|
News just in - Madagascar Visa Update
We have been advised that visitors to Madagascar no longer require visas for a stay of up to 30 days. This is valid until 31 Dec 2009. As the visas used to cost EUR65-00 per person this is a significant savings.
Introduction
Madagascar is the fourth-largest island in the world
and lies in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique.
It includes several much smaller islands, which are
tropical paradises. The vast rain forests and starkly
contrasting semi arid areas of the south make Madagascar
a trekking haven. Famous for it’s chameleons and
lemurs, trekkers will get to encounter unique flora
and fauna along the rough trails. Andrigita Reserve
is home to Pic Boby, the second highest peak in Madagascar
and is a superb though challenging trek that intrepid
explorers will enjoy.
Best time of the year to go
Madagascar has a hot and subtropical climate, with
somewhat colder temperatures in the mountainous regions.
It can be visited year round although many coastal resorts
close during the winter months. Rainy season is from
November to March with cyclones occurring in late summer.
The southern and western regions are hot and dry. The
high lying regions including Antananarivo, are warm
with late afternoon thundershowers from November to
April and experience dry, cool and windy weather the
rest of the year.
What to wear
Lightweight cottons can be worn during the summer in
Tana and most coastal regions, but warmer clothing is
required if trekking in the mountains. Warm fleeces
and rainwear is recommended.
Getting around
Driving in Madagascar is an experience in itself as
tarred roads are poorly maintained and more remote areas
are impassable in the rainy season. The best way to
travel between major cities is by air. Air Madagascar
has regular schedules to most major towns
Traveller safety
The Madagascans are extremely hospitable and welcoming,
although travellers should still take good care of their
belongings. It is imperative that travellers carry their
passports on them at all times as there are regular
roadblocks on most major routes and in the cities.
Currency and foreign exchange facilities
The local currency is the Madagascar Ariary. The best
place to exchange is at the airport, as banks tend to
charge high commissions. Credit cards are only accepted
at major hotels. It’s advised to take travellers
cheques in Euros or US Dollars.
Health Information
A Yellow fever certificate is no longer required by customs authorities but is still recommended together with cholera as a precautionary inoculation. Malaria is a risk throughout the country
and is highest in coastal areas. It’s essential
to take prophylactics and use insect repellent. Drink
only bottled water. Vegetables should be cooked and
fruit peeled.
|
