Hi, I am planning a trip to Madagascar in January next year with some friends of mine. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what is the best location to settle in? Our idea is to rent a house and start traveling around this region. I know that the island is big and not very accessible by car so I was wondering where we could settle so we can get the most of our visit to Madagascar!
Any advice is appreciated!
Thanks!
Hello,
January is rain season in Madagascar so you can't go to the east part of this island , try to plan you holiday to the south follow the national road 7 to Toliara , south and west part of Madagascar is semi-desert climate , mild temperature and little rain . Anyway you can start 2 nights in Andasibe then follow the road to the south , visit Ranomafana, Anja , Isalo .
After your long journey along this road you can relax at Anakao beach or Ifaty before you will fly back to Tana.
Good luck!!!
Anne
Edited by: anneholiday
Hi,
First, I think your idea of choosing one place as your base and making excursions from there is an excellent idea. Although you may not see as much of the huge variety that the island offers as people who travel around, you’re much more likely to experience the way of life of the people and discover far more of the great variety that even a limited area has to offer.
Second, to say that because January is the rainy season “you can’t go” to the east is such a massive exaggeration and overgeneralisation, that it is quite simply not true.
The eastern areas of Madagascar in general and the north-east in particular are where most of the rainforests are, and if you want to experience rainforest, you’re going to experience rain, whatever time of year you go. In point of fact, though, in the so-called rainy season months you can experience some of the hottest and driest weather of the year in these regions.
For example for years now I’ve been spending five weeks in the “rainy” months of February and March in Maroantsetra and Masoala, and while there is always a good mix of weather, it has always included long stretches of hot, sunny days.
For that reason, I suggest that you at least consider making Maroantsetra your base. You don’t say how long you’re going for, but there’s enough to see in the area to keep you busy for two or three weeks at any rate. You’ll also find the place largely free of other foreigners, as the number of tourists who turn up at that time is quite small. If you’re interested and PM me, I can give you the contact details of a handful of reliable people to choose from who could show you around.
One reason why few tourists go there at that time, and something you’ll obviously want to think about, is the possibility of a cyclone coming in. While I wouldn’t like to trivialise the danger of these storms – they can be lethal if you’re unprepared and in the wrong place – the dangers do tend to get overblown in guidebooks and foreign ministry websites. Also, they aren’t confined to the north-east. Parts of the area recommended by #1 have been hit by cyclones twice in the last few years.
People in Maroantsetra are used to handling cyclones and prepare themselves and the buildings very well. I’ve personally experienced two cyclones there over the years and I’m still around to tell the tale. But as the storms don’t arise from one minute to the next, you’d also have time to leave the area if you wanted to.
Whatever you decide to do in Madagascar, you’re sure to have an interesting time. Best of luck.
G'day
I've travelled most of the island but can't say I've been everywhere. How long are you going to be there? Depending on time you might want to consider a couple of places to use as bases. Antsirianana (Diego Suarez) in the north. In the middle/Highlands I'd look Antsirabi or Fianarantsoa, Fianar would be my pick as it gives you access to the east coast and some very good rainforest NP's. In the south I'd opt for either Tulear or Fort Dauphin. You don't say how you plan to get around and that will also influence where you go. Ignore the wet season as mentioned earlier. A visit to a rainforest is not complete without rain, and it will be warm so you will appreciate it. Cyclone's do not spring up overnight so you will have time to move if it's necessary. All those places also have a good mix of accommodation depending on your budget.
Thanks for the thorough information. I think we will be heading towards the North part, in particular- Diego Suarez. Can anyone recommend a place to stay there for about 3 weeks? We are 5 people and looking to rent a house. We have a budget of about 250-300 euros per person for the whole stay. Do you think that is possible? If anyone has an experience in renting a house in Diego Suarez please write to me!
Thanks a lot.