Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony in 1896, but regained its independence in 1960. During 1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were held, ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second presidential race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and 1980s, was returned to the presidency. The 2001 presidential election was contested between the followers of Didier RATSIRAKA and Marc RAVALOMANANA, nearly causing secession of half of the country. In April 2002, the High Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA the winner.
Understand While Madagascar is an island off the coast of Africa, it was originally settled by people from Indonesia. Only later did African and Arab immigrants mix into the population of the island. As a result, Madagascar is a little bit of an oddity when compared to other African nations.
Madagascar was an independent kingdom before it was taken over and made a colony of France.
Eat The cheapest way to get a meal is to eat at a "hotely". For about 1300 ariary (or a little less than $1) you can buy a plate of rice, laoka (malagasy for side dish accompanying rice) like chicken, beans or pork, and rice water. For 200 ariary extra you can get a small glass of homemade yogurt.
Bananas (hundreds of varieties) and rice cakes {Malagasy 'bread') are staple 'street food' and available everywhere. Coffee is very good, usually hand-made by the cup and served very sweet with condensed milk. Steak-frites is available in restaurants in the larger towns.
Beautiful diving in September in Nosy Iranja (2 hrs by speedboat from Nosy Be) Over 20 m visibility! You could see the surface of the water from the bottom!
Gorgonians bank is nice. Saw about 4 s...
Greetings!
I would like to dive Madagascar and /or Mauritius, but can find scant
information about either.
Where to go, good dive ops, accommodations, etc.
Can any one here help with advice or lead me...
Has anybody been in Madagascar recently and could give me some
information on how it is, where to go, maybe tips for making
arrangements, etc.
I am Very interested in wrecks, conditions, fishies, ..
...
