Planning a trip to Madagascar? There’s more to consider than just packing your bags and booking your flights. Time management is crucial, and over the years, we've noticed that many international travelers often overlook a few key aspects of Madagascar's time specifics and scheduling challenges.
Did you know that weddings in Madagascar are marked by a tradition that is little known but essential if you want to ask for the hand of a Malagasy bride? In Madagascar, the parents of the bride will not easily give her away; you will have to go through the Vody Ondry! This term, which literally translates to "the hind of a sheep," refers to a symbolic and valuable wedding gift offered by the groom's parents to the bride's parents. This gesture not only embodies respect but also a commitment to support the new family until death. Discover how this tradition is reflected in modern weddings and what it truly means for Malagasy families.
With an avifauna composed of only 290 species, Madagascar may not compete in quantity with other birdwatching destinations, but its richness lies elsewhere. More than half of these species are endemic, meaning they cannot be found anywhere else in the world. This uniqueness turns each sighting into an exceptional encounter and places Madagascar among the 15 global biodiversity hotspots.
Think you know carnivores? It’s time to rediscover this term by diving into the fascinating world of Carnivora, a group of animals far more diverse than you might imagine! From formidable predators to intelligent opportunists, discover what distinguishes true carnivorans from simple carnivores.
Wondering how to get tickets for Madagascar's national parks? We have all the answers to simplify your visit while ensuring a high-quality experience.
Romazava is a traditional Malagasy dish that has been used for a long time by the Malagasy people to accompany their bowl of rice. Comparable to pot-au-feu, Romazava, whose name "Ro" means "broth" in Malagasy, is distinguished by its key ingredient: brèdes mafana (hot greens). This plant with edible leaves gives the broth a slightly spicy flavor and a tingling sensation in the mouth, an inexplicable feeling that one discovers only by trying it.
Located in the extreme south of Madagascar, just 40 km northwest of Taolanaro (Fort-Dauphin), Andohahela National Park is a natural gem that stretches across the Anosy region, straddling the districts of Taolanaro and Amboasary-Sud. Nestled among four large villages, this park is truly a natural treasure. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Andohahela is unique in its kind, combining three distinct ecosystems in one place. You will be able to explore evergreen humid forests, sub-arid thorny thickets, and a rare transition formation between dry and humid forests all in a single parcel!
Moraingy, an iconic combat sport from Madagascar, piques curiosity and wonder with its history and distinctive practices. Known under various spellings such as Moringue, Morengy, or Mourengué, this sport is deeply embedded in Malagasy culture, especially in the Sakalava region. If you are passionate about martial arts or eager to discover local traditions, Moraingy is an unmissable experience that will immerse you in the heart of Malagasy culture.
Three sports dominate the preferences of the Malagasy: football (soccer), basketball, and volleyball. Each locality generally has its own football field. When that’s not the case, rice paddies, during the dry season, serve as makeshift fields. A popular ironic saying defines this game: “Football in the rice paddies has no rules or technique and is not known to be an excellent spectacle.” While this may be true for the highlands, in rural areas, entire villages often travel several kilometers to support their local team. Nevertheless, amateur clubs exist that, with more frequent international matches, could achieve notable feats.
Madagascar without lemurs? It’s hard to imagine, isn’t it? These iconic creatures bring life and magic to our rainforests and are a defining symbol of the Great Island. Unfortunately, every day, unique and irreplaceable species are at risk of extinction due to deforestation and poaching. But don’t worry, there’s a way to take action and make a difference in preserving these natural treasures! Let’s explore and get involved with GER
