Many traditional sports and games
Fanorona. This almost "national" strategy game, also known as "Malagasy chess", is in some ways similar to a checkers. The game is played on a rectangular board, divided into squares, which are in turn divided into triangles by diagonals. This layout is called Lakam-panorona. Pebbles are used as pawns. Each player advances his pawns and "eats" his opponent's when he gets the chance. The aim is to eliminate the opponent's pawns, or to prevent his pawns from moving. The loser is said to be maty paika ("dead of the move").
The katra. Formerly known as fifangha, this game of African origin resembles awalé, which is well known in the west of the continent. Each player has 32 seeds (gray and round), which he places in even numbers in each of the cups. It's not an easy game to play, but the aim is to "eat" all your opponent's seeds or make it impossible for him to move. Traditionally, this form of entertainment was reserved for women, while men preferred fanorona.
Moraingy (or balahazo). This is Malagasy flat-handed "wrestling", very popular in coastal villages, where it is also an opportunity for locals to get together and celebrate. Each protagonist fights individually. At the start, several clans face each other, and some men stand up in succession, fist raised and dancing, to challenge the other clans. Meanwhile, the women sing, stomp their feet and clap their hands. When the atmosphere has warmed up, two men end up grabbing each other; all holds are permitted, even the most violent.
The aim of the game is to make your opponent's neck touch the ground. The victor's clan then resounds with shouts of joy and pride, and the champion is carried in triumph.
Moraingy is more or less violent, depending on the tribe where it is played. Among the Betsimisarakas, for example, opponents must only fight with the right hand and leg; it's more a game of skill.
Samantsy. The Tanalas traditionally play samantsy, a real chess game imported by the Arabs; curiously, this game only exists in this tribe, where Muslim influence was less strong. The pawns are children, the rooks are birds, the bishops are guns, the king is a Hova... But apart from these minor changes, the rules are virtually identical.
Card games. Cards are played mainly on the boards. Although this form of entertainment has not been part of Malagasy customs for centuries, people generally enjoy playing cards. The classic games we know are played, but here people are particularly fond of fangalatra, or "thief"; money is usually bet. More recently, dominoes have also become popular, played much more quickly than in our country and often with money at stake.
Beautiful dives in prospect
The coral reef between Morombe and the far south of Madagascar is the second largest in the world, after Australia. This means that there are plenty of fish around the Malagasy coast, much to the delight of divers. The infrastructures are now well in place to welcome you, whether in Nosy Be, Diego, Sainte-Marie or Tuléar (Ifaty/Mangily). The equipment is generally recent, the instructors are competent, and the sites are pretty without reaching the splendor of the Polynesian or Australian seabeds. What's more, there's still no rush at the gates, and there are still plenty of spots to discover! In each of the regions where diving is practiced, we have listed the main providers. Please note: on Nosy Be, for example, stinging jellyfish are particularly voracious, especially in the morning.
Cabotage around the island
It's virtually possible to circumnavigate Madagascar by boat, cargo ship, dhow or pirogue. Along the coast, a dense network of coasters transports spices, vanilla, lobster, shrimp, coffee, lychees and more. Comfort is of course minimal, but it's cheap, practical and well worth the adventure. On the other hand, the sea can be rough on the coast, especially in winter (June to September).
The assault on nature
Hiking. It would take too long to list all the trails available in Madagascar. The natural parks, managed by Madagascar National Parks, are ideal places for observing flora and fauna. You'll soon be immersed in sumptuous landscapes, in a nature that still seems untouched. Adventurers can reach even more isolated regions, where infrastructures are scarce.
Their problem will not be so much nature - especially as the island has very few dangerous animals - as the truly testing means of access. In other words, unless you know your way around the jungle and can survive for days without food, the impenetrable forests of the north-east still hold many mysteries. Any of the travel agencies listed in this guide will be able to provide you with information on possible rides in various parts of the country.
Mountain biking. While the dirt roads can be tough on the car, they are a great opportunity for mountain biking. There are plenty of routes to choose from, particularly in the highlands where the red soil and rolling hills provide the ideal backdrop, but also all along the east coast and in Andringitra National Park. Agencies and service providers organize day excursions or guided tours lasting several days. The www.vtt.mg website, for its part, lists numerous itineraries with GPS coordinates and route descriptions.
Cheval. You can ride in the company of "man's noblest conquest" in various parts of the Grande Île. The Domaine de l'Ermitage in Mantasoa, and the Relais de la Reine in Ranohira, offer horse-riding holidays with superb rides through the luxuriant vegetation of the East or in the mysterious Isalo massif.
Making engines roar
Quad bikes. Quad rental has spread all over Madagascar. The number of tours on offer is impressive. It's a practical machine for criss-crossing tracks inaccessible to 4x4s, and sometimes even motorcycles for non-professionals (heavy sand, etc.). The expedition from Tuléar to Morondava (or vice versa) is powerfully beautiful, as is that from Tamatave to Maroantsetra. From Tuléar, renting a quad bike for a simple ride along the Vezo coast is a delight and a great adventure. Alternatively, the north of Sainte-Marie, the area around Diego Suarez or Tana (towards Lake Mantasoa, for example) are ideal for a quad tour.
Motorbike raid. A great way to explore the wilderness of the Grande Île. If you already know how to drive well, you'll be able to get to some of the most remote spots on the island. There's no shortage of magnificent routes.
Sensations guaranteed!
Rafting. The possibilities are enormous all over the island. Immense rivers, completely off the beaten track, await the adventurous to unveil their beauty. Beware, however, of the many crocodiles that populate the banks of coastal rivers! The Mad Cameleon agency will be happy to answer any questions you may have and give you sound advice.
Canyoning. The following sites are of particular interest to canyoning enthusiasts: Massif de l'Isalo (only in the rainy season, and outside the national park), the difficult-to-access Marojejy park (especially the cliffs to the east of Tsaratanana) or Montagne d'Ambre: several completely secluded valleys await the most intrepid to unveil their waterfalls, basins and slides.
Climbing. The possibilities are endless. The most famous is the Andringitra National Park, south of Fianarantsoa, and more specifically the Tsaranoro massif. Some of the great names in climbing have carved out routes here, but how many others have yet to be defined! The weather is generally stable, the cliffs are accessible to beginners and advanced climbers alike, access is easy and the surroundings majestic. Nearby Camp Catta or Tsara Camp are the best places to stay. You'll also find all the information you need.
In the north, the Diego region also boasts a number of well-equipped climbing sites, including the Montagne des Français and the small islands of Nosy Hara, a heavenly spot in the Mozambique Channel.
Last but not least, the island of Sainte-Marie has recently created climbing routes for enthusiasts and beginners alike. The best season is from June to November for the first site, while the second is accessible all year round (but beware of the extreme heat at the height of the rainy season, in January and February).
Paragliding. In recent years, several sites have become suitable for this activity. In the Hautes Terres, the sometimes capricious weather conditions make this activity a little difficult. Lake Itasy, and in particular the Analavory cliff, with a height of around 250 m, can be recommended. But once again, Andringitra takes the cake. In the Tsaranoro valley. You can find out more at Camp Catta, or contact Mad Cameleon: this agency, which specializes in adventure (descent of the Tsiribihina...), is very serious and often recommended.
