Where is Madagascar located?

Survival

Madagascar Madagascar is incredible Island state , which is located in the Indian Ocean and which very often people associate exclusively with the African continent. But in vain, because in fact Madagascar is much more, because people with ancient history

, faith and traditions, and the flora and fauna of the island are truly unique. According to travelers, Madagascar is a “continent in miniature,” literally overflowing with exotic life forms, many of which are found only on this island. There are extinct volcanoes and high mountains , valleys and rivers, rainforests and semi-deserts. There are no luxury hotels in Madagascar: this is a place for those who are not looking for luxurious rooms, but new experiences, 100% exotic and eco-friendly. Popular excursion routes V National parks

Madagascar. Main resorts: Tulear, Antsirabe, Ile Sainte-Marie, Nosy Be.

General information Territory –
O. Madagascar and adjacent small islands Square -
587,040 sq. km Population -
about 20 million people Capital –
Antananarivo Highest point -
Tsaratanana town (2880 m) State languages -
Malagasy, French Religions –
traditional beliefs, Christianity Independence Day -
June 26 (1960). Currency -
ariary. Basic export items –
coffee, spices (cloves, vanilla), sugar, sisal, shrimp Form of government -
parliamentary republic Flight Europe–Madagascar –
13 hours. 261
Madagascar telephone code – Rainy season -
December-February The main danger for Europeans is
malaria

The purchase of real estate by foreigners in Madagascar is prohibited (lease for 99 years is allowed).

The settlement of Madagascar occurred during a period corresponding to the European early Middle Ages. In the late Middle Ages, the Malagasy came into contact with the Arabs, which was reflected in the borrowing of the Surabe alphabet. Europeans (Portuguese) discovered the island in 1500. In the 19th century, the natives created the kingdom of Imerina, which was absorbed into the French colonial empire in 1897. During the Second World War (1940-1943), the island was occupied by British troops. In 1958, Madagascar gained autonomy as a French protectorate, and in 1960 - independence. Liberation from colonial dependence did not lead to stability and various military groups began to come to power, maneuvering in the conditions Cold War between Western countries and the socialist camp. The end of the Cold War contributed to democratization processes.

Geography

Madagascar is part of the ancient continent of Gondwana, which split into its present South America, Africa, India, Antarctica and Madagascar. The island broke away from the African platform more than 2 billion years ago. According to other assumptions, Madagascar is part of the ancient continent of Lemuria, the homeland of primates.

Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world - after Greenland, N. Guinea and Kalimantan. Located in the western part Indian Ocean 400 kilometers off the coast of Mozambique. South latitude is between 11°.57′ and 23°38′. Eastern longitude – 50°17′. The length of the island (from north to south) is 1580 km. Width (from east to west) – 580 km. Length coastline– 5000 km. The Republic of Madagascar occupies the island of the same name and several small islands with a total area. 587 thousand km2 - slightly less than Ukraine, but slightly more than France, Belgium and Luxembourg combined.

The island is conventionally divided into six regions. In the center there is a highland with extinct volcanoes, mountains, hills, valleys and many rivers. On the eastern shore there are remains of the “great forest” that previously covered the entire island. The miracle of nature is a narrow strip of coastal lowland covered with tropical rain forests. On the western side, the island slopes down to the Mozambique Channel in large terraces and elongated plains. In the northwestern part there is a savannah, and in the southwest it turns into a semi-desert - bush. The south is also covered with semi-deserts. There are often droughts here. To the north lies a huge volcanic massif.

The dominant color of the soil is red in various shades. In this regard, Europeans often call Madagascar the Red Island.

The climate is tropical and equatorial-monsoon. The average annual temperature in Antananarivo is 18 degrees. The average annual temperature on the coasts is 24-26 degrees. Precipitation is from 400 to 3000 mm per year. Coastal areas often suffer from destructive cyclones.

Madagascar is a beautifully irrigated island. More than 50 large and small rivers flow through it. The longest of them are Manguki (821 km) and Ikupa (664 km).

Climate

The Tropic of Capricorn lies in the southern part of Madagascar. have an impact on the climate big influence relief of the island and wind direction. Like the rest of the southern hemisphere, Madagascar has two seasons. Average annual temperature air temperature on the island from January to February is 20°C; from March to May 25°C; from June to September 20°C; from October to December -25°C.

The climate in the south of the island is arid, tropical, hot. Average temperatures – January – 20 °C; from February to May 30°C; from June to September 25° C; from October to December from 28 to 32°C.

The climate of the west coast is arid, tropical. It rains extremely rarely. Average temperatures: from January to February 25° C; from March to April 30°C; from May to October from 22 to 25°C; from November to December from 30 to 32°C.
The climate in the north of Madagascar is tropical. During the rainy season, vast areas receive abundant moisture, including the island of Nosy Be, which explains its lush vegetation. Average temperatures from January to April are from 25 to 30°C; from May to July from 20 to 25°C; from August to September from 15 to 20°C.
The east coast climate is humid, tropical. Rain continues all year round. They can be short-term (less than an hour a day), and sometimes do not stop for several days in a row. The most sunshine occurs in May and September. Average temperatures from January to February are 25°C; from March to April – 30°C; from May to July from 20 to 25°C; from August to September 15°C; from October to November from 20 to 25°C; December 30°C.

Cyclones come from the east between January and March, sometimes very strong. Wind speeds can gust up to 200 km/h. This explains the strict orientation of Malagasy houses: doors and windows face only west. During the height of the monsoon season, there is usually a thunderstorm in the afternoon and all activities cease. During the rainy season, you should take a waterproof raincoat and shoes for your trip.

Flora and fauna

Madagascar separated from Africa about 160–165 million years ago, and from India about 65–70 million years ago. The island is extremely famous among biologists as the site of a huge concentration of endemic species. Thanks to the unique conditions in Madagascar, species that were extinct in all other parts of the world lived and developed. This led to the emergence of very unusual species that occupied a variety of ecological niches.

One striking example is the Fossa, Madagascar's largest mammalian predator. Outwardly, the fossa is extremely similar to a representative of the cat family, which is what it was initially classified as, but its closest relatives are mongooses. Due to convergent evolution, Fossa acquired a cat-like appearance, and its extinct relatives reached the size of an ocelot.

It has also been established that the entire family of Madagascar civets descends from a single ancestor, believed to have crossed the Mozambique Channel 20–30 million years ago. It is believed that since the arrival of man on the island in the 2nd–5th centuries AD. e. many species were exterminated, especially megafauna. Among the prehistoric fauna of Madagascar, the most famous are Rahonavis, Rajasaurus and Bachariasaurus.

As a result of deforestation in Madagascar (cutting down and burning forests for farmland) - the consequences rapid growth population, starting from the second half of the 20th century, more than 80% of the former forest cover of the island has now been destroyed, the remaining territories are susceptible to desertification.

Economy

The country is not a prosperous one, but its economy is last years began to actively increase its turnover (largely thanks to abundant foreign investment). The island recently discovered its own oil reserves.

Traditionally main part provides income Agriculture(trade in coffee and cocoa, sugar cane, spices). Minerals such as nickel and coal are also exported. Development prospects are high tourism business.

Population

The country's population has increased by a third over the past ten years and today amounts to almost 24 million people - this East African republic ranks twentieth in the world in terms of birth rate.

The ethnic composition is predominantly Malagasy (descendants of Austronesian and African settlers), speaking their own dialect. French is used for business communication. In religious terms, the island of Madagascar is unique - half local residents officially declares its adherence to the ancient faith associated with the worship of the souls of ancestors.

Language

Malagasy, in a referendum on April 4, 2007, more than 70% of citizens approved the introduction of English and French as official languages. About 25% of the population are fluent French, they know less English. In the late 1970s, Russian was taught in the capital's schools; many representatives of the intelligentsia and armed forces studied in the USSR and speak Russian.

The Malagasy language belongs to the Indonesian branch of the Malay-Polynesian family of languages. Over the long history of its evolution, the Malagasy language has combined Malay and Polynesian dialects, words from Arabic and Amharic languages, from Bantu languages, including Swahili, from European languages, as well as Creole words. Linguists identify elements of Sanskrit in the language and argue that before arriving in Madagascar, Malay migrants passed through India at a time when Sanskrit was still spoken there and settled on the island more than two thousand years ago.

Religion:

50% of Malagasy people practice traditional religions
40% are Christians (about equal parts Catholics and Protestants)
10% are Muslims

Culture of Madagascar

Madagascar has absorbed the features of several world cultures, primarily Austronesian and Bantu cultures. Here you can see a combination of traditions and customs of peoples South-East Asia, Africa and Europe. This is due to the history of Madagascar.

Since the 10th century, the country has been subject to Arab influence; Muslim traditions have spread widely here, although Islam as a whole has not taken root. Since the 16th century, Europeans, especially the French, who owned the island for a long time, played a major role in shaping the culture of Madagascar. And yet, thanks to their remoteness from the continent, the Malagasy were able to preserve the features of their unique culture, traditions, customs and mores, which have been passed on for several centuries in a row.

Folk traditions in art

Folklore and craft customs in Madagascar are clear evidence of the uniqueness of the local population. National music is a mixture of Arabic, African and European rhythms. Malagasy people also find a place in everyday life for playing musical instruments, folk songs and dances. However, we note that depending on the region of the country, the style of singing and the instruments used differ.

Of the crafts, traditional wood carving is the most developed. You can see a wide variety of figures, masks and figurines on the shelves of souvenir shops. People here also enjoy weaving, weaving baskets, hats, making wooden kitchen utensils, toys, sewing from silk, embroidering, producing gold and silver jewelry with precious and semi-precious stones. Weaving has not lost its importance due to the fact that the Malagasy still wear their traditional clothing (called "lamba") with stripes and other various patterns. Decorative fabrics are made from raffia palm fibers - rabans with bright patterns reminiscent of the iridescence of snake skin.

Peoples of Madagascar and religious traditions

Among the two dozen different nationalities living on the island, the majority are Malagasy, who outwardly resemble Arabs, Persians, Africans and even the Japanese. Nationalities are divided into highlanders and those who live near the coast. Among the immigrants you can find Indians, Pakistanis, Arabs, French, and Chinese.

The overwhelming number of local residents adhere to ancient customs and profess the cult of ancestors, i.e. worships dead forefathers. Among the Malagasy, about half are Christians of various denominations, mostly Protestants, although Orthodox Christians have become increasingly common in recent years. 7% of the local population are Buddhists and Muslims.

Culture of communication and rules of conduct in public places

The main language of the inhabitants of the island of Madagascar is Malagasy, it belongs to the Austronesian language family and is similar to the languages of Indonesia and Malaysia. In recent years, due to the development of the tourism business and service sector in the country, workers in these areas of activity have begun to actively study English and French.

In all areas of daily life in Madagascar, there are several traditions and customs that tourists should know and practice.

Here are the most important of them:

IN sacred places and in necropolises it is customary to make offerings. Most often they bring food. Under no circumstances should you leave money.
In places of religious worship, one must behave with restraint, wear appropriate clothing, and respect the surrounding nature and monuments of art. In all sacred places you should not smoke, bring or eat pork.
If you are invited to a religious ceremony, do not refuse under any circumstances, this is a great honor according to local traditions.
The reserves have strict rules for nature conservation, so you cannot damage trees, pick flowers, fish, hunt, or even feed animals. If you have any doubts about what you can and cannot do, be sure to contact your guide. If you hear the word "fadi" in any context, it means prohibition.
Due to the spread of the cult of ancestors on the island, Malagasy people are also kind to animals, believing that the soul of the deceased can move into any animal. The most revered representatives are zebu, crocodiles, lemurs and chameleons. For causing harm to them, the culprit faces serious punishment.
Be careful when driving, as there is no concept of “right” and “left” in Madagascar. Local residents use only geographical directions - “south”, “northwest”, etc.
It is considered normal for Malagasy people to greet a stranger on the street. This can most often be observed in older people.
When addressing a person, it is customary to call him by his position, and not by name.
During a conversation, categorical and unambiguous answers in the spirit of “yes” and “no” are not welcome.
Life on the island has always been measured, the locals are not in a hurry, so slow service, a delay in an event or being late for a meeting is a completely harmless incident in Madagascar.
Under no circumstances should you photograph military and police facilities, as well as police officers and employees in uniform, to avoid unpleasant consequences.
One of the main family values among the Malagasy is children; their families are very strong and often have many children. The locals are very friendly and hospitable. Going to visit empty-handed is a sign of bad taste. Tourists usually bring food, cigarettes or alcohol as gifts to their hosts. Banana or ginger rum is considered the most valuable gift.

Attitude towards a woman

Previously, matriarchy dominated the territory of Madagascar. Since then, the attitude towards women here is very respectful; she is considered equal in rights to men. But representatives of the fairer sex should, if possible, not be alone when traveling to the island, so as not to attract undue attention from local men.

Cloth

It is recommended to wear closed clothing and shoes that cover your arms and legs, and a hat. Avoid open T-shirts, shorts and khaki clothing. In sacred places, women in trousers may not be allowed in, so be careful. You should also always carry a flashlight with you (in tropical countries it gets dark early and quickly), and repellent for mosquitoes and other insects.

Main holidays on the island of Madagascar

There are several national holidays on the island, including New Year(here it is called Alahamandi and is celebrated in March), Uprising Day, African Unity Day, Republic Day and others. Christian holidays, especially Easter and Christmas, are also widely celebrated. There are also traditional music festivals Donia and Madajazcar, known far beyond Madagascar. In June, the ritual of purification of Fiseman is held. For boys there is a circumcision ceremony - Famorana. But, undoubtedly, the most important thing on the island is Famadikhana - a ceremony to honor the dead, taking place from June to September.

9 top attractions in Madagascar

Volcano Ankaratra. If you drive just 50 kilometers from the capital of the island, Antananarivo, you may stumble upon a range of extinct volcanoes. Here, several centuries ago, robbers hid from persecution.
De Ranomafana. Another famous one national park Madagascar, located in its central part, near the village of the same name. The park miraculously combines hills and gentle valleys covered with tropical evergreen forests. Locals consider this to be one of the most beautiful parks on the island.
Ile Sainte-Marie. The island of Saint Mary (or Ile Sainte Marie) has become a home for foreigners who came to Madagascar for permanent residence. A kind of ghetto, built up with hotels and restaurants and diluted with pristine beaches.
Kirindi Forest. 60 km north of the city of Morondava is the Kirindy forest - the best place in Madagascar to study nocturnal animals. Rare species of mammals and birds frolic in the forest, and three unique species of baobabs grow.
Mahajanga. Mahajanga is a city beloved by many tourists and the second largest port of Madagascar. One of the largest shopping centers, where modern civilization borders on colonial-era buildings.
Dead lake in Antsirabe. This is an empty lake, there is no life here. Although it is strange - the water temperature should be suitable for most fish and algae. But something didn’t work out, and therefore the lake was called Dead.
Montagne d'Ambre. This is the most visited national park in the country. In general, there are a lot of them in Madagascar: here you can open your own reserve on almost every corner. But it just so happened that tourists fell in love with Montagne d’Ambre more than others.
Perine. Perine National Park is located in the eastern part of Madagascar. It is home to evergreen rainforests and is home to the largest population of indri lemurs. By the way, they calmly coexist with other animals.
Tsingy de Bemaraha. The Tsingy de Bemaraha Nature Reserve is located on west coast islands. Tsingy de Bemaraha was created to protect karst landscapes and different types lemurs Its area – for a second – is 150 thousand hectares. The landscape of the reserve is not easy for walking. For the most part it consists of impenetrable labyrinths. These are ridges of limestone crenellations that the locals call “tsingi,” which means “to walk on tiptoes.”

Reminder for tourists in Madagascar

Air travel

There are no direct flights from Russia. The most popular flight is on Air France with a connection in Paris. Flight duration is 14 hours excluding connections. Regular flights carried out between Madagascar and Kenya, Mauritius, Reunion, Seychelles, Tanzania and South Africa.

Transport

The simplest and cheap way transportation around the country is by buses. Flight schedules are usually posted at the airport and on special stands at the terminal. The most convenient way to travel around cities is by taxi. There are two types of cars: licensed ones with an Adema logo and meters, as well as numerous “unofficial taxis”, which usually do not have a meter, but prices are fixed and depend on distance and traffic density. The cost of the trip should be agreed upon in advance, before getting into the car. You can also bargain in private taxis. Specific types of local transport are fast and convenient “taxi-be” and cheaper, but slow “taxi-brusi”. They are a cross between minibuses and regular taxis. There is always a schedule at the stops. The fare must be agreed upon in advance before boarding the car. Also in all cities there are rickshaws of all types.

Money

The currency is the Malagasy Ariar ( international designation– MGA, within the country – Ar), equal to 5 iraimbilani. Banknotes: 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000 and 10000 ariary. Coins: 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 20 and 50 ariar, as well as 1 and 2 iraimbilani. Detailed and reliable information on exchange rates can be found on the website of the country's largest bank - BNI.

Visa and Master Card ATMs are installed in almost all bank branches - both in Antananarivo and in the provinces.

Connection

The country's communication system is quite outdated, but recently it has been modernized. The number of pay phones (operated by coins) on the streets is small; they are mainly concentrated near banks, hotels and large stores. International telephone communication is available only in the main cities of the country. The cost of a minute of conversation with Moscow is about 5 USD during the daytime and about 2 USD after 22.00, as well as on weekends and holidays. To call a country, after dialing the international country code (261), dial the code geographical area and operator, and then the five-digit subscriber number. Some city codes: Antananarivo – 2; Ambusitra, Antsirabe – 4; Ambatundrazaka, Tuamasina, Muramanga, Nosy-Buraha (Saint-Marie) – 5; Antsiranana, Madzunga, Maintirana, Mahajanga – 6; Fianarantsoa, Manakara, Mananzari, Farafangana – 7; Nosy Be, Sambava – 8; Morondava, Toliara - 9. Outgoing international code - 16.

There are three GSM cellular operators in Madagascar - Telma, Orange and Zain, which also offer GPRS, EDGE and 3G Internet services (available in Antananarivo, as well as a number of large settlements). Cellular communications use the GSM-900 standard, coverage areas cover mainly only big cities and areas adjacent to main roads. SIM cards can be purchased at the offices of local network operators Antaris and Madacom. Roaming is available to Beeline and Megafon subscribers. When purchasing a SIM card, you must present your passport and fill out a subscriber card. Regular Internet access can be obtained in Internet cafes in Antananarivo and some other major cities.

Representative offices of Madagascar in the Russian Federation:

Embassy Address: Moscow, Office of the Embassy: Kursovoy per., 5/1
phone: 290-02-14
fax: 202-34-53
ambamadagascar.ru

Russian representations of Madagascar:

Consular Section Address: Antananarivo, Ambassade de la Federation de Russie en Republique de Madagascar, B.P. 4006, Ambohijatovo, Ivandry, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
phone: (8-10-26120) 224-28-27
fax: (8-10-26120) 224-26-42

Purchases

You need to bargain almost everywhere, but Malagasy in most cases do not bargain. Sellers rarely cheat or cheat when they see a foreigner, because of this, prices are balanced everywhere, and the discount is made based on the seller’s inclination to this type of trade. When purchasing emeralds, cut, processed and polished stones prepared for jewelry purposes, you must obtain a certificate from the seller, which you will need at customs. All products from Malagasy fauna and flora (including dried flowers) also require export certificates, which must be obtained at the time of purchase of the goods. It must be borne in mind that most souvenirs of this kind, sold in souvenir shops and markets, are made illegally and therefore do not have export certificates, and those who buy them can be subject to a very large fine.

Safety

It is preferable to go sightseeing with a guide or group. You can swim safely in the ocean only in lagoons and in places protected by coral reefs. In other places there are sharks, and in rivers and mangrove forests there are dangerous reptiles.

Medicine

The main diseases are schistomatosis (swimming in fresh water should be avoided), hepatitis, diarrhea and dysentery. In inland areas A number of viral diseases are widespread, including hemorrhagic fever. There are natural centers of cholera, plague, rabies and typhus. The danger of malaria exists all year round throughout the country and the greatest danger of contracting it is in coastal areas.

Video

Sources

http://lemur.su/index.php?id=16 http://discoveric.ru/o-strane/madagaskar https://www.karlson-tourism.ru/countries/madagascar/madagascar-info-for- tourists/

Madagascar(Republic of Madagascar)– state in South Africa, located on the island of the same name, surrounded on all sides by the Indian Ocean.

Map

Geography

The population of Madagascar is 25 million people.

The capital is the city of Antananarivo (1 million 400 thousand inhabitants). This is the largest city in the country.

There are no other large cities in Madagascar.

Madagascar is surrounded on all sides by the Indian Ocean and has no land borders.

Madagascar is separated from the African continent by the Mozambique Channel.

Dry deciduous tropical forests are common in Madagascar. They are generally deciduous. In the east of the country there are tropical rainforests.

Madagascar is administratively divided into six provinces: Toliara, Toamasina, Mahajanga, Fianarantsoa, Antsiranana, Antananarivo.

The country has one time zone. The difference with universal time (Greenwich) is +3 hours.

Basic mountain ranges Madagascar - Anjafi plateau, Ankaratra massif, Ivakuani massif.

The highest point in Madagascar is dormant volcano Marumukutru (2876 m).

There are many rivers in Madagascar, but there are no large ones. Main rivers: Mananara, Manguru, North and South Mahavawi, Ikupa, Mandrare.

There are three large lakes– Alautra, Kinkuni, Ihutri.

Roads

Madagascar has its own network railways. There is no railway connection with other African countries due to the country's isolation from the rest of the continent. The length of Madagascar's steel lines is 850 km. There is a passenger service from Antananarivo to the suburbs.

In Madagascar the main car roads are in excellent condition. Secondary roads, on the contrary, are in poor condition.

Story

Madagascar has interesting story. It was inhabited by people relatively recently, already in our era.

Main historical stages:

a) Madagascar before Arab colonization - settlement of the island by pygmies (200-500 AD);

b) Arab colonization - arrival of Arabs on the island (7th century), attempts to introduce Islam on the island;

c) Madagascar during the Great Period geographical discoveries– discovery of the island by the Portuguese (1500), formation of the French colony of Fort Dauphine (mid-17th century);

d) Madagascar before European colonization– turning the island into a base for sea pirates and slave traders, robbing ships on the way to India and on the way back to Europe, selling captives;

e) Colonial Madagascar - the landing of the Slovak Moritz Benevsky together with the French and the construction of the capital of the island of the city of Louisbourg (1774), the election of Benevsky as king of Madagascar (1776), the kingdom of Imerina (1818) and the expulsion of French colonists from the island, the final colonization of Madagascar by the French (1883), British occupation during World War II (1940), uprising for independence (1947), proclamation of the Autonomous Malagasy Republic (1958) under French protectorate;

f) Independent Madagascar - declaration of independence (Malagasy Republic, 1960), transfer of power to the military administration (1972), attempted military coup (1974), military directory (1975), change of the country's name to the Democratic Republic of Madagascar (1975) , course towards building socialismand rapprochement with the USSR, the withdrawal of French troops, the curtailment of the socialist path of development (1990), the beginning of the process of democratization and market reforms (1992), the separatist rebellion (2009) and the seizure of the country's capital by rebels, the transfer of power to the military administration.

Minerals

Madagascar is a country rich in mineral resources. All three types of strategic hydrocarbons are produced - oil, gas and coal. Chromium, nickel, cobalt, iron ore, titanium, bauxite, bitumen, graphite, precious stones, brown coal, uranium, thorium, manganese, copper, platinum, lead, zinc, quartz, phlogolite, zirconium are also mined.

Climate

Madagascar has three types of climate: tropical monsoon, subtropical monsoon and desert arid. It is hottest in desert areas of the country. There are no seasons in Madagascar.

Madagascar or Republic of Madagascar- an island state in the western Indian Ocean, located on the island of the same name and several small islands off the eastern coast of Africa. The island is separated from the continent by the Mozambique Channel (400 km). The total area of the country is 587,040 square meters. km. The length of the island is about 1600 km, the maximum width is over 600 km. The capital is Antananarivo.

The central part of the island is occupied by the high-mountain Anjafi plateau, gently sloping to the west and abruptly ending in the lowlands of the eastern coast. Highest point Madagascar is an extinct volcano called Marumukutru (2,876 m), which is located in the Tsaratanana mountain range, in the northern part of the island.

There are three large lakes in Madagascar: Alaotra, Kinkony and Ihotry.

Although Madagascar is located close to Africa, the animal and vegetable world The island is unique, containing 5% of the world's animal and plant species, 80% of which exist only in Madagascar. The most famous of them are lemurs. Most species are endemic. Because of this, Madagascar is often called the “small continent”.

Climate in Madagascar

Climate of Madagascar formed by the southeast trade wind and the South Indian anticyclone. The island has three climatic zones: tropical monsoon climate on the east coast, temperate maritime climate in central highlands and the arid desert climate on the southern tip of the island. In different areas of the island, the climate can vary greatly.

The climate on the east coast is humid and tropical. Rain continues all year round. They can be short-term (less than an hour a day), and sometimes do not stop for several days in a row. The most sunshine occurs in May and September. Average temperatures from January to February are 25°C; from March to April - 30°C; from May to July - from 20 to 25°C; from August to September - 15°C; from October to November - from 20 to 25°C; December - 30°C.

The climate on the west coast is arid and tropical. It rains extremely rarely. Average temperatures: from January to February - 25°C; from March to April - 30°C; from May to October - from 22 to 25°C; from November to December - from 30 to 32°C.

The climate in the south of the island is arid, tropical, hot. Average temperatures - January - 20°C; from February to May - 30°C; from June to September - 25°C; from October to December - from 28 to 32°C. The Tropic of Capricorn lies in the southern part of Madagascar.

The climate in the north of Madagascar is tropical. During the rainy season, vast areas receive abundant moisture, including the island of Nosy Be, which explains its lush vegetation. Average temperatures from January to April are from 25 to 30°C; from May to July - from 20 to 25°C; from August to September - from 15 to 20°C.

Last changes: 05/18/2013

Population

Population of Madagascar- 22,599,098 people (2012).

Average life expectancy is 61 years for men, 65 years for women. Urban population - 29%.

The Malagasy are the main ethnic group of Madagascar. The total number is about 20 million people.

The Malagasy are divided into two subgroups - the highlanders and the coastal inhabitants. The mountain peoples are the Imerina (Merina), Sihanaka and Betsileu, and the coastal people are all the others, for example, the Betsimisaraka, Sakalava and Mahafali. The division into two subgroups is due to the history of human migration to the island.

In the second to fifth centuries AD, Madagascar was inhabited by people from Austronesia, mainly settling in the central highlands. After some time, a second wave of migration, consisting of representatives of the Bantu tribes, came to the island from East Africa through the Mozambique Channel.

Recent studies of the mitochondrial DNA of the island's inhabitants have confirmed the guesses of some scientists about the Austronesian origin of the population. It can be concluded that the Malagasy blood contains approximately equal amounts of Austronesian and African genes, with a slight admixture of Arab, European and Indian.

Religion

Approximately half of the country's population practices the traditional ancestor cult of the Austronesian settlers, which places special emphasis on the connection between the dead and the living. The largest number of adherents of this religion live among the Merina people. They believe that every person after death joins the souls of his ancestors, and that all souls form a kind of hierarchy of “divinity.”

Among the Merina and Betzileu, a rather strange tradition from a European point of view is practiced, known as famadihana, which translated means “turning over the dead.” During this ritual, the remains of the deceased are taken out of the crypts, wrapped in a new shroud (silk sheet) and throughout the holiday they have fun and dance next to them, sometimes even carrying the remains in their arms. At the end of the ceremony, the bodies are placed back in the crypts.

About 45% of the population professes Christianity, Catholicism or Protestantism. Most believers try to combine the cult of ancestors with Christian traditions. For example, not all Christians abandon the practice of famadihan, this is especially true for Catholics. Pastors from the Catholic Church may even come to the ceremony and bless the participants. The Protestant Church has a very negative attitude towards the practice of the cult of ancestors and calls on its flock to abandon “worship of the Devil.” Christian church in Madagascar is a fairly influential political institution.

The rest of the population (about 7%) practices Islam, which was brought to the island by Arab traders around the 10th century. Islam is especially widespread on the west coast of the island due to the large number of harbors that were once Arab outposts. It should be noted that thanks to Islam, the Malagasy language was first written down in Arabic script, which, however, did not take root as the main means of writing Malagasy (the Latin alphabet is now used).

Since the 90s of the 20th century, Orthodoxy began to spread on the island. Some villages of Madagascar as a result of the missionary activities of the Alexandrian Patriarchate in in full force accepted Orthodoxy. The mission is just beginning, but according to the current situation on the island there are already more than 10,000 Orthodox Malagasy.

Language

official languages- Malagasy, French, English.

Malagasy is not related to nearby African languages. It is the westernmost of the Malayo-Polynesian languages, belonging to the Austronesian family. This fact was established back in the 18th century. The Malagasy language is related to the languages of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. The languages closest to it are those spoken on the island of Borneo.

The basic vocabulary of the Malagasy language is 90% identical to the vocabulary of the Ma'anyang language in the Barito River region in southern Borneo. This means that Madagascar was inhabited by people from there. It is not known exactly why this colonization occurred. Later, Indonesian settlers mixed with people from East Africa and Arabs.

The Malagasy language has borrowings from Bantu, Swahili and Arabic, as well as from French (formerly the language of the colonial government of Madagascar) and English (spoken by pirates based on the island in the 18th century).

Last changes: 05/18/2013

About money

Malagasy Ariary(MGA) - currency unit State of Madagascar.

One ariary is equal to 5 iraimbilanja. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000 and 10000 ariary, coins: 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 20 and 50 ariary, as well as 1 and 2 iraimbilani.

Banks are usually open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 15:00. Currency can be exchanged at any bank branch, at the airport, in exchange offices and some hotels. The last option is the least profitable, as a commission is charged. Changing money on the street is prohibited.

ATMs can only be found in the capital and in large tourist centers.

To travel around the province, you will have to stock up on Malagasy ariary in small bills, since it will be almost impossible to change large bills.

Last changes: 05/18/2013

Communications

Calling code: 261

Internet domain: .mg

Ambulance: 211-70, fire service: 225-66, police: 229-72

Telephone codes cities

Antananarivo - 22

How to call

To call from Russia to Madagascar, you need to dial: 8 - dial tone - 10 - 261 - 20* - area code - subscriber number.

To call from Madagascar to Russia, you need to dial: 00 - 7 - city code - subscriber number.

* - there are several operators in the country, so when dialing a number, after the country code, the operator company code of two digits is added (20 - TELMA, 30 - Telecel, 31 - Sacel, 32 - SRR and 33 - Madacom).

Landline communications

Madagascar's communications system is quite outdated, but is undergoing intensive modernization. The number of payphones on the streets is small; they are mainly concentrated near banks, hotels and large stores. International telephone communication is available only in the main cities of the country.

mobile connection

Cellular communications use the GSM-900 standard; coverage areas mainly cover only large cities and tourist areas, as well as main roads.

The local mobile operator is Orange.

Internet

Regular Internet access can be obtained in Internet cafes in the capital of the country - Antananarivo and in some other large cities.

Last changes: 05/18/2013

Shopping

Shops are open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 17:00-17:30, on Saturdays from 8:00 to 13:00. Most shops are closed on Sunday. In the southern and south-eastern regions of the country, most retail outlets close for the afternoon siesta from 12:00-13:00 to 15:00-16:00.

You can bargain almost everywhere, but the locals themselves usually hardly bargain. Sellers rarely cheat or inflate the price when they see a foreigner, so prices are more or less adequate everywhere.

When purchasing emeralds, processed, cut and polished stones ready for jewelry purposes, you should definitely take a certificate from the seller, which will be required at customs. All products made from representatives of Malagasy flora and fauna (including dried flowers) also require export certificates for export, which must be obtained at the time of purchase.

It must be borne in mind that the vast majority of souvenirs of this kind, sold in markets and souvenir shops, are manufactured illegally and therefore do not have any certificates for export from the country, and the tourist who buys them can be subject to a fairly large fine.

Last changes: 05/18/2013

Where to stay

Categories of Madagascar hotels are designated by the usual “stars”, from 1 to 5. But the rules by which these “stars” are assigned are often incomprehensible to Europeans: for example, some “five-star” hotels are almost identical to “three-star” hotels in terms of the range of services offered and the level of service.

High-level hotels have two types of tariffs: one for their citizens and the other for foreigners. In addition, payment from tourists is taken in foreign currency.

Last changes: 05/18/2013

Sea and beaches

Along the entire coast of Madagascar there are quiet lagoons with beaches from white sand, surrounded by coral reefs with a colorful underwater world.

IN in terms of tourism The western coast of the island is the most developed; sharks are more likely to appear on the eastern coast.

Most popular beach resort Madagascar is the island of Nosy Be.

Last changes: 05/18/2013

The purchase of real estate by foreigners in Madagascar is prohibited (lease for 99 years is allowed).

By archaeological standards, the settlement of Madagascar occurred relatively recently. Madagascar was settled around 200-500 AD by Austronesian colonists who arrived there by canoe. This theory is supported by many parallels between Austronesian culture and the culture of the inhabitants of Madagascar, for example, a special type of canoe or a special way of growing rice, as well as the close relationship of the Malagasy language with the language of the population of the southern part of the island of Kalimantan and genetic research conducted at the beginning of the 21st century. There is no evidence of Austronesian colonization of mainland Africa.

Around the same time or a little later, settlers from the Bantu tribes moved to the island through the Mozambique Channel. At the same time, the new arrivals occupied mainly coastal territories, while the descendants of the Austronesians lived in the middle of the island. Genetic studies have shown that the mixing of Austronesian and African populations began around the 10th century, as a result of which the self-named Malagasy people were formed.

In the seventh century, with the arrival of the Arabs on the island, written references to Madagascar begin.

The name of the island was given by the famous Venetian traveler Marco Polo, who casually mentioned in his notes about the island of countless treasures called Madeigascar. Most modern researchers believe that in fact it was not about the island at all, but about the current capital of the state of Somalia - the port of Mogadishu. However, after the island was marked on Italian maps as Madagascar, the name stuck and has not changed since then.

Despite the widespread influence of Muslim culture on the island, Islam did not take root in Madagascar. However, some signs of Arab influence, such as patriarchy and calendar names for days, months and seasons, still exist to this day.

The first visit to Madagascar by a European occurred in 1500, when the ship of the Portuguese traveler Diogo Diaz, heading to India, deviated from its course and landed on the island. In light of the important geographical position of Madagascar for spice traders who skirted all over Africa, France and Britain tried to establish their outposts on the island. However, the inhospitable climate and even less hospitable natives made this task almost impossible.

In the 17th century, important geographical position The islands and the practical absence of colonial authorities made Madagascar what it became famous for throughout Europe - a paradise for pirates and slave traders. Many famous pirates, such as William Kidd, Robert Drury, John Bowen and others, could call Madagascar their second home. Merchants were robbed both towards India (gold, silver, fabrics) and back (spices, jewelry, silk). The island's aborigines, very warlike tribes, used the latest European achievements to wage internecine wars, and subsequently sold captives to slave traders. Sometimes, if prisoners could not be taken, the leaders sold their own subjects.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the mountainous state of Merina, living in cultural isolation from the rest of Madagascar, made a successful attempt to expand throughout the entire island. In 1818 Radama I was declared king of Madagascar. His dynasty ruled the island until 1896, when the last king was overthrown by French troops who invaded Madagascar back in 1883.

In 1890, the French protectorate was recognized by Britain, in exchange for French recognition of the British protectorate of what is now Tanzania (then Tanganyika and Zanzibar). In 1897, the French finally abolished the native monarchy, removing King Ranavalona III from power.

After France's defeat by Nazi Germany in 1940, the protectorate came under the control of the Vichy regime, but after the Madagascar operation, British troops occupied the island, keeping it from Japanese conquest. Germany had its own plans for the island: it was planned to resettle 4 million Jews from Europe here (see the Madagascar plan).

After the transfer of Madagascar to France in 1943, revolutionary unrest began on the island, which resulted in the 1947 uprising for independence. The uprising was suppressed, but the French government released the colony from direct control in 1958.

On October 14, 1958, the Autonomous Republic of Malagasy was proclaimed under a French protectorate.

On June 26, 1960, the independent Malagasy Republic was proclaimed on the island. The country was led by the Social Democratic Party led by Philbert Tsiranana.

In May 1972, unrest among students began in the capital of the country, which detonated a political crisis. The President handed over power to the military, led by General Ramanantsua.

On December 31, 1974, a group of military officers attempted to overthrow General Ramanantsua. However, the general was soon removed from power by his comrades. The new Prime Minister Ratzimandrava was assassinated three days later on January 27, 1975. Power passed into the hands of the military directory. In the spring, high-profile trials against the conspirators took place in the country. In 1975, the country changed its name to the Democratic Republic of Madagascar; the country, under the leadership of Didier Ratsiraka, set a course for building socialism. Ties with the USSR are strengthening. French troops are being withdrawn from the country.

Soviet Perestroika leads to similar processes in Madagascar. In 1990, multi-party system was restored. In 1991, an anti-government demonstration was shot. In 1992, Albert Zafi became the new president of the country: the process of democratization and market reforms began in the country.

The year 2009 began in Madagascar with protests. On January 31, at an anti-government rally, the mayor of the capital, Andrew Rajoelina, declared himself head of state. On March 9, a group of military personnel mutinied at the central Suanierana military base to protest the brutal crackdown on anti-government protests. On March 13, rebel tanks entered the capital of the country. On March 16, rebels captured the Ambuhitsuruhitra presidential palace in the center of the capital. President Mark Ravalomanana evaded arrest by taking refuge in the country residence of Iavulukh, 20 km from the city. On March 17, he handed over power to the military, who handed over power to the opposition leader and mayor of the capital, Andrew Rajoelin. The next day, the constitutional court recognized the legal transfer of power and on March 22, Rajoelina took the oath of office as president. A number of countries, including the United States, condemned the “coup” and threatened sanctions.

Last changes: 05/18/2013

When to go to Madagascar

Best season To visit the country, the local summer is considered to be from April to October. Traditionally high season The months associated with the influx of tourists from Europe are July and August.

But, in general, the choice of a favorable time for a trip is determined by the places planned to visit and the type of vacation - beach, eco-tourism, water sports, animal watching, visiting national parks etc.

Last changes: 05/18/2013

Helpful information

Raw or untested water on the island should not be drunk under any circumstances. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice must be boiled.

Safe places for swimming in the ocean - lagoons and areas protected by coral reefs. In other places, sharks are common, and dangerous reptiles live in river mouths and mangrove forests.

The Malagasy people are extremely hospitable and welcoming to tourists, without the ingratiating and humiliating begging that is so common in African countries. There are no restrictions on the form of clothing here, with the exception of quite reasonable requirements for modesty when visiting places of worship. It is not recommended to wear military-style clothing - it is not accepted and can even lead to detention by the police.

When visiting any Malagasy home or ceremony, it is recommended to make small offerings (usually a bottle of rum, cigarettes or some kind of food), especially when visiting necropolises (money cannot be given!!). Many local taboos (fadi) should also be respected, but since they differ in different areas of the country, this is quite difficult. It is recommended to listen to the advice of guides.

A characteristic feature of local residents is also slowness. Public transport, for example, will not move until the cabin is full - regardless of the schedule and how long it takes. A meeting or event scheduled for a certain hour will most likely start half an hour later than planned, and the order at the restaurant will be completed very late.

A pass is required to visit the reserves. Any form of logging, hunting or fishing is prohibited in the country's reserves.

Last changes: 05/18/2013

How to get to Madagascar

There are no direct flights from Russia to Madagascar. You can get there through major European cities.

The easiest option is to fly with Air France with a connection in Paris. The flight duration from Moscow to Paris is 3 hours 55 minutes, from Paris to Antananarivo - 10 hours 15 minutes (including connections, the total travel time is about 15.5 hours). The approximate cost of a round trip flight is 2000-2300 USD.

Regular flights operate between Madagascar and Kenya, Mauritius, Reunion, Seychelles, Tanzania and South Africa.

Last changes: 05/18/2013

Geography of Madagascar

A state on the island of Madagascar and adjacent islands on the eastern coast of Africa.

A third of Madagascar's area is occupied by highlands. There are many dormant volcanoes and earthquakes occur. The highest point in Madagascar is Marumukutru Peak (2876 meters).

Eastern Bank occupied by lowlands, the western by not very high plains.

Government of Madagascar

Madagascar - unitary democratic republic. The head is the president. Executive power belongs to the prime minister, who is appointed by the president and candidates chosen by parliament. Legislative body - National Assembly and Senate.

Weather in Madagascar

Tropical climate. Average monthly air temperatures in the lowlands are +20–30°С, in the highlands – from +13°С - +20°С. The amount of precipitation per year is 1000–1500 millimeters.

The eastern coast is prone to cyclones. During the rainy season, floods are not uncommon; on the southwestern side in winter the rivers dry up.

Language of Madagascar

The official languages are Malagasy and French.

Malagasy is the most western of all the Malayo-Polynesian languages belonging to the Austronesian family. In the tourism industry they often speak English.

Religion of Madagascar

7 percent of the population are Sunni Muslims from immigrants from Pakistan and the Comoros, 41 percent of the population are Christians (an equal number of Protestants and Catholics), 52 percent are adherents of traditional faith (fetishism, animalism, cult of the forces of nature and ancestors, and others).

Currency of Madagascar

The international name for the Madagascar currency is MGA.

Ariary = 5 iraimbilanyam. In circulation there are coins from 1 to 50 ariary, banknotes from 100 to 10,000 ariary and 1 and 2 iraimbilani.

Customs restrictions

The export and import of foreign currency is not limited (subject to a declaration). The import of local currency is limited to 5 thousand MGF, export is strictly prohibited.

Persons over 21 years of age are allowed duty free import: up to 500 cigarettes or 25 cigars, 500 gr. tobacco, 1 bottle of alcoholic drink. The import of perfume products is strictly prohibited.

The export of native gold, products made from crocodile skin, animals (including products from their horn, skin and bone) and plants is prohibited. Export of animal skins is possible only with a customs license. The export in any form (even stuffed animals) of crocodiles, lemurs, turtles and plants, seeds and flowers of orchids, milkweeds and pachopodiums is prohibited.

The import of drugs, weapons, and medical supplies without appropriate documentary support is prohibited.

Import of animals

The import of domestic and wild animals is prohibited (quarantine).

Tips

In most establishments, tips are not practiced, but it is better to give them when the opportunity arises, since the salaries of service workers are low. In hotels and restaurants in the capital, tips are added to the bill in the amount of 10 percent of the order value.

Purchases

When purchasing emeralds, cut, processed and polished stones prepared for jewelry purposes, you must obtain a certificate from the seller, which you will need at customs. All products from Malagasy fauna and flora (including dried flowers) also require export certificates, which must be obtained at the time of purchase of the goods. It must be borne in mind that most souvenirs of this kind, sold in souvenir shops and markets, are made illegally and therefore do not have export certificates, and those who buy them can be subject to a very large fine.

Safety

It is preferable to go sightseeing with a guide or group.

You can swim safely in the ocean only in lagoons and in places protected by coral reefs. In other places there are sharks, and in rivers and mangrove forests there are dangerous reptiles.

Medicine

The main diseases are schistomatosis (swimming in fresh water should be avoided), hepatitis, diarrhea and dysentery. A number of viral diseases are widespread in inland areas, including hemorrhagic fever. There are natural centers of cholera, plague, rabies and typhus. The danger of malaria exists all year round throughout the country and the greatest risk of contracting it is in coastal areas.

Mains voltage:

220V

Code of the country:

+261

Geographic first level domain name:

.mg

Emergency numbers:

Ambulance (Ambatumen Medical Center) - 211-70.
Military hospital - 403-41.
Municipal Department of Hygiene (Antananarivo) - 274-04.
Befalatana Hospital - 223-84.
Antananarivo Fire Service - 225-66.
Police - 229-72.

Sights of Madagascar

All sights of Madagascar

Climate and weather

It’s not for nothing that Madagascar is called a “small continent” - here, replacing each other, there are several climatic zones. Some researchers identify up to a dozen of them, but three are most clearly distinguished: tropical monsoon in the east, temperate marine in the central part, deserts and semi-deserts in the south. Of course, the maximum amount of precipitation falls in the first, where stable winds from the Indian Ocean bring moisture. Happens up to 140 times a year rainy days. However, such a pronounced rainy season as in many exotic islands, does not happen in Madagascar.

It should be remembered that there are periodic destructive cyclones on the coast, but hotel owners, of course, monitor weather reports and notify their guests of approaching bad weather.

As for average temperatures, there are noticeable fluctuations depending on the region. The coldest months are August and September, at which time central regions The thermometer stays at 15 degrees Celsius, and sometimes lower. From March to May the air here warms up to a comfortable +25°C. It is much hotter in the northwestern part of Madagascar, where the difference between winter and summer is not so noticeable (an average of 32 and 35 degrees during the day, respectively).

In general, the island's climate is favorable for the development of tourism, since trips here are possible all year round. This all-season design is especially relevant for fishing enthusiasts, divers and yachtsmen. On coastal resorts The most comfortable time to stay is from April to December; dry and warm weather contributes to a good mood and an even tan. If the main purpose of your visit is to visit nature reserves and get to know nature, plan your vacation for September-November, when rains are infrequent and forest inhabitants lead an active lifestyle.

Animals of Madagascar

Needless to say, the flora and fauna of Madagascar make it one of the most biologically unique places on the planet. Some of the inhabitants of Madagascar were immortalized in the cartoon of the same name, but the nature of the island is much more diverse and amazing than any computer animation. Zoologists claim that Madagascar has been colonized by various species of land mammals five times throughout its existence. Moreover, all the “colonists” were satisfied with their choice and remained on the island forever. Lemurs are a key component of this island's biodiversity. They belong to a group of primates known as prosimians that were once distributed throughout the world and have today been largely replaced by monkeys. This is only because the lemurs, being isolated in Madagascar, managed to survive and reproduce.

The diversity of animals on the island has decreased significantly compared to about 2,000 years ago. At that time, there lived giant lemurs the size of gorilla, monstrous turtles, pygmy hippopotamuses and huge elephant birds (Aephornis maximus), about 3 m in height and weighing more than 500 kg, which laid eggs so large that you could make an omelette out of them was to feed 150 people. All these species became extinct after humans set foot in Madagascar. Since then, some lemur species on the island have been extirpated or become extinct due to habitat loss caused by climate change and human activity.

History of Madagascar

The first people in Madagascar were representatives of two ethnic groups. African Bantu tribes crossed the Mozambique Channel to the west coast between the 2nd and 5th centuries, while Austronesians (presumably from the island of Kalimantan, also known as Borneo) landed in the east. The assimilation of the settlers led to the formation of a special nation - the Malagasy. In the 7th century, the Arabs tried to become part of the population of Madagascar, but neither they nor their religion took root here.

Europeans appeared on the horizon much later. As often happened in the days of navigation by inaccurate instruments and stars, in 1500 the Portuguese navigator Diogo Dias lost his course while returning from a large-scale expedition to find a sea route to India and landed on an unfamiliar shore. The discoverer christened the island São Lourenço, and the territory owes its current name to the famous Venetian Marco Polo, who mentioned the fabulously rich lands of Madeigascar in his personal notes. Today, historians are inclined to believe that the traveler actually meant the port of Mogadishu (the current capital of Somalia), but one way or another the error was recorded on the maps and took root among sailors.

The advantageous geographical position immediately made Madagascar the subject of claims by Britain and France, but attempts to build outposts aroused serious opposition from the aborigines, and for some time there was no de facto colonial power. This turned the island into a reliable rear for sea pirates who robbed merchant ships both on the way to India and back. Their prey included precious metals and stones, silk, jewelry and, of course, spices.

Almost the entire 19th century passed under the sign of monarchical power. Radama I and his heirs ruled the kingdom of Imerina, which united disparate lands with the help of European patrons. In 1890, diplomatic negotiations between the great maritime powers resulted in the recognition of the French protectorate over this territory and the overthrow of the royal dynasty.

The 20th century turned out to be even more turbulent for Madagascar. During the Second World War, Nazi Germany considered the option of turning the island into a “superghetto”, where it was planned to deport over 4 million Jews from Europe, but the Madagascar operation of the Allies put an end to this plan. After the establishment of peace and the declaration of independence, a period of riots, uprisings and military coups began (the last one occurred as recently as 2009). The unstable political situation in the country today is one of the main obstacles to the development of tourism.

Popular resorts

If you want to relax in comfort even in a remote corner of the planet, choose Nosy-B (another spelling is Nosy-Be). The largest of the islands of the archipelago of the same name provides its guests with beautiful beaches, boutiques, nightclubs and bars. Here are plantations of natural vanilla and groves where papayas, mangoes, oranges and others ripen Exotic fruits. Of course, you have to pay for all the benefits listed; prices at an elite resort by Madagascar standards are significantly higher than on the “mainland”.

A former base for fearsome pirates, Ile Sainte-Marie today shows nothing of its turbulent past. Snow-white sand, coconut trees, secluded bays, coral reefs: this is why the Malagasy themselves love the narrow stretch of land off the eastern coast of Madagascar so much. A pleasant bonus is sea excursions, during which you can see magnificent humpback whales up close.

Antsirabe, thanks to its particularly mild microclimate, has become the main spa resort of the island. In addition, the “land of great salt” is famous for its artisans and jewelers, colorful ethnic markets and exciting excursions, so you will return from here with a lot of unusual souvenirs.

What to do on vacation?

Of course, you have every right to limit yourself to absorbing the sun’s rays and contemplating the waves rolling onto the sand in a comfortable sun lounger, but for such a pastime you don’t have to cross the equator, right?

Madagascar has gained the reputation of a real mecca for naturalists, photographers and ecotourists; even a superficial acquaintance with the local landscapes, flora and fauna will take you more than one day - there is so much exotic and exciting stuff around that you won’t be bored!

Do you prefer water spaces to walks and safaris? The island of Madagascar has something to surprise both newcomers to aquatic species sports and professionals. Head to the east coast, rich in lagoons protected by coral reefs. You can brag to your friends that you conquered the waves of the unpredictable Indian Ocean, and when you get bored of sliding along the ridges on a traditional board, add more equipment kite or sail to learn the basics of kite and windsurfer skills. Fans last type Sports, by the way, will find world-class spots in the southeast, and the infrastructure in the northeast is aimed at those who are just discovering all the delights of this active recreation.

The northern and northwestern parts of Madagascar are less exposed to strong winds and are rich in bays suitable for anchorage, which is why they are chosen by yachtsmen and owners of sailing catamarans. The area is also interesting for divers, although the surroundings of the Nosy Bee archipelago are still considered an ideal place for diving, since it is here, at a depth of 30-40 meters, that you can observe not only exotic fish living in coral reefs, but also octopuses, stingrays, barracudas, sea turtles, giant lobsters, leopard and whale sharks.

Places worth visiting in Madagascar

As noted above, the points of tourist pilgrimage in Madagascar are not man-made historical or architectural monuments, but state-protected natural resources islands, the total area of which is almost 16 thousand square kilometers.

The largest number of visitors is received by the Montagne d'Ambres National Park, located in the north of the country near the capital of the Diana region, Antsiranana. There are wide and comfortable walking paths with a total length of 20 km throughout the territory, along which trees, palms, and orchids grow with vines. Keepers will proudly tell you that more than 70 species of birds live here, as well as rare short-tailed and blue-nosed chameleons. During your walk, be sure to turn to the Petit Cascade waterfall; year after year it expands its pool, carved right into the rocks. Not far from the “little cascade” is the picturesque “little lake”, Petit Lac.

Kirindy Forest

Kirindy Forest is another popular ecotourism destination in Madagascar. It is ideal for observing nocturnal animals; there are even separate sightseeing tours, but even during the day there is something to see here. Literally from the first steps, the majestic baobab trees attract attention. Their crowns are home to a large number of lemurs, including sifakas and pygmy mice. The latter are the smallest primates on the planet, an adult weighing only about 30 grams. Many monkeys are accustomed to the company of people and allow themselves to be photographed with close range. Feeding wild animals is, of course, prohibited, but keepers allow them to drink water from the palm of their hand during dry periods. After the rains, chameleons, snakes and geckos of various species appear “in public”, but local guides are not asked about them first. The main “star” of the forest is the fossa. The largest mammalian predator on the island is actually as tall as a beagle. Due to its external resemblance to a puma and the ability to make “meowing” sounds, it has long been classified as a feline, but based on genetic analysis, today it is classified as a Madagascar civet. Fossas in the Red Book classification have the status of a “vulnerable species,” although they have no natural enemies - this is the “merit” of the aborigines, who exterminate the predator because of its tendency to destroy chicken coops. In the protected area, animals feel at ease and are often visible to tourists.

In the same eastern part of the country, just three to four hours from Antananarivo, lies the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, divided into two parts. The evergreen rain forests of the Perine Nature Reserve are home to an impressive population of endemic primates. Visitors can observe the life of indri, naughty, brown, woolly, gray bamboo, red mouse and dwarf lemurs while walking along paths carefully laid by caretakers. It is better to walk around Mantardia with a guide; the park is much larger in area and almost not “civilized,” so there is a risk of getting lost. In addition, experienced employees are well versed in where it is easier to find representatives of various species and even attract specific birds to the group of vacationers entrusted to them, including recordings of their singing. By the way, during the period from September to November, local birds make nests and raise offspring, therefore they are tied to one place and are more accessible to humans. Please note that due to weather conditions and the associated transport difficulties, Andasibe-Mantadia is inaccessible from December to May.

Around the same period, frequent downpours forced the closure of the most interesting national park Tsingy de Bemaraha, located in the western part of the island of Madagascar, to tourists. The Bemaraha plateau is known locally as “ stone forest”, because the sharp peaks of limestone rocks, formed under the influence of rains and underground rivers, from a height really resemble bizarre plantings. Of course, a visit to such a landmark does not promise an easy walk. You will need sturdy and comfortable shoes that provide good traction on rocks, clothing that will not restrict movement, sunscreen, a hat, a small backpack to carry water, and a good guide. It is simply unrealistic to inspect the territory in a day. If you really want to see the karst labyrinths and the animals living in them with your own eyes, clear 5-6 days in your Madagascar schedule (including the road there and back). Then you will have time to walk around suspension bridges thrown through the deepest gaps, ride a canoe along the river at the bottom of one of the gorges, admire the lakes, forests and mangroves, watch lemurs, which, unlike humans, do not need detours and move freely between rocky ledges.

Those who are not physically ready for long transfers and hikes can get their share of impressions just 50 kilometers from the capital. Here lies a ridge of extinct volcanoes, the highest among them is Ankaratra. Last eruption these “ fiery mountains” happened several thousand years ago, but the area is still seismically active, which is periodically felt by the residents of the city of Antsirabe. In the vicinity of the latter, by the way, there is a volcanic lake called Tritriva, the depth of which ranges from 80 to 150 m, depending on the season. There are many legends and beliefs associated with this place; the Malagasy consider it sacred (which, however, does not stop them from charging foreigners money for the right to see the reservoir).

Are you planning to travel around the island during the dry season (March to November)? Don't miss the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful conservation areas in Madagascar - Parc de Ranomafana. Covering an area of 41,000 hectares, there are hills, plains and highlands, and the local Namorona River boasts many beautiful waterfalls. Mountain rainforests are densely populated by animals, birds and insects. The last item on the list should not scare you; we are talking primarily about the abundance of large and bright butterflies. As for mammals, we traditionally mention lemurs, including golden bamboo lemurs, which were first discovered here just 30 years ago. Ornithologists will be pleased with the opportunity to observe representatives of 96 species of birds living in the park, for which a special platform has been equipped on one of the hills. Ask your guide to take you to the hot spots mineral springs- you are allowed to swim in these natural reservoirs, and in just a few minutes you can relieve fatigue after a forced march over rough terrain.

Among the man-made attractions, the most significant, of course, is the royal hill of Ambohimanga, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here are excavations of palaces, temples and tombs of the island’s medieval rulers. The Malagasy people revere this place as a shrine and make pilgrimages to it, and Foreign tourists admire the ancient ruins and the panorama of terraced rice fields.

Infrastructure

It’s worth noting right away that Madagascar is not a place for discerning lovers of comfort and all-inclusive service. The vast majority of hotels here have three, less often four stars by international standards. Be careful when booking, the national rating scale is not so strict, and the declared “five star” may in fact turn out to be much more modest than you expect. Just a few years ago, there was a significant difference between the cost of rooms for Madagascans and visitors, but, realizing the detrimental nature of such a policy for the recreational industry, the authorities are taking measures to combat such “discrimination.” 5 star hotel Laguna Blu - Resort Madagascar

Despite the large area, transport connection The interior of the island is mainly vehicular; regional airports exist, but their capacity is limited. Car rental companies are located in the capital and major tourist centers of Madagascar. It is possible to draw up a lease agreement in advance for the period you are interested in, for which it is enough to have credit card and national driving license. The traffic on the roads is light and the speed limit can be called leisurely. Please note that the routes between small settlements They are significantly inferior in terms of coverage to large transport arteries, so you should be careful when traveling.

Those who cannot or do not want to temporarily acquire their own means of transportation travel by bus (the schedule can be checked right at the airport) or use the services of taxi drivers. In the latter case, we recommend agreeing on the cost of the trip before getting into the car - if the price seems too high to you, you can try haggling. The exception is for drivers who have a transportation license; their cars are equipped with a meter, according to which you will pay. You can recognize these “official” taxis in Madagascar by their logo with the inscription Adema.

National cuisine

Walks through nature reserves and historical places a distant country is, of course, wonderful, but is it worth limiting new experiences only to them? Getting to know unusual Madagascar dishes will be a wonderful addition to the portrait of the exotic island.

The basis of the diet of the local population is rice, flavored with various vegetable additives, spices and sauces. Do you think it looks too much like a pan-Asian restaurant menu? Don't rush to conclusions! Madagascar's herbs and spices are as unique as the rest of its natural environment, so the side dishes taste like nothing you've ever tasted before.

They eat quite a lot of meat on the island, mainly zebu. This antelope is considered sacred among the Malagasy people, but eating it is not prohibited. The most popular serving options are charcoal-baked fillet, stew with vegetables, and garlic-tomato achard sauce. Pork, which is called henakiso here, is also popular; it is cooked with cassava leaves or stewed with eel.

The colonial past is reflected in the culinary traditions: here you can try goose liver, popular with the French, croissants are often served for breakfast, and you will be offered to accompany dinner with a glass of local white, red or rose wine. Dessert in Madagascar most often consists of fruits: lychees, bananas, guava.

Gifts and souvenirs

What should you bring as a souvenir of your trip? Spices are the first to come to mind. As already mentioned, there are plantations of natural vanilla; in addition to it, cinnamon, anise and other spices are grown. You can buy them for yourself in small “bundles”, tied with a thin ribbon, and creatively designed sets are suitable as an exquisite present.

Those who bother to obtain certificates will not encounter problems when exporting jewelry with precious or semi-precious stones, of which there are a great many in local shops.

If the interior of your home allows you to add exotic accents, feel free to go to local woodcarvers, they will offer you expertly made masks and figurines (just avoid the special alualu pillars that are used in funeral rituals).

An interesting and unusual gift for women is a piece of bright fabric in an ethnic style, from which the new owner can sew a bold outfit or wrap herself in it, creating a semblance of a national “lamba”. Men will be glad to have a bottle of local rum or wine, and Madagascar teas will brighten up any friendly gatherings with their unusual aroma and taste.

Security measures

No special vaccination is required before visiting Madagascar, but doctors recommend taking anti-malarial tablets and remembering to take precautions against insect bites. As in all tropical countries, avoid untested water; even wash fruits and brush your teeth with pre-boiled liquid.

It might be useful to read: