“The Red Island”, Madagascar with its unique and grandiose nature is one of those destinations that we want to visit but which is also somehow “deserved” as the individual trip is not necessarily always easy and even requires some precautions…
In terms of health
Even if no vaccinations are compulsory to travel to Madagascar, it is better to be up to date with them.
Malaria
The main problem for travelers to Madagascar remains malaria. The disease, transmitted by a variety of mosquitoes, is indeed present with more or less intensity depending on the place and time, even if overall there has been a certain increase in this scourge on the island since 2012.
If the Central Highlands are not or only slightly affected, the East and North coast is affected all year round and in the rainy season for the rest.
In all cases, it will therefore be necessary to provide anti‑malarial treatment to which we will add a good repellent, the use of a mosquito net or air conditioning to sleep, without forgetting to cover your arms and legs at nightfall. when mosquitoes are at their most voracious.
Other risks
As in other places in the Indian Ocean, the risks of dengue or chikungunya also exist, also carried by mosquitoes. Once again, it is the northern and eastern part of Madagascar which is most affected because of the vegetation and the high humidity. Unlike malaria, there is no prophylaxis (preventive medication) and the solution therefore consists of protecting yourself as best as possible from mosquito bites.
Apart from this, there are sometimes some cases of plague and cholera in very remote – and localized – places on the island. As well as cases of measles (increasing since 2018); a disease for which it is better to be vaccinated.
To this, we could add rabies, which is always possible with stray dogs or lemurs that can bite.
Last thing, avoid swimming in fresh water because of the risk of bilharzia and other parasitoses.
Hygiene question
Good personal and especially dietary hygiene is necessary when traveling to Madagascar.
So, avoid tap water and dishes or foods that do not offer any guarantee of freshness, if only to avoid the turista. And then of course remember to hydrate well and protect yourself from the sun in the hottest regions/periods.
On the body level, wash your hands regularly, treat any wounds, blisters, fungus that can become infected due to heat and humidity.
Health infrastructure
Local health infrastructures are quite limited and often poorly equipped, even in the capital Antananarivo. Elsewhere, apart from large towns which have a hospital, places of care are limited to a dispensary. In fact, the most serious situations generally require a transfer to Reunion.
So, in all cases, in addition to good insurance, have your personal pharmacy and medications in sufficient quantities.
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In terms of security
Crime and delinquency
Both are part of the (big) problems of Madagascar which is experiencing a constant increase in the level of crime, delinquency (and police/customs racketeering which is doing well) against both property and people. In addition, certain actions can be violent and do not necessarily spare tourists, including in the case of sexual assault. From now on, large cities as well as certain tourist sites, beaches or national parks are concerned.
In short, without falling into excessive paranoia, great vigilance is obligatory. Which goes through:
- Find out about the situation in the region, city or place where you plan to go.
- Do not walk alone after dark or in deserted areas. Use taxis for all your trips.
- If you are driving in town, lock the vehicle’s doors and windows at all times. Likewise, you must avoid driving at night and, more generally, always pay close attention to the road and its dangers, including when traveling by public transport.
- Do not display your wealth or objects that could attract covetousness. This also involves taking precautions when carrying out exchange transactions, which must be done in banks or approved places.
- In all cases, choose official and approved guides for your excursions rather than people you meet by chance.
- Of course, avoid shady stories, starting with anything related to drugs and the schemes that result from them.
- And above all in the event of aggression, do not resist or be aggressive and always have something on you to “give” to your attackers.
If the country does not experience terrorism, socio-political unrest, often violent, is on the other hand a component of Malagasy history in recent years. Hence the need, as always, to find out about the situation of the place where you plan to go. And then of course, you might as well stay away from any demonstration or crowd movement.
Two words about sex tourism
Madagascar is one of the few destinations in the world where sex tourism, particularly from the West, is very present (as are STDs and AIDS). Even if a local law theoretically punishes any relationship with minors.
However, the fact remains that French and European legislation (among others) allows their nationals to be prosecuted upon returning from a trip from the moment it is proven that they had a relationship with a minor in a third country.
Climate and nature
The very heavy rains which fall on the island in season, as well as the cyclones at the beginning of the year on the east coast, are the two major problems in terms of climate.
They also have an impact on everyday life, particularly during road cuts and the repercussions this has on transport. Otherwise, Madagascar is an island with “wild nature” where it is better to be careful, especially during treks.
Two final words regarding animals. It is above all in the water that we will find animals that can cause problems. Thus, certain corners of the northeast coast (Tamatave region) are areas with sharks and strong currents. When scuba diving, also pay attention locally to some fish or species that could be venomous.
Finally, there remains, with very different levels of risk, crocodiles, scorpions, centipedes, leeches, sand fleas, stray dogs and aggressive lemurs, as well as mosquitoes or other flying creatures requiring a repellent….