The island nation of Madagascar has something exciting for every traveler. Whether you have your heart set on going on a wild adventure, or you just want to relax on the gorgeous Nosy Be beach, you’ll find that Madagascar is the perfect destination to fulfill all of your needs.
Just like any travel destination, there’s a list of things you should include during your stay, such as a visit to the nation’s UNESCO World Heritage site, Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve. But many people neglect to familiarize themselves with all the things they shouldn’t do. From failing to recognize social customs to disrespecting the cultural beliefs of different villages, here are 17 things you should NOT do in Madagascar.
1. Don’t Ignore Regional Fady
A “Fady” is a local taboo, and each region has their own set of customs and rules that all visitors should follow. The Fady of a particular region may prohibit eating pork, while others may forbid you from bathing in lakes. Since there are so many to be observed, it’s best to brush up on the cultural laws of the particular village you plan on visiting. No matter how strange these taboos are, it’s best to observe and recognize them unless you’d rather run the risk of disrespecting the locals and violating their laws.