Have a Merry 'Madagascar' Christmas

With Christmas right around the corner we are sure that you are as excited as we are to celebrate the holiday with friends and family. Although we don't have snow here in sunny Cape Town for a traditional 'White Christmas' we still get into the festive spirit by decorating our Christmas trees, singing carols and wrapping Christmas presents!

While every area celebrates their holidays in a different climate and way, most places often sing some form of festive song over December... And while we in South Africa and many other far away places all have our own traditional Christmas songs and carols, we thought that it might be interesting to share with you a Malagasy Christmas carol, Avia Ry Mino, which is the Malagasy version of 'Oh Come all ye Faithful'. If you are feeling really daring at your Christmas party you can entertain your family with this version...!

Avia ry mino! Hifaly sy hihoby, (Oh, come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant)
Avia, avia hankany Betlehema; (Oh, come ye, oh, come ye to Bethlehem;)
Teraka Jeso tompon'ny anjely (Come and behold him, born the king of angels)
Avia hitsaoka Azy (x3) izay Tomponao (Oh, come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.)

Merry Christmas (or Arahaba tratry ny Noely) from everyone at Jenman Island Safaris!
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See a different side of Madagascar with the Morondava Baobab Package!

Last month we featured our brand new and exciting Morondava Baobab Package which is the perfect vacation if you are looking for something very different. If you want a real adventure then travel to the west of Madagascar on our combinable Morandava Baobab Package to explore the true spirit of Madagascar with shy lemurs and majestic baobabs... and if you combine this with a relaxing beach holiday (which you can) you will get the best of both worlds! No need to choose between adventure and relaxation anymore!

From EUR 435 / USD 610 you can spend 5 days exploring the Kirindy Reserve where you will have the opportunity to see 7 different lemur species, and if you are lucky enough maybe even the elusive fossa or giant jumping rat! Enjoy a visit to the world-famous baobab alley of Morondava and marvel at the strange and beautiful baobab trees - it is one of the most photographed areas in Madagascar! Book this package as an add-on to your round-trip or a combination with your beach holiday now.

For more information email one of our friendly consultants on info@jenmansafaris.com or click here to view our website package.
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What exactly is 'fady'?

Chances are when traveling around Madagascar you will come across people talking about something being 'fady'. When we first heard about the term we were stumped too! After chatting to our resident Madagascar expert (and Madagascar product manager) Rebecca, we learnt exactly what this strange word means...

So, what does fady mean? Fady means taboo or forbidden. It refers to beliefs created by tribal elders and soothsayers to educate children, protect the natural environment, and create harmony in society. For example; in some areas of the island it is fady to touch a chameleon as this is believed to bring misfortune!

While it may be difficult to accept certain fady, it is important to respect the local people and their beliefs... So next time you are in Madagascar remember to ask your guide about local fadys.

FREE ENTRY VISA to Madagascar for 2011

This year (2010) the National Tourism Board of Madagascar offered a free entry visa to Madagascar and we all feared that they would bring back the visa for 2011... But we have some great news!!

The National Tourism Board of Madagascar has recently announced that NO ENTRY VISA IS REQUIRED when visiting Madagascar in 2011 for a stay of a maximum of 30 days (this is valid for all nationalities entering Madagascar)!

So, now you have no excuse not to book your dream vacation! To book a holiday with a FREE ENTRY VISA, contact us on info@jenmansafaris.com.
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No woodpeckers in Madagascar...

Did you know that there are no woodpeckers in Madagascar? Strangely enough, you will still hear that 'repetitive' woodpecker noise in Madagascar... But, not from a bird... from a lemur! This strange little creature is called the Aye Aye.

The Aye Aye is a nocturnal primate that has a strongly developed middle finger and a very precise sense of hearing. At night, it knocks on the branches and trunks of trees and rotting logs with its fingers and listens to the sounds it produces to figure out if and where grubs are hidden. If the Aye Aye discovers something, it uses its long middle finger to dig the tasty morsels out of the wood. The Aye Aye is just one of many unique animals found only in Madagascar.

Email one of our knowledgeable consultants if you would like to visit the island and see the mysterious Aye Aye for yourself!
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