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Madagascar is a huge island nation off the southeast coast of Africa. It’s home to thousands of animal species, such as lemurs, found nowhere else, plus rainforests, beaches and reefs. Near the busy capital, Antananarivo, is Ambohimanga, a hillside complex of royal palaces and burial grounds, as well as the “Avenue of the Baobabs,” a dirt road lined by massive centuries-old trees.
Madagascar has no parallel: an extraordinary storehouse of natural and cultural riches, it makes experienced travellers question what it means to say a country is unique. Separated from Africa and Asia at the time of the dinosaurs, animal life here has evolved in a startling myriad of forms, creating a profusion of endemic species found nowhere else on earth. Humans were not part of that process: they first colonized this huge island less than 2000 years ago, when it was a primal Eden, inhabited only by its bizarre and marvellous zoological cornucopia. As biologists discover more and more about this remarkable place, calling it the eighth continent barely does it justice: second planet seems more appropriate.
Madagascar is not Africa: this is a country of the Indian Ocean. No amount of travel in Africa can prepare you for the beauty of the local architecture, the elaborate tombs that sometimes seem to outdo the houses of the living, or the famadihana exhumation ceremonies that – literally – give the dead a party once every seven years, allowing people to come face to face with the deceased. Very quickly you discover that while elements of Malagasy life – love of cattle, traditional clothing, bush taxis (taxis brousse) – seem to derive from Africa, the people live in a world dominated by spirits and elaborate cultural rules derived from very different roots on the other side of the Indian Ocean.
Capital:Antananarivo
Airport : Ivato International Airport (IATA: TNR, ICAO: FMMI) is the main international airport serving Antananarivo.
Country Code: 261
Credit Cards: Credit cards are not widely accepted in Madagascar, they are sometimes accepted in the main cities, hotels and larger restaurants. MasterCard is NOT at all accepted outside of Antananarivo. It is recommended you do not rely on your credit cards for payment, it is recommended you have enough cash with you to cover the needs of your stay.
Currency: Malagasy ariary (MGA)
Drives on the: Right
Electricity: 110V and 220V.
Ethnic Groups: 90% Malagasy,10% other
Location: Madagascar is an island in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of southern Africa, east of Mozambique.
Official Language(s): French & Malagasy. The primary language spoken in Madagascar is Malagasy followed by French. English is not spoken outside of major hotels and tourist attractions. Religion: 52% Indigenous beliefs 41% Christian 7% Muslim
Time Zone: +3 GMT
Tipping: If you feel you have been looked after well by your crew or guides, and you wish to show your appreciation for their services, a monetary tip is very welcomed by those in Madagascar.
Here follows some suggested guidelines:
Guide / Driver – approx. USD5 per person, per day (10,000 Ariary)
Park guide – approx. USD3 per person per day (5,000 Ariary)
Approx. 5-10% of the bill at a restaurant
Approx. USD1-2 (200 Ariary) per bag for a porter.
As Euro/USD coins cannot be changed into local money in Madagascar, it is advisable to tip in Ariary or USD/EUR notes. Please note that Porters at airports do expect to be tipped, therefore if you would prefer not to do this, or you have no small change, please make use of an airport trolley.
Madagascar has several climatic zones depending on the altitude and location. In general, the climate goes from humid tropical to semi-arid, with a rainy season from November to April and a dry one the rest of the year.
Peak Season: May to October
The dry season attracts the largest number of tourists, especially at Easter and Christmas and during the European vacation months of July and August. Rainfall is light at this time of year, but temperatures are still chilly in the upper elevations.
Off Season: January to March
The wet season brings heavy rainfall that muddies roads, making some of them nearly impassable. Cyclones are a problem, too.
Shoulder Season: April, November to December
Some rain may fall and bringing a jacket is probably advisable, but travelers will be rewarded with plenty of color and fewer tourists.
The topography of Madagascar forms the basis of the classic division of the country into five parts. This division is due to the very different ethnic groups that populate each region along with the very diverse climatic conditions dominating each of the main five geographical areas of the island.
The Highlands
Madagascar central Highlands constitute the main core of the island and here is where the capital, Antananarivo, together with other important cities are located. The landscape is dominated by terraced rice fields that attest the Asian origin of the Merina people, the main ethnic group, that share this territory with the Betsileo. Along Route Nationale 7 from Antananarivo to Fianarantsoa we also find some of the most visited tourist attractions of the island. Due to its relative altitude temperatures are pleasant during the austral summer, though they can drop a lot in the winter months
The North
The North of Madagascar is scarcely populated and with the exception of Nosy Be Archipelago and Diego Suarez, also very little known. Despite its relative inaccessibility, this region holds a rich mix of ethnic groups and features nature wonders of extraordinary beauty like the karst pinnacles of the Ankarana national park or the untouched and very little explored rainforests of the Majorejy national park that will reward every visit. The dry season is particularly long excepting the Northeast forests where persistent rainfalls are expected the whole year around.
The East
The lowlands of the East Coast are home to one of the major ethnic groups of the island, the friendly and hospitable Betsimisaraka. The lifestyle of this ethnic group of Madagascar East Coast retains the traditions and customs of ancient times. The pristine postcard beaches of Sainte Marie island are the major tourist attraction of the area, though the awesome variety of flora and fauna of the largely unexplored rain forests of the Masoala Peninsula make the visit of this national park a must for any serious nature lover. Best months to visit this region are October until December, before the cyclone season and after the rainy winter.
The South
The remote, harsh, desolate landscapes of South have turned this inhospitable, arid area into one of Madagascar's most appealing regions. The dry desert of the Southwest Madagascar provides shelter to the Antandroy people, whose name ‘people of the thorns' testifies about the exotic flora that grow in this region: the spiny plants. The area from Onilahy River in the north to the Menarandra River in the south is occupied by Mahafaly etchnic group, known for their unique funerary art. The endless beaches of immaculate sand dunes of the Western south coast are home to the nomadic Vezo fishermen. Climate is hot and almost no rainfalls are expected excepting around Fort Dauphin.
The West
The West is a vast region dominated by baobabs, spectacular tsingy formations and a jagged coastline with countless harbours that were used by pirates as refuge. The region is inhabited by the Sakalava people, a large ethnic group that keeps alive ancient beliefs in the possession of spirits and preserves the cult of royal relics in magnificent feasts. Climate is dry and pleasant during the winter months. Tsingy of Bemaraha is closed from November coinciding with the begin of the rainy season.
Steeped in religious significance, Israel is home to numerous sites of historical and cultural significance to Jews and members of other religions. Yet Israel is far more than just an open-air history museum, as can be seen by vibrant cities like Tel Aviv that have their finger on the pulse and are embracing modernity at a spectacular rate. Israel is the perfect blend of the old and the new and its festivals fully reflect this attitude.
Israel Festival
Originally established as a music festival, the Israel Festival has now become the leading Israeli event of the year and is the country’s chance to showcase the hottest, freshest talent in a multitude of different disciplines. Dancers, musicians, actors and artists all take to the streets and stage to display their phenomenal skills, each contributing to the prestige of the festival and the excitement of the program.
White Night Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv has so much to offer and is such a lively and bustling city that someone decided, why not keep the city open all night so people can enjoy it for even longer? Thus, the creation of White Night Tel Aviv came about. Shops, restaurants and historical points of interest stay open all night long with parties on every street corner across the city. Pulsing music will flow through the airwaves all night long as the city of Tel Aviv forgoes sleep for this exciting festival.
Karmiel Dance Festival
Once a year, Karmiel hosts one of Israel’s biggest dance festivals as 250,000 people from all over flock to witness the non-stop performances that take place over the course of three days. Showcases, workshops and competitions all make up the agenda for this lively festival with every genre imaginable finding its place somewhere in the program. Make your way to one of the venues for a visual treat, suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Klezmer Music Festival
Held in the Old Jewish Quarter and the Artist Quarter of Tzfat, the Klezmer Music Festival lasts for three days with a program consisting of free performances that take place between 9pm and midnight. There are also workshops and jam sessions for those looking to learn a bit more about traditional forms of Jewish music. Bringing children along? Not to worry, the festival caters well to young ones with various activities on offer such as magic and storytelling shows and demonstrations of some of the unusual Klezmer instruments.
Practically all of Hong Kong is a shopper's paradise. Year-round, you'll find many sales in and around Central on Hong Kong Island and limitless bargains to be had in Mongkok, on the Kowloon side. Plus, from July to the end of August is the time of Hong Kong's summer sales, which include as much as 70% off previous season’s collections, and other discounts even on some current season's fashion items. Designer shops and exclusive labels are a dime a dozen here, and lots of foreign tourists usually come here to restock and update their wardrobe. Several markets offer silk products, Chinese artwork, collectibles and curios at affordable prices and just across the border, Macau and Shenzhen are within range for even more retail therapy.
Mong Kok
If you are looking for an all in one shopping experience in Hong Kong, Mong Kok is the place to head to. You can revel in the novel experience of walking down the winding paths while browsing cheap fashion accessories, sneakers, flowers and even goldfish. The Ladies Market, which stretches a kilometre along Tung Choi Street, stocks up souvenirs, traditional Chinese handicrafts and stylish clothing. The bustling streets are best explored at night when the atmosphere is rousing.
The Langham Place Shopping Mall, which houses over 300 shops consisting of international and independent labels, is spacious and trendy. Located along Argyle Street, it is conveniently linked to the Mong Kok Metro Station, making shopping a breeze.
The Flower Market Road and Sneaker Street are interesting places to check out with their reasonably priced stalks and chic sneakers. The Goldfish Market, on the other hand, is a spectacle on its own, brimming with not just goldfish but also turtles, snakes, spiders, frogs and reptiles. Fifteen minutes away from the Mong Kok Metro Station is the Temple Street Night Market, where you can experience the local culture and traditional craftsmanship with a host of street performers lighting up the crowded streets.
Tsim Sha Tsui
Huge shopping malls and high-end shopping are what you can expect at Tsim Sha Tsui.
Spanning over 340,000 square feet, K11 is the world’s first art mall, where elements of nature and art are integrated into the architecture of the building. Besides fashion, beauty and lifestyle shopping, you can also view artworks, featuring 19 exhibition panels of local artists.
In the area, you can also find Hong Kong’s largest mall, Harbour City Mall, which is a combination of three separate malls together with 400 other shops. It houses Chanel’s flagship store in Asia and Louis Vuitton’s largest outlet in Asia.
1881 Heritage is a new cultural and shopping landmark that used to be the marine police headquarters. With a luxury shop and a heritage hotel, the 120-year-old building houses brands such as Tiffany & Co, Tudor and Piaget.
If you’re looking for a nice place to rest after shopping in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, head to the Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard. At the end of the lane is the entrance to Kowloon Park.
Central
For luxury shopping, Central Hong Kong is the place to go. The Galleria, positioned between the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and office towers is a five storey mall that houses the Louis Vuitton flagship outlet. Prices at this LV store are significantly lower than other outlets in Hong Kong. Other brands include Stella McCartney, Helmut Lang, Coach and Manolo Blahnik. L’Atellier, a Michelin-starred establishment and ZUMA are fine dining options available at the mall. Besides shopping, you can also head to the ZUMA lounge, one of Hong Kong’s hottest night spots where international DJs play and a variety of cocktails are served.
Queen’s Road is also a popular shopping street in the area that has international retailers such as Longchamp, Topshop, Zara and Calvin Klein. Queen’s Road East which stretches from Wan Chai to Happy Valley has a heritage trail that you can explore. The Hopewell Centre that stands in Wan Chai is an iconic skyscraper that’s great for photo taking. You can take the lift to the top floor for a scenic view or dine at the revolving restaurant.
Causeway Bay
With a bunch of shopping malls, markets and cafes around, Causeway Bay is perhaps the most convenient area to explore for those with a tight schedule. Times Square is a great place to visit at night with its glass walls that look splendid when lit up. You can also drop by SOGO, Hong Kong’s largest Japanese-style department store that consists of several levels of fashion, electronics and household items.
Also in the area is Jardine’s Crescent, a shopping market that is worth a visit. It is a narrow street with stalls lined up selling bargain clothing, accessories and domestic goods. There is also a small wet market at the end of the street and flower stalls selling fresh blooms at very low prices. Hop over to Jardine’s Bazaar that is parallel to Jardine’s Crescent for more bargain items. After a day of shopping, take a rest at The Coffee Academics where you can enjoy a cuppa while people-watching.
Sham Shui Po
Electronics enthusiasts will be delighted to know that Sham Shui Po is literally the mecca of all types of gadgets, parts and DIY materials. Dragon Centre has nine levels of electronics, with an ice skating rink on the eighth floor and 90s-style games arcade on the top floor. On the fifth and sixth floors, there is a Japanese and Korean style mall. This is the second largest shopping centre in West Kowloon. Down below, Yu Chau Street is filled with DIY materials and other items such as toys, wholesale stationery and souvenirs.
Down below, Yu Chau Street is filled with DIY materials and other items such as toys, wholesale stationery and souvenirs.
If you’re into second-hand electronic components, Apliu Street sells bargain items as well as jade and jewellery. You can also head to Cheung Sha Wan Road, where 250 fashion shops await you.
Hollywood Road and Upper Lascar Road
These two streets are known for antiques, wooden handicraft items and jade.
Hollywood Road is the centre of the art and antique trade in Hong Kong. Begin your journey at Possession Street, where the British Royal Navy landed in 1841, and explore the street to your heart’s content. There are some interesting shops such as Okura, a Japanese concept store selling leather goods and Grana, a Hong Kong based fashion label selling Chinese silk and Irish linen. The Hollywood Road Police Married Quarters, also known as PMQ, was initially built as a dormitory for police officers and has since been converted into a creative hub. Check out some of the indie enterprises, gift shops and pop-up stores such as Goods of Desire and Kapok.
Cat Street Bazaar on Upper Lascar Road is an ideal place for souvenirs and antiques. The 100-metre-long street includes bargains in jade, silk, embroideries and wooden handicraft items. You can also check out art galleries along the way.
Food
The cuisine of Madagascar is truly a reflection of the African, Arab and Indonesian peoples that have settled in the country. There are also certain French influences found in the crops that early French colonisers brought including vanilla, coffee, cloves and sugar cane. A traditional meal in Madagascar usually contains one main dish of meat, poultry or fish with a side dish of vegetables, accompanied by a bowl of ro (a mix of herbs, leaves and rice). Malagasy cuisine is known for being quite flavourful despite being prepared in a simple manner without much spice.
Popular dishes include:
Foza sy hena-kisoa: this dish consists of stir-fried pork and crab served with rice.
Ramazava: this dish is made up of leaves, herbs and pieces of beef and pork cooked in oil until browned.
Vary amid’anana: this dish includes rice, leaves or herbs, meat and sometimes shrimp.
Lasopy: this is a soup made with veal or beef broth and vegetables including carrots, turnips, white potatoes, scallions, string beans, tomatoes and then salt. Once the soup has become thick, it is served with crackers or fresh bread.
A popular snack found throughout the island is known as Koba. Koba consists of a helping of rice served with banana and seafood.
Desserts tend to be delicious local tropical fruits that are served with sugar sprinkled on top and then flavoured with vanilla.
Drink
It is not safe to drink tap water in Madagascar so visitors should stick to bottled water which is readily available. Most roadside stalls and stores will sell bottled water and Coca Cola. A popular local drink is ranonapango which is burned rice water. After a pot of rice has been overcooked, boiling water is added to the rice to get the flavour. The water is then poured out, chilled and served. Beers available in Madagascar include Three Horses Beer (THB) and Gold.
Things to Know: Tipping is not customary in hotels, however, restaurants tend to expect around 10%.
