Madagascar is an island nation bathed by the Indian Ocean, located just off the eastern coast of Africa.
It has a unique topographic shape and is divided into five macro-regions, each different in landscape, climate, and ethnic groups. The highlands form the core of the island. Here lies Antananarivo, the capital and largest city of Madagascar. With its 50 churches, the ruins of the Queen’s Palace, and historical buildings, it’s a must-visit stop. It’s a bustling commercial city where you can get lost in the many local craft markets and enjoy evenings in the historic center filled with lively bars and typical restaurants.
The northern part of the island is sparsely populated, except for the archipelagos of Nosy Be and Diego Suarez. This region offers a flora and fauna of rare beauty, with countless national parks, protected areas, and untouched rainforest. As French botanist Philibert Commerson wrote in 1771: “Madagascar is the promised land for naturalists.”
The eastern region is famous for the beautiful beaches of Saint Marie, a sought-after tourist destination, while the South—with its dry desert, spiny plant varieties, and Baobab forests—is arguably the most fascinating part of Madagascar.
Lastly, there’s the western coast, with its jagged coastline and ports that tell old tales of pirates who found refuge there in centuries past. This region, thanks to its local ethnic traditions, still preserves ancient beliefs and past rituals, creating an almost mystical atmosphere that is truly intriguing.
LANGUAGE: The official language is Malagasy; French is the second language taught in schools.
RELIGION: Christianity is the most widespread religion, with a good percentage of Muslims and a few animist minorities.
TIME ZONE: Two hours behind Italy.
DOCUMENTS: A passport valid for at least six months and a visa, which is issued upon arrival at the airport for a fee of €25.
CURRENCY: Malagasy Ariary.
Curiosity
In northern Madagascar, an ancient form of combat called Moraingy is still practiced today. Two villages gather in a square and form a circle. A challenger from one village walks around the circle, scanning for a potential opponent, until someone from the opposing village steps forward to begin the duel.
The match is accompanied by traditional songs and dances, along with loud cheering from the audience to support the fighters in proving their strength and masculinity.
This form of combat requires great agility and speed, and fighters can be young boys or mature men alike. During the match, it’s common to see fighters chewing Khat leaves—an exciting plant that helps numb the sensation of pain.
Our advices
TO WATCH: Madagascar: An Adventure in Biodiversity — a documentary available for free streaming and download at www.documentaristreaming.net. It gives a preview of the island’s stunning landscapes and the many animal species you can admire in person.
TO READ: Madagascar: Travel Monograph by Ian Malcom (Tranchida Editions). The author is a storyteller of places, and in these tales, he opens up Madagascar’s traditions and ways of life to Western readers.
TO LISTEN TO: Music is a key part of Malagasy culture. It accompanies ceremonies, major events, and celebrations, making them highly evocative. The most famous traditional song is Vahy Soava, performed with just hand clapping. Traditional Malagasy music is both African and Indonesian-influenced and is largely instrumental, featuring string instruments like the Kabosy, Marovany, and Valiha.
TO EAT: Malagasy cuisine is rich in spices, with frequent use of rice and plenty of seafood, especially lobster. Specialties to try include Ro and Rovitoto. Ro is made of rice, herbs, and aromatic leaves and is a staple of the local diet. Rovitoto is a dish made from beef or pork with aromatic herbs.
