Madagascar Visitor Information

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Madagascar Guide

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Climate

Climate Chart for Madagascar

The climate of the eastern and northwestern coasts of Madagascar is dominated by the almost constant blowing of the southeasterly trade winds, which carry heavy rains during the austral winter (May to September).

The central plateau and the western coast are sheltered from these winds but receive rain from the monsoon winds, which blow during the austral summer (October to April). These are a continuation of the Indian monsoons, but produce northwesterly winds. Neither the trade winds nor the monsoons reach the southern part of the island, which consequently receives little rain and is, in places, a semidesert. The central plateau enjoys a tropical mountain climate with well differentiated thermal seasons.

Generally the climate throughout the island is moderated by altitude, with the coast being hotter (average temperature 21°-26°C or 70°-80°F) and wetter than the plateau (average temperature 13°-19.4°C, 55°-67°F).

Travel Advice Links

British - Foreign & Commonwealth Office

US State Department - Travel Warnings

Canada - Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Visas and Immigration

All visitors must have visas, except citizens of some African countries. Proof of return ticket is required. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from departure date. If you are arriving from the African continent you must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Tourist Offices and/or embassies located around the world that represent Madagascar

Money

Official Currency: Malagasy franc=100 centimes
Current Exchange Rate: Today's Exchange Rate

Travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and most the large hotels. Credit cards are accepted at the major hotels. It is advisable to take with you foreign currency in US Dollar as generally air travel and 1st class train travel will be required to be paid for in foreign currency.

Foreign currency must be declared on arrival.

Getting Around

Air

The domestic airline serves most the country's town with the exceptions of a few in the central highlands. On all flights a small departure tax is charged.

Railways / Train Services

The railway system connection Antananarivo, and Toamasina; Antananarivo and Antsirabe; Fianarantsoa and Manakara; and Moramanga and Ambatondrazaja

Bus

You can travel between coastal villages in dugout canoes known as Pirogues or Lakana. You can also hire Dhows and larger cargo boats. Ferries sails between Toamasina, Nosy Boraha and Maroantsetra and connect Manompana and Soanierana-Ivongo with Nosy Boraha.

Bush Taxis and mini-buses are the main form of transport. Some larger buses runs between Antananarivo and Toliara. Most the vehicles are in a very poor state and are very crowded.

Road

Driving in on the right hand side and a national driving licence is required. There are several car hire companies in the main towns. Road conditions are very poor, some impassable during heavy rains.