The world’s fourth largest island, Madagascar is like a completely different world. With lemurs, baobab trees, massive rainforest, picturesque rice paddies and gorgeous beaches, it is the ultimate tropical getaway. In winter, temperatures never fall below 10 degrees C. In particular, the southern part has the best weather, making it the perfect place to escape the cold dark days of winter.
Things to Do
The activities Madagascar has to offer are as varied as the landscape. Along the coast, you can try a whole range of water sports, such as kite surfing, windsurfing, kayaking and fishing. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go to any major port and hire a catamaran and guide, who will take you along to coast to find the best beaches and fishing spots. Under the water, you’ll also find incredible coral reefs where you can go snorkeling or scuba diving.
Back on land, you can go trekking through virgin rainforest, go lemur spotting at Anja Reserve, ride a quad bike through a forest of baobabs, or have a stroll along Ifaty beach. In the capital, Antananarivo (known locally as Tana), you can wander through the bustling streets and open markets. At night, relax at one of the city’s best restaurants, or try the rhum arrange, rum infused with tropical flavors like ginger or cinnamon.
Getting Around
Because the roads can be in poor condition, many people opt to get around by plane. Alternatively, you can take a taxi-brousse, which is how the locals get around. Though they tend to be overcrowded and slow, taking these buses is a great way to take in the landscape and get a sense of how people actually live.
In terms of language, the official language is Malagasy, an Austronesian language. Some people also speak French in major cities, and English only in touristy areas.
Local Cuisine
In the Malagasy language, the words for “to eat” literally translate as “to eat rice.” Therefore, rice is the backbone of Malagasy cuisine and is usually served with pork, chicken or beans and flavored with mild curry or Indian-style pickled vegetables. There are also various French-influenced items, such as baguette sandwiches or pastries. For dessert, you can try the sweet cakes made of rice flour and peanuts, which are wrapped in banana leaf and steamed.
How to Prepare
Because Madagascar is so far away, it can be expensive to travel there. To raise the funds, you can find creative money-making ideas like dog-walking, baby-sitting, or you can sell cds. Even though it’s expensive, a holiday this winter to Madagascar would be the trip of a lifetime.