capital : Antananarivo or known as short name " Tana ".
population : 24 042 551 habitats
languages : Malagasy is the official language and most the people use, but French is for administrative only. A few people involved in the tourism industry might be able to speak some English.
local time : Sunrise is in Madagascar at 6:30 am in winter and at 5:30 am in summer. In winter the sun gets down at 17:30 pm and in summer at 18:30 pm.The time difference compared with Western Europe is only +1 hour during summer and in winter +2 hours (one hour more for UK).
Three hours ahead of GMT (GMT/UTC + 3)
international dialling code : +261 ……..
religion : About 45% of the Malagasy are Christian, divided almost evenly between Catholics and Protestants. 8 - 12% of the populations are Muslim.The rest of the country's population practices traditional religions.
visa and immigration : Everyone have to apply entry visa with valid passport and must have round trip air ticket. You can get a visa on arrival at airport or apply for an eVisa before travel. If you are planning to stay over three months it is compulsory to apply for the visa in advance at the nearest embassy near you.
Tarifs applicables :
- 1 to 15 Days ( 35 USD or 30 EURO )
- 16 to 30 Days ( 41 USD or 35 EURO )
- 31 to 60 Days ( 47 USD or 40 EURO )
- 61 to 90 Days ( 59 USD or 50 EURO )
health : No vaccination is required to go to Madagascar, unless they have passed through an infected area. Anti-malaria prophylaxis and an injection of gamma globulin against hepatitis are recommended, as are preventions against cholera and yellow fever. Concerning the epidemics that can occur in the world, the Malagasy health authorities are as reactive and informed as the other states. we recommend you bring an anti malarial treatment, mosquito repellents and sun cream. Don't drink water from taps. Brush teeth with bottled water also.
anti-malaria : Precautions are recommended for all tours and clients are advised to bring insect repellent and a malaria prophylaxis.
climate : Madagascar has several climatic zones depending on the altitude and location. In general, the climate goes from humid tropical to semi-arid, with a rainy season from Mid of November to beginning of April and a dry one the rest of the year. The best time to visit Madagascar is from May till end of November.
equipement : Take only bags that travel along easily in small planes. If you come from a central European country you do not need any special electricity plugs.
clothing : Take a long sleeved T-Shirt for the evening as protection against the mosquitoes and the coldness in the highlands. A thin pareo is fine as a towel on the beach. Do not forget plastic shoes for when you go swimming and be careful not to step on sea urchins. Take also a light rain jacket for the rain in the Eastern coast, though thanks to the hot weather clothes dry quickly. Good walking shoes are essential for tracking tours.
medical supplies :
- Injection needles
- Medication against diarrhea
- Medication against dehydration
- Anti mosquito stuff (mosquito net)
- Efficient sun cream (sun protection and mosquitoes repellents are much more expensive in Madagascar)
- A lotion against swollen legs/feet during long flights
- Malaria pills
photo equipment : Take extra batteries for camera's and all the film you think you need.
electrical power : Electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. plugs are generally two-pin.Power blackouts are usual so take a torch with you. In rural areas there is still no electricity, so that most hotels operate an own generator,which runs normally in the late afternoon and in the early morning.
money : Official Currency is in Ariary
- Travelers check can be exchanged at banks and you will be required to show the original purchase receipt otherwise our banks will refuse to exchange them.
- Visa cards are accepted at the major high standing hotels in the big city and at major banks. It is advisable to also bring with you Euro or US Dollar in cash. Only few banks service Master card in Madagascar, so try to use Visa card instead. There are some banks where you can change money at the airport but if you do not want to spend time on cue, Why not book your local currency through our company before you will arrive?
- Australian Dollars is not welcome in Madagascar since non banks take it.
atm's : There are ATM's in Antananarivo and other major towns. However, you can withdraw only around €110 or 400 000 ariary per transaction, and at the time of research most of ATM's only accepted Visa cards.
money transfer : Western Union or Tap Tap send, available in most financial establishments.
budget : These prices below are for an idea but you could tie up your belt for your own expenses.
- Breakfast: from 5 euro up to 8 euro per person.
- Meals (lunch or dinner): from 12 euro up to 30 euro per meal.
- Local guide fees in the parks: from 10 euro up to 35 euro for 1 up to 4 people .
- Hotels: from 25 euro up to 500 euro per night.
public holiday in madagascar :
- 1 January, New Year’s Day
- 8 March, International Women’s Day, half-day holiday
- 29 March, 29 March 1947 Memorial Day
- Easter Monday
- 1 May, Labor Day
- 25 May, Organization of African Unity Day
- Whit Monday
- Ascension Day
- 26 June, National Holiday
- 15 August, Feast of the Assumption
- 1 November, All Saints Day
- 25 December, Christmas Day
office opening hours :
- Administration :
- Morning : 8.30 am to 12.00 pm
- Morning : 8.30 am to 12.00 pm
- Private Companies :
- Morning : 8.00 am to 12.00 am
- Afternoon : 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm