About Madagascar
True Blue island Travel have been leaders in island travel to Madagascar. No other tour operator has ventured into this unknown country but we have been there and explored the area for the last 8 years. With our exclusivity and knowledge, you will get all the information and photos from all our personal experiences.
Madagascar is only a 4 hour flight away from Johannesburg, so no long flights or jet lag! A country filled with a deep culture and some of the most beautiful and untouched areas, you will be blown away upon your arrival. However, this is a third world country, infrastructure is minimal and English is not widely spoken. Stick with us and you will get all the information you need! Visit the South West areas of Tulear, Anakao and Ifaty. With some of the best weather and low risk of malaria, this is a haven for the wetter November till April period. Great snorkeling, dive, fishing, kiting and more. Outer coral reefs and underwater canyon lands.Baobab trees, spinney forests, beautiful beaches, and rustic lodges.
The Nosey Be Archipilago and the NW. Insane , world class diving on and around all the islands of Irnja, Nosey Kumba, Tanikeli, and more. Dive charter catermarans, Dhow Safaris, Dive and Scuba Centres, schools and Resorts. Or Island hop, swim with dolphins , whale sharks and more. Visit the lemurs and the different islands. Isle St Marie on the SE coast is a beautiful, and untouched paradise for dive , snorkel and that magical island getaway. Ylang Ylang trees, shipwrecks, white sand beaches and palm fringed shores. A honeymooners paradise.
The Beaches, Mountains and waterways of Fort Dauphin. Nature reserves with lemurs, great surf and kite, amazing walks and hikes. Diego and the north- adventure capital, so many options. And Antananarivo, the capital is awesome and mixed with old and new. From here, only a few hours away are the massive forests and nature reserves teaming with all the endemic creatures.
MADAGASCAR FACTS
Capital: Antananarivo
Language: Malagasy & French (only a little English spoken)
Currency: Airy Airy and Euro
Climate: It is hot with sub tropical weather. From December to March it’s summer which is also known as the hurricane season. From April to October it is winter, which is dry and the temperatures are mild.
Best time to travel: With Monsoon time from December through to March the best time to travel to Madagascar is generally in February to December. Madagascar has two seasons: a hot, rainy season from November to April; and dry season with a cooler temperature from May to October. There is, however, great variation in climate owing to elevation and position relative to the dominant winds. The east coast has a subequatorial climate and, being most directly exposed to the trade winds, has the heaviest rainfall – averaging as much as 3.5 meters annually!
Because rain clouds discharge much of their moisture east of the highest elevations on the island, the central highlands are drier and, owing to the altitude, also cooler. The dry season in the highlands is pleasant and sunny, although somewhat chilly, especially in the mornings. During this time, the blue skies of the central highlands are considered by many to be among the clearest and most beautiful in the world. The west coast is drier than the east coast and the central highlands because the trade winds lose their humidity by the time they reach this region. The south-west and the extreme south are semi-desert; as little as one-third of a meter of rain falls annually at Toliara (Tulear).
Dive: All year BUT Best from April to Dec.
Health: Visit a travel clinic for all details before you travel. Malaria is prevalent in most areas. Drink only bottled water and it is essential take travel insurance and a medical kit.
Visa: Visas must be applied for before arrival by many nationalities. There is an option to obtain them upon arrival for certain nationalities, incl. RSA citizens. But it can be tricky and you may be bribed or have to wait in long queues.
