When travelling to Madagascar, just like in any other exotic destination, it is important to prepare for the challenges posed by wildlife, particularly small creatures. Here are some tips for managing these encounters.
In the humid forests of the east coast, you might come across leeches. To avoid this inconvenience, you have two options: wear long clothing and airtight gaiters or walk in shorts and sandals while removing the leeches one by one. The most effective way to get them off is to sprinkle them with coarse salt. Also, remain vigilant against certain scorpions, tarantulas, and centipedes, a type of flat millipede with pincers on its head, which often hide in the bush.
If you plan to camp, carefully inspect your tent, lift up any flat stones, and hang your shoes up high during the night. In the event of a bite, it is common for locals to cauterise the wound with a hot ember, but this practice is dangerous and should be avoided. If this happens to you, stay calm and lie down, then assess the situation by observing the area around the bite. Avoid touching or scratching the affected area to prevent any infection. If the pain or discomfort persists, seek help from locals or a healthcare professional immediately. This can be risky if your health is already fragile, but if that is the case, you probably wouldn’t venture into the bush.
In Madagascar, there are no venomous snakes, but there may be fleas called parasy. These small fleas lay eggs under the skin of your bare toes. Although it’s not serious, it can be quite unpleasant. If you feel a sting on your foot and notice a small whitish bump with a black dot, it is likely a parasy. Ask a local to remove it, as they know how to do so without bursting the egg sac. After removal, apply antiseptic for a few days and, in the future, wear shoes.
On some beaches of the coast, such as Sainte-Marie or Nosy Be, you may encounter small flies known as makafoy. Don’t forget our common enemy: mosquitoes. Use appropriate repellents and feel free to apply citronella. Also, consider wearing suitable protection to avoid getting your back “marred.”
