Discovering the Hidden Gem of Madagascar

Kayla Keller
May 1, 2023
2 min read

Before traveling to Madagascar, I honestly did not know much about the country or the culture it entails. I also did not know of anyone who has traveled there as a tourist before which intrigued me all the more to visit. Madagascar is a country that is so untouched by the tourism industry, which makes it all the more unique to those of us who have been fortunate enough to visit. I came to Madagascar on a volunteer program, and although I cut my trip short, I was absolutely blown away by the scenes of this place.

Quick Facts About Madagascar

-Madagascar is located off of the southeastern coast of Africa and is made up of a cluster of islands.

-The languages spoken there are Malagasy and French.

-The currency used is Malagasy Ariary.

-To get around the islands, you will be mainly traveling by boat and tuktuk.

-Rice based meals are what you can expect to eat, along with some French and other cuisines at the local restaurants.

-Always carry the local currency on you as most places do not accept debit/credit cards.

-Tourist need to obtain a visa but this can be bought upon arrival in Madagascar.

Majority of my two weeks was spent on the island of Nosy Komba, but on the weekends I was able to visit its sister islands of Nosy Be and Nosy Sakatia, all of which were absolutely stunning. The island life in Madagascar is very laidback and forces its travelers to slow down from the hustle and bustle that us Americans are used to. The common phrase used in Madagascar is “mora mora” which translates to “slowly, slowly”, reminding its people to slow down and enjoy the present moment. This trip was just that for me, a reminder of how fast life moves and how we should slow down and take in all of the beauty that surrounds us. I hope these pictures are enough to get you to appreciate this country and its people, and maybe even encourage you to discover this hidden gem for yourself!