Madagascar is the fourth-largest island in the world. This mini-continent, often called the Red Island due to its red laterite soil (covering ¾ of the land), is a premier destination. Breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary flora and fauna—Madagascar is a visual feast for travellers and hikers alike! Its biodiversity is among the richest on Earth, with an endemism rate reaching 80%.
To make the most of this "eighth continent", follow these tips to choose the right gear and turn your hiking trip in Madagascar into an unforgettable adventure!
Preparing your hiking trip to Madagascar: the climate
There are two main climatic seasons: the dry season from April to October and the rainy season from November to March.
Although the ideal season to explore the island is between September and October, Madagascar experiences a wide range of weather conditions.
Given the altitude variations and its north-south orientation, you will encounter very diverse conditions depending on where you hike.
Waterproof clothing for the East and Highlands
The Highlands, located in the central part of the island, alternate between a dry season and a wet season. During the day, the altitude makes hiking pleasant, while at nightfall, dropping temperatures (especially during the austral winter) call for warm insulating layers.
Be sure to add to your hiking kit: a fleece pullover, a thermal base layer, a beanie, and gloves for colder days (temperatures hit 0°C in June 2013 on the high plateaus). Additionally, while rains are short, they are intense from mid-November to March (sometimes lasting into June).
Eastern Madagascar remains the greenest region of the island, and for good reason: it records the highest rainfall levels. On the Big Island, locals say the East has two seasons: "the rainy season and the season when it rains less". September and October are the best months to explore this part of the country, home to 80% of its primary rainforests.
Remember to pack waterproof clothing when hiking in these two regions of Madagascar.
Protect against the cold with the WARMIT insulating sweatshirt
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Warm 3D Flex WARMIT SweatshirtAlso available in red[/caption]
The WARMIT 3D Flex warm zip sweatshirt delivers soft warmth during cooler spells. Highly stretchy, this mid-layer moves with you effortlessly. Offering high breathability, its moisture-wicking properties keep you dry and warm during and after activity.
Furthermore, its ultra-lightweight build—just 348g for a size M—won't weigh down your pack during the day. While lighter than fleece, its insulating power is remarkable, effectively retaining body heat.
The PERFORMANCE jacket for ultimate comfort
For protection against heavy downpours, we recommend the men's PERFORMANCE Hardshell jacket; also available for women.
The ultimate protective jacket engineered with an exceptional fabric: Hardshell; the perfect outer layer for demanding outdoor enthusiasts.
Ultra-durable, laminated multi-layer Hardshell is engineered to withstand the most extreme conditions.
In addition, the PERFORMANCE jacket is breathable (> 10,000g/m²/24h) and highly waterproof (> 10,000mm).
A jacket built to keep you protected from sudden Malagasy downpours!
The ideal waterproof over-trousers for heavy rain
For the lower body, pair your classic hiking trousers with waterproof over-trousers for added safety and weather protection. The CASHMIR 2 Hardshell over-trousers are a top choice for this setup.
Quick and easy to slip on, these trousers feature full-length side zips so you don't have to remove your boots. Extremely lightweight at 420g for a size M, they are the ideal backup for rough weather and heavy downpours.
Dressing for a hike in Northern Madagascar
Northern Madagascar receives far less precipitation than the East, as noted earlier. There is a clear distinction between the dry and wet seasons. However, the trade winds can be fierce around Diégo-Suarez, especially between December and March.
To withstand the strong winds in this part of the island, invest in reliable windproof clothing.
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£79.90, down from £99.90[/caption]
The stretch BERGEN trousers deliver effective protection for hiking in this region of Madagascar. Their Activ'Shell membrane is fully windproof and waterproof, while the 3D Power fabric provides excellent thermal insulation.
An ideal layer for these conditions that keeps you sheltered from the wind, rain, and cool Malagasy weather.
Clothing for the scorching climate of the West and South
The Western region is exceptionally sunny. In the South, rain is scarce and the dry season is scorching hot. To tackle these conditions, pack lightweight, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing to handle the heat comfortably.
The Smart-Dry ACTION polo shirt is ideal for hikes on bright sunny days. The Smart-Dry knit of this T-shirt is highly breathable and quick-drying, keeping you comfortable and dry during exertion.
Ultra-lightweight to wear, it will accompany you on all your adventures. Its anti-UV finish protects your skin from harmful sun rays. Thoughtfully designed, this polo features offset seams to eliminate chafing.
Anti-mosquito clothing to prevent bites!
To protect against mosquitoes, CimAlp has developed innovative chitin-based products using a natural molecule found in crab shells.
This Active’Dry fabric targets mosquitoes' ultra-sensitive sensors, keeping irritating bites at bay!
Naturally hydrophilic, this fabric wicks perspiration away to the outside of the garment, drying twice as fast and staying odour-free thanks to its antibacterial properties. CimAlp Active’dry garments stay dry and fresh. The weave provides UV protection of at least UPF 40.
Explore the entire CimAlp anti-mosquito range to enjoy your journey with total peace of mind!
Don't wait any longer… Pack your bags and book your flights to explore this extraordinary island!
