Madagascar is the fourth-largest island in the world. Known as the Red Island because of the red laterite soil covering three-quarters of the country, this island continent is a remarkable destination. Breathtaking landscapes and magnificent wildlife and plant life make Madagascar a feast for travellers and hikers alike. Its biodiversity is among the richest in the world, with an endemism rate of 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.
Add these to your hiking kit: a fleece top, a thermal base layer, and a beanie and gloves if you feel the cold (temperatures reached 0°C in the highlands in June 2013). Rainfall is also intense, though brief, from mid-November to March, and sometimes as late as 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.
Be sure to pack waterproof clothing for 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 3D Flex WARMIT warm zip-up sweatshirt provides gentle warmth when temperatures drop. Highly stretchy, it moves with you. Its high breathability and moisture-wicking performance help 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 rain, I recommend the men’s PERFORMANCE hardshell jacket. It is 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 your legs, you can wear your regular hiking trousers with waterproof overtrousers for extra protection. The CASHMIR 2 hardshell overtrousers are a good choice for this.
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.
What to wear for hiking 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 stretchy BERGEN trousers provide effective protection when hiking in this part 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 is ideal for hikes on very sunny days. Its Smart-Dry fabric is highly breathable and quick-drying, helping you stay comfortable and dry while you hike.
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!
For protection against mosquitoes, Cimalp offers shirts, trousers and a cap made from fabric with INSECT-STOPPER* treatment built in, with no spray or application to the skin required. This treatment is an insecticide* recognised as effective against most mosquito species (Aedes, including Aedes albopictus, known as the tiger mosquito, Culex and Anopheles).
Explore the full CimAlp range of mosquito-repellent products and enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
*The mosquito-repellent treatment is a biocidal product containing permethrin as its active substance. It may cause skin sensitisation.
Don't wait any longer… Pack your bags and book your flights to explore this extraordinary island!
