Nightclubs and bars in Madagascar

Yes, this is a nightlife tip ! and for some, this is the very purpose of the stay in some national parks in Madagascar.

When the specific lemurs you want to see are nightactive only, what else to do than hiring the ANGAP guides, waking up early in the morning / really late at night, venturing in thick forests & their habitats to spot them ?

This picture was taken in Ranomafana park, Ranomafana area, featuring the nightactive lepilemur species.

Dress Code: Especially in Ranomafana:
- rain coats
- rain boots because, in Ranomafana area, it rains all year round.
- warm clothes (winter nights temps in highlands reach 0°C).

For other parks, I will have to fetch for the infos.

Zaza nightclub is a dark and very African brothel/nightclub/bar/hot spot.
But that's what there is.
Saturday night it's almost empty. Friday night it will be full.

Dress Code: You may dress as you want. The locals, they dress themselves up like there’s no tomorrow, all the latest fashions, trends and styles, but nothing can hide fact that this is a third world country riddled with disease. Its hot and sweaty, the body odour is thick and heavy on the dance floor and pasty in the urinals

The dinner is sumptuous, with a delicious vegetable soup and an exceptional hot condiment. The main course is Zebu, rice vegetable and some yummy beans. Hamba urges us to try the Ranavola, a rice tea made by adding boiling water to the residue in the pot used to boil the rice. It is surprisingly good. Normally 15 beers and one bottle of rum is provided by the centre, but Hamba had to arrange additional supplies for us.

After dinner traditional dancing is laid on. The dancers are all local people, and teeth appear to be optional. One little guy (front right of photo) seems bemused by the whole thing, as if to say ‘what am I doing here?’ The dances are lively and energetic and as usual the guests are asked to join in.

OK, be it in Belgium or Madagascar, I don't usually go to clubs. Still, in Belgium, I go to cafes & pubs. Then, whilst in Madagascar (mainly Tana), I could go to some places, i still don't feel like writing sthg on those clubs since I am not the usual clubber there. I have some memories but i don't feel able to describe the atmosphere of an institution compared to the others. Not clubber enough for that.

In the contrary, I love partying at home. For Malagasy family members being strongly tied to each other, it is so common that we party at home, with a DJ, some drinks and snacks. The partyers are the cousins and their friends they bring. Knowing that Malagasy families tend to be big, the number of cousins partying together can be important. This is what i miss most away from Mada, Tana esp..

Choose yours in this website (sorry, only in French):

http://www.tourismemadagascar.com/loisirs/sortir/sortir.htm

Please check nightlife section in Malagasy cities too for more precise info.

Dress Code: Depending on institutions, sometimes you don't even need a T-shirt (the small dives in backstreet areas), sometimes sneakers are not allowed & doormen are strict (several clubs in Tana)....

This is a picturesque activity in Toamasina and Mahajanga seafront. It's not about bathing. In the evenings, holidaymakers use to gather in seafront, where stalls sell smelling kebab with veggie relish (lasary). Here and there, you will here acapella songs (sometimes with guitar or harmonica) from those gathering or youngsters talking loud... An exciting street nightlife I experienced in Toamasina and Mahajanga since it is unthinkable in Tana streets (for safety reason).

Ouch!! For you, forget about eating food from those stalls (sour and acidic relish won't prevent you from diarrhea :-). Rather eat kebab alone instead.

At seafront outside urban areas, it's likely that you are going to immerse in a group of holidaymakers... and, why not, experience the same seafront nightlife. This time, kebab and lasary should be safer for you if you and your friends prepare it.

Dress Code: No tie required :-))

Did anyone go the the 'Eclipse Concert' at Isalo Ntl Park on June 21? I would love to hear about it.

Anywhere there is live music is a good place to go. Malagasy people love music and love to dance. Even more they like to see the Vazaha dance. This is one big source of entertainment for them. Especially when you try to immitate the Malagasy women. They MUST have a different anatomy from me.

Sunset beach Mangily Hotel near Ifaty/Tuléar
The sun sets early in Madagascar. It's dark by 18.15. Streetlife goes on for the local people. In fact, much food is bought, prepared and eaten on the streets. But for the tourist, it's a contemplative moment on the beach, just before dinner.

Zaza No words can be said cause it was empty on sat nite loll.... Friday heard that its good but did not got the chanche.

Dress Code: Get off from the bed and jump in zaza that is no prob how u get dress...