Madagascar

[ShadowJ]

After traveling for many years to Colombia and the Philippines, I'm becoming fascinated with Madagascar as one of my next destinations.

My only problem is I have limited vacation time (so I need to work from my destinations) and I have a family at home that I usually have a cover story for about a work trip. So I will need to find the best, most consistent internet access during my trip. Even if that means I overpay for hotels. From RTFF, it sounds like the capital and Nosy Be are the ideal places to visit during a 3 week trip. Are there hotels with 1st world internet access? Is the 4 G good enough for Teams / Zoom meetings and FaceTime? Just looking for recommendations to make the transition as smooth as possible.

One other question. I'm fluent in Spanish. If I plan a trip 6 months out, is it worth it to invest some time learning French. Or will my beginner level not give me much advantage?

[Tinte]

That could bee done in March. If flexibel and the weather looks ok for the days with detour to Foulpoint.

Stop over in Moramanga. LOL.

[Tinte]

Don't count on the train to Tamatav. At the moment not in operation.

Actually you can never count on anything the way you do at home. That's why I am going there. LOL.

If you really do rely on something in Mada, that is asking for trouble.

[NamasteParis]

Don't count on the train to Tamatav. At the moment not in operation.

Oh sh*t! Really? It didn't last long!

Thanks for all your advices, especially about weather. I do hear you, but apart from the weather factor, which 2 destinations would you recommend (for a mix of beach / activities and pretty girls), 1 week /10 days for each, among these 4 destinations:

1/ Majunga.

2/ Tulear.

3/ Tamatave.

4/ Morondava.

Or others? Knowing that I already know Nosy Be and do not intend to return there.

Thanks for your advices.

[Amadeuss]

I'll be there mid February till end March.

Tana. Tulear - Moramanga. Train to Toamasina.

Want to meet a french guy? It will be a pleasure to enjoy a beer with chicas. PM me.

Don't count on the train to Tamatav. At the moment not in operation.

[Tinte]

I will just stay in Tana. I will avoid the risk of a overland trip do to the expected weather conditions.

[NamasteParis]

Thanks Neddy!

I'll be there mid February till end March.

Tana. Tulear - Moramanga. Train to Toamasina.

Want to meet a french guy? It will be a pleasure to enjoy a beer with chicas. PM me.

[SonicBoom1]

Not the best time to visit Mada.

.

Thanks Neddy!

[NamasteParis]

February is still summer. The entire west coast will still be hot. Don't recommend it unless you like the heat. July and August are nice, except for Mahajunga up north where it is always hot.

Thanks for the info. I can cope with heat. But not rain. So you decided me to go soon.

[SouthEaster]

February is still summer. The entire west coast will still be hot. Don't recommend it unless you like the heat. July and August are nice, except for Mahajunga up north where it is always hot.

[NamasteParis]

In March It tells me warm weather with rain in Tana. Ideal for indoor Activities as outdoor-fun is in general not recommended. Booked LOL.

What about Tulear and west coast mid February. Mid March?

Is it not supposed to be sunny, or at least less rainy?
I also plan to go there soon.

[Tinte]

In March It tells me warm weather with rain in Tana. Ideal for indoor Activities as outdoor-fun is in general not recommended. Booked LOL.

[Neddy69]

Folks,

I am considering making a trip to the island from late Feb. To mid Jan. Would the rains impact my chances at hobby, and enjoying the country in general? Would you choose Mada or Philipines for this weather reason?

Thanks!

You mean from January to February. That's cyclone season at its best. What does it mean. A cyclone can wreck your travel plans in no time. If you have deep pockets fly direct to Nosy Be and hole up there. Or fly to Tana and stay put. Tana IMHO is the best place to spend Cyclone season. Up to you. Of course you can travel. But. Roads and bridges are swept away. The roads are in a sorry state already. Not the best time to visit Mada.

La Buse.

LE Dreg del Ocean Indien.

[Darksol]

Folks,

I am considering making a trip to the island from late Feb. To mid Jan. Would the rains impact my chances at hobby, and enjoying the country in general? Would you choose Mada or Philipines for this weather reason?

Thanks!

I know Philippines well and the Philippines is fine.

But if you're tossing up between the Philippines and Mada based on weather reports then you're asking the wrong question. I have already been to three African countries, read the Mada forum cover to cover and I'm still wondering if I'm ready for Mada. Suggest you RTFF thoroughly before even considering it.

[SonicBoom1]

Folks,

I am considering making a trip to the island from late Feb. To mid Jan. Would the rains impact my chances at hobby, and enjoying the country in general? Would you choose Mada or Philipines for this weather reason?

Thanks!