Seeking Adventure and Novelty - Travel to Madagascar

Before you get on the plane flying to Madagascar for the ultimate travel experience, make sure you already have everything necessary to survive when you actually get there.

Travel Documents

When you travel to Madagascar, you need to have a visa. It is typically issued for a stay period of thirty days and you purchase it for $25 at the airport in Antananarivo. Two to four months before you travel in Madagascar, make sure to ask what the requirements are from the US Embassy or Madagascar consulate. Once you have your visa with you, always remember to carry your passport, together with the visa, all the time and put in a safe place.

Security Issues And Health Risks

To be more secure in Madagascar, it is recommended for a traveler to purchase travel insurance. Bear in mind that it is common for the cattle in Madagascar to have tapeworms, so ask for your steak to be cooked and served well-done. It could be scorching hot in Madagascar, too, because it is located near the equator and you could get sunburnt. Prevent burns and other skin-related risks by bringing and applying very strong sunscreen.

Water in some areas in Madagascar is not really safe for drinking; so if you have a portable sterilizer, like the SteriPen, ensure to pack it to avoid illnesses. But if you don't have one, you could bring sealed and bottled water, instead.

Remember to bring a basic first aid kit not just in going to Madagascar, but to any destination that you visit. Be on the lookout for malaria because it is also common in the island. Be aware that malaria-carrying mosquitoes are high during dusk or dawn, so cover up.

Other insects are prevalent in this beautiful island; therefore, carry around a good insect repellent, preferably one that is DEET-based. Camping outside is fun but you are in greater risk for mosquito bites and other insect bites. However, a mosquito net would solve insect-related problems.

Wearing lightweight clothes is best in Madagascar and jeans may be too bulky and heavy. You could also layer on some clothes to shield yourself from the direct rays of the sun. At night, wear a light jacket and long lightweight pants to protect you against insects.

You might want to bring a box-sized pack of "anti-diarrhea capsules". The safest food you wish to eat is the Malagasy kebab (Arabic word for "meat," which is like barbecue but only uses poultry, lamb, or beef). There might be pork in some areas, though, as while majority of the Malagasy are Muslims, there are places that cater to the palates of visitors of other religions.

Madagascar is not a very convenient place to stay at because of the many health risks and also because of the weather, but if it's adventure and novelty you're looking for, it sure is the best place to explore and travel. Pack up the items mentioned earlier to prepare you for anything.

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