Madagascar
From CruisersWiki
Madagascar Cruising Guide
An online cruising guide for sailing around Madagascar.
Madagascar | |
Madagascar | |
Capital: | Antananarivo |
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Language: | Malagasy, French, English |
Currency: | Malagasy Ariary |
More notes about the country |
Madagascar, or Republic of Madagascar (older name Malagasy Republic), is an island nation in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa. The main island, also called Madagascar, is the fourth-largest island in the world, and is home to 5% of the world's plant and animal species, of which more than 80% are endemic to Madagascar. They include the lemur infraorder of primates, the carnivorous fossa, three bird families and six baobab species.
At 587,041 km² (226,657.8 sq mi), Madagascar is the world's 46th-largest country and the fourth largest island. It is slightly larger than France and it also is one of 11 distinct physiographic provinces of the South African Platform physiographic division.
Madagascar's varied fauna and flora are endangered by human activity, as a third of its native vegetation has disappeared since the 1970s, and only 18% remains intact.
The eastern, or windward side of the island is home to tropical rainforests, while the western and southern sides, which lie in the rain shadow of the central highlands, are home to tropical dry forests, thorn forests, and deserts and xeric shrublands. Madagascar's dry deciduous rain forest have been preserved generally better than the eastern rainforests or the high central plateau, presumably due to historically low population density and scarce water supplies.
General info about cruising/sailing in the area?
Climate & Weather
The Madagascar climate is tropical. The rainy season spans from November to March. The Southeast trade winds (which can be fairly strong at times) prevail until the end of October and thunderstorms can occur at this time. The cyclone "season" is from December to March on the east coast.
Sources of weather forecasting here.
Charts
British Admirlty charts that cover Madagascar are: (Some of these charts may now be out of print or have changed numbers)
- B.A 758 (northern approach)
- B.A 3873 (Nosy Be to Iharana)
- B.A 3872 (Nosy Be to Bembatoke)
- B.A 3871 (Bembatoke to Cap St Andre)
- B.A 3868 (Cap Kimby to Cap St Andre)
- B.A 3855 (Cap Kimby to Morombe)
- B.A 760 (south coast of Madagascar)
- B.A 1064 (Plans on the north east coast)
- B.A 1116 (Baie Diego Suarez)
- B.A 1002 (Detail Baie Diego Suarez)
- B.A 2871 (Nosy Be southern anchorages)
- B.A 706 (Ile De Mitsio)
- B.A 704 (Moramba)
- B.A 701 (Baie de Bembatoke)
- B.A 2461 (Plans in the north west islands)
- B.A 692 (Tulear)
Details?
Local Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here.
Arrival/Departure procedures
Initial entry into Madagascar must be made at a point of entry which are:
- Diego Suarez in the north
- Hell-ville
- Majunga
- Toliara (Tulear).
Hell-ville on Nosy Be is probably the best port to arrive at if arriving from the north, and Toliara (Tulear) if arriving from the south. If possible, have a prior Madagascan visa before arriving. However, a visa can be acquired on arrival. On clearing customs and immigration, have plenty of copies of boat and crew papers. One must leave your ship's papers, or preferrably a copy, at customs, immigration as well as the harbour master, although the situation may vary from place to place and time to time.
On arrival at a port of entry you must visit the Port Captain, Police, Immigration, Customs and Health offices for clearance into the country. The following is required:
- Detailed crew list
- Passports
- Port of call authorization - issued by nearest offfice of the Service de la Marine Marchande
- Itinerary
- Dates of entry and expected exit from Madagascar territorial waters
- Point of departure
Immigration, Visas & Customs
Immigration
Madagascar requires visas by all nationalities. These are best obtained in advance from Malagasy embassies or diplomatic offices (see the official website for their locations). A 90 day visa is usually granted. If sailing to Madagascar from neighbouring countries, there are consolutes in the Seychelles, Mauritius, Reunion and Tanzania. Visas can be extended for up to two months by timeous application to the Ministry of Interior at a charge of 1500 MFr per month (July'08). You can download the visa application form HERE
Customs
- Firearms and ammunition MUST be declared on arrival and these may be held in custody until your departure.
- PETS: Animals are NOT allowed ashore.
Fees and Charges
- 3 month multiple-entry visa = US$80 (July'08).
Health
- While the AIDS epidemic has not reached the devastating level found in many southern African countries, it is widely assumed that the incidence of AIDS is underestimated and rising. You should take no risks and avoid unprotected sex in all cases.
- If arriving from continental Africa, valid yellow fever and cholera vaccination certificates are required.
- High risk of Malaria - Resistance to chloroquine is reported - Mefloquine prophylaxis is recommended.
- Immunisation against typhoid and poliomyelitis is recommended.
- Hepatitis A, B, and E are endemic.
- Boil all water before use for any purpose.
Security
Details
Ports & Popular Stops
- Diego Suarez (Antseranana) (Port of entry)
- Majunga (Port of entry)
- Nosy Be
- Hell-ville (Port of entry)
- Russian Bay
- Toliara (Tulear) (Port of entry)
- Toamasina (Port of entry)
- Taolanaro (formerly Port Dauphin)
- Nosy Boraha
- St Marie (Port of entry)
Offshore Islands
Also see the Mozambique Channel
- Nosy Be
- Nosy Boraha (St Marie)
Cruiser's Friends
Submit details/contacts of cruiser's "friends" that can be contacted in advance or on arrival - who can offer information and assistance to our cruising "family".
References & Publications
- East Africa Pilot by Delwyn McPhun. (Imray - ISBN 0 85288 251 3). Available new and used from Cruising Connections
Links to Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
Submit useful website links for the region
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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| HOMEPAGE | WIKI CONTENTS | Indian Ocean | Madagascar | |
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