MADAGASCAR

Madagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island, lies off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. Known as the “Eighth Continent” due to its extraordinary biodiversity and unique landscapes, it boasts an eccentric mix of African and Asian influences in its culture and people.

Region: East Africa (Indian Ocean)

Capital: Antananarivo

Official Language: Malagasy, French

Level of Travel Safety: Exercise vigilance due to crime, including petty theft and occasional violent incidents, particularly in urban areas and isolated tourist spots. Night travel should be avoided. Road conditions are often poor.

A map of Africa with Madagascar highlighted in green

Why Visit Madagascar?

Unrivaled Biodiversity: Lemurs, chameleons, baobabs, and orchids found nowhere else on Earth.

Diverse Landscapes: From rainforest to desert, highlands to coral reefs—all in one island.

Incredible National Parks: Isalo’s canyons, Andasibe’s forest trails, and Tsingy de Bemaraha’s limestone spires.

A traditional sailing boat with a white sail glides across turquoise water with mountains in the background.

Unspoiled Beaches: Relax on Nosy Be or the pristine shores of Île Sainte-Marie.

Unique Culture: A blend of Austronesian and African traditions with local festivals, crafts, and music.

Adventure and Solitude: Travel here means fewer crowds and authentic experiences off the beaten path.

A radiated tortoise with a striking yellow and black shell is seen up close.

Essential Trip Information

Most travelers require a visa, which can be obtained on arrival or in advance through eVisa: 🔗 https://www.evisamada.gov.mg

Tourist visas are typically valid for 15, 30, or 60 days (US$10–US$40 depending on length).

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.

Expect to show proof of onward travel, sufficient funds, and accommodation details at immigration.

  • Madagascar uses the Malagasy Ariary (MGA).
    1 US$ ≈ 4,400–4,600 MGA (rates fluctuate).

Best Ways to Handle Currency

  • Before Your Trip: Exchange a small amount; MGA is hard to find outside Madagascar.

  • During Your Trip: Use ATMs in major towns (especially BNI, BOA). Credit cards are accepted only in upscale hotels.

  • What to Avoid: Exchanging money on the street; stick to banks or hotels.

Malagasy is the national language; French is widely spoken in cities and by officials.

English is not widely spoken outside tourist hotspots.

Helpful phrases:

  • “Misaotra” (Thank you)
  • “Azafady” (Please/Excuse me)
  • “Aiza ny…?” (Where is…?)

Generally safe for tourists, but:

  • Avoid walking alone at night in urban areas (especially Antananarivo).
  • Watch for pickpocketing in markets and crowded buses.
  • Scams targeting tourists exist—be cautious with money changers and taxi prices.

Emergency number: 117 (Police) / 124 (Gendarmerie)

Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus recommended. Yellow fever required if arriving from endemic zones.

Malaria is present—use mosquito repellent and consider antimalarial medication.

Travel insurance strongly advised.

Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or filtered water.

Pharmacies are available in major towns.

Domestic flights are useful but prone to delays.

Taxi-brousse (minibuses): cheap but uncomfortable and slow.

Car with driver: best option for flexibility and reaching national parks.

Taxis: negotiate price in advance.

Roads are often poor, especially in the rainy season (Dec–March).

Madagascar is affordable, but infrastructure is limited and distances long.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Guesthouses, hostels (US$15–30/night)

  • Mid-range: Local hotels or ecolodges (US$40–80/night)

  • Luxury: Beach resorts or boutique lodges (US$100–250+/night)

Food

  • Local meals: US$2–5

  • Tourist restaurants: US$10–20/person

  • High-end dining: US$30+/person

Drinks

  • Local beer (Three Horses): US$1.50–2.50

  • Cocktails: US$5–8

  • Bottled water: US$0.50–1

Transportation

  • Taxis (in cities): US$1–5 per ride

  • Domestic flights: US$150–300 (essential for remote regions)

  • Private car + driver: US$50–80/day

  • Bush taxis (“taxi-brousse”): US$5–15 (long but very slow)

Money-Saving Tips

  • Eat at local “hotely” restaurants for authentic meals.

  • Share car hires with other travelers.

  • Choose national parks with lower entrance fees (e.g., Anja vs. Andasibe).

Explore Madagascar

This iconic dirt road near Morondava on the west coast is lined with colossal, ancient baobab trees, creating one of Madagascar’s most photographed landscapes. It’s particularly breathtaking at sunrise or sunset, offering a truly otherworldly experience.

A UNESCO World Heritage site in the western region, this unique geological marvel features a “stone forest” of razor-sharp limestone pinnacles (tsingy) that are a sight to behold. Explore via fixed ropes, ladders, and suspension bridges, encountering lemurs and other wildlife.

Located in the eastern rainforests, relatively close to Antananarivo, this park is famous for its Indri lemurs, the largest living lemur species, known for their haunting calls. It offers excellent opportunities for lemur trekking and spotting diverse wildlife in a lush, humid environment.

Found in the southwest, Isalo is a vast national park characterized by dramatic sandstone formations, deep canyons, and natural pools. It’s ideal for hiking, offering stunning landscapes, unique rock formations, and a chance to spot ring-tailed lemurs basking in the sun.

This popular volcanic island, situated off the northwest coast, is Madagascar’s premier beach destination. Known for its pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life, it’s perfect for snorkeling, diving, whale shark spotting (seasonal), and enjoying a relaxed island vibe.

A mountainous rainforest park in the southeast, Ranomafana is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich biodiversity, including several species of lemurs, chameleons, and birds. It’s a prime destination for guided treks, offering hot springs and stunning waterfalls.

A charming island off the east coast, this former pirate stronghold is now a tranquil paradise. It’s renowned for its pristine beaches, coconut groves, and as a prime spot for humpback whale watching (July-September) when they migrate to breed in its warm waters.

The bustling capital city, located in the central highlands, is built on a series of hills, offering panoramic views. Explore its historic Rova (royal palace) complex, wander through its chaotic but fascinating markets, and discover its blend of colonial and traditional architecture.

This small, community-managed reserve in the central southern highlands, near Ambalavao, is a fantastic place to see wild ring-tailed lemurs up close. It’s an excellent example of successful local conservation, offering easy walking trails and beautiful scenery.

A coastal town on the west coast, Morondava is the closest major settlement to the Avenue of the Baobabs. It serves as a gateway to the tsingy parks and offers a relaxed atmosphere with a charming waterfront, fresh seafood, and a glimpse into local life.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices on accommodation and tours
  • Fewer Crowds at popular sites
  • Lush, Green Landscapes (ideal for photography)
  • Best for Birdwatching (migratory birds)
  • Newborn Lemur Sightings (late wet season)

Main Drawbacks:

  • High Temperatures (can reach 95ºF / 35ºC or more on coasts)
  • High Humidity
  • Frequent and Heavy Rainfall (especially on the East Coast)
  • Risk of Tropical Cyclones (December – March), causing disruption
  • Some Roads may become Impassable

Key Regions:

  • Antananarivo: City exploration and indoor attractions are less affected by rain.
  • Eastern Rainforests (e.g., Masoala Peninsula): Very wet, but wildlife is active and forests are incredibly lush.
  • Nosy Be (Northwest Coast): Still warm, but can experience rain; some resorts remain open.
  • Southwest (Toliara region): Drier and hotter, but very challenging to travel.

Key Advantages:

  • Transitioning Weather (less extreme than peak or low)
  • Moderate Crowds
  • Reasonable Prices
  • Good for Wildlife Viewing as landscapes green up (November) or dry out (May)
  • Whale Shark Season begins in Nosy Be (November)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Unpredictable Weather (can have lingering rain or early dry season heat)
  • Humidity still present
  • Some areas might still be recovering from heavy rains in May.
  • Road conditions can be variable.

Key Regions:

  • Avenue of the Baobabs (West Coast): Iconic baobabs are accessible, and sunsets are stunning.
  • Isalo National Park (Southwest): Comfortable for hiking as temperatures are moderate.
  • Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (East): Good for lemur spotting as conditions are not too wet or too cold.
  • Nosy Be & surrounding islands (Northwest): Pleasant weather for beach activities and diving.
  • Cooler, Dry Season (June – October)
  • European Summer Holidays (July – August)
  • Humpback Whale Season in Ile Sainte Marie (July – September)

Planning Your Trip

Greetings: Handshakes and a polite “Salama” go a long way.

Respect for elders: Always greet the oldest person first.

Tipping: 10% in restaurants, US$1–2 for hotel staff or guides.

Photography: Always ask permission, especially in rural villages.

Fady (taboos): These vary by region—ask local guides about cultural restrictions (e.g., not pointing at tombs or eating pork in certain areas).

Accommodation:

  • Budget (~US$20–50), mid-range (~US$60–150), luxury (US$250–600+).

Food:

  • Street food/local meals: US$2–5.
  • Mid-range meals: US$10–20.
  • Upscale dining: US$40+ per person.

Transport:

  • Taxi-brousse: US$5–15 (intercity).
  • Domestic flights: US$150–300.
  • Private driver: ~US$60–100/day (with car).

Activities:

  • National park entry: US$10–20.
  • Local guides: US$10–30/day.
  • Whale watching/snorkeling tours: US$40–70.

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$50–80 (guesthouses, public transport, local meals).
  • Mid-range: US$120–200 (lodges, private driver, guided tours).
  • Luxury: US$300+ (resorts, internal flights, private guides).

Wi-Fi: Available in most hotels and cafes in major towns, but often slow.

SIM Cards:

  • Telma, Airtel, and Orange offer tourist SIMs.
  • US$5–10 for a SIM; US$10–20 for 10–15GB data.

eSIMs: Rare; better to buy local SIM on arrival.

Tip: Telma generally has the best coverage in rural areas.

Highly recommended due to:

  • Limited medical infrastructure in rural areas.
  • Road accidents and delayed flights are common.

Adventure Coverage:

  • Ensure your plan includes trekking, diving, or wildlife tours.

Medical Evacuation:

  • Include emergency airlift to Réunion or South Africa if needed.

Madagascar offers a mix of rustic charm and barefoot luxury—especially in coastal and national park areas.

Luxury:

  • Beach resorts: Miavana (Nosy Ankao), Anjajavy Lodge (northwest coast).
  • Nature lodges: Mantadia Lodge (Andasibe), Isalo Rock Lodge.

Mid-range:

  • Beachfront bungalows: Sakatia Lodge (Nosy Be), Princesse Bora (Île Sainte-Marie).
  • Safari-style lodges: Setam Lodge (Ranomafana), Relais de la Reine (Isalo).

Budget:

  • Guesthouses & basic hotels: ~US$20–50/night in towns like Morondava, Fianarantsoa.
  • Backpacker hostels are rare but exist in Antananarivo and Nosy Be.

Unique stays:

  • Treehouses & ecolodges: Nature Lodge (Diego Suarez), Vakona Forest Lodge (Andasibe).
  • Secluded island retreats accessible only by boat.

Tip: Book in advance for July–September, especially in Nosy Be and national parks.

Transport in Madagascar requires patience—roads are rough and distances long. Plan ahead for internal travel.

Domestic Flights:

  • Air Madagascar (Tsaradia): Connects Antananarivo to Nosy Be, Tulear, Fort Dauphin (~US$150–300 one way).
  • Book early—flights are often delayed or overbooked.

Private Drivers:

  • Common for touring national parks and rural areas.
  • ~US$60–100/day, including fuel. Essential for multi-day itineraries.

Taxi-Brousse (shared minivans):

  • Very budget-friendly (US$5–15 between cities), but slow and cramped.
  • Use for short trips only if on a tight budget.

Car Rentals:

  • Not recommended for self-driving. Poor road conditions and lack of signage.
  • Hire with a driver instead.

Boats:

  • Local ferries and pirogues are common for island transfers (e.g., Nosy Be to Nosy Komba).
  • Rates vary (US$5–30).

Bold Recommendation: Hire a private driver for flexibility and comfort, especially for park circuits.

Handy Tips

Madagascar uses the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). Common bills include 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 MGA denominations. Coins are less commonly used and may be declined in small shops.

  • Exchanging Currency: Avoid airport kiosks due to poor rates. Use ATMs in major cities like Antananarivo or Nosy Be, but they may have withdrawal limits.

  • Using Cards: Credit/debit cards (especially Visa and Mastercard) are accepted in upscale hotels and restaurants. Always carry cash for markets, transport, or rural areas.

  • Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is customary, especially in tourism.

    • Restaurants: Around 10% if service isn’t included.

    • Taxis: Not expected, but rounding up is appreciated.

    • Hotel Staff: US$1–2 for porters; US$2–3/day for housekeeping.

    • Tour Guides: US$5–10 per person/day.

The official languages are Malagasy and French. English is spoken in some tourist hubs, but not widely understood in rural areas.

  • Useful phrases:

    • “Combien ça coûte ?” (How much is it?)

    • “Parlez-vous anglais ?” (Do you speak English?)

    • “Aiza ny WC?” (Where’s the toilet?)

Pro Tip: Learning basic Malagasy greetings (like “Manao ahoana” = Hello) earns smiles and goodwill.

Madagascar is generally safe for travelers but has areas of petty crime. Be alert in busy places (e.g., markets, taxi-brousses) and avoid isolated areas after dark.

  • Emergency Contacts:

    • Police: 117

    • Fire Brigade: 118

    • Ambulance: 124

    • Your Embassy: Keep contact info offline in case of poor connectivity.

  • Be cautious when driving—road conditions can be rough, especially outside major cities.

Madagascar uses 220V/50Hz, with Type C and E plugs (two round pins). Travelers from the U.S. will need an adapter and possibly a converter for high-voltage appliances.

Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth.

Pro Tip: Most hotels provide filtered water or have refill stations—bring a reusable bottle to cut plastic use.

Many businesses, markets, and government offices close on national holidays. Some festive events may impact transport and access to attractions.

  • 1 Jan: New Year’s Day

  • 29 Mar: Martyrs’ Day

  • 1 May: Labour Day

  • 26 Jun: Independence Day (fireworks & parades!)

  • 15 Aug: Assumption Day

  • 1 Nov: All Saints’ Day

  • 25 Dec: Christmas

Note: During Independence Day, locals gather in colorful celebrations—an immersive cultural moment, but book transport/accommodation in advance.

Shops: Typically open 08:00–18:00, closed Sundays.

Markets: Early morning until late afternoon (beware of pickpockets).

Pharmacies: Most open 08:00–19:00, closed Sundays; some 24/7 options in cities.

Romazava: Madagascar’s national dish—beef stew with leafy greens and local spices.

Ravitoto: Crushed cassava leaves cooked with pork—rich, earthy, and deeply traditional.

Hen’omby sy Amalona: Beef with eel—an unusual delicacy for the adventurous eater.

Akoho sy Voanio: Chicken simmered in coconut milk with ginger and garlic.

Mofo Gasy: Rice flour cakes cooked in a special mold—crispy on the outside, soft inside.

Koba: Banana, peanut, and rice flour cake wrapped in banana leaves—dense and nutty.

Mofo Baolina: Fried dough balls, Madagascar’s version of doughnuts, often sold as street snacks.

Ranovola Rice Drink: Made from burnt rice and water—nutty, toasty, often served with meals.

Banana Fritters (Menakely): Sweet plantain fritters, sometimes topped with sugar or honey.

Bonbon Coco: Shredded coconut and sugar treats—chewy and addictive.

Alcoholic:

  • Lazan’i Betsileo: A local red wine made in the highlands—rustic and unique.

  • Clos Nomena: Malagasy-made rosé—light, floral, and perfect for hot days.

  • Toaka Gasy: Traditional sugarcane rum—often homemade, drink with caution!

  • Three Horses Beer (THB): Madagascar’s most popular beer—crisp, smooth, and everywhere.

  • Queen’s Beer: A slightly heavier brew—great for beer lovers wanting something different.

  • Dzama Rhum: Iconic aged rum from Nosy Be—try the vanilla-spiced variant.

Non-Alcoholic:

  • Ranovola: Traditional drink made from burnt rice and hot water—smoky and soothing.

  • Litro ya Mamy: Local fruit juices, especially lychee, mango, or tamarind.

  • Fresh Coconut Water: Sold at roadside stands across coastal areas—hydrating and sweet.

  • Ginger Tea (Tongolo Gasy): Served in markets and homes—spicy and warming.

  • Bonbon Anglais: A quirky local soda with a bubblegum-citrus taste—loved by locals.

Royal Hill of Ambohimanga: Spiritual and political center of the Merina kingdom—UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Malagasy Funerary Art: Discover colorful tombs and the tradition of famadihana (reburial ceremony).

Zafimaniry Woodcraft: UNESCO-recognized craftsmanship—buy directly from artisans in Ambositra.

Ethnic Diversity: Learn about the 18 ethnic groups, each with distinct customs and attire.

Hira Gasy: Traditional operatic-style performance with music, dance, and social commentary.

Lamba: Traditional Malagasy garment worn at ceremonies.

Andringitra National Park: Sacred mountain landscapes with strong cultural significance.

Musée de la Photographie de Madagascar (Tana): A visual journey through Malagasy history.

Vazimba Legends: Tales of Madagascar’s first inhabitants, blending myth and history.

Sacred Lakes and Sites: Follow respectful conduct at spiritual locations (e.g., Lake Tritriva).

Avenue of the Baobabs: Sunset walk among ancient trees—magical and photogenic.

Nosy Be: Island paradise for snorkeling, diving, and beach lounging.

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park: Spot the Indri lemurs and chameleons in the wild.

Tsingy de Bemaraha: Jaw-dropping limestone formations—UNESCO-listed.

Isalo National Park: Desert-like canyons, waterfalls, and sacred tombs—ideal for hiking.

Antananarivo (Tana): Explore the old royal palace and local craft markets.

Whale Watching (Île Sainte-Marie): Best from June to September.

Zoma Markets: One of the largest open-air markets in Africa (note: watch your belongings).

Traditional Dance Shows: Found in major towns and cultural centers.

Beach Hopping in Ifaty or Anakao: Crystal-clear waters and laid-back vibes.