Please do note that the below points are shared with you for your reference only. Please use them at your own discretion.
Your Health: It is your (Traveller’s) responsibility is to ensure that you are in good health and medically fit to undertake safari tour. If the tour passes through the malaria area, precautionary treatment is advised. Consultation with medical practitioner/doctor and obtaining prophylactic and precautionary anti-malaria treatment is necessary.
Local Currency: Malagasy ariary (MGA)
The Malagasy Ariary (MGA) is the local currency of Madagascar. The most accepted foreign currency is the Euro, but US dollars and GBP are easily changed. You can exchange money at banks or make withdrawals from local ATMs. If you use a money exchange office, count your money immediately to make sure you haven’t been short changed.
As on 30 Nov 2021, 01 USD = 3990 MGA approximately.
As on 30 Nov 2021, 01 EUR = 4500 MGA approximately.
The above rate of exchange may change at the time of your booking.
Helpful items for your packing list:
- Clothes
- Comfortable shoes (including hiking shoes)
- Sun glasses
- Sun-screen lotion
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Personal medicaments with proper prescription
- Sun hat
- Torch or Headlamp
Photography: Madagascar is completely different to mainland Africa in every way possible. The major draw card of Madagascar is its wildlife. With some 100,000 species of fauna, the sheer volume of photographic opportunities is mind boggling. Over 100 species of lemur, 300+ species of birds, 260 types of reptiles and 266 amphibian species call this island home. And there’s still more being discovered today—more than 600 new species of wildlife have been recorded since 1999. Just about everything you lay your eyes on in Madagascar exists nowhere else on Earth. In fact, approximately 9% of its reptiles, 89% of its plant life, and 92% of its mammals are completely unique to the island. It’s this sheer volume of biodiversity that provides us photographers with so many opportunities to create images of the wild, strange and rare.
But it’s more than just the wildlife that makes Madagascar so special. The ‘Rainbow Island’, as it’s also known, is home to a wealth of cultural diversity and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. From the capital of Antananarivo to the rural seaside fishing villages of Morondava, there are endless opportunities to take portraits and capture the locals’ unique way of life.
Please do ask people for their permission before you click pictures of them.
People: Malagasy. The Malagasy (French: Malgache) are an Austronesian ethnic group native to the island country of Madagascar. Traditionally the population have been divided by subgroups (tribes or ethnicities), but the relevance of this subdivision is disputed.
The Malagasy peoples, moreover, do not consider themselves to be Africans, but, because of the continuing bond with France that resulted from former colonial rule, the island developed political, economic, and cultural links with the French-speaking countries of western Africa.
The Malagasy language of Austronesian origin, is generally spoken throughout the island. The official languages of Madagascar are Malagasy and French. Madagascar is a Francophone country, and French is spoken among the educated population of this former French colony
Climate: The climate of Madagascar is subtropical, with a hot and rainy season between November and the end of March (summer), and a cooler dry season from May to October (winter). … The west coast is drier than the east coast, whilst the far south and southwest is a semi-desert region that experiences very little rainfall.
Staying safe on Wildlife Viewing Activities: There are no dangerous animals in Madagascar. Most wildlife viewing is done on foot, so sturdy walking shoes and protective clothing is essential. A walking stick can come in handy as well. All parks and reserves are very safe – all you have to do is follow your guide’s instructions.
Staying safe in Cities and Towns: Most cities in the world see some crime and urban areas in Madagascar are no exception. Most issues are minor, such as petty theft and pickpocketing and you are very unlikely to encounter any trouble on guided activities. When venturing out in cities and towns alone, you should follow a few simple safety precautions: seek advice from your hotel before taking a walk; don’t wear jewellery or other valuables and only take the money you need with you; always take a taxi after dark. Steer clear of any protests, demonstrations or political gatherings which can turn violent quickly.
Mandatory Medical /Tests or Vaccination details: None