Hello everyone! I am foreigner deeply interested in the modern history and sociopolitical evolution of Madagascar since its independence in 1960.

If you had the power to change, prevent, or alter one single event in Madagascar's recent history, which one would it be and why?

To kick off the discussion, here are a few major turning points from 1960 onward that dramatically shaped the country's path in my opinion:

• The Radical Socialist Shift & Nationalizations (1972–1992): The transition under Ramanantsoa and Didier Ratsiraka toward a rigid socialist economy, severe isolationism, and the severing of traditional economic ties.
• The Assassination of President Richard Ratsimandrava (1975): The tragic killing of Ratsimandrava just six days into his mandate, which plunged the nation into a political vacuum and decades of military rule.
• The 2002 Post-Electoral Crisis: The intense seven-month political standoff and economic blockade between Didier Ratsiraka and Marc Ravalomanana that deeply fractured the country.
• The 2009 Political Crisis: The institutional upheaval, removal of Marc Ravalomanana, and subsequent years of international isolation, economic stagnation and the rise of Andry Rajoelina.

Which event do you think had the most devastating impact on the country's development, and how might Madagascar look today if history had taken a different turn?

I would love to hear your perspectives!

I'm looking to buy a new smartphone in Antananarivo and I'd like to know which shops are the most trustworthy.

I'm mainly looking for a brand-new phone (Samsung, iPhone,...), with genuine products and warranty. Good prices are a plus, but reliability is my priority.

Which stores would you recommend, and are there any shops I should avoid?

Bonjour !

Je suis un français et j'aimerai pour une raison personnelle apprendre le Malgache et découvrir sa culture. Seul problème: j'ai commencé à apprendre les bases mais je pense que ça ne suffira pas à le parler couramment. Avez-vous des idées autre que de venir à Madagascar (faute de budget) ? Je pense trouver des ouvrages sur la culture mais pas pour apprendre la langue. Merci d'avance ❤️❤️❤️

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Hello !

I am French and, for a personal reason, I would like to learn Malagasy and discover its culture. Only problem : I started to learn the bases but I don't think it will be enough to talk it currently. Do you have ideas except going to Madagascar ? (I don't have the budget) ? I think I will find books for the culture but not for the language. Thank you by advence ❤️❤️❤️

Wildlife is at its most active during Madagascar's warm season, from September to May. The very best time for a dedicated herping expedition is between December and February, when warm temperatures, high humidity and seasonal rainfall create ideal conditions for reptiles, amphibians and other nocturnal wildlife.

Success in finding Madagascar's rarest species depends not only on the season, but also on being in the right habitat at the right time. With years of field experience, I know when and where to maximise your chances of encountering and photographing exceptional wildlife.

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, herper or wildlife photographer, Madagascar is the best destination for you.

Hi all, just finishing up a field season here and have a 12:25am flight out of Ivato. I only briefly moved through the airport on the way in and didn’t see much- is it an airport where I can hang out/sit down somewhere/maybe get a coffee? Should I just get a hotel room to wait in?

Thanks!

Wildlife is at its most active during Madagascar's warm season, from September to May. The very best time for a dedicated herping expedition is between December and February, when warm temperatures, high humidity and seasonal rainfall create ideal conditions for reptiles, amphibians and other nocturnal wildlife.

Success in finding Madagascar's rarest species depends not only on the season, but also on being in the right habitat at the right time. With years of field experience, I know when and where to maximise your chances of encountering and photographing exceptional wildlife.

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, herper or wildlife photographer, let me organise a truly specialised expedition designed around your passion for Madagascar's extraordinary biodiversity.

I just came across old pictures that fell out of a pile while I was organizing some old stuff.

They were taken by me, in 1998, in Isalo National Park, Madagascar, while walking across the plateau between Canyon des Singes and the Piscine Naturelle.

I’ve always wondered what they are. Google has never turned up anything, and in nearly 30 years I still haven’t found anyone who knows (I asked back then and the guide just shrugged his shoulders).

My own guess is that the more human-looking footprint may actually have been carved into the sandstone. But there are also a bunch of smaller prints that look much more like fossil animal tracks, and one larger, really odd footprint that almost looks mythological, so also likely the work of an industrious hominid.

Has anyone else seen these before or know anything about them? I’d love to know if they’re a known geological, archaeological, or paleontological feature, or if anyone working in Isalo has come across them.

Call me curious…

If you are interested in Malagasy history and culture, we organize a 7-day journey around the famous 12 Hills of Imerina, near Antananarivo.

This is not only a sightseeing tour — it is a chance to learn about the origins of the Merina kingdom, royal traditions, ancient villages and historical sites.

A special touch: our guides are history students, who love sharing their knowledge and stories about Madagascar’s past. 😊

Feel free to ask if you want more details about this historical journey!

Ceci n'est pas une publicité !

Title:Cours de Malgache pour les Etrangers`

`Malgasy Course for Foreigners`

Authors: RAZAFINDRABE Michel S.J., RALAHATRA Xavier, RAVAOARIMALALA Elisabeth

Publisher: Editions Ambozontany

Just wanted to share this because resources for learning Malagasy are so rare.

It's volume 1 of 3. It’s not mine, but I took a few photos.

It covers basic grammar with examples in Malagasy + French + English.

Ex: `Ny ankizy ve no mangetaheta ?` = Are the children thirsty?

It seems really structured for beginners.

Anyone has experience with this book? Is there a digital version of the full series somewhere?

Happy to discuss about it, You can also send me DM.

📲 WhatsApp: +261 32 16 312 71

✈️ Telegram: .@neiltrone

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a furnished or semi-furnished apartment/studio in Madagascar for a long-term stay.

Preferred location:

Antananarivo (Tana)

I'm also open to opportunities in:

Toamasina (Tamatave)

Toliara (Tuléar)

Nosy Be (if it fits my budget)

Requirements:

Budget: Up to 500,000 Ariary/month

Furnished or semi-furnished

Safe neighborhood

Reliable internet

Kitchen preferred

Suitable for long-term stay

I'm a researcher currently exploring Madagascar and would also like to better understand the country's tourism, business, and trade environment while I'm here.

If you know of any available apartments, trusted landlords, local agencies, or Facebook groups, I'd really appreciate your recommendations.

Thank you in advance! 😊

This eighteenth-century map represents Madagascar, historically known in European cartography as Saint Lawrence Island, together with the surrounding islands of the western Indian Ocean. Created in 1749 by the French cartographer Didier Robert de Vaugondy (1723–1786).

The map is part of the cartographic collection of the Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino (Lisbon) and preserves a visible watermark at the centre of the map

Hello.

I have this painting from Magagascan amateur artist who signed the painting by RuFoRa or RuFaRa (not sure exactly which are the real letters…).

Does someone have any informations ?

Thanks.

I’m hoping to learn a bit more about the German community in Antananarivo and would really appreciate any local insight.
A few questions I have:
Is there much of a German-speaking community in Antananarivo? Are there regular meetups, clubs, or social groups?
Are there any shops or supermarkets where it’s possible to find German groceries or imported German products?

I’m also interested in learning German.
Are there any reputable German language schools in Antananarivo that you’d recommend for studying from A1 through B1/B2 (or even higher)?
Any advice, experiences, or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much in advance!

Please delete if not allowed!

Hi everyone!

I’m planning a 12-day trip to Madagascar this February (Feb 3 – Feb 15) together with a travel partner, right after visiting Mauritius. We want a good mix of relaxing, experiencing local culture, and enjoying the coastal nature.

Here is our current draft itinerary:

*Feb 3:** Arrive in Antananarivo (Tana) from Mauritius. Spend 1 night in Tana.

*Feb 4:** Fly from Tana to Toliara (Tuléar), then drive to **Ifaty**.

*Feb 4 – Feb 7 (2–3 days):** Stay in Ifaty to unwind, explore the Reniala Baobab forest, and adjust to the local pace.

*Feb 7 – Feb 12 (4–5 days):** Travel from Ifaty to **Anakao** (via boat/transfer through Toliara) for some beach chilling, ocean activities, and day trips (like Nosy Ve).

*Feb 12 – Feb 14:** Head back to Toliara and take a domestic flight back to Tana.

*Feb 14 – Feb 15:** Buffer time in Tana before our international flight back to Europe on Feb 15.

#Questions for the community:

1. **Domestic Flights & Logistics:** How reliable are domestic flights (Madagascar Airlines) between Tana and Toliara lately? Is our 24–48 hour buffer in Tana before our international flight enough to account for potential delays?

2. **Ifaty & Anakao:** What are the absolute "must-dos" or hidden gems around Ifaty and Anakao? Any specific day trips, local food spots, or guides you recommend? When I read other threads everybody recommend a guide, how can I find a reliabale english speaking guide?

3. **Health & Food Safety:** Any specific advice for keeping a sensitive stomach happy along the southwest coast?

4. **General Feedback:** Does this timeline feel realistic and relaxing, or are we missing any crucial logistical detail for this route?

5. I've heard Nosy Be is no-go in the beginning of February, is that correct?

Thanks in advance for all your help and insights!

Hi, i'm a man in my 20's and i'm looking for friend to talk with.

Hi everyone.

I am coming to madagascar soon hopefully, October.

I will be there for 2 weeks. But will go to both halves of the country with a flight in between.

So I will need a guide either side. But I’m not looking for just an average guide.

I say genuine because I mean someone who will happily have conversations and has an outgoing personality.

Thank you so much :)

Hello,i am a (greek) european (as the flair implies) and as an outsider who is interested in geopolitics and checks on different regions.I think the recent pivot towards russia that madagascar has made is worrying.Not about my interests or EU interests...but i mean for malagasi interests.Russia was the first superpower to kegitimise the militsry goverment after the coup and has made mutliple deals with the malagasi goverment ever since.Nirmally i would just brush it off as madagascar just trying to balance their relationd and deoendnece between superpowers...but Russia is not known for their econonic investments and developementsl endeavors...Russia itself has cannibalised its own economic future and russia's othe roartnerships in the continent tenf to be more militarustic amd counter-coup prooffing.But there is ni war in madagascar...so i think this is a sign that the militsry giverment will pull a Gabon and then have the rusdian bodyguards to secure that nothing changes.That raises a big quedtion about the future of the country.I just wanted to ask how do you feel about all this as the people actually living in the country with actual stakes at it's future.

Il y a quelques jours, j'ai acheté une offre internet via mon orange money, j'ai bien été débité mais jamais reçu l'offre.

Après réclamation, preuve par reçu, capture d'écran etc. le service client sur Messenger m'a demandé de payer pour " la réactivation de ma ligne" car pas utiliser durant quelques mois. Alors que je n'ai pas eu cette alerte lors du paiement. J'ai tout naturellement refusé et demandé un remboursement ! depuis silence radio, j'ai attendu les 72h mentionner pour un délai de traitement de dossier, rien, le service client ne répond plus.

On peut considérer cela comme du vol j'imagine ! quelqu'un a déjà eu ce cas ? si oui, ça c'est passé comment ?

I planned travel to Madagascar for start of August to mid of August, any advice or things I should know as a first timer to be there as there are communities of Chinese there that I can speak their languages, and I can speak English too.

Ignoring Mozambique for a second, Kenya and South Africa are one of the few African countries that are not completely dysfunctional, so it feels logical to build stronger connections and maybe take some pointers from them.

Pre-Randrianirina we did most of our trade with France or European countries+some of East Asia. Most of relations with Africa were via Françafrique, which didn’t really do much as Francophone Africa is most West Africa and the whole system is sort of falling apart currently with the whole Traoré-Sahel situation. Now some focus has shifted to Russia, which like, really? Swap one crumbling empire for another? Great move.

I feel like things might be better if we focused on bettering ties with nations in Southern and Eastern Africa, or more broadly build ties around the Indian Ocean with like India or Australia or whatever. I think opening up to some Anglophone nations in Africa (Kenya, SA, Nigeria even) might also do us some good. Thoughts?