Kitesurf in Madagascar : all you need to know
Madagascar is a great destination for a kite trip. It’s quite a wild and very exotic trip.
The best season extends from June to October.
Kiting is mainly done in the north of the island (Babaomby and Sakalava), but there are also possibilities in the south.
Credit for the beautiful photo: @babaomby/Pierre-Yves Babelon
High Season
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Other activities
Why kitesurfing in Madagascar is a good choice ?
With its 1,600 km by 600 km, Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. The trade winds blow well on this large island, so much so that it has excellent conditions for kite-surfing.
A journey through Madagascar is certainly challenging, but it will leave a lasting impression: memories of epic sessions, spectacular nature, and enriching interactions with a friendly people.
However, be careful not to go just anywhere: there may be sharks on some deserted beaches, and diseases in some villages. Be sure to inform yourself before you set off.
Best period and spots to kite in Madagascar
The country is vast, and kite surfing can be done in several places on the island:
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- In the north, there are perfect spots for freeriding and freestyling, set in a beautiful landscape. If you’ve heard of the Emerald Sea, you might know what I’m talking about. The two most famous spots in this area are Babaomby and Sakalava.
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- In the southwest is Anakao, near Tulear, a spot where you can find both beautiful lagoons and waves. The wind, however, is mostly off-shore.
- In the extreme south, and this is a real adventure, the southern province of Toliara presents three promising regions for kite surfers looking for good waves.
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- Fort-Dauphin, in the southeast, offers everything from flat waters to medium and large waves, mainly over a sandy seabed. In this area, wind acceleration is also observed due to the mountain ranges.
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- The southernmost point, Lavanono, could well be the best wave spot on the island, but it is very isolated.
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In any case, the landscapes are absolutely stunning (especially the Emerald Sea in the north of the country), so it’s worth taking the time to explore the region.
The best season for kite surfing is from June to October.
Madagascar is under the trade winds between June and October. It’s better to avoid the rest of the time with the arrival of the cyclone season, which extends from December to April.
Discover the kite spots in Madagascar
Anakao
Babaomby
Sakalava
What we love most
Drawbacks
- Nature
- Authenticity
- Few people
- Beauty of the landscapes
- Long Journey
- Poor health in some places
Our best advices to travelers
How to get there ?
Travel time: It takes about twenty hours for the best flights, including a layover.
Northern spots are well served by Antsiranana Airport (DIE). And those in the South (around Anakao) are served by Tulear Airport (TLE).
Direct flight: no
Time difference: UTC+3
Airlines: Air Madagascar – Air Austral
Main airports: Antananarivo (TNR) – Antsiranana (DIE) – Tulear (TLE)
Flight price: €1000 / €1600
Formalities
- Mandatory vaccines: Yellow fever vaccine is required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of transmission.
- Visa requirements: Visa on arrival for both American and British nationals for a fee of $37.
- Electrical adapter: Type C, E or J plug adapters may be needed.
- Official language: Malagasy and French.
- Currency: Malagasy Ariary (MGA).
Additional tips
It is recommended to rent a car, with or without a driver.
It is better to bring your own medications (it is difficult to find them on site) and a gear repair kit.
What are the best non kitesurfing activities ?
Outside of kite surfing, Madagascar is a country of adventure that must be explored to be discovered.
The activities will mainly consist of visiting parks, beautiful beaches, and meeting locals, who are generally very welcoming.