Madagascar

Madagascar, formerly the Malagasy Republic, is a country in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa. It is the fourth largest island in the world.

Regions of Madagascar

Madagascar Regions map - Map of Madagascar with regions colour coded

Antananarivo Province (Antananarivo, Antsirabe) The capital is the arrival point for many visitors, and the hub of the domestic airline and land transport routes. Outside of the capital are small towns known for their craft workshops, as well as small reserves that are home to lemurs.

Antsiranana Province (Antsiranana, Masoala National Park, Nosy Be) Home to the beautiful tropical island of Nosy Be, and its surrounding sub-islands, this region is where most travellers go for upscale resorts and pristine beaches, and is one of the most popular destinations in the entire country.

Fianarantsoa Province (Fianarantsoa, Ambositra, Ambalavao, Andringitra National Park, Ranomafana National Park) The area south of the capital is home to rain forests and mountains, and relatively accessible via RN7.

Mahajanga Province (Mahajanga, Tsingy de Bemaraha Reserve) Mahajanga is home to impressive wetlands and some hidden resorts that can be visited only by private plane or boat.

Toamasina Province (Toamasina, Vatomandry, Ile aux Nattes, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park) This province is home to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, where the Indri lemurs sing, and to some less-visited destinations along the eastern coast.

Toliara Province (Toliara, Anakao, Isalo National Park) The southern portion of the nation is the land of the spiny forest, with hot and dry conditions leading to an environment of harsh vegetation that is nevertheless home to a vast array of lemurs, lizards, birds and insects.

Cities

• Antananarivo - the capital and usually called Tana by local residents.
• Ambalavao
• Ambositra
• Antsirabe
• Fianarantsoa
• Ihosy
• Morondava
• Taolagnaro (also commonly known as Fort Dauphin)
• Toliara (also commonly known as Tulear)

More Destinations

• Anakao
• Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
• Andringitra National Park
• Ile aux Nattes
• Isalo National Park
• Masoala National Park
• Nosy Be
• Ranomafana National Park
• Tsingy de Bemaraha Reserve

Madagascar Halal Explorer

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The People of Madagascar

Despite its proximity to Africa, language and DNA studies show that the people of Madagascar arrived from Borneo and Polynesia between 350 BC and 550 AD. Later, in 1000 AD, migrants crossed the Mozambique Channel and arrived from East Africa, and were followed by Arabs, Indians, and Chinese immigrants. The Malagasy way of thinking, as well as their appearance and fashion style, is a mixture of cultures.

Madagascar is part of the African Union, but was suspended from the organization from 2009-2013. There was political turmoil in Madagascar in 2002 and again between 2009 and 2010, which led to a decrease in tourism, but the situation was resolved to the satisfaction of the international community with the adoption of a new constitution in 2010 and presidential elections in 2013 that were judged to be free and fair. Any continuing political issues seem likely to be debated peacefully with words and not coups or other drastic actions, for the foreseeable future.

Madagascar is home to 18 ethnic groups, but the largest and predominant group are the Merina of the central highlands.

How is the Ecology of Madagascar

Katta család - Ring-tailed lemur with babies on board.

Geographically, Madagascar split from India roughly 88 million years ago, and as a result of its long isolation it is home to a massive number of unique plant and animal species, with over 90% of its wildlife and 80% of its plants found nowhere else on the planet. Due to its uniqueness some ecologists refer to it as the "eighth continent".

Madagascar is home to nearly 15,000 plant species, with highlights including the massive and ancient baobab trees and the unique spiny forests of the south, over 800 species of orchids, and the dwindling rain forests. Human activity, particularly the fires used for agricultural purposes, have damaged the environment, and since the arrival of humans roughly 90% of the island's original forest has disappeared.

Animal life on the island is equally impressive, in particular the more than 100 species of lemurs, nearly all of which are rare or threatened. The island is home to over 300 species of birds, roughly 260 species of reptiles, and a massive number of amphibians and insects.

The eastern, or windward side of the island is home to tropical rainforests, while the western and southern sides, which lie in the rain shadow of the central highlands, are home to tropical dry forests, thorn forests, and deserts and xeric shrublands. Madagascar's dry deciduous rain forest has been preserved generally better than the eastern rainforests or the high central plateau, presumably due to historically low population densities.

Public Holidays in Madagascar

• January 1: New Year's Day
• March 29: Martyrs Day
• Easter (variable)
• June 26: Independence Day, (1960) (from France)
• November 1: All Saints Day
• December 25: Christmas

How is the Climate in Madagascar

Fishermen in Nosey Be - Fishermen in Nosy Be

The climate is tropical along the coast, temperate inland, and arid in the south. The weather is dominated by the southeastern trade winds that originate in the Indian Ocean anticyclone, a centre of high atmospheric pressure that seasonally changes its position over the ocean. Madagascar has two seasons: a hot, rainy season from November to April; and a cooler, dry season from May to October. There is great variation in climate owing to elevation and position relative to dominant winds. The east coast has a sub-equatorial climate and, being most directly exposed to the trade winds, has the heaviest rainfall, averaging as much as 3,500 mm (137.8 in) annually. This region is notorious not only for a hot, humid climate in which tropical fevers are endemic but also for the destructive cyclones that occur during the rainy season, coming in principally from the direction of the Mascarene Islands. Because rain clouds discharge much of their moisture east of the highest elevations on the island and the central highlands are appreciably drier and, owing to the altitude, also cooler. Thunderstorms are common during the rainy season in the central highlands, and lightning is a serious hazard.

Antananarivo receives practically all of its average annual 1,400mm (55.1 in) of rainfall between November and April. The dry season is pleasant and sunny, although somewhat chilly, especially in the mornings. Although frosts are rare in Antananarivo and they are common at higher elevations.

Local Language in Madagascar

The entire island speaks one language: Malagasy phrasebook|Malagasy, an Austronesian language. "Malagasy" refers to both the language and the people of the island. Because the island is so large and there are many different dialects. The Merina dialect is the "Official Malagasy" of the island and is spoken around highlands of Antananarivo. Most Malagasy, however, speak Merina across the island. Attempts by foreigners to learn and speak Malagasy are liked and encouraged by the Malagasy people. Today, Malagasy is the daily language spoken by 98% of the population in Madagascar, and since 1972, Malagasy has been used as the language of instruction in some schools. As an Austronesian language, Malagasy is more closely related to languages spoken in maritime Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands than to other African languages.

French is the second official language of Madagascar, and most individuals encountered in parks and other tourist areas will speak fluent French.

English is increasingly common and many hotels and parks will have at least a few English-speaking staff. Italian, (German), Spanish and Japanese are understood to a lesser extent in areas where visitors are likely to visit.

Some basic Malagasy vocabulary that will help relate to the Malagasy people (there are many different regional versions of the Malagasy language across the nation):

Malagasy	English
Vazaha	Foreigner
Misoatra	Thank you
Salama	Hello
Veloma	Goodbye
Azafady	Please/Sorry/Excuse me Travel to Madagascar Visa & Passport Requirements to enter Madagascar Visitors from most countries can obtain a Madagascar tourist visa upon arrival in Madagascar (information accurate as of November 2022). For stays of up to 30 days US$37 or €35. For longer stays of up to 60 days US$45 or €40. The Antananarivo airport visa on arrival counter is no longer issuing 90 day stays as of November 2022. You must pay for the visa with cash: in US dollars or euros. They also ask for an address of your first night stay. Vaccination Prior to your trip, you should ensure that your routine vaccinations are up-to-date; these include polio, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, MMR and typhoid (check with your doctor). If you are travelling through a country where yellow fever is present then you will be required to show proof of vaccination for yellow fever before you will be allowed entry into Madagascar. Buy a Flight ticket to and from Madagascar Ivato airport in Antananarivo Madagascar - |Ivato airport in Antananarivo International Flights to Madagascar generally either go to Antananarivo (IATA Flight Code: TNR) or Nosy Be (IATA Flight Code: NOS). Air Madagascar ("AirMad") is the national carrier and offers Flights from Paris, Marseille and Guangzhou, Other airlines servicing Madagascar: AirLink (part of South Africa airways) provides daily Flights to Johannesburg, Air France offer Flights from Europe, North America, South America via Paris. Air Austral runs Flights to Madagascar form Paris . Flights transfer on Reunion Island. Air Mauritius from Europe, Asia and Australia via Mauritius. Kenya Airways operates regular service from Europe, North America, Asia and Africa via Nairobi. It has some of the lowest fares. Turkish Airlines from Europe, North America, South america and Asia via Istanbul has some low fares but have two stops via Mauritius and Istanbul Ethiopian Airlines from Africa, Europe, North America, South America and Asia via Addis Ababa. Corsair International fly to Paris and Reunion . Comores Aviation fly to Moroni Expect to pay around 40 000 Ar to get to Tana by taxi, but drivers might easily ask for 60 000 Ar. Otherwise you can get to the Ivato town nearby and take a taxi-be (a local shared taxi bigger than a van) for around 600 Ar. Because you must also buy a seat for your luggage, it will cost 1200 Ar. Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Madagascar The only regular link used to be between Toamasina on the east coast and Mauritius via Reunion. This service has been suspended since December 2014. How to get around in Madagascar Buy a Flight ticket to and from Madagascar Tsaradia Airlines (part of Air Madagascar) and Madagasikara Airways serve many destinations throughout the nation, and provide a much faster option than driving given the poor state of many roads. Tsaradia airlines is notorious for changing flight schedules and cancelling flights. While the airline will provide you with a hotel and book you on the next available flight in the case of a cancellation, don't book tight connections and always confirm your flight time the night before. The good news is airfares have got cheaper. You can now fly from Antananarivo to Nosy-be for 420,000 Ar with a 20-kg bag, or 360,000 Ar with out a bag. Tsaradia Airlines tickets can be booked on its website. Passengers who arrive in Madagascar on a long-haul flight with Air Madagascar no longer get a 25% discount on Tsaradia Airlines. Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Madagascar As of 2022 there is no service to Antananarivo. There are four rail lines in Madagascar: Antananarivo -Ambatondrazaka via Moramanga, you can get on the train between Moramanga and Ambatondrazaka. Antananarivo-Antsirabe Fianarantsoa -Manakara three times a week each direction. Antananarivo-Toamasina: between Moramanga and Tomasina roughly twice a week. With the Malagasy railway network dating from the colonial period, breakdowns are frequent due to poor maintenance, and a line may be closed for several weeks. The train is not the fastest and most comfortable means of travel, but it lets you admire the magnificent landscapes (especially on the line connecting Fianarantsoa to Manakara) and discover the Malagasy fruits and dishes offered at every stop. You can taste what is in season at little cost: crayfish, bananas, cinnamon apples, sambos, zebu Sausages,oranges. Travelling by train is affordable (1st class from Fianarantsoa to Manakara for 25,000 Ar. You want to choose a 1st class seat; or get up very early if you want to be sure to get a 2nd class ticket since it is always extremely crowded (the train is the only mean of transport for many villagers) and no booking is feasible in 2nd class. The train that runs between Manakara and Fianarantsoa is unreliable because of the poor condition of the tracks. For short trips, you might be able to board a goods train. Ask the driver but make sure you get off the train before entering the big cities since this way to travel is not totally legal. By car Sainte marie Madagascar paved road - |Road in Sainte Marie Madagascar's roads are almost all of very low grade (with the exception of 2 routes leading out of Tana). Many roads are studded with potholes and are quagmires in the rainy season. Travel by road will almost always take much more time than you would normally expect. Hire of a 4WD vehicle can reduce this problem but the cost will be higher but still very cost effective if you are not travelling alone and able to split the rental fee between the members of your group (at least US$70/day/car as of October 2014). In nearly all cases a vehicle rental will include the cost of a driver and his accommodation, but verify when booking your rental; most companies will not rent a vehicle without a driver, and in many cases the driver can act as your guide and translator as well. By taxi-brousse Taxi-brousse, or interurban shared taxi, is the way most natives travel around the nation. There are three major modern roads in the nation: RN7 from Tana to Toliara, RN2 from Tana to Tomasina (via Brickaville) and RN4 from Tana to Mahajanga. Trips between those towns take about a day whereas traveling between Tana and Taolagnaro, a south-eastern coastal town, would take about 3 or 4 days due to the condition of the road. Travel is cramped and don't expect air conditioning. Expect dust to be a problem in the dry season. Travel by taxi-brousse is guaranteed to test one's patience and sanity, but there is quite possibly no better way to meet and interact with the local residents and experience Madagascar as the Malagasy do. Taxi-brousse is by far the cheapest way to travel, but do not expect to leave or arrive on time. Indeed and the drivers wait for their 15 seats small buses to get full before leaving and therefore a few hours delay is never excluded. However, during the trip it allows you to admire the breathtaking landscapes Madagascar holds. Destinations to most national parks and towns can be visited from "Antananarivo", drivers will happily drop you off en route to their final destination. Cotisse Transport is one of the best ways to get around, to/from Mahajanga, Morondava, Fianarantsoa, Toamasina. Besady Plus buses leave on time, whether full or not. The provide free wifi and go between Antananarivo and Nosy Be via Ambanja. and from Antananarivo to Sainte Marie via Toamasina . The tickets include sea transfer. By taxi-be In Tana and the cheapest way to get around is by taxi-be, or big taxi, which is a bit larger than a mini-van. There is one aisle with seats to fold down so they can cram in even more people. During peak season, buses run frequently. Prices are around 600 Ar, as of November 2022 and the 183 which is one of the buses going to Cotisse Transport costs 400 Ar. Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Madagascar If you are looking for an unusual holiday, a yacht charter to Madagascar might be a good choice. For those who would like to bareboat, a “guide” is usually included in the price of the yacht charter. Although obligatory, he comes with the price and is crucial for the multitude of services he will provide. He will prepare the food, recommend anchorages, know where to fish and refill the water tanks. He will speak the local language and have an established relationship with the local people. He will protect the boat from theft when you leave it to explore on land. The guide lives completely on the exterior of the boat and does not require a cabin. A yacht charter to Madagascar is a bit of a “Robinson Crusoe” adventure. Once you embark, you will not be able to stock up provisions again and must live off the fish and seafood you will catch for yourself (or with your guide). So take great care with your provisioning list. This problem can be avoided by chartering one of the crewed catamarans. The boats are designed for stability so sea sickness is not really a problem. The crew prepare the boat with linen, food and fruit drinks before your arrival -basically these boats are like a personal floating hotel. Depending on which boat you choose you could receive excellent service and food and suggestions of where to go and what to do. Choose your catamaran carefully as there are some really old ones in service- make sure the crew can speak your language. How to travel around Madagascar on a bicycle ? Madagascar is a great place to tour by bike and staying in small towns and villages along the way gives a real sense of what the nation is all about. A mountain bike or heavy duty tourer at least is required as the roads can be in poor to terrible condition. In the rainy season on the east coast the main north-south road can become impassable, possibly leading to a two-day walk - over soft sand in one section - this is not an easily rideable route. Generally there is little to no traffic which makes cruising around a great pleasure. The people are amazingly friendly and you'll be greeted with crowds of children shouting 'Vazaha' in every village. There are few or no facilities for cyclists, so be prepared to camp rough (ask if it is somebody's land and never too near a family grave) or sleep in very basic accommodations. Likely you will be invited to stay in people's houses. Bring a spare tire, puncture kit, chain, brake or gear cable, derailleur and all the tools you need. What to see in Madagascar Adansonia grandidieri04 - Baobab near Morondava Tsingy de Bemaraha Reserve|Tsingy de Bemaraha is Madagascar's largest reserve (152,000 hectares). The fascinating raised limestone plateau is decorated with a frail, chaotic razor-sharp collection of pinnacles and the “Tsingy”, also called the Labyrinth of Stone. Areas of deciduous forest also provide the chance to see brown lemurs, a variety of bird life and the rare all white Decken’s sifaka. The great variety of flora includes: aloes, orchids, numerous pachypodium and baobabs. The deciduous forest is home to over 50 species of birds; 7 species of lemurs (including the all-white Deckens sifaka) and the rare stump-tailed chameleon (Brookesia perarmata). The site of Bemaraha is managed under special UNESCO and access is restricted and the areas you are allowed to visit vary from time to time. Located roughly 180 kilometers north of Morondava. Avenue of the Baobabs is an extraordinary stand of huge baobab trees, 45 minutes north of Morondava on Madagascar's west coast. It is one of the most visited sites in the Menabe Region. A candidate as one of the 7 Wonders of Africa; efforts are underway to protect this unique grove of more than a dozen trees. Some of the trees, Adansonia grandidieri, are over 800 years old and reach a height of more than 30 metres. A photographer's paradise, and especially beautiful at sunset. Top Muslim Travel Tips for Madagascar Most people visiting Madagascar do so for the wildlife, and there are a number of national parks and private reserves scattered throughout the nation. Some are easier to reach than others - the dual Andasibe-Mantadia National Park area is a few hours from the capital via a paved road, while other parks require days of driving and trekking to explore. Scuba diving and snorkeling is exceptional in Nosy Be, and is also feasible in other areas like Toliara. Be aware that the nearest hyperbaric chamber lies across the Mozambique Channel, and that outside of Nosy Be scuba equipment may not be up to expected standards, so exercise caution and be careful to minimize risks when diving. The condition of corals varies from pristine at Nosy Tanikely to completely destroyed elsewhere, and depending on time of year the visibility may exceed 30 metres, or may be reduced to zero by the outflow from rivers, which, due erosion caused by deforestation, can turn the ocean brown. In the far north near Diego kitesurfing and windsurfing are exceptional between April and November when a constant 30 knot-wind makes the area one of the best surfing spots in the southern hemisphere. Kayaking and deep sea fishing are always rewarding water activities. The Rainforests of the Atsinanana is made up of six national parks along the eastern coast of Madagascar; Marojejy National Park, Masoala National Park, Zahamena National Park, Ranomafana National Park, Andringitra National Park and Andohahela National Park. Muslim Friendly Shopping in Madagascar Money Matters & ATM's in Madagascar Local money is the Malagasy ariary, denoted by the symbol "Ar" (ISO code: MGA). Ariary banknotes come in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 and 20000 Ar. The ariary is subdivided into 5 iraimbilanja, making it one of only two non-decimal currencies, but travellers will never have to deal with this miniscule unit of currency. Occasionally, you will see prices in Malagasy francs, which was the currency used before the introduction of the ariary. Five Malagasy francs are worth one ariary. There are ATMs in larger cities and bigger towns where you can withdraw ariary cash with Visa, Visa Electron, Mastercard, Maestro, Union Pay. Diners club, American Express, Discover card. The withdrawal limit is (usually 400,000Ar). ATMs are frequently en panne due to connection problems or other technical difficulties. Carry a US dollar or euro emergency reserve with you. BMOI ATMs take only Visa card. BOA-Bank of Africa ATMs take Visa card. BNI ATMs take Mastercard and visa card. BFV Societe Generale ATMs take Mastercard, Visa card, Maestro, Union Pay, Diners Club, American Express and Discover cards. There was no ATM fee with a Mastercard. MBC-Mauritius Commerce Bank ATMs take Mastercard, Visa card, Diners Club and Discover cards. Credit cards are accepted by many hotels, restaurants and retail outlets in Antananarivo and Nosy Be, You may have too pay an extra charge for the credit card commission, which ranges between free and 8%. Occasionally, hotels and other services used by travellers are quoted in euros. Generally, payment in the local currency is expected but euros are usually also accepted. If you wish to pay in euros, clarify the conditions at which the euro price is converted to avoid that a very bad exchange rate is applied. For changing money, as of December 2023, local residents will not recommend going to a bank, but rather use the services of a money changer. Money changers are usually ambulant. Ask the receptionist of your accommodation or an expatriate living in Madagascar to recommend you one. Usually and the money changer will come to your hotel for the transaction. You get better rates for large denominations of euros and US dollars and UK pounds and rates are better in Antananarivo than in provincial cities. Socimad exchange have a Bureau de change (open 24 hours TV) at the Ivato airport, and one in downtown (Lalana Radama 1). Muslim Friendly Shopping in Madagascar Vanilla and other spices are affordable in Madagascar compared to Europe or elsewhere, and the quality (especially of vanilla) is very good. (Vanilla is about €2 for 10 pods in Mada, compared to €15 in France.) Tipping Tipping is a matter of much confusion in Madagascar, and is made more confusing because expectations are different when the client is a foreigner instead of a local. In restaurants you should leave a tip equivalent to ten percent of the total bill. Locals will generally leave far less. If someone helps you with your bags consider a tip equivalent to US$1 per bag. In taxis, rounding the bill upwards is more than sufficient. If you have a private vehicle with a driver, tipping the equivalent of US$10-13 per day is considered extremely generous, while US$5-10 per day is normal for standard service. A good tip for a park guide is roughly US$7-10 per day. Individuals who clean hotel rooms are sometimes not given a salary, so consider leaving a few dollars in the room when you depart (many hotels will have a tip box in the lobby that can also be used to tip the entire staff). When in doubt about how much to tip, consider that even a doctor or university teacher may be making less than 200,000 Ar per month, and remember that in remote areas your tip may set expectations for travelers who follow you, some of whom may be researchers or aid workers with limited funds available (information accurate as of October 2022). Halal Food & Restaurants Hotely malagasy - Hotely malagasy The cheapest way to get a meal is to eat at a "hotely". A plate of Rice, laoka (malagasy for a side dish accompanying rice) like Chicken, beans or Beef, and Rice water costs about 1300 Ar. For 200 Ar extra you can get a small glass of homemade yoghurt. Bananas (hundreds of varieties) and Rice cakes (Malagasy 'bread') are staple 'street food' and available everywhere. Coffee is very good, usually hand-made by the cup and served very sweet with condensed milk. Steak-frites is available in restaurants in the larger towns. How to find a Supermarket with Halal food in Madagascar There are supermarkets all over Madagascar. The four biggest supermarkets chains are Shoprite, Score, Leader price and Supermaki. All four Western style supermarket chains are well stocked. There are many leader price & Shoprite branded goods but also some more local produce (veg, spices, etc.) Shoprite a (South African-owned chain with stores in 15 African countries) is slightly cheaper and has many stores in Antananarivo, Mahajanga, Toamasina and Antsirabe. There is no safe tap water so be prepared with bottled water, which is usually easily obtainable. The only other option is ranon'apango (RAN-oo-na-PANG-oo) or Rice water (water used to cook Rice, which will therefore have been boiled). It's particularly important to plan ahead if visiting rural areas. It is worth taking with you some chlorine tablets, which can be used to make the local water drinkable. eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Madagascar Madagascar - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Madagascar, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Madagascar. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Madagascar and its surrounding regions. With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Madagascar. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values. The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Madagascar. Key components include: Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMadagascar: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Madagascar. Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Madagascar: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Madagascar, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Madagascar. Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Madagascar, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations. Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Madagascar, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values. Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Madagascar and beyond. Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Madagascar, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Madagascar, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Madagascar without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients." The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Madagascar is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Madagascar. About eHalal Travel Group: eHalal Travel Group Madagascar is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values. For Halal business inquiries in Madagascar, please contact: eHalal Travel Group Madagascar Media: info@ehalal.io Muslim Friendly Hotels Lodging quality varies dramatically throughout the nation, from dorm-style rooms to luxury five-star resorts. In most places room prices will be quoted per room, although many luxury resorts quote prices per person. Insect nets and private bathrooms are provided in nearly all of the more upscale lodging, although in lower-priced establishments you may need to provide your own bug net. There are backpacker hostels in a few places with prices from $5 usd. Study in Madagascar Learn some Malagasy. The single best thing you can do to have a fun and safe trip is to speak the local language. There are a number of guidebooks you can buy to learn Malagasy, or another option you can ask someone to teach you. Just a few words will make all the difference. Stay Safe Madagascar is a fairly safe country. You must, however, respect some simple principles: Don't walk around at night in Antananarivo (other cities are pretty safe). Don't exhibit signs of wealth (cameras, jewels). Similarly, always carry small notes. Paying with large denomination notes shows off your wealth, can insult the seller because they will not have change, and opens you up for becoming a target for crime. Keep an eye on your belongings when using public transport or visiting markets where numerous pickpockets swarm. Learn the Malagasy word for thief, "Mpangalatra" which is pronounced "Pun-gul-ah-tra". If someone is trying to rob you in a busy market area scream this. The fact that a vazaha is screaming thief will unsettle the thief and alert the people near you to help. Always listen for the words "vazaha" or "vazongo" when spoken in low tones. If you hear these words be aware that someone is talking about you, for better or for worse! Like any other developing country and there are a lot of beggars. This is sometimes uncomfortable for tourists, but these people should be respected nonetheless. They are, predictably, attracted to Foreign Muslims and will not hesitate to ask for a hand-out. If you don't want to give, a simple "Non, merci" or "Tsy Misy (tsee-meesh)" (I have nothing) will do the trick. If they persist, try shouting "Mandehana! (man-day-han)" (Go Away!) It is recommended not to give money, but other useful items, such as a banana, a piece of bread, etc. It is usually accepted with gratitude, and if the beggar is a child, he will run away with a smile on his face. It is imperative not to encourage begging - in Madagascar the people do not really believe in getting something for nothing and will invariably offer you something first. For example a chameleon to photograph. Medical Issues in Madagascar Visitors to Madagascar should be aware of a vast number of health concerns. Diseases such as the plague, which are almost unheard of elsewhere, still occur in Madagascar. Drinking water is almost never safe for foreigners; treated or bottled water should always be used, and salads or dishes containing unpeeled fruits or vegetables should be avoided. While the AIDS epidemic has not reached the devastating level found in many southern African countries, it is widely assumed that the incidence of AIDS is underestimated and rising, so you should take no risks and avoid unprotected sex in all cases. When swimming, beware of the possibility of human waste in the water, which can cause cholera, typhoid, and a number of other diseases. Leeches and tropical parasites are also a concern. Research malaria prophylaxis options, and follow through. If you are not taking any prophylactics, be sure to always use a mosquito net for sleeping, and apply mosquito repellents once dusk sets in. On-skin repellent (only repellents containing ~40% DEET are effective, such as NoBite, or Azeron Before Tropics) is good but should be used in combination with on-clothes repellent (i.e., NoBite). The clothes repellent is odorless roughly an hour after application, and clothes can be washed up to 4 times before it needs to be re-applied. If you wear long-sleeve clothing treated with the repellent and apply on-skin repellent to the skin parts not covered, you will be very safe against mosquito bites and can skip the prophylaxis with its notorious side effects. Take the repellent issue seriously, though, as it's extremely simple to fall into a more 'relaxed' mode after you've spent some time in the nation. Areas inhabited by humans will invariably have large populations of stray dogs. Avoid stray dogs, and although bites are rare, if bitten seek medical assistance promptly as rabies is not unheard of. Remember that Madagascar is in the tropics and take precautions against sunburn and heat exhaustion seriously. Wear lots of sunscreen and keep hydrated. A cloudy day does not mean you won't get burnt. Local Customs in Madagascar Madagascar74.182 - Picture of a tomb taken in the 70s Everyday life in Madagascar is regulated by numerous fady (taboos) which vary from one region to another. They can forbid foods (Beef, lemur, turtle), wearing clothes of a particular colour, bathing in a river or a lake. Observance of "Fady" is mostly limited to rural areas, as tourists will most likely not encounter this problem if they stay in the main towns. However and there are Fadys in places such as Antananarivo but most vazaha are exempt. Fady are attributed to ancestors, to whom Malagasy adopt a respectful attitude whatever their religion. It is safest to respect these prohibitions and not violate them, even if you feel they don't make sense. Inform yourself about local fady when you arrive in a new place. When addressing anyone older than you or in a position of authority (e.g. police, military, customs officials), use the word "tompoko (toom-pook)" the same way you would use "Sir" or "Ma'am" in English. Respect for elders and authority figures is important in Madagascar. Do not ever take photos of a tomb without permission. Always ask permission before taking photos. Also, if you go to a remote village or hamlet it is fomba or tradition that you first meet with the head of the village if you have business in the village. Meeting this person can save you a lot of time if you have work to do there. Telecommunications in Madagascar International phone calls and 4G Internet via data can be done via cell phone companies such as Airtel, Orange or Telma they work off prepaid phone cards. International phone calls using Telma to Europe cost 900 Ar per minute. There are also Internet cafes in the major cities and most large towns. Electricity may be erratic. Many areas have either mandatory shutdown hours or rationing. It's best to bring a openline smart phone and buy a SIM card when you get to Madagascar. It's also useful to have a powerbank. Most hotels now also have Wi-Fi. You can also easily buy a SIM card from anyone of the cell phone companies and get a data plan. The process is fairly easy compared to other countries and SIM cards can be purchased directly in the ariport with the whoole activation and buying process being done in less than 10 minutes. As of December 2023, a 12GB data plan good for 30 days is 75 000 Ar. Do not expect a data connection everywhere on the island, but when you do have data connection and the fast 4G network is fairly impressive. Telma sell their SIM cards for 500 Ar. Orange sell their SIM card for 2000 Ar. A stamp for a postcard to anywhere in Europe costs 1100 Ar. Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd. To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.