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Back in old times...

by Norali

It is reported to be the type of boat that Malagasy ancestors from SE Asia (Malayo-Polynesia area, incl. Malaysia, Indonesia...) used to navigate in Indian Ocean (before the Arabs did it), to reach Arabic coast, African coast and Madagascar. That was centuries ago (The first wave of SE Asian migrants/ navigators were said to settle there in 5th century).This picture was taken in our 3rd millenium in Mahajanga coast. In fact, in Madagascar, the Vezo people, a fishermen tribe on West coast, still use it in their day-to-day activities. This illustrates the influences of Asian ancestors had on African ancestors and vice-versa. This typical Asian boat is now used by a mostly African descending tribe in Madagascar whilst the Merina and Betsileo tribes also include African references in their everyday life. When I see the result of those exchanges between Malagasy ascendants, I am proud to see...

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Partying in Madagascar

by Norali

Well, it's a bit weird to put it after a "Poverty' tip but hey, it's a Malagasy feature too...Malagasy people are amongst real partyers. I don't even talk about official, planned parties.Rather talk about the ability of getting it to party while few people are together. It happens so often that when you have a family meeting, one decides to play either live music either a Cd or even.. a cassette (!). Some begin dancing then one suggests to throw a party... After pushing up furniture in order to improvise a dancefloor, partying till dawn. It's easy to heat up the ambience with just some guitar and harmonica as well. Audience claps hands and sing acapella, accompanying instruments. Traditional songs, ballads are then reviewed... Families use to have some amateur music players so it's always useful in those cases. It's even more interesting when one of the youngsters is a DJ and has his...

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When to go to Madagascar?

by Norali

Tricky question: I would say "year- round" .. hehe... Well, depends on your interests:* Seeing reptiles - amphibians: best during rainy season: January through March. Though they are present year-round.* Photo Safari lovers, Madagascar is a photographers paradise and is beautiful year-round. April and May are best months, after the rains, flora is green and luxuriant.* Interested in whale-watching? Go there from July through September in the Bay of Antongila, Nosy Boraha, Lokaro.* Lemurs: September and October when the new babies are born.* Birders, Choose September to December (breeding season) which is the most suitable time to find them as they are more vocal. Though visits before and after this period have also proved to be good, especially in the south and the west.* Sun, sand, snorkeling, diving and fishing: year-round.Please note that as for weather, Southern winter, April-...

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View over Tana

by nepalgoods

This is a view over Tana with the Palace of the last Queen, which burned down in the 1980s. Sitting on a hill above Tana, singing and laughing with the young Madagascan people, seeing the light of the city.

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...visit Isalo, Ranomafana,...

by Tamani

...visit Isalo, Ranomafana, Perinet, Ifaty, Fort Dauphin, Canal de Pangalanes.....etc etc.Try to learn a little of the language. In Tana bookshops you can buy a basic English Malagasy dictionary (the money goes to the red cross!). It is much fun and people value it greatly.Stimulate the local economy. Madagascar is an extremely poor country where most of the tourist industry is in hands of vazaha. Look for small local restaurants or go shopping for 'mouf' (bread) and fruit on the market.

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Tamani's General Tip

by Tamani

We visited a market in a small village east of Morondava. When we heard music on the market we started dancing. We had already discovered that music is a great way to make contact with Malagasy people, but we never expected to be cheered like the Spice Girls on tour. I am convinced that many of the wonderful people in this village will not forget this afternoon in april, which makes my memories even more special!

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I thourougly enjoyed the...

by cosmopolit

I thourougly enjoyed the hiking in the nature reserves as there were so many kinds of animals and plants to be discovered.Feel free to check out my travelogue which should give you a broader idea of the country. Being quite observant and paying attention to the not-so-obvious I spotted a rather strange kind of ants or so I was told they were. First I thought it were blossoms or mushrooms I was looking at but they seemed to wriggle too much..

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Good Madagascar guide

by ATLC

well, not 'must', but I found this a helpful guide to Madagascar. It's recently published (2000). ISBN: 1854582410. 10.99 GBP or 18.95 USD.Publisher: Vacation Works

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Helping the people

by ATLC

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. My best memories are the visits to various projects to help children: 1) The children's hospital in Antananarivo 2) Association Mikolo for orphans near Antsirabe and 3) La Ribambelle near Tuléar (doctor's post, maternity clinic and center for handicapped children). Please read about it in my Travelogue! It's so easy to help and it really makes a difference.

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rene_teewee's General Tip

by rene_teewee

Meeting these children in a village on the Masoala peninsula. Apparently we 'vazaha' (white people) were so interesting that they followed us everywhere. We tried to talk with them in Malagasy and French, which ended up in spontaneous singing and dancing. Music is really an important part of everyday life in Madagascar.

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Related Madagascar Favorites Tips

Top 3 Hotels in Madagascar

Hotel Tamboho  Antananarivo

 32 Opinions

 Hotels in Antananarivo

La Varangue  Antananarivo

 1 Review and 29 Opinions  I spent three nights in this very pleasant hotel in Tana. The location is excellent,. right around... 

 Hotels in Antananarivo

Hotel Royal Palissandre  Antananarivo

 1 Review and 47 Opinions  Le Royal Pallisandre is a very good quality hotel in the heart of the city. The rooms and public... 

 Hotels in Antananarivo

18 Hotels in Madagascar
 
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Reviews and photos of Madagascar attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Madagascar sightseeing.

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Favorites: Cities in Madagascar
  1. Antananarivo Favorites
  2. Antsirabe Favorites
  3. Ampefy Favorites
  4. Ambohimanga Favorites
  5. Mahajanga Favorites
  6. Nosy Sainte Marie Favorites
  7. Malaza Favorites
  8. Andasibe Favorites
  9. Tangorombohitr' Isalo Favorites
  10. Antsiranana Favorites
  11. Anosy Avaratra Favorites
  12. Lazaina Favorites
  13. Ambohidrabiby Favorites
  14. Ambatoharanana Favorites
  15. Ranomafana Favorites

More Cities in Madagascar

 

Popular Regions in Madagascar

Faritanin' Antananarivo Favorites  Faritanin' i Toamasina Favorites  Faritanin' i Toliara Favorites  Faritanin' Antsiranana Favorites  Faritanin' i Fianarantsoa Favorites  Faritanin' i Mahajanga Favorites 

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Questions and Answers

josemuniz12000 profile photo

Q:  Has anyone used Desire Travel Tours and had problems just before arriving? I'm 12 days from departure to Madagascar from Kenya... 

Odinnthor profile photo

A: I think you may be jumping to bad conclusions too quickly. I have been a tour director for several decades, and have a pretty good handle on most operators. It is... 

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