Madagascar is a paradise for experienced explorers, offering a myriad of possibilities. Take on the thrilling task of exploring its many landscapes, and you’ll be rewarded with an abundance of fascinating adventures. Discover a myriad of natural beauties on the island of Madagascar, from lush rainforests hiding shy lemurs to significant deserts dotted with majestic baobabs and tranquil beaches draped with palm trees. Amidst the familiar charm, though, is a realm of unexplored wonders just waiting to be found. Whether you are on a Madagascar tour or just visiting on your own get ready to explore the top 10 things you did not know about Madagascar to its fullest extent, discovering a side of Madagascar that goes beyond the ordinary as you unearth its hidden riches.

How Did Madagascar Get Its Name?

The term “Madagascar” is thought to have come from Marco Polo’s 13th-century description of the island. After the August 10th feast day of Saint Lawrence, Polo called the island “Island of Saint Lawrence” in his writings. There is speculation that the name “Madagascar” or “Madageiscar” was transposed by a copyist, presumably influenced by the Arabic term “qamar,” meaning “moon,” because of the crescent-like shape of the island.  Another theory says it was a corrupted version of Mogadishu, the Somali port with which Marco Polo confused the island.

Who Arrived in Madagascar First?

As one of the last large landmasses on Earth to be inhabited by humans, the island of Madagascar has a complex fabric of human history that begins around 350–550 AD. Arab merchants came to Madagascar in the seventh and ninth century, making it a major trading post in the Indian Ocean area. Bantu speakers from southeast Africa and Tamil merchants from southern India arrived in the 11th century as a result of subsequent migrations. The island’s cultural and economic landscape was further shaped by the Portuguese and the French traders who set up trading posts there in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Merina kingdom, sometimes called the Kingdom of Madagascar, rose to power in the 16th and 17th centuries, marking a watershed moment in Madagascar’s history. By the 18th century, the Merina kingdom had essentially taken over the island and was running things from a political and social standpoint.

There are now 18 distinct ethnic groups living in Madagascar, a result of centuries of migration and contact. The language spoken by these communities is Malagasy, which has its roots in Indonesia but also draws from Arabic, Sanskrit, Kiswahili, and other languages. Modern Malagasy culture is a fascinating window into the island’s storied past since it reflects this diverse array of influences in its language, food, music, and traditions.

Explore the Spiritual Side

Although there are significant numbers of Christians, Mormons, Muslims, and Catholics in Madagascar, the vast majority of Malagasy adhere to their own distinct faith, which has its origins in the country’s diverse population.

The gender-neutral creator in this faith goes under the names Zanahary or Andriamanitra. Since the creator has the power to reward or punish its people, the faithful do their utmost to avoid offending them. Ancestors are revered in this faith, as in others, since they are thought to serve as a conduit between Earthlings and the Supreme Being. This emphasis on the connection between the living and the dead is a major tenet.

The Island was Once Ruled by a Wild Queen

Tyrannical royals aren’t new in history, but women’s ruthlessness is more rare, so people notice.

From the start, Queen Ranavalona governed Madagascar ruthlessly in the 1800s. Paranoid and murderous, she eliminated anybody who stood in her way. Later, she tried to expel Christians off the island, making her the world’s most deadly lady. She brutally enslaved her own people and detested the British and French. People were scared, but she poisoned them to keep order.

The population halved during this bitter 33-year reign. Fortunately, modern-day Madagascar is somewhat more tame. Her palace, the Rova of Antananarivo, is still visible in the capital today.

It’s Officially Part of Africa

Since it is closest to Africa, it is part of Africa even though it is 250 miles or 400 km off the East Coast.

As you will see, the people and culture are different from other African countries. The people who live there, who are mostly of Asian descent, have created their own unique niche on a continent that is famously diverse, but as there is no such thing as a “typical African,” this actually works to their advantage.

Many Men and Women Wear Similar Outfits

Many Western clothes are skewed toward one gender or the other simply because our culture has traditionally valued such divisions. But in some places of the world, like Madagascar, men and women can and do wear the same garments.

Traditional clothing here is lamba, a rectangular cloth wrapped around the body. Here, as elsewhere, different styles of attire are reserved for special events.

Formerly a Pirate Haven

Pirates liked Madagascar, like many African islands. They adored Ile Sainte-Marie, a few kilometres off Madagascar’s east coast, because it was a safe refuge for years without European influence.

This was called “the island of pirates” on 1700s maps. Up to 1000 of them hid here, eating local fruit and socialising with local women. They left when the French took charge, but a famous pirate graveyard remains.

Flag Fact

 The flag of Madagascar was adopted in 1958. White symbolises purity, red sovereignty, and green coastal hope.

Drink Local at Sundown

Rum is a popular island export. But here’s a nice secret that not many people know: the island is also home to hundreds of tiny vineyards.

In the late 1800s, the island was colonised by the French, who brought winemaking with them. However, hardly many of the 7.5 million or so litres that are made here are actually exported, so it’s kind of a hidden gem in the area.

Watching Whales

Seeing whales in this enchanted location is an extra special treat. Two kinds of whales, humpbacks and minkes, can be seen here. Additionally, you’ll see whale sharks, which are actually sharks and not whales.

Around May or June, during the beginning of winter, humpback whales make the journey up from the Antarctic. They’ll bask in the Indian Ocean’s warmth for around six months. They will mate, have babies, and nurture their young here until December, when they will begin the long trip south again.

Occasionally in the month of October, you will be able to see minke whales as they migrate from colder to warmer waters. They remain until around January.

Whale sharks are most active from September to December. Seeing these 30-ton monsters in the water is incentive enough to go to Madagascar. They enjoy spending time around Nosy Be.