The Unknown Madagascar

Madagascar is still an unknown piece of earth for many. And that's exactly what I want to change with this article. You will be fascinated by the unique nature and wildlife diversity that Madagascar has to offer...

Madagascar - of course, that's the island where Marty, Alex, Melman, and Gloria live! The island where all the animals can talk, King Julien runs around like a startled chicken, and the penguins are on a secret mission. What a question - of course we know Madagascar! But how many of you have actually been there? Perhaps the Madagascar penguins don't actually exist? To get to the bottom of this question, I will take you on a wonderful journey to far-off Madagascar today!

Don't be disappointed if you don't encounter Alex, Marty, and the gang as soon as you arrive. Madagascar is far from small: a whopping 587,295 square kilometers with a proud population of 22 million inhabitants. Incredible, right? Not to mention that Madagascar is the second-largest island nation and the fourth-largest island in the world! Located in the Indian Ocean, just off the east coast of Mozambique, it also maintains good neighborly relations with Mauritius, the Seychelles, and the French overseas department of La Reunion, all just 1,000 kilometers away. So at first glance, quite charming. The climate zones also present themselves quite nicely. As they couldn't be more different, each traveler can adjust the travel time to their personal preferences. A general rule: From April to October is winter, while November to March marks summer. However, winter in Madagascar means 22-25 degrees at the coasts, making this travel season likely the most popular among Europeans.

What you should definitely pay attention to when traveling to Madagascar are the so-called Fadys. These are rules and prohibitions, such as entering or touching certain places and objects as well as animals. Sacred places must be entered barefoot, headgear should generally be removed at these locations, and pointing at sacred things is also to be avoided. If you are unsure whether there are Fadys to respect in your vacation spot, it's better to ask in advance. General information regarding entry and safety can always be found up to date on the website of the Foreign Office.

What I particularly like about Madagascar is the fact that this beautiful island nation has not yet fallen victim to mass tourism. Enjoying a peaceful relaxation on the beach is wonderfully possible here, as well as exploring the raw nature. However, if you really want to cover every little corner of Madagascar, you should plan plenty of time, preferably a few months on-site. ;-) Because the coastline alone is about 5,000 kilometers long and boasts incredibly beautiful coral reefs and white sandy beaches, naturally lined with palm trees.

Since the nature and wildlife here are so beautiful, you should definitely plan a visit to a nature and wildlife reserve. Just imagine wandering through the jungle and suddenly having a little lemur sitting on your shoulder (Greetings from King Julien!). These little monkeys are extremely playful and can become very clingy, so don't be shocked if one of these little troublemakers jumps on you. However, be careful: although these little rascals look absolutely adorable with their curly tails, you should always keep in mind that they are wild animals. I would advise against touching them - in general, regardless of which animals cross your path.

Typical of Madagascar's nature are the baobabs, large bottle trees that can be found around the island. There are eight different species, but the Adansonia za stands out especially. It can grow up to 30 meters tall and has relatively small foliage. Its properties are famous throughout Africa and of course in Madagascar. They call it the 'Tree of Life' here because its fruits are edible and its leaves, flowers, and all other parts of the tree are used in various ways.

The Madagascar mainland is flanked by several small paradise islands that previously served as refuges for pirates. The larger islands are among Madagascar's tourist attractions. Nosy Be, or as we would say in English: the Island of Scent, is a dream destination for a day trip. Just 10 kilometers from the main island, the 'Island of Eternal Summer' is easily reachable by boat. However, it is a bit more expensive than on the mainland, as the island has become one of the most popular tourist destinations. Especially in the north, you have the opportunity to observe spectacular sunsets.

A dream for all fans of Pirates of the Caribbean is the pirate island Île Sainte-Marie. The small island, which is actually called Nosy Boraha, provided refuge for pirates for years and invites you to walk in the footsteps of these sea robbers and uncover their secrets. A visit to the pirate cemetery is a must - as is a dive in the depths of the sea along the coast. In the mangroves, a canoe tour allows you to see the sunk pirate ships lying at the bottom, making you feel as if you're in another, adventurous time.

Admittedly, these pictures are truly breathtaking. The diverse vegetation enchants every visitor, far from mass tourism, enticing with the rawness of the country. However, please note that Madagascar is still a developing country today. And unfortunately, there are no talking penguins. However, that should not be a barrier to visiting this distant destination and being completely captivated. With the following travel tips, planning should be very easy:

Here you can find flights to Madagascar

Choose the right accommodation

Visit the beautiful neighboring island of Mauritius

...or perhaps the Seychelles?