MADAGASCAR IN THE TOP 10 COUNTRIES TO VISIT ACCORDING TO FORBES MAGAZINE
Forbes, the famous American business magazine ranks Madagascar 6th out of 10 countries to visit this year. Its exceptional wealth of biodiversity has convinced several travel experts to include the Big Island in the list of Top Destinations this year.
Forbes magazine honours Madagascar as a destination. In its ranking of the top ten countries to visit this year, this leading business magazine ranks the Big Island sixth, behind Ethiopia in fifth and ahead of Mongolia in seventh. This ranking is the opinion of several travel experts, including Tour Operators. According to the magazine, the latter are conquered by the endemic fauna and flora that the fourth largest island in the world has to seduce tourists. Norman Howe, CEO of a Canadian travel company, commented in the magazine that "This wonderful country has so much biodiversity to discover, both in terms of natural beauty and unique landscapes. For flora and fauna, with more than 90% of Madagascar's endemic fauna, this is unbeatable.
Some comments following this article raise, however, the need to strengthen security measures on the Big Island. Interviewed recently by a private television channel, Jean Brunelle Razafintsiandraofa, Minister of Tourism, announced the forthcoming establishment of the "Dina" in the regions and the "andrimasom-pokonolona" or village vigilance committee to combat urban insecurity. This measure would allow tourists to travel to the places of their choice. This year promises to be an active year for the Tourism sector. During his visit to China in November 2018, the responsible minister concluded with the Chinese authorities to welcome 50,000 Chinese tourists this year. In addition to China, France and Turkey also intend to double the number of tourists who will come to Madagascar. Local actors have their work cut out for them.
In the early months of the year, between January and March, Madagascar has the most cyclones. On the other hand, there are also pleasant temperatures in Madagascar at this time of year, as it is the middle of summer. If you observe animals and do not want to spend your holidays exclusively on the east coast of Madagascar, these months may be ideal for you. Travelling to Madagascar has no season between January and March, so air tickets are much cheaper. If you are particularly interested in the central plateau, the south and the Antanananarivo region, there is no better time to travel. For botanical trips, mainly for orchid specialists, these months are by far the most interesting.
At the end of March, hurricanes, but also the worst rains, are normally over, although this cannot always be said with certainty due to global climate change. And even if the worst storms are now behind us, some roads in Madagascar are still impassable, which you must take into account when planning your trip. In April, May and June, tourists start their journey slowly but surely. Rain is almost a regular companion in the deep green belt of the east coast, although on the other hand, temperatures are now dropping significantly. In June, winter begins, at this time of year, the average daily maximums in Antananarivo are only 20°C maximum and at night, the thermometer falls below 10°C. At the same time, airline tickets are becoming more and more expensive, as the high season is fast approaching in July and August. Temperatures in these months are even colder, but this is most noticeable in the interior of the country. On the country’s coasts, swimming at sea is of course also possible during these months. Nature lovers can get value for their money during the high season: Whale watching is now possible, but on the other hand, there are many reptiles and some small mammals in hibernation. If you want to enjoy relatively stable warm weather, observe animals and not be too limited by rain or other extreme weather events, the months of travel from September to December are the best months for you. The Malagasy summer resumes, the animals wake up from their hibernation, the temperature display on the thermometer rises and at the same time the beginning of the rainy season can almost be ignored. If you need additional advice on the best time to travel to Madagascar, we are always available for you.