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.
Firstly, did you know that Madagascar is significantly east of mainland Africa, sharing the same time zone as Moscow? The legal time (unchanged throughout the year) is GMT+3. For example, you’ll need to set your watch three hours ahead when coming from London. If you’re traveling from the U.S., the time difference is even more striking ;New York is seven hours behind, and Los Angeles is ten hours behind Madagascar! This time shift can catch many off guard, but it’s essential for planning your activities smoothly.
Secondly, Madagascar’s location, intersected by the Tropic of Capricorn, results in shorter days compared to other tropical destinations. During the austral summer, the sun rises around 5 a.m. (especially on the east coast) and sets by 7 p.m. at the latest. In winter (June to September), the days are even shorter, particularly in the colder central plateau regions, with daylight spanning just 6 to 8 hours. Office hours also vary by region: On the central highlands, from Ankazobe in the north through Antananarivo and Fianarantsoa to Ihosy in the south, business hours remain consistent year-round, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. In coastal cities, a summer schedule (November to April) applies: from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Continuous work hours are still rare and are implemented experimentally by less than a dozen companies nationwide.
Travel plans can also be affected by other unpredictable factors. Domestic flights may have sudden schedule changes, including advances or delays, and boat travel can be interrupted due to bad weather conditions.
Don’t let unexpected trip-ups on Saturdays ruin your plans; banks and pharmacies are usually open only for half a day, and some public services may follow suit. Make sure to factor in these details as you organize your itinerary. If you need more tailored advice on navigating Madagascar’s schedule, reach out to us. We’re here to help you make the most of your journey!
