Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ZEGNY'ZO FESTIVAL
For a shot of artistic zing, head to Zegny'Zo, an international street arts festival, bringing
together musicians, painters, dancers, acrobats and many more for two weeks of exhibi-
tions, parades, workshops, impromptu slam sessions and shows.
July
It's winter and temperatures regularly drop below zero in the Highlands at night;
bring a very warm sleeping bag if you're camping and plenty of layers for heating-less
hotels (surprisingly numerous!).
FAMADIHANA
The'turningofthedead',orexhumation,ceremoniestocommemorate ancestorstakeplace
in the highlands from July to September. The practice is common from Antananarivo to
Fianarantsoa and is an important celebration; foreigners are sometimes invited.
GAME IN MAJUNGA (MAHAJANGA)
You're guaranteed to try zebu meat (a succulent cousin of beef) within a couple of days of
arriving in Mada, but for something more original, why not try local game, such as fruit bat
or comb duck? Hunting season runs from May to October.
VANILLA SEASON
The country's flagship plant is harvested between July and October. It is a labour-intensive
process, as vanilla pods mature at different times. Flights are full in the vanilla-growing
northeast region at this time of year, so book ahead.
August
With school summer holidays in full swing in Europe, August is peak tourism season
in Madagascar. Book ahead for the most popular trips and in areas with limited ac-
commodation, such as Parc National des Tsingy de Bemaraha.
WHALE-WATCHING
Humpback whales migrate annually from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to the warm
waters of the Indian Ocean and Mozambique Channel to mate and give birth. Famed for
their spectacular breaching (jumping), they can be observed all along the coast from July
to September.
