Madagascar Experiences

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Madagascar is home to one of the most diverse and unique ecosystems in the world. The amount of wildlife you can view in one day is mind boggling! Trekking is a must-do whilst on a visit to this, the world's fourth largest island. Other activities to check out whilst in Madagascar are deep-sea fishing, sailing, scuba-diving, kitesurfing and rafting. This amazing country is sure not to disappoint on any level and is definitely worth a visit.

The Republic of Madagascar lies about 225 miles off the south-eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It broke away from the main African continent around 125 million years ago and has since evolved its own distinctive environment. Madagascar is home to five per cent of the world's plant and animal species, and 80 per cent of its species are endemic only to this island. Whilst in Madagascar, you might be lucky enough to see the world's biggest or smallest varieties of Chameleon, or perhaps track down the last-known stomping ground of the elephant bird - the largest bird to have ever lived! Then there are the lemur monkeys - scores of different species and sub-species that playfully roam through the jungles and savannahs.

Madagascar's geography is as unique as its natural environment. Steep mountainous escarpments rise to the east from the central highlands, then drop off to tropical rainforest. In the west, the grassy savannah plains and deciduous forests lend a lush feel to the region, whilst down in the south, hot desert and strange Baobab trees reign.

There are two distinct seasons in Madagascar: the hot, rainy season that extends from November to April and the cooler, drier season that lasts from May to October. Temperatures in Madagascar range from 24C to 31C, and humidity from 70 to 95 per cent.

Only a few carriers fly to Madagascar and only from selected European airports. Most international flights go via the African mainland before connecting to an intercontinental air carrier that will then deliver you to Ivato airport, 12 km from the capital city of Antananarivo in the central province of the island. Once landed, to make your way around the country will require some determination and if possible, some French speaking skills. The train networks in Madagascar are limited, although the domestic air services are efficient and have a good safety record. Bus routes are, as you'd expect in a country as yet unspoilt by mass tourism, undeveloped and buses crowded. Car rental and taxi services are the final option, but with less than 15 per cent of the nation's roads paved, don't expect a smooth ride.

Trekking
There are three main mountain groups within the country and each offers the opportunity to hike your way to the top. The highest peak in the country can be found in the most northerly province, Antsiranana. Mount Maromokotro's summit sits at 2876m and commands awe-inspiring views. Further south, in the central province of Antananarivo, you'll find the highlands that extend from the Tsaratanana Massif in the north of the province, to the Ivakoany Massif in the south. These sharp mountain escarpments run east along the coast and then gradually tail off down to the west coast. The central highlands include the Anjafy High Plateaux; the volcanic formations of Itasy; the Ivakoany Massif in the south and the Ankaratra Massif, which soars to around 2642m. In the south is the Andringitra national park, characterized by high mountains that peak at 2658m, deep valleys and narrow ridges. It is also said that Andringitra is one of the most bio-diverse parks in Madagascar.

All-in-all, Madagascar's wildlife is mind-blowing and ecologically interesting, and the trekking is of a good grade and comparable to that found in more commercially-developed locations of the world.

Deep Sea Fishing
With the abundant Indian Ocean on your doorstep, sea fishing in Madagascar isexhilarating. The ocean here is teeming with hundreds of fish species as well as big marine game. The north-eastern coast and especially Baie d'Antongil are sure to provide anglers a worthwhile day out on the water. Water conditions around Nosy Be are fantastic with very calm water, virtually no shore break and extremely good visibility.

April through to July/August seems to be peak Sailfish time and there is also plenty of Marlin around.Fishing, in general, hits its peak from June to November. December through to March is the rainy season but the tropical rains tend to fall at night, leaving the days clear. The fishing does decline a little during the rainy season, but you'll still get plenty of action in the water.

Sailing
Sailing around Madagascar you can't help but be struck by just how turquoise the seas are; if you think of a picture-postcard beach paradise, well in Madagascar, that's the reality! Yacht charters are popular around Nosy Be (north), Nosy Sakatia, Grand Mitsio's (north-west), Tsarabanjina (north-west), Tanikely marine reserve, Nosy Komba and Lokobie reserve areas. Other than a yacht, the alternative ocean vessel option is a slower-moving, but more traditional Dowh.These boats might seem crudely built with odd bits of spare fabrics making up their sails, but they float, they sail and their lively skippers are good fun to be out on the water with.

Down south, there is the tropical seaside town of Fort Dauphin that's worth a visit. Over on the west coast, the regular south-easterly trade winds give way to more gentle breezes that blow offshore in the morning, and then turn around and blow onshore in the afternoon. This pattern is great for trading up and down the coast. Wind strengths range from 5mph to 50mph, although during the rainy season (December to March) the monsoons bring cyclones to the eastern and northern coastlines.

Rafting
Rafting in Madagascar takes you deep into the island's interior. With no shortage of rivers offering varying levels of excitement, you can sit back and marvel at the strangely beautiful Baobab trees or hunker down and get paddling through some wild white-water rapids. The best time of year to run the rivers is April to November. You'll find the busiest season is June to August and some of the rivers get overcrowded at this time - The shoulder seasons (between wet and dry seasons) are quieter. The Tsrirbihina River is great for beginners: this runs from the east coast into the island's central region. The Sahatandra River in the east runs fast due to the steep land formation and provides Grade II, III and IV rapids. Over in the west, there are a number of good rafting rivers: Betsiboka, Sambirano, Mahajamba, Mania, Mangoky Onilahy and the north and south Mahavavy.

Scuba-Diving
Life underwater off the Madagascan coast is as varied and exciting as it is on land. The best time of year to dive in Madagascar is May through to the end of December. During the rainy season (December through April) the diving is still good but the visibility is reduced from 20-30m+ to nearer 15-20m and the average water temperature is warm, about 25-30C. The north-west of the country has dive sites galore, which can be explored from a base in the Nosy Be area. The best of these are Tanikely, The Four Brothers, The Mummy and The Organ.

In the east of Madagascar there is the island of Saint Marie, which has numerous wrecks sunk of its coast, and just south of here is the more remote island Aux Nattes, which has some of the area's most stunning coral formations.

For deep-sea diving (trained divers only) Paro des Merous is the place to go. And finally, down in the south of Madagascar, Ifaty Toliara and Morondova have schools in which you can learn to dive, as well as having great dive locations.
For multiple-day dive trips in further flung locations try a LiveAboard excursion.

Kite Surfing
Kitesurfing is fast becoming one of the most popular, year-round adventure sports here. In the north-east is Baie de Sakalava, which boasts consistent winds of around 30 knots: great for big jumps. If you're new to this sport then Sakalava has one of only two kitesurfing schools in the country. From here you could take a boat out to Mer d'Emauralde; this small island has smooth waves and strong winds.

For the very adventurous kitesurfer in Madagascar, the famous Flameballs reef break can offer an adrenalin-pumping thrill, not rivalled anywhere else in the country! Traditionally, good surfing territory is also perfect for kitesurfers. Here the predominant wind blows strong, often around 30 knots and the waves are smooth. Kitesurfing in Madagascar without the help a motor boat is difficult - the roads between spots are under-developed or non-existent. The other tip is to bring extra kit for repairs, as surf shops are yet to open here.

Classic Itinerary
However long you might have in Madagascar, you can guarantee having an exciting and adventurous stay. From the capital Antananarivo ('Tana'), you could fly down to Fort Dauphin in the southeast and do some trekking or kitesurfing. Then perhaps take another internal flight up north to Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) and have a go at scuba diving, deep sea fishing or sailing. If you then want to kick back and decompress from the excitement then enjoy Madagaskar's chilled, white, sandy beaches, or if you're still up for more activity, make you way over to the east and go rafting.