Shortly before midnight, October 21th: We are standing in the departure hall of Antananarivo Airport, Madagascar, bidding farewell to five happy explorers, whom we showed our "personal Madagascar" during the last month. A wonderful group, awesome memories, encounters and experiences. A mosaic stone in our own Madagascar travel history, which has led us back to the island at the southern tip of Africa for over fifteen years now. We have already spent nearly a year in Madagascar, since we first landed here as travel rookies. Meanwhile we know the country well. We love people and nature, random encounters have grown to friendships and we do not struggling anymore when Air Madagascar is once again cancelling all flights to the Masoala Peninsula two days before the arrival of our guests.

Five travelers are now at the airport, ready to fly home to Switzerland. In the beginning there were eight. No, no one has run away from us, and no, no one has fallen ill with the plague and had to leave the group - individual travel desires and shorter holidays have led to the "loss". Oh, the plague: We sincerely thank for all the worried Whats app requests in recent days. And we can reassure you: they were absolutely unnecessary. Really? Yes, really!

Medical disaster: In Madagascar rages the plague (Welt)
Madagascar's deadly outbreak of the Black Death (Stern)
Madagascar: Plague is spreading fast (RTL)

Madagascar is fascinating. A unique flora and fauna, an exciting mixture of cultures, Africa, Asia and Arabia side by side. A world full of surprises, impressions and adventures. But Madagascar is not a paradise. It is one of the poorest countries in the world. 80% of people live on less than two euros a day. Lack of education, none or very basic health care, corruption on a grand scale. This is also a side of Madagascar - and the world should talk about it. But what currently circulates in the media about Madagascar are terrifying reports of the plague. Important? Maybe - but this panic offense makes rather the local people suffer, especially those who earn their livelihood with the tourists or profit indirectly from them. Then because of such headlines tourists will avoid Madagascar in the near future. Once again, the government rakes in aid money, which the affected peoble will never reach. The plague? Yes, there are people dying from it. But for tourists it is "a very low risk" (WHO, October 2017).
What else?

• The plague occurs not only in Madagascar, but in 21 countries, including many countries of Central and Southeast Asia, Central and South Africa, South America, Mexico and the USA. The highest incidences beside Madagascar are in Tanzania, Vietnam, Myanmar, India and Peru (source WHO). Plague can today be treated with antibiotics.
• In Madagascar, according to the Swiss newspaper NZZ of 17th of October 2017, 805 people had been infected with plague and 74 persons died. To compare (source BAG): In Switzerland, up to 1,500 people die from the seasonal flu each year. The worst pandemics in history were not from the plague but from flu viruses.
• In 2016 a drought, worsened by climate change and strong El Nino left 1'400'000 people in Madagascar desperately short on food. These people are expected to face food shortages in 2017, 850'000 are said to be in need of urgent humanitarian assistance (WFP / Times). But this is none or barely a topic in the international media.

Once more, we as (world) travelers experience the power of media. Fears are fueled, prejudices and stereotypes are built up and the information focus is chosen without thinking of the consequences. Too bad, because the world is often a place full of joy and wonders that is worth to explore.

On our group trip we have discussed a lot about poverty, happiness, hopes and attitudes. Topics that should be a part of every authentic Madagascar journey, we think. On the last day, we drove from the rainforest to the capital Antananarivo. When people greeted us from the roadside, their beaming smiles full of warmth, without jealousy of the beautiful jeeps and the undoubtedly rich "Vazahas" who sat in it, we all agreed: Madagascar is worth a trip. Not only because of the animals, the dream beaches or fascinating landscapes. But also and most of it because of its people. They deserve our admiration, attention and support. Beyond the one-sided and scare-mongering breaking news of plague.

More about our Madagascar group journey:
Madagascar travel story 2016