the ordinary. The African mainland is proud of its hilarious baobab tree, which looks like it has the crown in the ground and the roots upwards. Madagascar beats the mainland by horsepower, with as many as six different species of baobab tree.

History of Madagascar

Until 2000 years ago, Madagascar was an island of animals, plants and natural forces. The first humans came all the way from Malaysia. Still, it’s hard to believe you’re in Southeast Asia when you meet the people of Madagascar. Despite some Asian features, the 20 million inhabitants of Madagascar cannot hide their proximity to the African mainland. In addition, European colonial masters and pirates have contributed to the genes of the population. The first European in Madagascar was the Portuguese Diego Diaz, who visited the huge island in 1,500. In the coming centuries, it was mostly European pirates who needed a base for their shady activities, who were interested in the island. In 1986, the French needed another colony, sending Queen Ranavalona III into exile in Algeria. The French rule lasted until 1960, when the country became an independent republic. The Madagascar has retained its ancient tribal division, and today there are 18 different tribes. All tribes have their own dialect, even though the country has three official languages; English, French and Malagasy. The Madagascar has also retained its original natural religions. Over half of the country’s population believe in spirits and divine ancestors, and they are believed to be constantly present in the lives of the living. Christianity is the second largest religion and it is believed that they are constantly present in the lives of the living. Christianity is the second largest religion and it is believed that they are constantly present in the lives of the living. Christianity is the second largest religion

National parks and other attractions in Madagascar

Madagascar is a pure dream for all nature lovers. A trip between the cities and the sights is enough to get magnificent nature experiences, and beautiful national parks are spread all over the country. One of them is the Parc National d’Andasibe, which covers over 12,810 hectares of rainforest. Here lives the largest of Madagascar’s many lemur species, india, which is known for its loud cries, which almost sound like songs, and sometimes last several minutes. Andasibe is partly connected to Mantadia National Park, which is home to two other lemur species, lots of endemic birds and many different orchid species. Those who want to experience more magnificent rainforest, should visit Ranomafana National Park, which is a fantastic area for all nature enthusiasts. The climate is hot and humid, just as it should be in a “real” rainforest, and here classic rainforest plants such as orchids and giant ferns thrive. The animals in Ranomafana include over 100 different bird species and as many as 12 different types of lemurs, some of which are very rare. Further down to the southwest, lies the 80,000-hectare Isalo National Park, which with its beautiful mountains, ravines, waterfalls and eroded cliffs is one of Madagascar’s most visited places. The hiking trails meander across the entire national park and offer many different choices, whether you want to take a couple of hours walk, or go out on several days of hiking with overnight stays. Isalo’s many natural pools offer wonderful coolness after the hike. If small swims under waterfalls are not enough, a visit to Itafy is recommended. This wonderful beach area is a popular destination in Madagascar, and rightly so. The beaches are long and white, and not even the most modest swimmer can withstand the blue water. If you need to take a break from beach or pool life, you can make an excursion to the nearby baobab forest, or take a sailing trip in a fishing boat along the coastal reefs. Snorkeling equipment can be brought with you. But Madagascar is obviously much more than beautiful national parks and beautiful beaches. Feel free to visit the capital Antananarivo, or Tana, as it is popularly called, with its jumble of traffic and people. Or the elegant Antsirabe, with its many hand-drawn rikshor, or pousse pousse, as they are called here. or take a sailing trip in a fishing boat along the coastal reefs. Snorkeling equipment can be brought with you. But Madagascar is obviously much more than beautiful national parks and beautiful beaches. Feel free to visit the capital Antananarivo, or Tana, as it is popularly called, with its jumble of traffic and people. Or the elegant Antsirabe, with its many hand-drawn rikshor, or pousse pousse, as they are called here. or take a sailing trip in a fishing boat along the coastal reefs. Snorkeling equipment can be brought with you. But Madagascar is obviously much more than beautiful national parks and beautiful beaches. Feel free to visit the capital Antananarivo, or Tana, as it is popularly called, with its jumble of traffic and people. Or the elegant Antsirabe, with its many hand-drawn rikshor, or pousse pousse, as they are called here. Visit cellphoneexplorer for Discovery Trip to Madagascar.

Climate Madagascar

Here you can get an overview of the climate and weather in Madagascar.

Madagascar has a tropical climate along the coast, drier in the south of the country and temperate inland. The country is affected seasonally by winds from the Indian Ocean that can cause cyclones. The rainy season falls between Nov – Apr, while the cooler dry season falls May – Oct. The east coast is most exposed to rain, with a hot, humid climate and cyclones. In Antananarivo, the dry season in particular is beautiful and sunny – albeit somewhat chilly in the morning.