Hiking in Madagascar: what clothing should you pack?

Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. This island-continent, also known as the red island due to its red laterite soil (covering ¾ of the country), is a destination of choice. Breathtaking scenery, stunning wildlife and flora — Madagascar is a visual feast for travellers and hikers alike! Its biodiversity is among the richest in the world, with a rate of endemism reaching 80%.

Don't wait any longer… Pack your bags and get ready to make your hiking trip to Madagascar an unforgettable memory!

Preparing your hiking trip to Madagascar: the climate

Two distinct climatic seasons can be identified: the dry season from April to October and the rainy season from November to March.

Although the ideal season to visit this island is generally between September and October, Madagascar experiences many different climatic conditions.

Indeed, given the differences in altitude and the island's north-south orientation, the conditions you encounter will vary greatly depending on the areas you hike through.

Waterproof clothing for the East and the Highlands

The Highlands, located in the central part of the island, experience alternating dry and wet seasons. During the day, the effects of altitude make hiking pleasant, while at night, the drop in temperatures (especially during the austral winter) makes wearing warm clothing layers essential.

For your hiking kit, remember to add: a fleece pullover, a thermal base layer, a beanie and gloves for those who feel the cold (0°C in June 2013 on the Highlands). Additionally, while short, the rains are intense from mid-November to March (and sometimes through to June).

Eastern Madagascar, meanwhile, remains the most lush region of the island — and for good reason: this is where the highest rainfall records are recorded. On the Big Island, when people talk about the East, they say there are two seasons: "the rainy season and the season when it rains less". September and October are the most pleasant months to explore this part of the country, where 80% of primary forests are concentrated.

Remember to pack waterproof clothing for hiking in these two regions of Madagascar.

Staying warm with the WARMIT insulating sweatshirt

The 3D Flex WARMIT zip-up warm sweatshirt will provide gentle warmth during cooler moments. Highly stretchy, this sweatshirt moves with you in every direction. Its excellent breathability and moisture-transfer properties will keep you dry and warm both during and after exercise.

Moreover, its very light weight — 348g for a size M — means it won't weigh down your luggage during the day. Although lighter than fleece, its insulating power is excellent and will retain your body heat effectively.

The PERFORMANCE jacket for optimum comfort

To protect yourself from heavy rain, I recommend the PERFORMANCE Hardshell jacket for men; also available for women.

The ultimate protective jacket, made from an exceptional material: Hardshell — the ideal garment for the most demanding among you.

Extremely tough, the Hardshell — constructed from multi-layer laminate — is designed to withstand the most extreme conditions.

The PERFORMANCE jacket is also breathable (> 10,000 gr/24h/m²) and highly waterproof (> 10,000mm).

The perfect jacket to avoid being caught out by Madagascar's heavy rains!

The perfect waterproof over-trouser for heavy rain

For the lower body, don't hesitate to wear your "classic" hiking trousers and add a waterproof over-trouser for extra safety and protection. The CASHMIR 2 Hardshell over-trouser is an excellent choice for this purpose.

Very easy and quick to put on, these trousers feature zips that open fully so you don't need to remove your shoes to slip them on. Very lightweight at 420g for a size M, they are another perfect companion for tackling tough conditions and heavy rain.

Dressing for a hiking trip in Northern Madagascar

Northern Madagascar receives far less rainfall than the East, as mentioned above. There is a clear distinction between the dry and wet seasons. However, trade winds can be fierce around Diégo-Suarez, particularly between December and March.

To face the strong winds in this part of the island, invest in windproof clothing.

The BERGEN trousers, with their stretch fit, offer reliable protection for hiking in this region of Madagascar. Their Activ'Shell membrane is fully windproof and waterproof. The 3D Power fabric also provides excellent thermal insulation.

The ideal product for these conditions — it will keep you sheltered from wind, rain and the cooler moments Madagascar has to offer.

Clothing for the scorching climate of the West and South

The western zone is very sunny. As for the southern zone, rainfall is rare and the dry season is sweltering. To handle these conditions, wear lightweight, loose and breathable clothing to cope with the heat.

The Smart-Dry ACTION polo is ideal for hikes on very sunny days. The Smart-Dry fabric of this t-shirt is highly breathable and quick-drying, keeping you comfortable and dry during exercise.

Lightweight and easy to wear, it will accompany you in all your activities. Its anti-UV treatment protects your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Thoughtfully designed, this polo features offset seams to prevent chafing.

Anti-mosquito clothing to avoid bites!

To protect against mosquitoes, CimAlp has developed innovative products based on chitin, a natural molecule found in, for example, crab shells.

This Active'Dry fabric acts on the ultra-sensitive sensory receptors of mosquitoes, protecting you from many an unwelcome bite!

Naturally hydrophilic, this fabric transfers perspiration to the outside of the garment, meaning it dries twice as fast and stays odour-free, thanks to its antibacterial properties. As a result, CimAlp Active'dry garments stay dry and fresh. The weave also provides minimum UPF 40 UV protection.

Explore the full CimAlp anti-mosquito product range and enjoy your trip with complete peace of mind!

Don't wait any longer — pack your bags and book your flights to discover this magnificent island!