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18 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Visiting Madagascar

madagascar travel reddit

Kelly Hayes-Raitt

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For many, Madagascar is a bucket-list destination. An island isolated off the east coast of Africa, 90 percent of its wildlife is found nowhere else on earth. But it’s the cherub-faced lemurs that beckon most tourists to this far-flung destination.

With tourism up 19 percent in the first half of 2019 over the previous year, I thought planning my recent trip would be relatively easy.

However, I was overwhelmed by the many options. Initially, I went through a few of the international tour companies, but I found their non-transparent pricing and communication delays quite frustrating.

Next, I went straight to the on-the-ground guides to avoid the middle-man costs. I scoured Trip Advisor for recommendations and found four guides, all of whom responded to my emails within 24 hours. I chose Arsene from Tour Guide Lovemada , as he responded the fastest and adjusted his proposed itinerary to my interests.

Here’s what I learned are important considerations.

The writer with her tour guide in Madagascar.

1. Choose Your Guide Wisely

You will need a driver, even if you rent a car. (Car rental companies require you to hire a driver — and you will be glad you did once you see the roads!) Choose a guide who speaks your native language well, is comfortable with translating, is certified as a guide by the Malagasy government, has first aid training, reflects your stated limitations and interests in his recommendations, responds quickly and thoroughly to your emails, has transparent pricing, and drives well!

2. Realize Madagascar Is A Huge Country

It looks tiny perched there in the Indian Ocean next to Africa, but Madagascar is as big as Texas, and much longer from north to south. Compounding that, it’s a volcanic island with dramatic peaks and very winding roads, so getting from destination to destination involves long, arduous drives. And the roads aren’t great: Less than 20 percent of the country’s roads are paved . Let your tour operator know ahead of time if you are prone to car sickness. You might want to confine your trip to one region. Madagascar has much to offer in every part!

Locals the writer met on her trip.

3. Communicate Your Interests To Your Tour Operator

Many tours involve moving tourists from national park to national park to hike and spot lemurs. This type of itinerary may involve 6- or 7-hour car rides. I wanted to avoid that — and I also wanted to spend more time in villages meeting people than in forests hiking and lemur-searching. I was rewarded: My guide arranged two overnights in small villages, which were definite highlights!

4. Recognize Your Limits

Madagascar is a challenging country and can offer a variety of boundary-pushing experiences, both physical and cultural. For example, I was scheduled to hike down a high volcanic mountain to a remote village and spend the night. While I was excited about the cultural opportunity, I couldn’t handle the physical climbing and had to beg off. (I was a bit embarrassed, as a 68-year-old village woman followed me, wearing only flip-flops, and scampered over the rocky path like a mountain goat! I was practically on my hands and knees.)

On the other hand, spending the night in a village with no running water or electricity and communicating with the local women provided a welcome challenge: What common references could I find with women who had never seen a movie or read a book and knew almost nothing about the United States? With my guide translating, I asked about their children and their dreams for their daughters. I asked about their impressions of America and what questions they had for me. They wanted to know how I intend to care for myself as I age, since I have no husband or children. They sincerely invited me to live with them in their village, where I’d be cared for in my senior years.

Beautiful Madagascar landscape.

5. Schedule A Trip To A Major Grocery Store Your First Morning

Big grocery stores are found only in Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital. Stock up on bottled water from a major company (not the national water company, Jirama, which bottles water that is unsafe for foreigners). Pick up wine, if that’s what you drink. (Beer, rum, and vodka are available throughout the countryside.) You might also stock up on shampoo and conditioner, as many of the hotels don’t offer these amenities, munchies for the car rides, and toilet paper for pit stops.

6. Don’t Schedule Your Departing International Flight On The Heels Of A Local Flight

The domestic airlines, Air Madagascar, known as “Air Maybe” by the locals, and Tsradia, its new spin-off, have notorious reputations. My Tsaradia flight time was changed to depart two hours later than scheduled, then took off two hours later than that! Avoid a lot of internal flying if you want to avoid losing travel days to flight delays.

The local currency in Madagascar.

7. Carry A Lot Of Small Bills

Nearly every place you visit will require you to hire a local guide in addition to paying the entrance fee for the park or attraction. The local guides cost 20,000 to 80,000 Ariary. (20,000 Ariary is about $5 or €5). They don’t give change. You can break larger bills in restaurants or at the hotels.

8. Calculate The ATM Limitations

I used my ATM card in the larger cities to get local currency. But be careful! Banks charge a fee for every transaction, regardless of amount withdrawn. BNI Bank limits withdrawals to 400,000 Ariary, whereas BFV Bank’s limit is twice that for roughly the same fee. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Euros are accepted for payments at many hotels.

A chameleon in Madagascar.

9. Bring Anti-Diarrheal Medications

Although you can get Flagyl and a few other antibiotics in pharmacies in larger cities, the rural areas have few clinics and pharmacies. Also bring a laxative! Every meal is served with rice and that can wreak havoc on intestines used to a more Western diet.

10. Prepare To Pick Up After Yourself

Note that hotel rooms are not necessarily cleaned daily (unless you specifically request it) when you stay multiple nights.

Dinner in a small village in Madagascar.

11. Check Temperatures Of Your Specific Destinations

During my 10-day guided trip, I went from hot-hot to sleeping in my sweats under two heavy quilts. Madagascar’s coasts have a tropical climate, its mountains and high plateaus are chillier and more temperate, and its south has an arid climate.

12. Check Altitudes If You Are Prone To Altitude Sickness

The average elevation is higher than 2,000 feet above sea level, with its highest point ascending to 9,500 feet at Maromokotro in the northern part of the country. Prepare for altitude sickness by packing appropriate medication.

A landscape in Madagascar.

13. Ask Your Tour Guide For Hotel Recommendations

I wanted to book my own hotels through Booking.com, and I’m glad I read the reviews and consulted my guide before booking. The hotels the guides recommend are safe and up to Western-style standards. They also offer free rooms and meals for the guides, which keeps your costs down. I was quite comfortable in hotels in the $20 to $30 USD a night range. They were clean and had strong, plentiful hot water, Western-style toilets, Wi-Fi and good, on-site restaurants. I thought I was saving money booking my own hotels. But had I asked, my guide would have booked all my rooms at no extra charge.

14. Stay Connected!

Check your data plan before you leave and increase it if necessary. I had telephone connection throughout my trip, so I was able to use my data allowance to post on Facebook during the long car rides. Every hotel I stayed in had decent Wi-Fi. Everyone uses WhatsApp. Be sure to bring all the types of phone chargers you have so you can recharge in the car, as well as at the hotel. You’ll need your phone as a flashlight, too, in some of the villages where there is no electricity.

Lemurs in Madagascar.

15. Research Your Anti-Malaria Medication Carefully…

And don’t wait until the last minute! Some areas of Africa, including Madagascar, have mosquitoes that are resistant to chloroquine, one of the more common antimalarial medications. Mefloquine, a formerly common antimalarial, has been linked to hallucinations and is difficult to find. Additionally, not all antimalarials are available everywhere. Your pharmacy might need a few weeks to order your desired medication, and you may have to start taking the medication a week or two before you arrive in Madagascar.

16. Budget For Gifts

Madagascar is one of the world’s poorest countries, with 75 percent of its people living on less than $2 per day according to the World Bank. My tour guide recommended that I bring small gifts, such as volleyballs, to the villages where I stayed. These gifts were inexpensive and available, but I was glad I had extra cash, too. And the smiles on the children’s faces were priceless!

Villagers the writer met in Madagascar.

17. Consider Volunteering

There are many inspiring opportunities to volunteer in Madagascar. I spent my first week helping Nosy Be Conservation regenerate corals on an island in the northwest corner of Madagascar. My volunteer assignment took me into the water nearly every day to clean the artificial reefs or to gather broken coral that could be transplanted onto existing coral. It was a challenging and soul-satisfying way to give back to this amazing country!

18. Most Importantly, Pack Your Sense Of Humor And Flexibility

Part of the excitement of traveling in Madagascar is the last-minute opportunity to experience the rare and unexpected. My guide, knowing of my interest in seeing an exhumation celebration , scrapped our scheduled itinerary one afternoon so we could join a local community’s exhumation ceremony. What we didn’t realize is that it would take us over an hour of driving over some very rutted and dusty roads to reach the celebration. It took a lot of patience and perseverance to get there, but it was worth it!

Want more bucket-list trip advice? How about planning a girls trip to Machu Picchu: what to know before you go ?

Image of Kelly Hayes-Raitt

Kelly Hayes-Raitt jokes she sleeps around – usually with animals. As an international petsitter, she’s been traveling full-time for more than a decade. She coaches authors and has written the book How to Become a Housesitter: Insider Tips from the HouseSit Diva , available in soft cover or Kindle at Amazon or as an ebook from her web site, HouseSitDiva .

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The Ultimate Madagascar Itinerary Ideas

Madagascar is a beautiful country with many places to visit. It is also a massive country with horrible infrastructure, leaving precious time on holiday often on a bus or plane. With these in mind, it is important to consider logistics within Madagascar for each destination, so we came up with the ultimate Madagascar itinerary – from two up to eight weeks – for your stay.

Depending on the length of your stay, it is best to choose a small area of Madagascar – unless you intend to backpack for 2+ months – in which case most of the country is doable. The main transport within Madagascar is the local buses or the taxi brousse. Often, we would expect the journey to be only a few hours, but it was normal to take an entire day.

It is better to hire a personal car and driver to get between destinations as quickly as possible if you have limited time. The roads are very poor and can take hours to move even one hundred kilometers.

Madagascar Vacation: Chez Sica

Deciding how much time you want to spend in Madagascar? Unless you plan to fly to Nosy Be and just spend a week at one of the resorts, the least we would recommend would be to visit Madagascar for two weeks. This is still going to be rushed with limited sites to have a smooth holiday.

One month is a great amount of time backpacking in Madagascar. To see most of the country, hitting all the major highlights in both the south and north of the country, six to eight weeks is more realistic. Domestic flights with Air Madagascar can set you back $300 USD one-way.

If short on time, consider flying between some of the destinations whenever possible. Two weeks provides you with enough time to hit our three favorite spots in Madagascar – Tsingy de Bemaraha, Avenue of Baobabs, and Ile Aux Nattes , our favorite beach, and the rainforest of Andasibe.

Whether you’re staying for two weeks or maybe eight, read on to learn about the ultimate Madagascar itinerary ideas!

Content and photographs provided by Yana Kogan and Timon .

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Best Two-Week Itinerary Option

Madagascar Itinerary: Baobabs

East/West Option:  Fly to Antananarivo and go West to Morondava. Visit the Avenue of Baobabs and Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, then head back East to the other coast passing through Tana on your way to Saint Marie and Ile Nattes. You can finish your trip with a day in Andasibe visiting the rainforest before heading home. This is a good travel itinerary that hits the two best sites, our favorite beach, and a very accessible rainforest with lots of wildlife and lemurs.

Travel to Madagascar: Tsarnoru Valley

Alternate Options

Visit Madagascar: Ambalavao

North Option:  Fly to Diego Suarez from Tana. You can spend five days in Diego Suarez and Ramena, then head to Nosy Be for a week’s stay. You can proceed to visit Tsingy Rouge, Amber Mountain, Emerald Bay, and some of the islands surrounding Nosy Be.

South Option:  Fly to Tana and head south in your private 4×4 hire. You will have stops at Antsirabe, Anja Park in Ambalavao, and Isalo National Park. Then, continue down to Toliara and spend a couple of days at the beach of Anakao or Ifante before you fly back to Tana. The other option is from Isalo, go back to Tana, and then to Andasibe for a couple of days in the Rainforest before heading home. A private driver from Tana to Toliara (or vice-versa) costs around 150K Ariary (~$50 USD).

Madagascar Destinations: Grand Tsingy de Bemeraha

Three or four weeks  is a good amount of time to stay in Madagascar. You can mix a combination of a private car (4×4) and taxi brousse to lower costs for the trip and can see a lot of the country. Rather than pushing to add a whole new region to your itinerary, it is better to slow your pace and add some extra days to relax at the beach ( hello Ile Nattes !).

Best 3-4 Week Itinerary Option

Madagascar Vacation: Andringitra

East/West Option:  Fly into Antananarivo and go  West  to Morondava. You can visit the Avenue of Baobabs and Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. Then, go back to Antsirabe and head south to Ambalavao. You can visit Anja Park before going on a 3-day hike in the Andringitra Mountains. After your hike, head back up to Tana on your way to Saint Marie and Ile Nattes. You can finish your trip with a day in Andasibe visiting the rainforest before heading home. This is very similar to the two-week itinerary, plus an awesome hike.

Madagascar Itinerary: Trisibihina River

West/North Option:  From Antananarivo go west to Morondava. From there, visit the Avenue of Baobabs and Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. Then, go back to Antsirabe and head north. You can make a quick stop in Andasibe to visit the Rainforest, then head to Diego Suarez and Ramena for a week.

West/South Option:  Probably the most common route for tourists, starting from Tana and going west to Morondava. You can visit the Avenue of Baobabs and Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. Then, go back to Antsirabe and head south to Ambalavao. You can visit Anja Park before going on a 3-day hike in the Andringitra Mountains. Then, Continue south to Ranohiro to visit Isalo National Park for one or two days. You can then continue on to Toliara and stay at the beach town of Anakao or Ifante. Hire a private car back to Tana.

Travel to Madagascar: Ramena

Eight weeks  is a long time in one country, but to see most places in Madagascar, is actually the perfect amount of time. With plenty of time, you can check out all the popular sites while cutting down costs by traveling almost entirely by taxi brousse. Because travel takes forever and is frustrating at times, it is good to take a few small breaks during this itinerary. Our favorite spots to just relax for a few days to unwind were in the valley of Tsaronuru (Andringitra Mountains), Anakao, Ile Nattes, and Diego Suarez.

Best 8-Week Itinerary Option

  • Wild West Tsiribihina River Tour by Pirogue includes two days at Tsingy de Bemaraha and a stop at the Avenue of the Baobabs (nine days).
  • Take a train ride from Fianarantsoa to Manakara – If it lasts 24 hours instead of eight hours as it did for us, this might be miserable, but it will always be remembered (three days).
  • Visit Anja Park near Ambalavao (one day).
  • Hike for three days in the Andringitra National Park to summit Pic Boby (five days).
  • Go to Isalo National Park for one or two days (two days).
  • Head to the town of Toliare for a day then move on and relax at a beach town, either Anakao or Ifante (seven days).
  • Head to the east coast for an excellent stop at Ile Saint Marie and Ile Nattes. Make a 2-day stop to visit Parc Mitsinjo in the Andasibe Rainforest (seven days).
  • Head north to Diego Suarez and Ramena to visit Tsingy Rouge, Amber Mountain, and Emerald Bay (seven days).
  • The remaining days not accounted for is travel time by taxi brousse… yes, it actually will account for that much time (10-14 Days).

Best of Madagascar 

Visit Madagascar: Tsingy Rouge

Avenue of the Baobabs, Andasibe Rainforest, Ile Aux Nattes, Andringitra Mountains, and Tsingy Rouge.

BEST LOCATIONS

Rainforest:  Parc Mitsinjo in the Andasibe Rainforest

Beach:  Ile Aux Nattes

Cultural Experience:  Tsiribihina River Tour

Landscape:   Andringitra Mountains

Food:  Diego Suarez

That’s it – we hope you have an amazing visit to the beautiful country of Madagascar!

Planning a trip to Madagascar? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

Madagascar Travel Guide by Lonely Planet

About the Author:

Yana and Timon

Yana & Timon met at college in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating, they started their professional careers. They moved to San Francisco in 2010, a city they loved living in for nearly six years. After working and saving up money for several years, they quit their jobs and set off on an adventure of a lifetime. They started living a nomadic lifestyle in December 2015 and have not looked back since.

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Travel Guide for Ile aux Nattes, Madagascar

Travel Guide to Paradise: Ile aux Nattes

4 thoughts on “the ultimate madagascar itinerary ideas”.

madagascar travel reddit

Sounds great but you failed to mention that their domestic airlines doesn’t accept American credit cards,,! I had a trip to Nosy Be planned but had to cancel last month due to the credit card issue

madagascar travel reddit

were you able to find another way to buy the ticket?

Good info but not enough on what buses to take. The taxi broussies are supplemented by regional and national lines aren’t they (with actually assigned seats)? Do you have more info you can share on where these lines can be taken versus when we’ll have to go the bush taxi route?

madagascar travel reddit

Really helpful article. Thanks for sharing

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Reflections Enroute

Madagascar Itineraries, Things To Do, and More!

By: Author Corinne Vail

Posted on Published: 25 January 18  - Last updated: 5 March 24

Home » DIY Travel » Guides » Madagascar Itineraries, Things To Do, and More!

Who wants to go to an exotic African island filled with lemurs, chameleons, great food, and gorgeous vistas? Madagascar it is! We’ve compiled some Madagascar itineraries, which include where to go, what to do, and all the best sights.

Traveling in Madagascar is different than any other country that I’ve been to. Jim and I love traveling in Africa , and try to get there as often as we can. We enjoy safaris and have done so many of them in places like Botswana ,  Uganda , and South Africa that we just couldn’t resist trying to do a few in a new country with new wildlife.

We expected it to be so African, but it turns out that traveling in Madagascar felt much more like traveling in Southeast Asia. Here’s what we learned on our trip to this amazing country. We’ve included some Madagascar itineraries, what to do, travel tips, and lots of travel information.

A white and black raft lemur.

Madagascar Travel Guide

Where is madagascar located and how do you get there.

Getting to Madagascar isn’t easy, and it certainly isn’t cheap. Since it’s a large island off the eastern coast of Africa, there were no direct flights. Coming from Europe, we had three stopovers and a total flight time of over 24 hours with the majority of the flight time at least during the night, so we could get some sleep.

We arrived at the international airport in the afternoon, were taken to our hotel, and the first day was kind of a wash, because there was no energy to do anything except force ourselves to get up and go downstairs to eat dinner. Luckily, by the next morning, we felt refreshed and ready to get going.

Check out this article on Lemurs in Madagascar ! So amazing!

What is required for traveling to Madagascar?

For most countries, a tourist visa is required which you can buy upon arrival at the Ivato International Airport for about 20 Euros each. Even though there are no required vaccines, many are recommended such as Yellow Fever, which we had to record the date of ours when we landed.

Malaria is still a concern, so it is also recommended to visit your physician and get some preventive Malarials before you go. It certainly is a good idea to check on any new health and safety alerts before you go.

Check out our podcast on our favorite animal encounters around the world!

Some Facts about Madagascar

The capital city of Madagascar is Antananarivo, which is a serious mouthful, so they shorten it to “Tana,” which is much, much easier.  Tana is the economic center and largest city in the country. It is probably the first and last place any visitor will see. We were surprised at the Tana food scene, as they have some excellent restaurants.

Check out some more of our Madagascar pictures as we posted each day in Instagram.  There are two official languages of Madagascar, Malagasy and French. Before we’d gone, I’d read reports of people not really speaking French, but we did not experience this at all, probably because we stayed pretty much on the tourist trail and were in places that see foreigners all the time.

We did pick up a few words of Malagasy while we were there, thanks mainly to our driver who taught us a little each day. English is also widely spoken. We never had problems finding someone who spoke English, and all the guides had amazing English vocabularies.

Rice fields in Madagascar.

Madagascar’s history has been a bit troubled. First populated by people from Borneo, the Asian influence is still very apparent all over the country. Pirates used to ply the waters around Madagascar, and there are pirate cemeteries and even a Pirate museum in Tana. 

The French conquered the island in the late 1800s and did not leave until 1960, thus there is also a huge French influence. Today, Madagascar is run by the richest man in the country, and he continues to improve the country’s economy.

However, Madagascar is still very much a poor country where the average household income is less than $300 per capita, and this is evident as you drive through the countryside. Thankfully, they have a thriving agricultural and tourism industry.

A Malagasy man plowing his rice field with his zebu.

When is the Best Time to Go to Madagascar?

Most people visit in June, July, or August, but we went a little off-season. December and January is the beginning of the rainy season in Madagascar, and it’s also summer. We hit temperatures of 41 degrees C, or 105 degrees Fahrenheit, with  humidity as high as 95%.

Hiking in the rain forests, this can certainly take its toll. We were drenched in sweat, from head to foot within a few minutes. However, it makes the whole country turn green. There is tons of produce for sale, and if it rained, it usually only rained in the afternoon for a short while.

The downside also was that Tsingy, one of the most famous parks, was closed down for the season; however, we felt it was a great time to go. There were fewer tourists, and we loved the vibrant colors that the rainy season provided.

No matter what time of year you visit, Madagascar weather is rather predictable, and you can ask any local and they will accurately tell you what to expect for the day.

A man walks down a road in Madagascar under a rainbow.

What is the Best Way to Get Around Madagascar?

One thing that was difficult for us to grasp was how large Madagascar really is. When looking at Google Maps, it seemed like a distance of 160 kilometers should take about an hour and a half, but not so. It would take 6 driving hours.

The roads are curvy, mountainous, and filled with other cars, trucks, cattle, bikes, and people. We spent a lot more time driving than we thought we would. We had toyed with buying a couple of internal flights to reduce the time in the car, but found trying to make reservations prohibitive with the times and the cost factors.

Rickshaws, vans, and cars.

However, there are a couple types of transport in Madagascar. You can rent a car, take a taxi-bus, or even fly, and there are pros and cons to each. The most expensive, but of course fastest option, is to fly into the closest airports to the national parks or to Nosy Be or some of the other islands.

The problem with this is that Air Madagascar will cancel flights very easily, and then it’s difficult to plan an itinerary that doesn’t get messed up. We ran into some travelers who’d taken this option and they lost three days from their itinerary because of cancelled flights.

Madagascar zebu in the road.

The second and cheapest option is taking the Taxi-Bus. These are buses ranging from a large van to a full-on bus  that travels between cities. You can often find ones that are express taxi-buses so at least you do not have to stop at every tiny village.

I met some backpackers who’ve taken the taxi-bus and found it to be quite an experience. The more expensive ones aren’t as crowded, but one traveler told me that she counted the people sitting along with her on the row of seats (3 cushions wide) and there were seven people. Lack of seat belts aside, there is usually no air conditioning and it’s stifling hot as well.

The other problem with taxi-buses is that you must pile your luggage on top and many a traveler, local and foreigner alike, have arrived at their destination and discovered their stuff had disappeared. In fact, on the evening we went on a night safari, the drivers were all in a tizzy because a barefoot Malagasy man was walking down the street having been left off by a taxi-bus and he had nothing that he’d brought with him left, including his shoes. He was destitute.

Driving Madagascar – Rather, Being Driven

Before we went, we had every intention of renting a car and driving ourselves. However, the more we investigated the less likely this became as an option. To begin with, the rental car agencies didn’t want to rent cars to folks who didn’t pay for a driver. So, this is what we did.

We hired a 4 X 4 with a driver, and once we were in country and driving, we felt that it was much easier to have someone who knew the ropes be in charge. Manoa, our driver, took care of us in ways that we didn’t even notice at first. He would say things like, “I suggest you roll your window up halfway through the city, and wrap your camera strap around your wrist.”

He didn’t want anyone reaching in to take our equipment. He also knew where to buy gas, find a working ATM, eat lunch, handle the few police stops we encountered, and so much more. It definitely took the edge off of making some of the decisions and made our trip very easy.

Antananarivo city scene with lots of people walking and things for sale on the sidewalk.

Madagascar Itineraries

We visited for two weeks, and I’ve copied our itinerary which can be easily replicated with no problem. I have also included a one week itinerary, trying to include all the locations I believe to be the best places in Madagascar to visit, even with children.

Both can be tweaked to cut off some of the times if you want to fly to parts of it instead of driving each place.  If you notice on our Madagascar map, we only visited a small portion of the country. Again, it’s hard to imagine how large this country really is.

Map of Madagascar Itineraries

Map of Madagascar, including things to do and a 2 week itinerary.

Madagascar 2 Week Itinerary

Two weeks is an almost perfect amount of time to visit Madagascar. You’ll still need to make some choices, and those choices can be pretty tough, but it allows you enough time to really get around a good portion of the country.

As we mentioned before, travel times in Madagascar vary wildly. Roads can be difficult or even closed depending on the time of year. Flying can help reduce the amount of time spent traveling, but frequent delays and cancellations can actually increase the travel time between points.

The cost of the flights and the variability led to our decision to stay on the ground. We’re glad we did, as Madagascar is a beautiful country and we’re so happy we spent that time on the road.

Day 1 Arrival in Antananarivo (Tana)

All international flights fly in and out of Tana, so spending a night is almost a requirement. You shouldn’t book a connecting flight for the same day as your arrival or departure given the frequent schedule changes of Air Madagascar flights in country.

Instead, book a comfortable hotel with a good restaurant and relax after your long flight. We recommend Hotel Restaurant La Ribaudiere in the city center with comfortable rooms and excellent food. Try the zebu steak!

Day 2 Tana –> Miandrivazo

Get out of the city and on the road. You’ll be driving through terraced rice fields, farm land, and mountains on your way to the West. This is a long drive, and there’s not much in Miandrivazo other than some basic amenities.

However, it is too far to drive between Tana and Morondava in one day and you should not drive at night (even with a driver). In the summer, accommodation can be hard to find in Miandrivazo, the alternative is to drive from Tana to Antsirabe and spend the night there, instead.

Day 3 – 4  Miandrivazo –> Morondava

Morondava, on the west coast, is a welcome ocean-side town after the hot and dusty interior. This is the base for visits to the Avenue of the Baobabs, hiking in Kirindi NP, and (optionally) treks in the Tsingy NP.

A sunset visit to the Avenue of the Baobabs is a must for any visitor to Madagascar. There are some good hotel choices here, including one excellent spot right on the beach. Perfect for an afternoon swim.

Visits to Tsingy de Beharama will add three days to the itinerary, therefore you’ll need to adjust accordingly. Here you should really stay at the beach front Hotel Palissandre with its deluxe beach cottages and, inviting swimming pool, and delicious food.

Day 5 Morondava –> Antsirabe

Back on the road, through the mountains, past the villages of the gold diggers, through the incredible rice paddy terraces and on to Antsirabe for a welcome respite in one of the comfortable hotels there.

Antsirabe is also home to several cottage craft industries where you can see artisans creating such things as Zebu horn kitchen utensils, model toys made from recycled materials, and visit a gem and mineral shop. Our favorite Antsirabe hotel was the Eco Lodge Les Chambres Du Voyageur with a flourishing tropical garden complete with chameleons!

Day 6 – 7 Antsirabe –> Ranomafana

It’s time to head into the rain forests of the east now and visit the famous Ranomafana NP. The hikes here will take you deep into the jungle in search of several species of lemur. Nothing is guaranteed, of course, but if you don’t spot at least four different species I’d be very surprised.

This is also the perfect spot for a night safari, where you might spot the elusive mouse lemur. Try to book your stay at Foret Austral Ranomafana as early as possible as this popular spa hotel fills up fast. While you there, why not splurge for a massage?

Day 7 – 8 Ranomafana –> Isalo

Back into the interior and along the central mountain range heading south you should not miss a stop at the Anja community reserve for some more lemur spotting. The stunning scenery changes regularly, it’s hard to get bored along these long drives with picturesque villages, craggy mountain peaks, and vibrant colors of red earth and green fields.

Isalo NP offers hiking in deep river gorges and through fantastic sandstone formations. Bring a swimsuit along for a cool dip into the waterfall fed Blue Pool. If swimming in the wild isn’t your thing, stay at the incredibly gorgeous Isalo hotel, Le Relais de la Reine with its magnificent pool.

Day 9 Isalo –> Antsirabe

Time to head back north, retracing the route along the world famous National Route 7. You’ll pass through incredible landscapes and colorful villages. Keep the camera handy, this is some of Madagascar’s most stunning scenery accessible by car. After a long day of driving, Antsirabe seems like an oasis waiting to comfort the weary traveller.

Day 10 – 12 Antsirabe –> Andasibe

Finish the journey along Madagascar’s beautiful National Route 7 passing through the capital, Antananarivo. Then head east again, through the jagged mountains and down into the rain forests of the East.

Andasibe NP has several options for wildlife viewing and hiking in the jungle. You should try and have two days here, there’s that much to see. Finding the perfect stay in Andasibe can be  hard, but we really enjoyed our stay at Andasibe Lemurs Lodge.

Day 13 – 14 Andasibe –> Antananarivo

Return to the capital for one last night before flying out. Don’t miss the sights here like the Queen’s palace, the Pirate Museum, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Ambohimanga.

If you’re staying in the city, just be aware traffic can be horrendous so plan your transfer to the airport carefully. Finish off the perfect trip staying at the super comfortable Relais des Plateaux and definitely book some time in their amazing spa. Couples massage anyone?

Street with restaurants in a small village along the highway in Madagascar.

Madagascar 1 Week Itinerary

One week in Madagascar is not much time, but with this itinerary you will definitely see the highlights like baobabs, lemurs, and chameleons. For a one week itinerary, you will really need to fly in country to make the most of your trip so get online and book your internal air travel with Air Madagascar as early as possible.

Day 1 Arrival in Antananarivo

There’s not a lot of wiggle room in the itinerary, so if your international flight arrives early enough, definitely consider booking your flight out to Morondava on the same day. Book a transfer from Morondava airport to your hotel and be sure and give them your flight number and scheduled arrival time so they can keep track.

Day 2 – 3 Morondava

While here in Morondava you can go for a hike in Kirindy NP to see lemurs, experience the awe and beauty of the Avenue of the Baobabs at sunset, go sailing in a traditional sailboat in the Mozambique channel, or take a stroll along the expansive sandy beach. Fly back out to Tana in the afternoon on day three.

Day 4 – 5 Antananarivo –> Andasibe

This is your best chance to see lemurs. In fact, if you go to Lemur island, it’s guaranteed! Make time, however, for a hike in the spectacular rain forests of Andasibe NP where you will experience so much more.

Day 6 – 7 Andasibe –> Antananarivo

Head back to the capital with a stop at Reserve Peyrieras and Ambomahinga along the way. Spend your last night back in the capital and be sure to have your transfer to the airport arranged before hand.

If you’d like to listen to a podcast interview I did on Mauritius, go here:

You can’t go wrong with a trip to Madagascar. It’s a beautiful country filled with exotic wildlife like lemurs and chameleons, and there is so much to see. If you like to hike and get into nature, you will be coming to the right place. Just follow this Madagascar itinerary and enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

Author Bio: Corinne Vail is a travel photographer, food lover, and a perpetual traveler who has been travel writing for over 14 years. For many years she lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands teaching the children of the US. military. She’s visited over 90 countries, and she’s not stopping anytime soon.

Is Madagascar on your bucket list? Pin Madagascar Itineraries for later.

Always wanted to visit the enchanted forests of Madagascar? Check out our 2 week intinerary!

Sarah Ruggera

Wednesday 29th of September 2021

What are the accommodations like? While in Morocco we stayed in Riads not hotels which was a nice experience.

Corinne Vail

Thursday 30th of September 2021

Sarah, The accommodations are hotels. The ones we stayed at were all lovely. I do love a Riad, but that's not what Madagascar has to offer.

Friday 8th of March 2019

"Since it’s a large island off the western coast of Africa" - that would be "eastern coast" :-)

Saturday 9th of March 2019

Oops, you are right, Frans! Thanks

Rhonda Albom

Friday 16th of February 2018

Hiring a driver sounds like a good way to get some cultural immersion (and keep you safe). I like your itineraries and your suggestions for stops. It's lot of valuable information that should help in planning a trip. I love your photo of the Avenue of the Baobabs.

Rhonda, The baobabs rank up there with one of the most beautiful landscapes I've photographed. I loved them. Madagascar was quite the trip!

Friday 2nd of February 2018

Elijah, The baobabs were the main reason I wanted to go, and I found Madagascar surprising in so many ways. It's a great destination.

Chris Behrsin

Thursday 1st of February 2018

Madagascar is one of those places I've always wanted to visit, but after reading this article I realize how little I knew about it. The views look stunning, different from what I saw in Tanzania, the only place I've been in East Africa. Great shot of the baobab trees too, with the people strolling along, you can see how massive they are.

Madagascar Travel: 33 Things You Need to Know Before You Go

travel in Madagascar, what you need to know

33 tips that will help you travel in Madagascar and make your time in this unique country so much more enjoyable. 

Table of Contents

These travel tips are aimed to help you prepare for an unforgettable journey to this bizarre “ Red Island !” Written by an adventurer who’s spent more than a year in Madagascar, it’s the real deal. 

The 33 recommendations below ( in violet ) are divided into 11 main sections ( in green ). This will make it easier for you to find the answers to a specific question.

HEALTH  AND  WELLNESS IN MADAGASCAR

Vaccinations to get before visiting madagascar.

  • Visit a travel doctor well in advance. There are vaccinations you may need to be administered. These may take weeks to become effective. Refer to your vaccination records. Make sure you are up to date on the following: Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Meningitis, Polio, MMR, Tuberculosis (BCG) and/or Tetanus (DTP).
  • You don’t need the Yellow Fever vaccine for Madagascar. However,  if you plan to travel in mainland Africa on your way there, you DO need it. You will also need to provide proof of administration upon entering Madagascar if they see African countries stamped into your passport within the past 6 months.

Malaria Prevention

  • You should discuss a Malaria prophylaxis prescription with your doctor. This is especially true if you are travelling between September and May. This is Madagascar’s warmer, rainier season.
  • Take every day – tetracycline antibiotic.
  • Pros : Least expensive, used to treat many bacterial infections (ex: urinary tract infections) and tick-borne infections. A double dose can be used to treat Malaria if someone in your group contracts it.
  • Cons : Side effects may include sensitivity to the sun, increased likelihood of vaginal yeast infections, and weakened gut microbial health.
  • Suggestions : Doxycycline is the prophylaxis I prefer.  I just prepare for the side effects. I bring and use plenty of sunscreen and take probiotics to help my gut microbiome recover. Additionally, my doctor writes me a prescription for a burn cream (in case of sunburn), and treatment for yeast infections ( Fluconazole ).
  • Take every day. It prevents the growth of parasites in red blood cells.
  • Pros : Specific for malaria and also may be used for treatment.
  • Cons : Relatively expensive. Its side effects may include mild stomach pain and diarrhea, headaches, difficulty sleeping, and vivid dreams.
  • Take once a week. It prevents the growth of parasites in red blood cells.
  • Pros : Don’t have to remember to take it every day.
  • Cons : It. Has the most serious side effects. They include dizziness, severe anxiety, violent dreams, paranoia, hallucinations, depression. These nerve and psychiatric effects can sometimes last long after you stop the medication.
  •  Insect repellents. In addition to long pants/sleeves, they are the obvious methods of limiting mosquito bites. But they also help prevent flea bites. The bubonic plague is still present in Madagascar. It’s seasonal and rare but is transmitted through flea bites.

First Aid and Medications While Travelling in Madagascar

  • You should have antibiotics , such as Ciprofloxacin. It will be useful in the event that you get a bacterial infection.
  • If your burps begin smelling like sulphur and rotten eggs, you likely contracted Giardia parasites. Otherwise known as traveller’s diarrhea from contaminated water or food. Acquiring a Flagyl (metronidazole) prescription and taking this treatment once the burps start can prevent Giardia from becoming much of a problem.
  • Useful over-the-counter medications – antibacterial ointment (ex: Neosporin / bacitracin), Anti-diarrheal drugs (ex: Imodium A-D / loperamide), allergy medication (ex: Benadryl ), anti-inflammatory drugs / pain relievers (ex: Ibuprofen ), antacids (ex: TUMS or Pepto-Bismol ) and rehydration tablets. Most cities will have pharmacies, but drug names and doses will likely be in French. It’s much easier to bring your own.
  • You can never bring too much hand sanitizer ! Sometimes there won’t be soap available. Or you may make a bathroom stop on the side of the road.  I also suggest rolls of toilet paper for the car. Our bodies aren’t familiar with the microbes in Madagascar. That makes it easier for us to get sick if we don’t remain mindful.
  • Pack sunscreen and bug spray but check the ingredients list for harmful chemicals. If you’re planning to swim or snorkel in the ocean, please bring waterproof and “reef-safe” sunscreens that don’t include oxybenzone, butylparaben, or octinoxate that can bleach the corals!
  • Menstrual supplies are limited and expensive in Madagascar. Women should bring their own.

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Travel Insurance

  • Invest in travel insurance. Be sure that it doesn’t just cover cancelled flights, lost or stolen items, and unexpected medical expenses. But also includes emergency medical evacuation . Madagascar’s road conditions are poor. And the health care isn’t generally what Westerners are accustomed to. Typically, being medevacked is your best option if it’s something serious.

Madagascar travel

TRANSPORTATION TO AND IN MADAGASCAR

Flights to madagascar.

  • If travelling from the United States: Air France and South African Air are usually the best airlines to limit the number of layovers. However, I have also used Etihad Airways, Turkish Air, and Ethiopian Air. They typically cost significantly less money. However, expect multiple and longer layovers. Check out Skyscanner to compare prices.
  • You will more than likely fly into Ivato Airport (TNR). It’s located 20 km north of the capital, Antananarivo (Tana).
  • Air Madagascar is the domestic airline. It can save you a lot of driving time for long distance, internal travel.

Personal Vehicles in Madagascar

  • If you don’t want to fuss with the scheduling and frequent discomfort of public transportation, it’s easy to hire a driver and guide for your entire stay.
  • I don’t suggest driving yourself. However, if you have an International Driver’s License and nerves of steel, it’s possible to rent a car.
  • You will not need a 4WD vehicle if you are going south on RN7. However, you will need a 4 wheel drive for travelling west on RN5 and north.
  • Make playlists, download podcasts, charge your Kindle, and be ready to spend a lot of time in the car. Even though Madagascar is almost twice the size of the UK, it has only 1% of the paved road length that the UK has.
  • Bring motion sickness medication , such as Dramamine (dimenhydrinate), if you have even the slightest tendency to get car sick! The roads can be quite twisty and bumpy.
  • It’s not advisable to travel at night. Many drivers will refuse to continue much past sunset. Listen to your drivers. Bandits only strike at night for the most part.

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Public Transportation in Madagascar

  • Hired Taxi – like most cities across the globe, there will always be a taxi cab eager to assist you. The fare is negotiable and you should haggle. The taxi drivers are known to charge tourists highly inflated rates. 
  • Taxi-Brousse are large vans with designated routes to almost anywhere in the country. They are the least expensive method of getting around. However, they generally aren’t comfortable, efficient, or particularly safe. It’s not uncommon to end up with a child or chicken in your lap. And if you’re carrying anything larger than a backpack, it will be tied to the roof. 
  • Taxi-Be are almost identical to taxi-brousse, except taxi-be is the term used for the organized minibusses within major cities. Whereas taxi-brousse are generally used for travel between cities. 
  • Cotisse – a transport company with minibusses similar to taxi-brousse. However, it’s higher end and much more comfortable. They always leave when scheduled instead of waiting until the car is full and packed. They also drive more carefully. And if you’re really lucky, you can connect to free WiFi. 
  • Trains – there are over 1000 km of railroads tracks in the RNCFM Malagasy rail system. But it’s primarily used to transport cargo. There are only 6 routes with passenger trains. While travelling by train in Madagascar is a lovely way to see the country, they run notoriously late. 
  • Cyclo-Pousse – a covered rickshaw cart fastened to a bicycle. They’re used in most major cities (though, not the capital). Pay the bike ‘driver’ a small fare (Ar 5000 or less), and they’ll bring you to your destination. With frequent traffic jams in major cities, they are often faster than a car .
  • Tuk-Tuk – motorized three-wheeled rickshaws that hold three people and are almost always yellow. It is usually a flat fare, but the prices are quite reasonable (similar to cyclo-pousse).
  • Charette – a wooden cart pulled by zebu cattle is the most common way of getting around in rural areas. There is no set price. Haggle for what you are willing to pay.
  • In some coastal areas, especially the southwest and the northeast, the primary means of transportation is by cargo boats. Avoid them during rough seas and cyclone season (Jan-Mar).

Dugout canoes called pirogues are common for crossing rivers or for getting to the best snorkelling areas.

Madagascar travel

8. Flexibility is KEY When Travelling in Madagascar

Please remember to be flexible, patient, and respectful to your drivers and other Malagasy people you encounter.

Most Malagasy don’t like rushing. And in a country with limited resources, it’s easier to just go with the flow .

The Malagasy have a saying, “Mora Mora,” which translates to slow living and no worries.

They are going to be relaxed, and I promise that you will have much more fun if you relax too!

Madagascar travel

FOOD AND WATER IN MADAGASCAR

Filtered water.

  • Lifestraw Go water filter bottles are legitimately a life saver. Especially if you are environmentally conscious or an avid hiker. If you don’t want to constantly be buying water bottles, you can fill your LifeStraw up with unfiltered tap water. Or if you’re on the trails … anywhere !This allows you to avoid starting hikes with 3+ litres of heavy water. I have even filled my Lifestraw in a warm and murky rice paddy during desperate times. I never felt any signs of sickness. Lifestraws are relatively prone to leaking and should be kept upright. But they are 100% worth the small investment!
  • Avoid ice in your drinks unless you can guarantee that it was made with filtered water.

Food and Drink in Madagascar

  • Sometimes there isn’t much variety in the cuisine. On the plus side, meals come at a fantastic value! The capital – Antananarivo – and touristy areas, especially along the coasts, will have more to offer. I’ve had some of the best meals of my life in Madagascar. Just be flexible during monotonous periods.
  • Like with ice, avoid uncooked vegetables unless you’re certain they were washed with filtered water.
  • I encourage everyone to try the “Ranonapango.” It’s essentially burnt rice tea. Although it’s not actual tea, it’s comforting and reminds me of popcorn… Rice is the cornerstone of the Malagasy diet. It’s the base of every meal, including breakfast.
  • “Toka-gasy” is a Malagasy moonshine made with sugar cane. You could be offered a drink by a village King. It’s considered rude not to accept. However, do be aware that it is technically illegal. Though, not enforced because the alcohol content cannot be controlled. Some batches seem weak and others will knock you on your feet!
  • It’s a good idea to bring protein bars . Especially if you have dietary restrictions (such as vegetarian or vegan) and/or plan on long hikes.
  • Here’s some additional info on local food and what to expect.

Madagascar travel

   

LANGUAGE IN MADAGASCAR

  • Brush up on your French.  Madagascar was once a French colony.  French is still one of the official languages.
  • Many signs and restaurant menus will be in French.
  • Most prices will be told to you in French. It will be beneficial to at least learn your numbers .
  • Try learning simple Malagasy phrases. The locals sincerely appreciate when you invest time and interest in their native language. For starters, “ Salama ” means hello.  “ Veloma ” means goodbye!
  • Malagasy people are more inclined to be open and friendly with people who aren’t from France. So don’t feel like you should become fluent in French!
  • There are a few Malagasy/English handbooks available if you’re interested in languages. Malagasy is a tough language to learn until you’re immersed, especially the pronunciations! This short video of a few keywords in Malagasy with pronunciations will get you started. 

Madagascar travel

MONEY IN MADAGASCAR

Malagasy currency.

  • The currency in Madagascar is called Ariary (MGA)
  • Ar 4000 = 1 EUR
  • Ar 4600 = 1 GBP
  • Ar 2500 = 1 AUD
  • Ar 250 =  1 ZAR
  • The largest bill – Ar 20,000 – is equivalent to less than 6 USD. However, it’s considered substantial to most Malagasy. You’ll want a safe money bag or belt because you will be carrying many more bills than you are used to.
  • The Ariary notes changed in 2017. Therefore, there are two designs for every bill, excluding the Ar 20,000. The Ar10,000 was the largest bill until 2017.

Access to Cash and Using Credit Cards in Madagascar

  • To exchange your currency into Ariary, bring relatively large and new bills. They shouldn’t be older than 2010. It will be easiest for you to exchange your currency right at the airport. That way you’ll avoid the long lines and limited hours of banks. I find this to be the easiest way to access money.
  • Credit and Debit cards. Some places in cities accept cards, but only VISA is reliable. Other networks like MasterCard and AmEx often won’t work. Honestly, it is best to carry cash !
  • ATMs are only available in big cities. And there’s a limit to how much you can take out. Also, it’s not uncommon for ATMs to be out of order or empty.

Begging in Madagascar

  • You will have people begging you for money. Especially children, mothers, the elderly, and the disabled. I would be lying if I said it wasn’t difficult to witness. But it’s unavoidable, especially in big cities.
  • Everyone is entitled to their own opinions on how to handle these situations. But do acknowledge that your actions will impact more than just the beggar. Begging is not a sustainable way to make a living.
  • If you decide to give, be tactful about it. Don’t flash large wads of cash. And understand that successful beggars often return with friends. To avoid being surrounded and causing a scene, wait until you are about to get back into your vehicle.
  • I generally only give to those performing – sometimes people sing, dance, or play an instrument. And I never give to overly pushy people. I don’t want them thinking that’s the way they should approach all tourists.
  • When giving money, I keep it discrete and politely urge them to use it for food.

Tipping in Madagascar

  • Tips are generally well received and deeply appreciated. They’re sometimes it’s your biggest daily expenditures. Especially if you’re on a guided tour where most expenses are paid for ahead of time.
  • When you can break large bills into smaller bills for tipping. Keep these tips in a separate pocket from the majority of your cash.
  • To offer you a perspective, Malagasy people who are fortunate enough to be employed typically don’t make more than Ar 200,000 (~$56 USD) a month .
  • If you want to keep your tips within the average range of other tourists, roughly follow the guide below. However, you are welcome to give more. Especially with guides and drivers. But only if they exceeded your expectations.
  • Taxis and bars : Not expected or small bills.
  • Porters : small bills, likely not over Ar 1000.
  • Restaurants : 5% of the bill or less.
  • Guides : 10% of the fee.
  • Personal Drivers : Ar 5000 – Ar 20000 a day.

Madagascar travel

PACKING FOR MADAGASCAR

  • Bring more warm clothes than you would think necessary. This includes thermals, hat, gloves, and fleece. Especially if you are travelling during Madagascar’s winter months (May – September).
  • However, the climate throughout Madagascar changes rapidly . While the cool rainforest fog may send shivers down your spine in the morning, you can jump in the car and find yourself in a desert ecosystem by late afternoon. Therefore, you will want to pack a variety of clothing. Be sure to bring shorts, T-shirts, and durable sandals.
  • If you plan on hiking , you should pack quick-drying field pants, sturdy hiking boots , wool socks, a baseball cap, and a rain jacket. While hiking in rainforests, I advise tucking your pants into your socks and your shirt into your pants to minimize leech bites. Leeches don’t transmit diseases, their bites don’t hurt, and they only remain attached for about half an hour. However, they do have an anticoagulant in their saliva. This causes you to continue bleeding even after they drop off. And these bites can itch worse than mosquito bites. Take precautions but don’t panic if you get a leech.
  • I also recommend a substantial daypack with a supportive waist belt and chest strap. This could double as your carry-on luggage for the flight!
  • Don’t forget bathing suits ! Beaches aren’t the only places to swim; some parks have natural swimming holes you can hike to.

Travel Documents For Madagascar

  • Your passport cannot expire within 6 months of entry and must have at least 3 blank pages. They are strict about this!
  • Carry your immunization records. They may not be requested if you haven’t been in countries with Yellow Fever.
  • If you’re travelling with a large group, it’s beneficial to obtain your Madagascar VISA within your home country. Otherwise, it’s easy to purchase a tourist VISA upon arrival at the airport for 30, 60, or 90 days.
  • I prefer to have paper photocopies of my passport and tourist Visa. The police will occasionally ask to see your passport, especially in cities and on the road, but I don’t like carrying it wherever I go.

Power in Madagascar

  • Bring European plug adaptors if necessary: 220 Volt, 50Hz AC (Two circular metal pins).
  • Charged power banks are invaluable, especially considering the amount of travel time. If you need your phone to stay alive for the entire day, I would bring a power bank or two.

General Equipment

  • Pack binoculars for lemur and bird watching! If you’re concerned about them occupying souvenir space in your suitcase, donate them to a deserving park guide near the end of your journey. Malagasy guides are often in need of functioning binoculars.
  • Bring a bright headlamp and/or flashlight for night hikes. There are nocturnal lemurs, chameleons, frogs, snakes, geckos and so many other creatures you don’t want to miss!
  • Wristwatches are convenient for checking the time. I t might not always be a good time to pull out your phone.
  • All sizes of Ziplock bags are precious. Smaller bags can organize your medications and chargers; medium bags can keep your electronics and books dry; large bags are perfect for wet or dirty laundry.
  • I recommend silica gel packets and dry bags for your electronics and camera if you’re spending an extended time in humid, rainforest environments.
  • Remember the items mentioned in previous sections : medications, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, LifeStraw water bottle , protein bars, bills to exchange, designated money bag, VISA credit/debit cards, etc.

Madagascar travel

THINGS TO BE  MINDFUL  OF IN MADAGASCAR…

Internet and phones.

  • Most hotels have complimentary WiFi. However, even luxury hotels don’t always have internet or outlets in individual rooms/bungalows. Sometimes you have to sit in the reception area for internet access and charging. WiFi is available in some restaurants, but you will need to ask for the password.
  • If you have an unlocked GSM cellphone, you may want to buy a local SIM card (Airtel, Orange, or Telma) and a 3G package. You can do this at the airport. If you don’t want to purchase a plan, you can buy phone credit at virtually any shop.  

Cultural Awareness in Madagascar

  • Avoid pointing with only your index finger extended. While it’s not considered offensive everywhere in Madagascar, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Pointing with your index finger is considered a “ fady ” or taboo in many regions of Madagascar. Especially when pointing directly at a tomb or grave. You can either gesture with your whole hand open, or bend your finger as you point.
  • It is expected to haggle prices unless the price is already established, such as in tourist shops, restaurants, and hotels. It’s part of the culture.
  • It’s respectful to dress fairly modestly . You’ll see everything in tourist areas. However,  I personally avoid low cut tops, short skirts and shorts. And I only wear one-piece swimsuits.
  • While difficult to ignore their puppy-dog stares, don’t feed street dogs . Malagasy people can view it as highly offensive that you took the time and money to feed a dog, but not their family.
  • Most Malagasy actively avoid confrontation, especially with foreigners. Don’t take advantage of this.

Saying “Thank You” in Madagascar

  • In Malagasy, “ Misaotra ” means thank you. Add “betsaka” if you want to say, “thank you very much.”  
  • If you anticipate any village visits, a gift that would be appreciated by everyone is a high-quality soccer ball . I always bring several deflated soccer balls and an air pump from the States.
  • You’ll probably become close with your driver and guide. In addition to a tip, you may want to thank them with foreign gifts . A T-shirt representing your city or country, candy from abroad, or something else they wouldn’t find in Madagascar are the most cherished gifts.

Madagascar travel

PHOTOGRAPHY IN MADAGASCAR

Keep your camera close.

  • If you have a DSLR camera, keep is safe, but don’t be afraid to bring it . There are countless sites and creatures to document that small cameras and phones just can’t capture.
  • Keep all valuables close, especially in big cities like the capital of Antananarivo (Tana). I wouldn’t worry about being attacked. However, there are some skilled pick-pocketers. They can swipe your cash, phone, or other items without you even noticing.
  • Just as you would back home, ask before taking someone’s picture. If you don’t speak French, saying “ Sary? ” (pronounced similarly to the English, “sorry”) – which means “Picture?” in Malagasy, should sufficiently get the point across.
  • Adults will occasionally wave you off, but kids love to pose. You should show them their picture. But remember to wipe down your camera with a disinfectant afterward. The kids may excitedly grab your camera for a closer look with their cute, but dirty little hands.  

Selfies in Madagascar

  • NEVER pay to take pictures with wildlife kept at restaurants or hotels.
  • Paying for these photos encourages the illegal and devastating pet trade. One of the reasons lemurs are endangered .
  • Many of these animals, especially lemurs, don’t survive these conditions. If they don’t die from a poor diet, they may be killed when they display aggression as they become sexually mature. The “Magic of Madagascar Ecotour” will take you to one of the only rescue centers in Madagascar that confiscates pet lemurs and teaches them how to survive the wild.

Madagascar travel

SOUVENIR SHOPPING IN MADAGASCAR

Avoid purchasing….

  • Carvings made from precious woods like Rosewood and Palisander
  • Butterflies and other preserved insects
  • Sea turtle shells
  • Sapphires, other precious gemstones, and gold

    28. Ethical Shopping

  • Aim for sustainable gifts that don’t negatively impact wildlife or people while simultaneously expressing Malagasy culture.
  • My main suggestions include… hand-dyed and spun silk scarves woven from sustainably farmed silk, items made out of recycled aluminium, and art constructed from repurposed zebu horns.

Madagascar travel

EXCLUSIVE  TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN MADAGASCAR

Places to visit in madagascar.

  • RN7 is your best friend.  This route starts at the capital and works its way south, then slowly west. It is accessible year-round and brings you through every incredible ecosystem Madagascar has to offer! That’s the route that we take on our Ecotour through Madagascar from July 1st – 12th, 2019!  
  • RN5 takes you west to see the “ Alley of Baobabs ” or possibly even the limestone forest of Tsingy ! This road is more difficult to navigate. It’s comical that it can even be considered a national route.
  • The north is also beautiful, but similar to the west, the roads are very poor, especially as you work your way west. 
  • There are stunning places that are easiest to fly to, such as the rainforest peninsula of Masoala and the island of scuba-divers dreams – Nosy Be .

   30. Wildlife You CANNOT Miss in Madagascar!

  • “The Magic of Madagascar Ecotour” brings you to the largest species of lemur (indri) and the smallest lemur (mouse lemur), with many lemur species and sizes in between!

Madagascar travel

If you love Madagascar as much as we do, you’ll love our lemur t-shirts:

Madagascar travel

This meditating lemur t-shirt is the perfect gift for the animal lover in your life whether it be your wife, husband, sister, brother, best friend, son or daughter. It looks great with jeans and is perfect for a casual day out.

Madagascar travel

This t-shirt with words about lemurs is perfect for animal lovers – who want to show their love for ring-tailed lemurs and to raise awareness about this endangered species – see how many words related to lemurs you can find.

Madagascar travel

This ring-tailed lemur t-shirt will be a hit with animal lovers who want to show their love for these unique creatures while raising awareness about these critters from Madagascar who need our help.

ADDITIONAL  MADAGASCAR  INFORMATION

  • Films and Books about Madagascar
  • If you are keen to learn more about the creatures and culture before going or booking a ticket to Madagascar, I recommend either of the following  films :  Planet Earth II  (on Netflix) and  Island of Lemurs: Madagascar  (IMAX) .  
  • Additionally, I recommend the following  books :  For the Love of Lemurs  (Patricia Wright);  Thank You, Madagascar  (Alison Jolly);  The Aye-Aye and I   (Gerald Durrell); and  Madagascar – The Eighth Continent   (Peter Tyson).
  • Field Guides for Madagascar
  • There are good field guides available for most  taxonomic groups  in Madagascar. I have personally had the best luck with  Lemurs of Madagascar: Third Edition  and  Birds of Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands . Note: if you can’t find that check out  Lemurs of Madagascar: Tropical Field Guide Series .
  • For travel guides, the  Bradt Guides   are probably the best guide I have come across. The author has been travelling to Madagascar for over 30 years!  The Lonely Planet – Madagascar: 8 th  Edition  is also quite thorough.
  • Online Info on Travel in Madagascar
  • While this article provides a comprehensive list, you can’t fit everything into a single post! I recommend perusing additional online resources that can provide even more information about Madagascar. Be sure to check out   28 Interesting Facts About Madagascar ! 
  • Continue researching and reading! The more you know, the better you can prepare for  culture shock.  And the more you will appreciate all the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Madagascar!

Madagascar travel

The long-ground roller is a bird species endemic to the spiny forests of Madagascar; Photo: Alicia Lamb.

Best of luck with your travels in Madagascar! Take care and enjoy, or as they say in Madagascar, “Mazotoa!”

travel tips for Madagascar

Johnny Africa

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Madagascar, The Red Island

Johnny

70 Comments

  • Last Updated On: March 17, 2023

Adrift in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is a country few know much about, and even fewer have traveled to. Being the size of France, but with only 10 main roads, Madagascar is truly one of the last undiscovered areas of the world where one can really escape the influences of the modern age and escape to places hardly touched by the outside world. With otherworldly landscapes, thousands of endemic species of animals, and some of the world’s most beautiful and isolated beaches, Madagascar is a dream destination for the devoted traveler.

Of all the places I traveled to in Africa, Madagascar is at the very top in terms of untouched. I spent over a month traveling through this Madagascar and I made sure to write as much detail as possible in this post to make it your ultimate Madagascar travel guide!

History of Madagascar

Madagascar’s history is key to its development. The island split from Gondwanaland, modern day Africa, long before big predators had developed. Instead of primates, Madagascar developed lemurs, a gentle, unaggressive near-monkey, whose nearest relative lives in South America. There are more than 50 species now, but all have gentle hands and intense eyes.

A stunning 90% of Madagascar’s flora and fauna are endemic, found nowhere else in the world. Even the great Amazon in South America can’t compare to the diversity of life found in Madagascar. This is truly a place unlike anything else.

Madagascar aerial view airlink

Its isolation also shaped the island’s culture. The human gene pool arrived by boat around 500BC, when settlers came from modern day Borneo (Indonesia) by canoe. These settlers were then joined by Bantu migrants from Mozambique around 1000AD. Here they blended and divided into numerous tribes, each with its own language and beliefs. Due to the history, the people of Madagascar, also known as the Malagasy , are a very curious blend of modern day Southeast Asian and African.

Arab traders came later on, followed by the French who would eventually colonize the island and also influence the culture and language of this island.

Madagascar is known as the red island and this is why. Red earth is seen all over the country (as well as a lot of green).

Getting to Madagascar

Madagascar is not an easy place to get to. Flights are expensive and long. All international flights arrive in Antananarivo, the country’s capital. There are just a few airlines that fly to Madagascar:

  • Air France from Paris
  • Kenyan Airways from Nairobi
  • South African Airways/Airlink from Johannesburg
  • Air Mauritius from Port Louis
  • Air Madagascar from Paris and Johannesburg

Air Madagascar is the national airline and all domestic flights go through this company. They are known to be extremely unreliable and have terrible service. Domestic flights are expensive as well with some of the worst on-time records out there. Because of all the negative reviews I read about this airline, I opted to fly SAA from Johannesburg to Antananarivo instead, paying an extra 300$.

Boarding our flight on Airlink SAA in Johannesburg

Flights from Johannesburg are 3.5 hours, and are 750-900$ on SAA! Again, not a cheap place to get to and perhaps one of the reasons there is such little tourism here, especially from their closest neighbors, South Africa. Flights on Air Madagascar are ~$600.

Madagascar Visas

Madagascar is one of the few African countries that do not require money for Visas. All citizens from the US, Canada, EU, UK, AU etc. DO NOT  need to get a visa before arrival, and  DO NOT need to buy a visa if the visit is less than 30 days.

Madagascar Visa

Taxi Brousse and Cotisse Bus

For those that do not want to rent a car with a driver, the taxi brousse is the preferred budget backpacker route of getting around the island. Taxi brousses are well connected throughout the island with routes regularly running from town to town for a very cheap price. However, like the rest of Africa, group travel for locals is unreliable and uncomfortable. Be prepare to be jammed in to one of those hippie vans with way more people than it’s meant to fit. Pro tip? Buy two seats so you have more space.

In recent years, a company called Cotisse Transport has helped fill the void for those looking for more comfortable mass transport. Cotisse buses are much more comfortable and run on set schedules. They are of course more expensive, but I would much rather take these than a taxi brousse. Although one trip on a taxi brousse is worth the experience!

Tourism in Madagascar

Tourism in Madagascar is still a young industry. The locals like to think they get a lot of tourists but if only they knew. This country does NOT see much tourism, even during its high season. As it is a former colony of France and French is still widely spoken, the majority of tourists hail from France. I would say that 75% of the tourists we came across were older French people. Nevertheless, we were in Madagascar for a month and we could go a whole day without seeing a single foreigner. Beaches are isolated, restaurants are empty, and national parks are spacious. A very welcome change of pace from all the other African countries I’ve visited where tourism is so developed.

Antananarivo

There are many ways to plan a trip here. Numerous tour agencies exist in Antananarivo. I  googled “Madagascar Tours” and there’s at least a dozen websites that do tours of the country. Many options exist.

Getting around Madagascar

You can book a fully planned tour, where one price is quoted including your transportation, park entrance fees, hotels, and food. If you’re feeling more adventurous and want flexibility, then you can also rent a 4×4 with a driver and create your own itinerary.

Madagascar Driver in Tsingy

We ended up with the latter option, and rented a 4×4 with a driver for 20 days. This is the most common way to see Madagascar as the roads are in awful conditions and driving is the only way to get to many of the top attractions. I contacted numerous tour agencies and 50 euros a day seemed to be the going rate but I managed to bargain my way down to 40 euros a day. A steal in my opinion for the car AND a driver.

Gas Station Madagascar

This price INCLUDES the driver’s accommodation and food. I was so confused by this at first.  Where the hell does the driver sleep? He can’t possibly afford the places we’re staying at. Turns out, most of the hotels have sleeping quarters for drivers, and if not, there are hotels for the “locals” for less than $5 a night. Foreigners are allowed to stay in these hotels as well. Consider them the extreme budget options.

This, my friends is the RN7, also Madagascar's MAIN highway. It also belongs equally to cars as it does people in these ox carts.

Planning our own Madagascar trip with help

We went with  GMT+3 Tours ,  who were incredibly helpful. I told them the amount of time I had, and the sights I wanted to see, and they planned a whole itinerary for us and reserved our hotels after I gave them our budget. They hire freelance tourism drivers and our drivers name was Serge. He was a great driver and had so many great stories of Madagascar. He’s traveled around the entire island numerous times and knows everything about it. I would highly recommend him! If you’re just looking for a driver and are okay planning everything on your own, please email him at  [email protected]

Pineapple in Madagascar

Tourism is cheap in this country. A high end budget for a hotel is 40 euros a night! Split between two people, this isn’t much compared to the rest of Africa. There didn’t seem to be many traditional hostels in this country as again, tourism is small, and the tourists that come here are old Frenchmen that wouldn’t stay at a hostel anyhow. Food is cheap, beer is cheap, fruit is incredibly cheap. It’s easy to live well here.

Stumbling on a street fair on the highway.

How many days is necessary to see Madagascar

Madagascar is a special place. It is also the most undeveloped country I’ve ever seen and this is from someone that’s seen much of Africa. The main highways are 1.5 lanes, pothole infested, questionable roads with no markings on it whatsoever.

It takes awhile to get places, even if you have your own car. We spent almost 4 weeks here, visiting the Tsingy Stone Forest, Morondava, Ranomafana Forest, Isalo National Park, Andasibe Park, and Ile Ste Marie. I’d say 10 days is the minimum amount of days to do this country any sort of justice. Three weeks is more ideal and one could easily spend 3 months here and have plenty to do.

The official languages in Madagascar are French and Malagasy. The former is the language left behind from colonial times and used primarily among the more educated and those working in tourism. Malagasy is the more commonly spoken language. Everyone speaks Malagasy, with only about 15% of the people able to speak fluent French. Miraculously, all 20 million people in Madagascar speak various dialects of Malagasy, and everyone can understand each other. This is a farcry from other African countries where there are dozens of languages in just one country that are completely unrelated to each other.

Restaurant in Madagascar

After visiting Madagascar, being able to speak French is highly useful. I’d recommend learning some basic phrases just to get around as the English spoken in this country is very poor. Thankfully, my French is serviceable and this was a savior in getting by.

The lack of education in this country is alarming and if someone does not work in the tourism industry, or live in a big city, there is a good chance they will not speak French either. Thanks to modern day technology, make sure to download the offline French language pack with the Google Translate app before coming here!

Money in Madagascar

The only expensive part of Madagascar is getting there. After that, this country is likely one of the cheapest places you’ll ever visit. Madagascar uses the  Ariary  as the official currency. It was traded 2,500 Ariary to 1 USD when I visited in Sep 2014, and is trading around 2,700 Ariary to 1 USD upon the completion of this blog post in December. Ariary’s come in 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10000 notes. Yes, the biggest bill in Madagascar is the 10,000 ariary note, or ~$4!!

Madagascar ariary

Since Madagascar is a former colony, the majority of its visitors are French and the Euro is commonly used by tour operators’ in quotinge prices for tours. Many tourism operators recommend taking Euros to the country and exchanging it at the airport. This is a good move but if you have a bank card that does not charge you ATM fees, this is not necessary as the ATMs in this country dispense cash just fine.

Money exchange Madagascar airport

Exchanging Money

Long answer short, exchange all money at the airport. Euros are the preferred currency but dollars and pounds are readily available. The exchange rates given at the airport are good, close to market spot rate.

ATMs in Madagascar

As Madagascar’s tourism industry flourishes, so will the availability of ATMs. During my time in the country, ATMs were available in all the bigger cities ONLY . ATMs accept Visa and BNI accepts Mastercard as well (but best to go with Visa to be safe). The ATMs had a single withdrawal limit of 400,000 Ariary when we went (160$)

Cash is king

Cash is the only method of payment in 95% of Madagascar. Only the ultra high end hotels and restaurants accept credit card. We were able to use our credit card just twice during our month in the country, once at a high end hotel in Isalo National Park, and the other at a hotel in Antananarivo (but they wanted to charge us a fee so we ended up paying cash). Even the gas stations do not take credit cards!

Prepare to visit the ATM frequently and prepare to carry around huge wads of cash. 400,000 Ariary is 40 bills and a full tank refill on a 4×4 is more than half of that so money goes quickly!

Food in Madagascar

Most of Africa has pretty bland, uninspired food. With the Southeast Asian influence in Madagascar, I thought the food would be more flavorful. Right and wrong. Madagascar has the potential to create good food. There are a lot of spices, vegetables, and fruits to be had here but the country has not developed its cuisine for tourism yet.

Zebu dinner in Madagascar

There is a fine line between food cooked for the locals, and food cooked for tourists. The latter is more French inspired than Malagasy. The former consists of rice (biggest part of Malagasy diet), a meat, and maybe some stew for flavoring.

Street food is available everywhere and although dirt cheap (1-2$ a meal), we found local cuisine to be lacking in flavor. The French style cuisine meant for tourists run usually $5-8 a plate and is a bit better, although still nothing like the delicious food you can find in Southeast Asia.

Zebu, Madagascar’s version of the cow, and the locals feverishly vocalize the distinction between zebus and cows, is one of the staple dishes in Madagascar. Considered the most sacred of animals, we ate Zebu almost all every meal when there wasn’t seafood. It’s tasty, especially with some Madagascan Green Peppercorn sauce and Sakay chilies!

Zebu cow in Madagascar

Fresh fruit is a staple in Madagascar and can be found on the side of the street, in the market, or pretty much anywhere. Depending on the time of year, different fruits will be available. In September, we found an abundance of pineapples, oranges, mangoes, strawberries, and raspberries. Prices are incredibly cheap. I could buy a whole pineapple cut into small pieces for 1,500 Ariary ($0.60). Madagascar is also the world’s largest lychee exporter and during the month of December, lychee can be had in huge quantities for dirt cheap.

When to visit Madagascar

Expect fun in the sun for most of the dry season. We saw these clouds on our first day upon arriving in Antananarivo, and did not see another cloud until we went to Andasibe 3 weeks later.

Madagascar is a country the size of France but has the geological diversity of a country the size of America. There are many different climates throughout the country.

  • The area surrounding Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital, is surrounded by mountains giving a climate that is cool at night
  • The east coast is subtropical with beautiful beaches and abundant rain
  • The west coast is drier than either the east coast or the central highlands because the trade winds lose their humidity by the time they reach this region
  • The deep south is semi-desert, with very little rain falling here

weatherantananarivo

The rainy reason runs December-March, and it is best to avoid visiting during this time. Violent cyclones can hit the country at this time and the roads leading up to tourist attractions like the Tsingy Stone Forest, can be completely washed away. May-October are driest, coolest months, and the best time to visit.

Madagascar weather is beautiful all year around. But when is the best time to visit Madagascar? Find out on  Sunheron , a website that provides you with all kinds of weather information and helps you to find the best holiday based on criteria you choose!

The hilly landscape in the highlands quickly turn into mountains heading south into the Isalo National Park

And finally, my Madagascar itinerary

And finally, my four week itinerary for Madagascar. I spent weeks planning this out so hopefully this will help whomever’s reading this in the future. Again, it was good to have a tour agent to help me plan this as I could only do so much research from the internet. He gave me helpful tips like don’t bother visiting Tulear at the end of the RN7 as you’re going to Ile Sainte Marie anyway.

Read my detailed Madagascar Itinerary

For the detailed view on Google Maps, click here.

Further Reading

To read more detailed accounts of my travels through the Red Island, click on the following posts:

  • Morondava and the Avenue of the Baobabs
  • Tsingy Stone Forest
  • Ranomafana National Park
  • Isalo National Park
  • Ile Sainte Marie and Ile Aux Nattes

Continue Reading:

  • The Perfect Travel Itinerary For Madagascar
  • Guide To Visiting Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar
  • Guide To Visiting Andasibe National Park And Lemur Island, Madagascar
  • The Ultimate Mozambique Travel Guide
  • The Best Of Johnny Africa – Top Moments Traveling Through Africa
  • The Ultimate Guide to Ile Sainte Marie and Ile Aux Nattes
  • Guide To Hiking The Tsingy Stone Forest, Madagascar
  • Ultimate Guide To Visiting Isalo National Park, Madagascar
  • The Perfect Travel Itinerary For Mozambique
  • What I’ve Learned After Traveling To 50 Countries
  • Guide to Visiting Morondava and Avenue Of The Baobabs
  • The Ultimate One Week and Two Week Travel Itinerary for Uganda
  • Why South Africa Is The Perfect Destination To Learn English
  • The Ultimate Maldives Budget Travel Guide – Paradise For Cheap

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Brilliant article – stunning country !!

Thank you and glad you liked mada!

did your rate of 40 per day per person for car +driver include petrol?

Cheers Miomir

Not petrol. I would also expect these prices to be higher now as this post was written in 2015.

What a great article! We’re currently dreaming of going to Madagascar again – we’ve been there before and we love, love love it! Here’s to a year with loads of travel plans and new experiences!

I just found your site – and I love it. What great pics and usefulll info. Thank you Benny // https://danmarkmedposten.dk/

I agree with every factor that you have pointed out. Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts on this.

Please see my blog, The Ultimate Guide to Writing an Interesting Travel Book Hope this will help, Thank you!

What a great article! We’re currently dreaming of going to Madagascar again – we’ve been there before and we love, love love it! Here’s to hoping for a better 2021 and 2022 with loads of travel plans and new experiences!

– Cirkeline // RejsRejsRejs

If you want even more tips for your trip to Madagascar, you’re welcome to read our article on it here

John!! It’s Annie from college. Googled Madagascar and this page came up haha! Now I really want to go! Hope you are well.

Thanks for sharing this great article Johnny! Very well-written! Hope this will help, Thank you!

I will be travelling to Madagascar from the 7 – 27 of January. It seems that hiring a car with a driver is the best method of transportation, just wondering how this works when you spend days not driving? I read in one of your other posts that the daily price of the vehicle includes the drivers lodging, wondering how this works if you spend multiple days in one place not driving (hiking or relaxing at the beach for a few days) but then would need the vehicle again.

Any information would be helpful, and if you have any suggestions for an itinerary that would be great!

Hi SJ, this was a perplexing question for me as well when I first started planning my trip. The per day price almost always pays for the drivers lodging and food. He does not stay with you but rather at a nearby hotel for locals (much cheaper). If you’re in one place for a long time but you will need the car later, you’ll still need to pay for him to stay. For us, we had the driver for most of our trip but at the end when we went to Ile Sainte Marie, we parted ways there because we were going to the beach. However, you won’t have to pay for the gas since he’s not doing much during that time. As for itineraries, make sure to read my Madagascar itinerary for ideas!

My beautiful Madagascar !!! Thanks for sharing. I share some tips on how to prepare your trips to Madagascar on my Blog https://www.tsiky-tour.com/blog

“Most of Africa has pretty bland, uninspired food.” There is no way this statement is true but carry on………

I should rephrase it to Most of the Africa I’ve been to. Outside of South Africa, Mozambique, and Zanzibar, I’ve not been a big fan of the food I’ve tried. Don’t get me wrong, I still ate all the food and in abundance but it’s just not as flavorful as other cuisines. Just personal opinion

i am very thankful for such an informations i’ve got from the article and comments.

I will go to Madagascar 9th of September for 3 weeks and really can’t think about the best route to choose (and what type of transport to choose). Can you help me with just cue points?

Regards Martin

Hi martin, it really depends on what you want to see! I always recommend the western parts (baobabs and Tsingy stone forest). That will take a week. from there, you can do the RN7 down to the other big parks. Do you want to go to beaches? Then, perhaps spend less time along the RN7 and then fly to Ile Sainte Marie or Nosy Be. Transport for a 3 week trip I’d highly recommend the 4×4 with a driver. Three weeks is not much to see anything with the Taxi Brousse. Have fun!

Hi Johnny, we would like to see the best what madagascar offer.

So Antananarivo -> RN7 -> Ranomafana National Park, Isalo National Park … From there somehow baobabs and Tsingy.

From there is possible to flight close to Sainte Marie,

What are the prices for 4×4 with driver? May you recommend company (some more budget / mid price)?

Thank you very much! 🙂 (we will have a fun mostly because we can’t speak french :D)

Yes that sounds like a good itinerary. you can fly from Tana to ISM and that will save you a few days of traveling. When I went in 2014, car + driver is 40 euros. Nowadays it’s probably closer to 50-60 euros a day. You also hav eto pay for the gas. Contact GMT + 3 as they are the ones that sorted me out with my driver!

Thank you for sharing this insightful post on Madagascar. My significant other and I are medical residents planning to work in Antsirabe for 1 month this October. We are planning on traveling for 2 weeks prior to our work assignment. It would be difficult to cover all the sites an we do not wish to rush our itinerary. What are your “must see” sites in Madagascar that we should incorporate into our 2 week road trip? Did you do any diving in Madagascar, if so where, and was the equipment safe (we are both advanced certified). Lastly, as we will be based in Ansirabe for 1 month, which sites do you think we could save for weekend trips? Thanks for your help in advance!!

Hi Phyllis, since you will be based out of Antsirabe, I’d recommend you save the parks along the RN7 for your “weekend” trips. For your two weeks, i’d definitely spend 1 week visiting the west (the Baobabs and the Tsingy Stone forest), and spend the other one on one of the islands, either Ile Sainte Marie or Nosy Be. I did dive on Ile sainte Marie (you can read about it on my ISM post), and the quality of the shop is top notch as it belongs to the nicest resort on that island. I heard the diving in Nosy Be is better however! Enjoy your trip, you will have a blast!

Hi Johnny, Thanks for the info! Makes my decision easier! Its funny the quotes I got vary from $1600 to $270o per person. Madagascar Natural tour quoted $1600 per person and Ortour $1900 with all inclusive except domestic flight. Gassitour quoted $35/day x 19 days for car and driver only. Ramantour quoted $2700 all inclusive including flight. And GMT quoted $1650 for car/driver and helping us book hotels for 19 days. It seems very inconvenient to me to have to carry a large sum of cash around for 3 weeks since ATMs are not easily accessible so I might go with the Madagascar Natural tour. Thanks again Johnny!

Thanks for all those data points! Gassitour is only charging $35/day for the car and driver? That is incredibly cheap. Too cheap in fact. nevertheless, carrying around large sums of cash is annoying for sure. Enjoy your trip!!

Hi Johnny, Phyllis again. Im in midst of planning my trip thats coming up in 3 weeks and am deciding between renting just driver vs package provided by travel agency. One company quoted $2200 for driver, 4×4 car, fuel, all hotels, 3 day andringitra trekking, Park entrance and guide, and 1 one way domestic flight back to tana for 19 days. I know you only rented the driver and car and sorted out the rest yourself. If you dont mind me asking, how much did u spend total on your trip in total so I have something to compare it to. Also, do you think the convenience of everything prearrange outweighs the cost esp if we dont speak French?

Hi Phyllis, is that price for per person or for two people? If for two, that seems like a great deal. Almost too good to be true.

I had my driver for just over 3 weeks. Each day was 40 EUROS which at the time was 50 USD. Plus the gas was at least another $400-500 as we were constantly filling up. A general breakdown of my expenses

Car for 3+ weeks: $1100 Gas: $500 Hotels: ~$40/night average Entrance fees + Guide: $30-50 per park for two (Tsingy was more)

Just that alone is more than much more than $2200! What company are you using if I may ask??

I’m currently planning to visit Madagascar 2 weeks & Ile Ste MarieMarie 2 weeks in February 2018 – I will be flying to JNB to TNR, i am wondering if you can book just the driver for around two weeks on GMT +3 and how much that would cost? Then after that i will fly to Ile Ste Marie from TNR and stay here for a further two weeks do you have any tips at all on where to stay in the first two weeks and also can you get around on just a rented scooter in Ile Ste Marie?

I will be traveling alone which i why i will be flying to Ile Ste Marie.

Hi Jordan, When I went I paid 40 euros for a car + driver. It is probably at least 50 euros now per day so I would budget around that (note that this does not include the cost of gas). As for ISM, there are plenty of places to stay so it depends on your budget but I really enjoyoed my time on Ile Aux Nattes (just south of ISM)! And yes a scooter is more than enough for getting around ISM!

https://johnnyafrica.com/madagascar-ile-sainte-marie/

Thanks for the swift reply Johnny! I think I will plan Madagascar properly first then and visit ISM, scootering around a pirate island sounds likes the one for me!

Hey Johnny.. Thanks for the great information. Am considering a trip to Madagascar also.. Just wondering if there are places to chill at night there, I know it’s hot a huge party place but is it safe for tourists to go to bars, or are there bars? Thanks, Christine

Hi Christine, aside from the larger cities that receive more tourists (Morondava, Ile Sainte Marie, Tana, Tamatave etc), there aren’t many Western style bars to speak of. We went out one night in Antsirabe and saw perhaps 5 foreigners the entire night. There aren’t many “bars” to speak of. It seems that most peopel just congregate in the streets, drinking and eating all night which is what we did!

Thank you for such an informative post. We are planning/considering a month-long visit to Madagascar in June. The cost is a shocker, getting there from the US, assuming crazy man Trump doesn’t shut us down. We love travel to all places on this earth, and are trying to fill our budget for such a splurge. I’m curious as to what was your favorite part of your experience in Madagascar?

Hi Ron, I know what you mean about Trump. At least you won’t have to fly back from the Middle East if you come to Madagascar. It’s really hard to pick a favorite part of Madagasar. Just being in a place that is so remote and so rustic with landscapes I’ve never seen before made it so special for me.

If I absolutely had to pick a favorite place, I think I would choose the Western area with the Tsingy Stone Forest + Avenue of the Baobabs. Followed closely by the beaches of Ile Aux Nattes and Ile Sainte Marie. You can’t go wrong with any part of the island in my opinion!

Hi Johnny, Thanks for all the info. I am trying to plan a trip going to all of the same places as you minus Mahambo and Sainte Marie! I know you rented a 4×4, but I just want to clarify that you didn’t take any flights within the country to get to your destinations? I don’t like the idea of flying Madagascar Air, but your itinerary (and the one I am trying to plan) seems to include so much driving. Did you feel like you had to spend too much time cooped up in the car, and that it wasted a lot of time, or was there good scenery to look at along the way and a nice break from all the hiking in the heat? Also, did you ever try taking a taxi brousse? Thanks!

Hi Sarah, the Madagascar landscape is nothign short of breathtaking. It’s certainly some of the most otherworldly terrains I’ve seen. I will admit, even with that said, it did get monotonous at times because. The roads are terrible so you ARE in the car for long periods of time but that is honestly the best way to get around in Madagascar and it’s all part of the adventure :). You can take flights from say Tana to Morondava, but you’ll need to have a car once again to get to say Tsingy NP.

We did sort of take a taxi brousse. On the way back from Ile Sainte Marie, the ferry we were originally planning on taking just left 4 hours earlier without us knowing. We had a car picking us up from Toamasina to take us to Tana the same day (as our flight was the next day). Since we were so late, the guy already left and we were on our own. There are regular taxi brousse’s that leave from Toamasina to Tana but we were impatient so we ended up just paying for the whole van, like a private taxi brousse back to Tana!

Great blog…thanks.

Me any my wife travel to Madagascar in early September for three weeks, can’t wait. Doing a similar route than yours from Tana to ISM via Andisibe and Palmaruim, but traveling along the Pangalanes to Tamatave. Decided to use GMT+3 who have already been a great help.

Been on many holidays but are virgin travellers so got a couple of questions if that’s OK

How bad are the mosquitoes as the wife is freaking out about them? Backpacking so any tips on clothing and footwear, how cold are evenings etc? Any tips on key French phrases, its been a while since school and I was rubbish then

Cheers mate

Dean (Leeds, England)

Hi Dean, thanks for the comments and awesome that you are visiting Mada!

1. Would say the mosquitoes are not that bad where we went. Obviously Mada is a very geographically diverse place so there could be places where it’s a bit of an issue. I know Malaria is something to be aware of but I didn’t take any pills during my month there.

2. Mada is warm for the most part. Antsirabe was the only place I felt a bit cold in. As it’s up in the mountains, the temps can drop to the teens at night. But nothing a light jumper didn’t solve (still wearing shorts). Everywhere else I was pretty much wearing a tank top and shorts.

3. Definitely some basic french will help! Most people don’t even speak French but just knowing how to count, and how to order basic food should be helpful.

Enjoy your trip!

Glad I found your travel blog. This is the best travel blog I have read with such detailed agenda with restaurants, hotels, and sightseeing recommendations with prices and websites. We plan to go to Madagascar in July to August 2017. We have 17 or possibly 18 days for the trip. What are “must see” places for Madagascar? We love culture but not too much into the beach scene (not beach worshippers). We are a couple in our 50’s.We definitely are there for the lemurs. Also, regarding the company you hired for the driver-guide with the 4 x 4 jeep, was there any problems during the trip? Was the driver flexible in taking you where you wanted to go?

HI Silvana! thanks for the comments and awesome that you’re headed to Madagascar!

It’s hard to pinpoint my highlights of Madagascar. It’s cliche i know, but honestly everywhere that I visited was one amazing thing after another. I think it’s just the whole package of visiting a place that is so remote and so isolated from developed society which made me appreciate every moment of it.

However, if I had to choose, I would definitely say the Avenue of the Baobabs, Tsingy Stone Forest, Isalo National Park, and Ile Aux Nattes. I know you said you’re not into the beach scene but the beaches here are not just stunningly beautiful but completely isolated from society. https://johnnyafrica.com/madagascar-ile-sainte-marie/

As for the driver, aside from his lack of English speaking ability (I speak enough French to get around), everything was perfect. We came up with the itinerary beforehand and he just drove us to our respective guesthouses, teaching us about Madagascar and Malagasy culture along the way!

talking about the tour operator… so you asked for a english speaker driver and they provide you with a basic english speaker? do the driver tell you about culture and stuff or he just drive?

Hi Axel, yes we specifically asked for an English driver because my friend didn’t speak English. He could speak a few works in but relaly not enough to converse.

Thankfully, I speak enoguh French and had Google Translate so I could talk to the guy. But he was more than inclined to teach me about the culture and customs of the country. He had been a driver for decades and visited all parts of Madagascar so it was extremely interesting getting his perspective on things!

I stumbled upon your blog while researching about a living cost in Cape Town and read about your travels in Madagascar. I was just there in April and had Serge from GMT as my driver for 7 days while traveling solo from Tana to Morondava. My amazing experience of exploring the beautiful Madagascar was made unforgettable because of the incredible service from the kind hearted driver and travel companion, Serge who made me feel at ease as a young woman alone in a foreign country. It was so good to see his picture from someone else’s experience 🙂 and I love reading about your travels! Very informative and helpful. Thank you for sharing 🙂

Hi Yenni, what a coincidence! Small world for sure and I’m glad to see Serge is still doing his thing. He was incredibly helpful with us too and definitely made our trip. I actually just sent your comment to my friend who traveled with me and oh what good memories Madagascar was :). Glad you got to see that amazing place. I still rave about it whenever people ask me what my favorite places are.

thanks for great and useful sites. Me and my fiance are planning our honeymoon in June this year and we are thinking about pretty much same itinerary. Can you tell me tell me approximately the total amount spent during your trip (excluding international flights)?

Thank you very much

Hi Omar! We spent just under a month there. With how difficult it is to get around everywhere, I think the more time the better especially if you want to see a good amount of the island.

Hi Johnny, Thanks soooo much for this info, I am desperately trying to organise myself for a solo trip for about a month at a budget. I’m an experienced traveller who just wants to do my own specific iteniary, and get to the National Parks and hike and see wildlife really, so I’m looking at your account and thinking it could be done by hiring a driver to get me around and then at the parks get some experienced guides as I believe each park has them available for hire upon arrival. Can you confirm this? My problem is, all the peeps I contact regarding a car hire are quoting me for a guide, hotels, foods, blah blah etc and seriously like it is turning into a multi- million dollar luxury tour which is not what I am after! Can you suggest where I look to find just the drivers? I suspect they think as a female I would want this, but no, I am an ecologist so I am used to camping in the bush and I kind of like it! Any way, your blogs are awesome, Thanks again, Nicola

Hi Nicola! I actually had a single female friend travel through Madagascar for a month. She used GMT+3 like I did and rented JUST the driver. She pretty much emulated my itinerary and booked almost the same accomodations as me and it was fine. Try contacting GMT+3 and ask for just the driver.

I agree, the tours are a complete rip off, especially after you see how cheap of a country Madagascar is to travel through. THey are just taking advantage of your unfamiliarity and naivety with the country. Definitely just be persistent and ask for the driver only.

First , I would like to mention that your information is very interesting for the tourist with wonderful pictures . I am an American in Madagascar and resident for 15 years and also a New York City street rat way back when I was a boy.

Also the ariary is now 3,290 as of 11/11/2015 for the dollar but in terms of the local economy they do not see the rise in prices because Madagascar is for the most part a closed society. The Vasaha might- because we buy imported products like refrigerators so we see the reflected prices. I spent less money than I did 10 years ago even though the Ariary back is less than half of what it is today on local products.

Also the locals will use FMG much of the time unless they see you as a Vasaha then it is the ariary so be sure it is one or the other or you could be paying 5 times the amount.

On wards to the real issue I am concerned about and to understand your thinking…….

I read on another travel Blog that you and your friend tip your driver $10 a day and by the end of the trip the tip came to about what the average Malagasy for their position makes in 5 months and that does not include their Salary from the tour company. Would you tip that much money to a driver back in New York City? You did notice that in your travels that Madagascar is a non-tipping society for very special reasons related to customs and culture. You may be interested in this Sustainable & Responsible tourism is the concept of visiting a place as a tourist and trying to make only a positive impact on the environment, society and economy by acting like a local.. Tourism can involve primary transportation to the general location, local transportation, accommodations, entertainment, recreation, nourishment and shopping. Much as we try to improve the benefits of tourism to local people and conservation, many of our holidays require an international flight with its associated CO2 emissions. For more details on about Global ethics of travel read the following.

This is a group effort that includes not only travelers but also hoteliers, tour agencies, guides, …etc

For more details of these code of ethics then visit

Global code for tourism http://www.unwto.org/ethics/index.php

…unwto.org/sites/all/files/docpdf/responsibl…

Responsible is a heavy word and acting in a respectable manner of the culture and customs will leave a positive footprint for others who follow

Hi I did not know about the tipping part of Madagascar! Most third world countries I’ve visited, I just naturally tip because it’s money they need far more than me. I never tipped at the hotel restaurants because they just added it to my final bill when we checked out.

Sadly enough, we tip our taxi drivers in New York City about 15-20%. It’s not even because they provided any special service but something that’s ingrained into the heads of people in America. Terrible actually, but it’s just how things are. But it is good to know that Madagascar is not a tipping society!

Firstly, thanks for the excellent website! My fiancé and I are planning on taking our honeymoon in Madagascar and this site has already been really useful.

I was wondering how safe Madagascar felt in comparison to other countries in Southern Africa? We have read a few things saying that tourists should keep a very low profile, far more so than other places we have been to. How did you feel while you were there?

Also, do you have any suggested companies to provide a car/driver? We would be happy to pay extra for a reliable, English speaking guide.

Thanks! Richard

Hi Richard! THanks for the comment. WHere are you reading those claims? I was there about a year ago and I couldn’t have felt more safe. My friend and I actually walked around Antsirabe at night to join in on some Malagasy concert that was taking place and we had a great time. I’d say it’s no different than your standard African country. I found the people to be incredibly friendly and curious.

Obviously you just need to be aware of your surroundings but that is every country in teh world, your home country included :).

As for English guides, I don’t have any that I know of. I specifically requestsed from the tour operator I organized my tour from that it MUST be an English speaker and he assured me it would be. I show up at the airport, meet the guy, and he spoke maybe 100 English words, hence he is an “English Speaker”. hah, thankfully I speak enough French to get by but yes it would have been difficult otherwise.

Thanks Johnny, very reassuring.

It was something we read on a few travel forums, especially violent robberies in Nosy Be and on the Tsiribihina river. But like you say, everywhere in the world requires a little bit of care. We are just finalising our plans before we go ahead and book our honeymoon for May!

Thanks Richard

Thanks firstly for the excellent website, my fiance and I have been organising our honeymoon in Madagascar and these posts have already been really useful.

I was wondering how safe Madagascar feels in comparison to other countries in Southern Africa? We have read a few reports online advising tourists to keep a low profile, more so than other places we have been to. Is it any worse than South Africa or Mozambique say?

Also, do you have any recommendations for companies which could provide a car and driver? We would be happy to pay the extra for a reliable, English speaking guide.

Hi Johnny – thanks for this post – so useful! One quick question, how easy is it to find a driver on short notice? Is this something hotels can arrange for you? Thanks!

Hi Rebecca! Thanks for the comments. Yes finding a driver on short notice is easy. There are plenty of drivers especially in antananarivo, and any hotel will be able to recommend you a driver. They might not have the most competitive rates however is the problem.

You truly have an awesome blog. I wish I had the time to post such stories and pictures of my travels. I am also a young man in my twenties who lives to travel.

My girlfriend and I are actually planning to go to Madagascar for three weeks, but we’re not sure how to travel around there. Do you think it’s wise and easy to hire a 4×4 ourselves there? If so, would it save a lot of money to do so instead of hiring a 4×4+driver?

Thanks again for your wonderful blog.

Hi Faraz! I definitley do NOT recommend renting a car on your own. I always read about people that want to drive themselves around Madagascar but I just don’t understand why. The roads are probably the worst roads I’ve ever seen from a tourist ready country. If you hire a driver with a guide, they cater 100% to your itinerary so you’re in complete control. They are there to drive whenever wherever you want them to. Most of them have also traveled extgensively through Madagascar so they’ll be able to teach you about the history and offer any personal touches on the sights that you would never get traveling on your own. Being as undeveloped as Mada is, things can go wrong very quickly, and the last thing you’ll want to have happen is to have a tire go out and not be able to speak to any of the locals to get help. And it’s not even that much cheaper! Not worth saving the 15 euros a day in my opinion.

So to sum it up, I think you and your girlfriend should definitely rent a car with a driver 🙂

Johnny, thanks for the helpful and funny info. I’m planning a trip for late November and will likely reach out with questions.

Madagascar still my favorite place in Africa! You will love it. Keep the questions flowing!

Hi It’s am planning trip to Madagascar. Only have 15 days though. What highlights/region could you recommend? Like to end in Ile St Marie….so maybe head East but would like to see some of highlands down South too if possible.

Hey Andy, I think 15 days is enough to a southern circuit, and then either drive to ISM or fly to ISM. From Tana, head on the RN7 which is the country’s main tourist road, down to Ranomafana, and Isalo Park. Then drive back up, visit Andasibe NP for 2 nights and then drive to the ferry to ISM. This might be too agressive of an itinerary because it just takes forever to get anywhere in Mada so you might consider skipping Andasibe and going straight to ISM!

Hi It’s been fun reading your posts and am planning trip to Madagascar. Only have 15 days though. What highlights/region could you recommend? Like to end in Ile St Marie….so maybe head East but would like to see some of highlands down South too if possible.

Hi It’s been fun reading your posts and am planning trip to Madagascar. Only have 15 days though. What highlights/region could you recommend? Like to end in Ile St Marie….so maybe head East but would like to see some of highlands down South too if possible. Thanks

Hi Jonny, I’ve read about your trip in Mada and I’ve found it very interesting! I’m going there next August and I’ll need to rent a car + driver. Could you pls suggest me your driver?

thanks a lot! claudio

HI Claudio! There are a lot of drivers in Madagascar but I had a great experience iwth my guide. He didn’t speak very good English though so I’d only recommend him if you can have basic conversation in French.

Serge – [email protected]

Good luck and enjoy your trip!

I read your posts on Madagascar, all really inspiring. My boyfriend and I are going to Madagascar in August 2015 and we have actually planned to do almost the same tour as you did. I was wondering how much money you spend in total (without plane tickets)? And where did you find you driver? We are planning on renting a 4×4 car most of the time if we can find someone not too expensive.

Thank you for a very nice blog and hope you have time to answer!

Best regards, Sofie (Denmark)

Hi Sofie! Awesome to hear you’re headed to Madagascar! I was there for about 4 weeks and we ended up spending about $2k a person. Half of that cost went to paying for the car (about 40 euros a day which I think is very reasonable), and gas, which we would have to fill up frequently sinc ewe traveled long distances and it was a old gas guzzler of a 4×4.

We also stayed at a higher end place in the Isalo just to see what it was all about so that added to the costs. We did a few dives on Ile Sainte Marie that weren’t cheap either!

It all sounds really amazing! Do you remember how long time it took for you to get from Fianarantsoa to Morondava? I read somewhere that someone said the road between Antsirabe and Morondava is considered dangerous – did you have any troubles there?

And is it possible to get from Antananarivo to Ile sainte Marie/Ile aux nattes in one day?

Sorry for all the questions, it is just really difficult to get much information about the transportation and what is best to do there! And I think it is nice to know before we get there so we can make the most out of it 🙂

Hey again! We went to Morondava first so from antsirabe to Morondava and back to antsirabe and to Ranomafana and Fianarantsoa. From morondava to antsirabe we didn’t experience any problems at all, just a bumpy ride like the rest of Madagascar 🙂

As for tana to Ile Sainte marie, it’s definitely not possible in a day. To go from tana to toamasina is like 8 hours and then the ferry to ism is actually in Soanierana Ivango, about 3 hours North of tamatave and the ferry only leaves to ism in the morning. I’d do what we did and stay in a place like Mahambo, a really chilled out beachside Town in between toamasina and soanierana ivango for a night and then catch the ferry the next morning!

Awesome post! Thanks so much for the detailed info. Currently living in Cape Town and trying to plan my own trip to Madagascar so this is super helpful!

8 reasons why your next adventure should be in Madagascar

Madagascar travel

Madagascar: a rarely visited country that has an exotic hold over the imagination, conjuring up a land of wild nature: plains of baobab trees, armies of lemurs, unique animals, lush rainforests, and white sand beaches.

It’s not an easy destination to get to, which makes it the perfect spot for an epic, once-in-a-lifetime adventure. I traveled there on Intrepid Travel’s 16-day Experience Madagascar trip earlier this year, and found many reasons why people should visit this entrancing island.

Madagascar travel Baobab trees

Baobab trees

Here are 8 of them:

You’ll find landscapes unlike anywhere else on earth

Madagascar boasts mind-blowing landscapes that vary across the country. From lush rainforests and arid plains to pristine beaches and sweeping canyons and gorges, you’ll be in awe of the country’s distinct beauty everywhere you look.

When in Isalo National Park with my group, I trekked through each of these landscapes until discovering two secret waterfalls deep within a rainforest-coated gorge.

Madagascar is an extremely budget-friendly destination (once you’re there)

Though getting to the country is expensive, once you are there, everything is incredibly cheap. Your money goes a long, long way in Madagascar. Most of your meals won’t cost more than $4 USD — and it’s even less outside of the tourist areas.

I had a full meal of rice, beans, pork, and vegetables for less than $2 USD at a little restaurant near Ramonafana. Don’t miss the markets locals go to either — I was able to find delicious spring rolls for just 3 cents each!

Madagascar travel

Budget-friendly eats

The wildlife in Madagascar is unique to the country

Because of its geographic isolation, approximately 90% or more of the species found on Madagascar are endemic to the country, meaning you won’t find them anywhere else on the planet. With the help of my local guide, I saw hundreds of birds, lemurs, insects, chameleons, and mammals that I will probably never see again!

CHECK OUT THE TRIP THAT NOMADIC MATT VENTURED TO MADAGASCAR ON!

The beaches are pristine

With 5,000 km (3,100 miles) of coastline and very few tourists, Madagascar is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Madagascar travel

MADAGASCAR IS ONE OF INTREPID’S TOP ALTERNATIVE TRAVEL SPOTS FOR 2018; SEE THE REST

There are over 100 species of lemurs on the island of Madagascar

In addition to the thousands of unique species on Madagascar, it’s the only place you’ll find over 100 species of lemurs in their natural habitat.

Madagascar travel lemurs

There’s a ton of exceptional national parks

From hiking and trekking through canyons to swimming under waterfalls to gazing at lemurs in rainforests, Madagascar’s national parks will cater to any nature fanatic’s wildest dreams. Some notable parks include Isalo, Ramonafana, Tsingy, and Andasibe-Mantadia, among many others!

Madagascar travel

The sunsets are unreal

There’s truly nothing like the sunsets you’ll experience on the African continent, and Madagascar might have some of the best.

I’ve never seen colors quite like those I saw over Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital, and while on Île Sainte Marie. The pink, purple, yellow, and orange hues that paint the sky each night will stay with you forever.

Madagascar travel sunset

Sunset over Antananarivo

SEE MORE: AN INCREDIBLE VIDEO OF MADAGASCAR’S BEAUTY

Madagascar gets very few tourists 

Located off the eastern coast of Africa, this island, nearly the size of France and the third largest in the world, has a population of over 20 million but sees only about 325,000 tourists a year.

This means you’ll have a lot of the country’s beauty all to yourself – especially because Intrepid takes you to lesser-known spots.

Madagascar travel

My Intrepid group – and no-one else

Madagascar provides a never-ending list of incredible experiences. Despite the years of environmental degradation (which remains a serious problem), you can still see a lot of wonderful native plants and exotic animals that are indigenous to the island.

Though Madagascar’s quite a journey to get to, these highlights will give you an idea of what to expect from what’s likely to be an adventure that’s well deserving of a spot at the top of your bucket list.

Tempted to visit this incredibly beautiful island? Check out Intrepid’s range of small group tours in Madagascar.

(All images c/o Nomadic Matt; taken on Intrepid’s Experience Madagascar trip.)

Feeling inspired?

madagascar travel reddit

Nomadic Matt

Matthew Kepnes runs the award winning budget travel site, Nomadic Matt, and wrote the New York Times best-seller, How to Travel the World on $50 a Day. After a trip to Thailand in 2005, Matt decided to quit his job, finish his MBA and head off into the world. Over ten years later, he is still out roaming around and teaching others how to do the same. When not traveling, he lives in New York City.

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Madagascar Travel Guide – Everything You Need to Know

madagascar travel reddit

Madagascar, located off the southeastern coast of Africa, is a mesmerizing island nation that beckons travelers with its unique and diverse natural wonders. Renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, this “eighth continent” boasts lush rainforests, otherworldly landscapes, and a coastline teeming with marine life. As a hotspot for ecotourism, Madagascar offers opportunities to encounter rare lemurs, explore untouched wilderness, and relax on pristine beaches. Its rich cultural tapestry, influenced by African, Asian, and European heritage, adds depth to the visitor’s experience. For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure in a place unlike any other, Madagascar is a captivating destination waiting to be explored.

What’s the Best Time to Visit? 📅

The best time to visit Madagascar as a tourist largely depends on your interests and the experiences you seek, as the country experiences different climate zones. Generally, Madagascar has two main seasons: the dry season (winter) and the wet season (summer). Here’s a breakdown of the best times to visit:

  • June to September: This period, especially July and August, is considered the peak tourist season. The weather is generally dry, and temperatures are cooler, making it an ideal time for wildlife viewing, hiking, and exploring the country.
  • April to June: Early in the dry season, the landscapes are lush and green, and the weather is pleasant. It’s an excellent time for birdwatching and photography.
  • November to December: The start of the wet season sees sporadic rains, but it’s still a good time to visit, as many animals are giving birth, and the landscapes are vibrant.
  • January to March: These months constitute the peak of the wet season, with heavy rains and high humidity. Some roads may become impassable due to flooding, and some national parks may close temporarily. However, this is a great time for surfers and those interested in lush, green scenery.
  • October and November can be considered shoulder months, offering a balance between the dry and wet seasons. The landscapes are still green, and wildlife is active, but there’s a lower influx of tourists.
  • If you’re interested in whale watching, particularly humpback whales, the best time is from July to September. You can spot these magnificent creatures along the coast, especially near Île Sainte-Marie.
  • Check the dates for cultural festivals, such as the Donia Music Festival in Nosy Be and the Aloalo Festival in Toliara, and plan your visit accordingly for a unique cultural experience.

Keep in mind that Madagascar is a large island with regional variations in climate. The eastern side is generally wetter than the western side, which experiences a rain shadow effect. Coastal areas are typically more humid than the highlands.

Before planning your trip, consider the specific activities and regions you want to explore, as well as the type of climate that suits your preferences. Always check current weather conditions and travel advisories before embarking on your journey to Madagascar.

What’s the Best Way to Get Around? 🚌

Getting around Madagascar as a tourist can be an adventure in itself, as the country’s transportation infrastructure is still developing. Here are some of the best ways to get around Madagascar:

  • Domestic flights are the fastest way to cover long distances in Madagascar. Airlines like Air Madagascar and Tsaradia operate regular flights between major cities and tourist destinations.
  • Be prepared for potential delays and changes in flight schedules due to weather conditions.
  • Renting a car with a driver or a 4×4 vehicle is a convenient option, especially for exploring remote or less accessible areas. Roads in Madagascar can be challenging, so having an experienced driver is recommended.
  • Self-driving is possible but can be more challenging due to road conditions and navigation.
  • These are shared, long-distance taxis that connect major towns and cities. They are often the primary mode of transportation for both locals and budget-conscious travelers.
  • Be prepared for crowded and sometimes uncomfortable rides. Taxis-brousse schedules can be unpredictable, so plan your journey accordingly.
  • In cities and towns, you can use local taxis and pousse-pousses (cycle rickshaws) for short trips within urban areas.
  • Negotiate fares in advance or ensure that the taxi driver uses the meter.
  • These are small shared minivans that travel between towns and cities. They offer a balance between comfort and affordability, and they are a common mode of transport for locals.
  • Expect a flexible schedule and possible delays.
  • If you plan to explore Madagascar’s coastal areas and islands, ferries and boats are essential. This includes routes to places like Île Sainte-Marie and Nosy Be.
  • Ferry schedules can be irregular, so check in advance.
  • In some areas, such as national parks and rural villages, walking and hiking are the primary means of transportation. Guided treks and hikes are available in many scenic locations.
  • In urban areas and some tourist destinations, you can rent bicycles or scooters for local exploration. This provides flexibility and a more intimate experience of the surroundings.
  • For a hassle-free experience, consider booking guided tours with reputable tour operators. This can include transportation, accommodation, and guided activities.
  • In cities like Antananarivo, ride-sharing apps like Bolt and local transportation apps can be convenient for getting around within urban areas.

Keep in mind that travel in Madagascar can be slow and sometimes unpredictable due to road conditions, weather, and other factors. Plan your itinerary with extra time for unexpected delays, and always prioritize safety, especially when traveling in remote or less-developed areas.

What’s the Official Language?

The official languages of Madagascar are Malagasy and French. Malagasy is the national language and is widely spoken by the Malagasy people. French is used in government, education, and business and is understood by some Malagasy people, especially in urban areas. Here are some basic Malagasy phrases for tourists:

  • Hello – Salama (sah-lah-mah)
  • Good morning – Manao avo lavo (mah-now ah-voh lah-voo)
  • Good afternoon – Manao androana (mah-now ahn-droo-ah-nah)
  • Good evening – Manao hariva (mah-now hah-ree-vah)
  • Good night – Good night (mah-now ah-rev-ay)
  • Thank you – Misaotra (mee-sah-oh-trah)
  • Yes – Eny (eh-ny)
  • No – Tsia (tsi-ah)
  • Please – Azafady (ah-zah-fah-dy)
  • Excuse me / I’m sorry – Azafady (ah-zah-fah-dy)
  • What is your name? – Inona ny anaranao? (ee-noo-nah ny ah-nah-rah-now)
  • My name is [Your Name] – [Your Name] no anarako (your name no ah-nah-rah-koo)
  • How much is this? – Ohatrinona ity? (oh-ha-tree-noo-nah ee-ty)
  • Water – Rano (rah-no)
  • Food – Akoho (ah-koo-oh) [for chicken]
  • Bathroom/Toilet – Trano boky (trah-noh boh-ky)

Learning a few basic Malagasy phrases can enhance your travel experience in Madagascar and show respect for the local culture. The Malagasy people are generally appreciative when visitors make an effort to speak their language, even if it’s just a few words. French can also be useful, especially in larger cities and tourist areas.

Where to Stay? 🏨

Madagascar offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. The type of accommodation you choose will depend on your itinerary and the experiences you seek. Here are some popular types of accommodations and regions to consider when staying in Madagascar as a tourist:

  • Hotels: In major cities like Antananarivo, Nosy Be, and Toliara, you’ll find a range of hotels, from budget to luxury. These hotels offer various amenities and services, making them suitable for travelers seeking comfort and convenience.
  • Lodges and Resorts: Madagascar has beautiful beachfront lodges and resorts along its coastline, particularly in destinations like Nosy Be, Île Sainte-Marie, and Anakao. These offer stunning views, water-based activities, and a luxurious experience.
  • Guesthouses: Guesthouses are a common and affordable accommodation option in both urban and rural areas. Staying in a guesthouse can provide a more intimate and local experience.
  • Ecolodges: Madagascar is known for its unique biodiversity, and staying in ecolodges allows you to immerse yourself in nature while supporting sustainable tourism. They are often located in or near national parks.
  • Beach Bungalows: Along Madagascar’s coast, especially in places like Ifaty and Anakao, you’ll find cozy beachfront bungalows where you can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and beautiful sunsets.
  • Homestays: For a genuine cultural experience, consider staying with local families through homestay programs. This allows you to learn about Malagasy customs, cuisine, and daily life firsthand.
  • Tented Camps: In national parks and wildlife-rich areas, you can stay in tented camps. These camps offer a unique experience, bringing you closer to nature and wildlife.
  • Budget Hostels: In larger cities like Antananarivo and Antsiranana, you can find budget hostels that cater to backpackers and budget-conscious travelers.
  • Campgrounds: If you’re an adventurous traveler, some areas in Madagascar offer campgrounds where you can set up your own tent and enjoy the great outdoors.
  • Floating Hotels: In some regions like the Pangalanes Canal, you can find floating hotels that provide a unique and serene experience as you navigate the waterways.

When choosing accommodation in Madagascar, consider factors such as your budget, the location of your activities and attractions, and the amenities you desire. During peak tourist seasons, especially in popular tourist destinations, it’s advisable to book your accommodations in advance to secure your stay. Additionally, read reviews and check the current status of the accommodations you’re interested in, as conditions can vary widely.

What to Eat? 🍽️

Madagascar offers a unique and diverse culinary experience influenced by African, Asian, and French flavors. While exploring the island as a tourist, be sure to try these must-try Malagasy dishes and foods:

  • Ravitoto: This traditional Malagasy dish is made from cassava leaves and shredded meat (often pork or beef) cooked in coconut milk. It’s a hearty and flavorful comfort food.
  • Romazava: Romazava is a popular Malagasy meat and vegetable stew cooked with a variety of greens, including spinach and mustard greens. It’s often served with rice.
  • Akoho sy Voanio: This dish features chicken (akoho) cooked with ginger, garlic, and coconut milk (voanio). It’s a delicious and creamy chicken stew, typically served with rice.
  • Koba: Koba is a sweet treat made from peanuts, sugar, and rice flour. It’s wrapped in banana leaves and makes for a delightful snack.
  • Laoka: Laoka refers to the side dishes served with rice, and they can include a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, beans, seafood, and meats. Try different laoka dishes to experience the diversity of Malagasy cuisine.
  • Sambos: These are similar to samosas and are a popular snack. Sambos are pastry parcels filled with various ingredients like vegetables, meat, or seafood.
  • Brochettes: Brochettes are skewered meats, often marinated and grilled. They are a common street food and can include beef, chicken, zebu (a type of cattle), or seafood.
  • Camarons: Madagascar is known for its freshwater prawns, and you can enjoy camarons prepared in various ways, such as grilled or in a rich garlic and tomato sauce.
  • Foie Gras: Due to French influence, foie gras is produced in Madagascar, and it’s considered a delicacy. You can find it served in upscale restaurants.
  • Street Food: Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the local street food scene. Try snacks like mofo (rice cakes), bokoboko (fried dough), and various grilled snacks from street vendors.
  • Fruits: Madagascar is abundant in tropical fruits like mangoes, lychees, pineapples, and passion fruits. Enjoy these fresh and flavorful fruits during your visit.
  • Coffee: Madagascar produces some excellent coffee, and you can savor local brews, often served strong and rich.
  • Rhum Arrange: Try rhum arrange, a popular local rum infused with various spices and fruits. It’s a flavorful and aromatic drink.
  • Vanilla: Madagascar is one of the world’s largest producers of vanilla, so be sure to try desserts and dishes flavored with pure Madagascar vanilla.
  • Street Markets: Explore local markets to sample a variety of fresh and exotic produce, snacks, and spices. It’s a great way to experience the vibrant food culture of Madagascar.

Malagasy cuisine offers a range of flavors and ingredients that reflect the island’s rich cultural heritage. Be adventurous and try new dishes, and you’ll discover the delicious and unique tastes of Madagascar.

What to See? 🔍

Madagascar, often referred to as the “eighth continent” due to its unique biodiversity, offers a wide array of must-see places for tourists. From stunning landscapes to rare wildlife, here are some of the top destinations to explore:

  • Avenue of the Baobabs: Located in the Menabe region, this iconic avenue is lined with towering baobab trees, some of which are over a thousand years old. It’s a photographer’s paradise and one of Madagascar’s most famous sites.
  • Tsingy de Bemaraha: This UNESCO World Heritage Site in western Madagascar features dramatic limestone karst formations known as Tsingy. Explore the unique terrain, caves, and forests while spotting lemurs and rare bird species.
  • Andasibe-Mantadia National Park: Located in the eastern rainforests, this park is known for its lush biodiversity, including the indri lemur, the largest living lemur species. Explore the park’s hiking trails and hear the haunting calls of the indri.
  • Avenue of the Palms (Baobab Alley): Similar to the Avenue of the Baobabs, this stunning road is lined with tall palm trees and is located near Morondava on the west coast.
  • Île Sainte-Marie: This tropical island off the northeast coast is known for its pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and historical pirate connections. It’s a great place for snorkeling, diving, and relaxing.
  • Tsiribihina River: Embark on a river journey down the Tsiribihina River, where you’ll witness beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and local villages. The river journey often includes camping along the way.
  • Amber Mountain National Park: Located near Diego Suarez (Antsiranana), this lush park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including chameleons, lemurs, and a variety of orchids. Hike through the rainforest and cool off in natural pools.
  • Ranomafana National Park: In the central highlands, this park is a biodiversity hotspot, with numerous species of lemurs, reptiles, and birds. Explore the park’s trails and soak in the natural hot springs.
  • Nosy Be: Known as the “Perfume Island,” Nosy Be is a popular tourist destination with beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and water-based activities like diving and snorkeling.
  • Ankarana Reserve: Located in the north, this reserve is famous for its extensive cave systems and unique wildlife, including the crowned lemurs. Explore limestone caves and sinkholes while enjoying the rugged landscapes.
  • Ranohira and Isalo National Park: Discover otherworldly landscapes in Isalo National Park, with its eroded sandstone formations and deep canyons. It’s a fantastic place for hiking, wildlife spotting, and swimming in natural pools.
  • Masoala National Park: Located on the northeastern coast, this park is known for its pristine rainforests, marine biodiversity, and diverse wildlife. Explore the lush jungle, snorkel in coral reefs, and spot aye-ayes, lemurs, and various bird species.
  • Fort Dauphin: This coastal city offers beautiful beaches, including the stunning Libanona Beach, and opportunities for water sports like kiteboarding and surfing.
  • Antananarivo: Explore the capital city, known as Tana, to discover its historical sites, markets, and cultural attractions, including the Royal Palace and the Tsimbazaza Zoo.
  • Lemurs’ Park: Located near Antananarivo, this park allows you to see a variety of lemurs in a natural setting and learn about Madagascar’s unique wildlife.

These are just a few of the must-see places in Madagascar. The country’s diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity make it a remarkable destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those interested in unique cultures and history.

What to Do? 📸

Madagascar offers a wealth of exciting and unique experiences for tourists. To make the most of your visit to this extraordinary island nation, here are some must-do activities:

  • Wildlife Watching: Madagascar is renowned for its unique and diverse wildlife. Go on wildlife safaris and treks to spot lemurs, chameleons, fossas, and other endemic species in their natural habitats.
  • Explore Unique Landscapes: Discover Madagascar’s surreal landscapes, including Tsingy formations, baobab avenues, lush rainforests, and limestone canyons. Hike, climb, and explore these natural wonders.
  • Snorkeling and Diving: Dive into the crystal-clear waters surrounding Madagascar to explore coral reefs teeming with marine life. Nosy Be, Île Sainte-Marie, and Anakao are popular diving destinations.
  • Hike and Trek: Embark on treks through national parks like Isalo, Ranomafana, and Andringitra to witness diverse landscapes, waterfalls, and unique geological formations.
  • Birdwatching: Madagascar is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 300 bird species found nowhere else on Earth. Visit national parks and wetlands to spot endemic and migratory birds.
  • Whale Watching: Witness humpback whales during their annual migration (June to September). Île Sainte-Marie is a prime spot for whale watching.
  • Visit Local Markets: Explore bustling markets in cities and towns to experience local culture, purchase handicrafts, and sample Malagasy street food.
  • Homestays: Immerse yourself in Malagasy culture by staying with local families in rural villages. Learn about their customs, traditions, and daily life.
  • Canal des Pangalanes: Take a boat journey along the scenic Canal des Pangalanes, a series of natural and man-made waterways that traverse much of the eastern coast.
  • Beach Bliss: Relax on Madagascar’s pristine beaches. Nosy Be, Île Sainte-Marie, and Ifaty offer sun, sand, and clear waters.
  • Visit Historical Sites: Explore remnants of Madagascar’s colonial history, such as Fort Dauphin, and learn about the island’s pirate heritage on Île Sainte-Marie.
  • Try Malagasy Cuisine: Savor traditional dishes like ravitoto, romazava, and fresh seafood. Don’t forget to try Madagascar’s famous vanilla and local rum.
  • Stargazing: Enjoy breathtaking stargazing opportunities in remote areas with minimal light pollution. Madagascar’s night skies are truly mesmerizing.
  • Boat Tours: Take boat tours to explore remote islands, hidden coves, and mangrove forests, offering glimpses of diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
  • Photography: Capture the stunning landscapes, vibrant markets, and unique wildlife through your lens. Madagascar offers endless photo opportunities.
  • Learn Malagasy Phrases: Interact with locals by learning a few basic Malagasy phrases. Locals appreciate the effort and warmth shown by visitors.
  • Support Conservation Efforts: Madagascar faces environmental challenges. Consider visiting and supporting conservation organizations and sustainable tourism initiatives.
  • Fishing: Join local fishermen for a fishing excursion, experiencing their traditional fishing techniques and perhaps catching your dinner.
  • Visit Vanilla Plantations: Explore vanilla plantations to learn about the cultivation and production of Madagascar’s renowned vanilla.
  • Cultural Festivals: Check the local festival calendar and attend cultural celebrations and events, such as the Malagasy New Year and the Donia Music Festival in Nosy Be.

Madagascar offers a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to a wide range of interests, from nature and adventure to culture and relaxation. Embrace the island’s diversity and immerse yourself in its unique charm.

Culture and Safety 🦺

When traveling to Madagascar as a tourist, it’s important to be mindful of the local culture and take safety precautions to ensure a rewarding and secure experience. Here are some cultural and safety tips for travelers to Madagascar:

  • Respect Local Customs: Madagascar has a rich cultural heritage influenced by African, Asian, and European traditions. Be respectful of local customs, including greetings, dress codes (modesty is appreciated), and religious practices.
  • Greetings: A common way to greet people in Madagascar is by saying “Salama” while raising your hand in a friendly gesture. Use polite titles and last names when addressing individuals.
  • Photography: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in rural areas. Some locals may appreciate a small tip in return. In some cases, photography may not be allowed at sacred sites.
  • Language: While French and Malagasy are the official languages, English is not widely spoken outside of tourist areas. Learning a few basic Malagasy phrases can be helpful and show respect for the local culture.
  • Gift Giving: It’s customary to bring small gifts if visiting someone’s home, especially in rural areas. Common gifts include sugar, rice, or other non-perishable items.
  • Bargaining: Bargaining is common in local markets. Be polite and friendly while negotiating prices with vendors, and remember that haggling is a part of the shopping experience.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory but appreciated, especially for good service in restaurants and hotels. In rural areas, small tips for guides or hosts can be meaningful.
  • Local Cuisine: Embrace the opportunity to try traditional Malagasy dishes. Be adventurous with your palate and try local foods, but be aware of hygiene standards when eating street food.
  • Health Precautions: Ensure your vaccinations are up to date and consult a travel doctor for advice on additional vaccinations, malaria prophylaxis, and other health precautions. Carry a basic medical kit.
  • Water and Food Safety: Drink bottled or purified water, and avoid consuming raw or uncooked food from street vendors to prevent waterborne illnesses. Wash your hands regularly.
  • Altitude Sickness: If trekking in high-altitude areas, be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and acclimatize properly. Ascend slowly and stay hydrated.
  • Travel Insurance: Have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuations, and trip cancellations. Check if your policy includes coverage for adventurous activities.
  • Transportation Safety: Use reputable transportation providers and follow safety guidelines, especially if you’re taking long bus journeys or internal flights. Road conditions can be challenging in some areas.
  • Currency Exchange: Use official currency exchange offices or banks to exchange money. Be cautious when dealing with street money changers.
  • Wildlife Safety: Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance when observing animals in national parks and reserves. Follow the guidance of park rangers and guides.
  • Emergency Numbers: Familiarize yourself with local emergency contact numbers for medical services, authorities, and your embassy or consulate.
  • Weather Awareness: Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially during the rainy season. Check weather forecasts and stay informed about potential natural disasters.
  • Local Regulations: Respect local regulations and permits when visiting national parks and protected areas. Obtain the necessary permits in advance and carry them with you.

By respecting local culture and taking safety precautions, you can have a memorable and secure journey while exploring the unique and diverse landscapes of Madagascar. Always stay informed about the current situation and any travel advisories before and during your trip.

In conclusion, Madagascar is a natural wonderland and a paradise for adventurous travelers and nature enthusiasts. Its diverse landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich cultural tapestry make it a truly one-of-a-kind destination. Whether you’re trekking through lush rainforests, encountering lemurs in their natural habitat, or relaxing on pristine beaches, Madagascar offers an unforgettable and off-the-beaten-path experience. Embrace the opportunity to explore this remarkable island nation and create lasting memories amidst its incredible biodiversity and warm hospitality. Madagascar promises a journey unlike any other.

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Home » Africa » Travel Safety

Is Madagascar Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips)

You’ve probably heard of Madagascar from the Disney Pixar film. Maybe you fancy a visit? Go for it, the giant island is beautiful, diverse and just perfect for adventures.

The natural world of Madagascar is absolutely fascinating. With millions of years of isolation from the African continent, animal species have evolved at developed uniquely, giving the island a well-known lineup of the most famous endemic fauna in the entire world: e.g. lemurs.

However, Madagascar can be a challenge to visit. There is crime,  cultural differences, a challenging political climate and a bunch of other potentially dangerous things makes the island actually fairly difficult to travel around.

So is Madagascar safe to visit? That’s the question we are going to be answering with our epic guide to staying safe in Madagascar. We will be covering just about everything from the safety of taxis to some in-depth stats about the country to make sure you know all there is to know.

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How Safe is Madagascar? (Our take)

Is madagascar safe to visit right now, safest tours in madagascar, 21 top safety tips for traveling to madagascar, is madagascar safe to travel alone, is madagascar safe for solo female travellers, more on safety in madagascar, faq about staying safe in madagascar, so, is madagascar safe.

Madagascar has a lot going for it. There is a ton of potential on this island, with both incredible beaches and biodiversity to attract visitors.

Cut off from the African continent for 165 million years, the island’s native species attract – rightly so – a lot of outside interest. Everything from the aye-ayes to the red-bellied lemur is fascinating in Madagascar, which is why a lot of travellers want to take a trip here.

Whilst most people who do visit have a trouble-free trip, Madagascar isn’t as safe as the Disney film would have you think. It isn’t a dream paradise – in fact, many people would recommend that you only travel the island with an organised tour company or hire a guide to take you around.

Side note: When I visited in 2017, I had long term residents (my girlfriend and her family) to act as guides.

Even the National Tourism Office of the country advises foreign tourists that they should use a professional tour operator. Yep, backpacking Madagascar independently can be dodgy.

Crime, such as robbery and theft, are sadly rife in Madagascar. There has even been an increase in the number of kidnappings, targeting wealthy visitors to the country.

There was a coup in 2009, which led to much political instability. To this day the country is still not stable. In fact, it led Madagascar to be named “the poorest country in the world not in conflict” (according to the World Bank).

Let’s dive in to see what’s actually going on in this country…

There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no different. The question of “Is Madagascar Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. But this article is written for savvy travellers from the perspective of savvy travellers.

The information present in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing, however, the world is a changeable place, now more than ever. Between the pandemic, ever-worsening cultural division, and a click-hungry media, it can be hard to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism.

Here, you will find safety knowledge and advice for travelling Madagascar. It won’t be down to the wire cutting edge info on the most current events, but it is layered in the expertise of veteran travellers. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practise common sense, you will have a safe trip to Madagascar.

If you see any outdated information in this guide, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). Otherwise, thanks for your ear and stay safe!

It’s a wild world out there. But it’s pretty damn special too. 🙂

Is Madagascar Safe to Visit? (The facts.)

To be honest, currently, there are some parts of Madagascar that are perhaps not safe to travel to.

For example, 70% of Madagascans live below the poverty line. That means that the majority of the 22 million people who live across the 87,040 square kilometres of this island are living impoverished life.

Tourism, therefore, is very important to the country. It’s seen as a way to help reduce poverty and help economic growth, which makes sense.

Politically, the country is looking much more stable nowadays. There are still a few demonstrations every once in a while, but as long as you stay out of it, they won’t affect you at all.

In the north of Madagascar, there have been incidents that have targeted foreigners. In Nosy Be and Antsohihy, for example, robberies occurring in broad daylight have occurred on beaches. On the private island of Tsarabanjana, incidents involving tourists have been reported recently in crowded areas and at night.

Because of violent incidents in the area north of Fort Dauphin, as well as along the west coast between Belo Sur Tsiribihina and Toliara, as well as around the township of Betroka, there are armed forces involved in the area. It’s not recommended that tourists travel through this region independently.

In the “Southern Triangle” region the roads are not in very good condition and travelling at night is not advised. Attacks and violence have been reported in the southern and northern parts of Toliara, so it’s best to steer clear.

With all those things in mind, it’s fair to say that Madagascar CAN be safe to travel to right now, but you’ll have to be properly prepared.

Normally we’d be telling you about the safest places to visit in the country, but this one is a special case. Instead of focusing on one area, we’re going to present the top guided tours around Madagascar . It’s the safest and most rewarding way to see the country, so don’t hesitate to book!

Highlights of Madagascar – Plus

If you want to get a well-rounded experience of Madagascar, this itinerary from Gadventures does precisely that. You’ll encounter lemurs, wild landscapes (including the giant baobab trees), village culture, beautiful beaches – the whole works. The trip offers a fairly equal share of hiking and downtime. You can choose to add activities such as thermal springs and massages, and the final two days include time to lounge on the beach.

Highlights of Madagascar Plus map

  • Number of days: 8 days
  • Price: Pending new season prices
  • Group Size: 16 max
  • Accommodation type: Simple hotels (5 nights) and basic bungalows (2 nights)
  • How many meals included: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Northern Madagascar Explorer

The shortest trip we’ve found also takes you far off the beaten path when comparing other trips to Madagascar. Beginning in the far northern port city of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) you’ll make your way south via the balmy Amber Mountains National Park. As you carve your way through the humid jungle, you’ll spot lemurs, native birdlife and reptiles, and cascading waterfalls. Plus, you’ll get that adrenaline kick you were looking for when you explore the limestone forest of ‘tsingy’ rocks.

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Madagascar in Depth

Are you the kind of traveller who can’t leave a place until you’ve explored every single corner? This is the trip for you. 

Starting and concluding in Antananarivo, you’ll weave your way through remote rainforests, pristine beaches, winding rivers, and unique towns with a culture all their own. Note that this trip involves some camping and river cruises that are pretty rudimentary; it’s not a luxurious tour, but it is authentic. 

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  • Number of days: 24 days
  • Price: $4,735 USD
  • Group Size: 12 max
  • Accommodation type: Hotels, lodges, camping, eco-lodges, simple guesthouses
  • How many meals included: 21 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

Madagascar Travel Insurance

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

20 Top Safety Tips for Traveling to Madagascar

Madagascar could seem like a dream destination. But as you might have been able to tell already, there is actually a lot to look out for if you are thinking of travelling to this country.

Whilst seeing the country with a guide or on a tour is recommended, this doesn’t make you immune from danger – which is why we have compiled this list of the best safety tips for travelling to Madagascar to help you out.

  • Learn Some French – Nobody in Madagascar speaks English. The official languages are Malagasy and French. Knowing how to communicate in one of them will make your trip a lot easier and safer.
  • Be vigilant – robberies, street crime and theft occur frequently, especially urban areas, beaches and nature reserves
  • Take extra care when travelling in a vehicle – car jacking and theft from cars is on the rise
  • Watch your belongings in crowded areas – these sorts of places are hotbeds for petty thieves
  • Do not walk around looking wealthy – cameras, jewellery, laptops, phones, designer clothes… Just don’t. You’ll make yourself a walking target
  • Don’t walk around by yourself after dark – the crime rate significantly increases after dark, especially in town centres and on beaches
  • Keep copies of important travel documents in a safe place – you don’t want these going missing; use a hotel safe
  • Carry your passport with you – but make sure to keep it very concealed and very secure
  • Be polite to the police – it’s important to show respect; don’t antagonise them
  • Ask police for ID – reports of fake police have been known, so if they want to talk to you ask them to show you their ID
  • Don’t resist if someone tries to rob you – consider taking a throwdown wallet so you can get away with losing a small amount of money. Whatever you do, don’t resist
  • Be culturally aware – in Madagascar, there are taboos known as “fady”; these vary across the country and are related to food, clothing and sometimes related to foreigners in general. You should respect the local fady and ask locals for advice
  • Be respectful to heads of villages – such as the Fokontany and the Ray aman-dreny. Not doing so will cause great offence
  • Stay away from drugs – any sort of use or possession is a big, big deal
  • Be careful what you take out the country – everything from pepper to jewellery; read up on quantities you’re allowed to take back home with you
  • Be aware that plague still exists here – 500 cases are reported annually and they mainly occur in the rainy season
  • Pay attention to the weather – monitor the progress of storms on weather website platforms.
  • Don’t take photos without permission – especially of a person or a tomb; this can be very offensive
  • Always have small cash on you – this is a cash based society and cards will not be widely accepted, if at all. Carry it around in a safe money belt
  • Keep a low profile – as a foreign tourist you are much more likely to be a target, so dressing obviously, talking loudly, anything like that, is not a good idea
  • Research tour companies well – not all of them are going to have your best interests in mind

There is a lot about Madagascar that you have to watch out for. Though it is probably best tackled with a tour, it is possible to travel Madagascar by yourself; it will just mean that you pay extra care to your surroundings and to what accommodation you stay at, for example. Keep our tips in mind!

Is Madagascar safe to travel alone?

Travelling solo anywhere in the world can be a blast. You get to do what you want, when you want, and you get to challenge yourself – and grow as a person.

Madagascar is definitely adventurous. However, the infrastructure isn’t so developed and there are a lot of challenges you’ll face along the way. You’ll have to be open-minded, and cautious, with how you travel, so to help you do so here are a few tips for travelling solo here…

  • A good place to meet other travellers is in the vibrant bars and other hangouts in Nosy Be, Nosy Borha and there’s a travel community in Taomasina and Tulear, too. Surfers will enjoy the socialising in Antsiranana and Taolagnaro.
  • Hit up tourist offices – these places are not your enemy and are, in fact, very helpful. You can get maps, advice and ask questions about where is safe to explore in these areas.
  • Join in a group activity . This can be something like a scuba diving excursion or heading out on a boat. These sorts of things are a good opportunity to not only see more of the country but also to meet a whole load of other travellers.
  • You probably may not be expecting this anyway, but don’t come to Madagascar expecting any sort of particular “ backpacking scene .” This simply doesn’t exist here – yet, anyway.
  • Choose your accommodation wisely . There is a very, very small handful of hostels on this large island nation, so make sure that you book yourself into the right place that will suit you will help your trip go more smoothly.
  • Ask at your accommodation for local advice on where you should go, what you should do, and where you should avoid. The local people will know where foreigners will be accepted, and where is safe (or not), and will be very worthwhile to your time in Madagascar.
  • Travel lightly . Trust us, bumbling around with a load of backpacks and gadgets when you’re by yourself isn’t just not fun, but it will also leave you at risk of becoming a target of crime.
  • Try not to stand out and attempt to blend in with what you’re wearing. Typical hiking gear or backpacking clothing is not the sort of thing that will help you do this, so take note of what locals are wearing and try your best to follow suit.
  • Don’t drink too much . It’s fun to have a few, of course, but being completely wasted impairs your judgement.
  • Keep emergency numbers in your phone saved with a symbol (such as “&” in front of the contact name) so you don’t have to scroll your contacts to find them. Also, you should note these down on a piece of paper and keep it with you because, you know, phones can run out of battery.
  • On that note, you should consider investing in a spare battery pack so that your phone always has a backup supply of energy. Always keep your phone charged, too – just in case.
  • Don’t wing it . Though other places in the world allow you to be free and easy with how you travel around (Southeast Asia, for example), but Madagascar requires planning and generally sticking to your itinerary as faithfully as you can.
  • Remove yourself from any type of vulnerable situation . If you suddenly realise that you may be at risk, or if a situation is just getting a bit awkward and uncomfortable, don’t feel like you have to stick around out of politeness.
  • Don’t go off grid ! It’s not safe. You may be doing something for you, and you alone, by travelling around Madagascar, but keeping in touch with friends and family back home – letting them know your itinerary whilst you’re at it – is the best way to go.

Is Madagascar safe for solo female travellers?

Madagascar is definitely a country of contrasts. The intense nature, rich history, poverty, culture and endangered wildlife all make for a pretty intoxicating cocktail that would attract any adventurous traveller. We can see why a solo female traveller would want to come here.

However, it definitely is not a trip that is going to be in any way normal. Whilst it can be safe for solo female travellers in Madagascar, you have to understand local customs, have some knowledge of the country and know a few insider tips on how to stay safe.

  • Locals will be curious about you – no doubt about it. You shouldn’t necessarily expect to be hassled or feel threatened, but it may be overwhelming.
  • There won’t be a lot of other solo female backpackers that you can rub shoulders within Madagascar. As long as you know that, and you’re fine with that, then that’s the first step to being at least half ready for this island nation.
  • That said, if you have the money, then it might be worthwhile booking yourself onto a tour for your entire trip of Madagascar. These do exist and it is not a cop out. This is, in fact, the most normal way to get around Madagascar.
  • Finding the right guide is important – especially if you’re by yourself and you’re a woman. There are a lot of guides to choose from in Madagascar, many of them friendly people who really know their stuff. Get online, ask questions, and get recommendations; this will really help you.
  • Get connected with other female travellers who have been there before you, or with people who live there – expats or Madagascan people alike. In the world of the internet, there are countless groups and sites dedicated to just this. Hit up places like Host A Sister or Girls Love Travel, or find another group you like, and then start making your connections. It will help open up the country.
  • Be kind to yourself . Just because you’ve saved up all this money and you’re making this big effort to explore Madagascar, it may not always be as awesome as you were hoping. That’s fine.
  • Err on the side of modesty when it comes to how you dress . This is helpful for wherever you travel in the world really, but in Madagascar, it’s going to help you stick out less as a tourist – and therefore, potentially, as a target.
  • Don’t disclose all the information about yourself to a stranger. If someone’s making you feel uncomfortable with their line of questioning, just tell some white lies, or remove yourself from the situation.
  • As we mentioned, people will be curious about you and your travels in Madagascar – that includes men. If someone approaches you and tries to make an advance, a firm no should be enough to ward them off. Men in Madagascar are usually quite respectful of women.

It may not be the most ideal destination for a solo traveller – let alone a woman by herself – but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t doable. Tours offer up a fantastic way to see the country and mean you get to connect with locals and see the sights safely and with fewer risks.

We’ve covered the main safety concerns already, but there are a few more things to know. Read on for more detailed information on how to have a safe trip to Madagascar.

Is Madagascar safe to travel for families?

You may think that visiting Madagascar would be like going to the best natural zoo ever. But it’s actually not very easy with children.

You’ve got to take into consideration a few things: it gets super hot, the accommodation can be pretty basic, the roads are not in very good condition, wildlife, like scary bugs and feral dogs, isn’t always amazing.

This is definitely a destination for adventurous families and not ones with young children, either.

Is Madagascar safe to travel for families?

Not a lot of tour companies will even accept children under 8 years of age because of the conditions of the country. It is definitely worth going through the pros and cons of visiting Madagascar before deciding to book a trip.

When it comes to things to do, of course, you could go on adventures to try and find those lemurs. There’s also kayaking, kitesurfing, camping and even visiting community and conservation projects throughout the country, which could be a real education experience.

It’s important, however, to really consider the safety of your children on a trip to Madagascar. You will need to get professional advice – i.e. from a tour company – before going there. Much of the country is very poor, underdeveloped and there are issues with things like disease. We strongly advise visiting your Doctor a few months before your trip to talk about vaccinations.

Infectious diseases include cholera, tuberculosis, bubonic plague and hepatitis; outbreaks of any of these diseases can and do occur without warning. It’s important that you read up on the state of things, in terms of epidemics, before planning to go on a vacation to Madagascar.

A good time to visit Madagascar with children would be May or June; the island experiences generally cooler temperatures at this time of year.

Basically, we wouldn’t say that Madagascar is especially safe for families to visit. For those who are really interested in nature and wildlife, it can be done, but it just takes a bit of planning.

Is it safe to drive in Madagascar?

Driving in Madagascar is pretty treacherous. In some areas, the road conditions of Madagascar are pretty good, but in other places, they’re awful.

If you do decide to rent a car we would recommend that you only drive during the day. There are a high amount of carjackings and other crimes related to vehicles that occur after dark.

Only 20% of the approximately 50,000 kilometres of road are sealed. Think huge potholes, impassable mountainous byways, hairpin bends and roads washed away by floods or landslips left in-situ.

Is it safe to drive in Madagascar?

If you really, really do want to drive yourself, then you have to be over 23 years of age and have an international driving license. However, you should be very experienced. We can’t stress this enough.

Note that fuel shortages are common. You will need to take a jerry can full of petrol along with you, fill up at every opportunity, and take a spare tire with you.

To hire a car with a driver (often mandatory), make sure you ask for recommendations at your hotel or accommodation.

When you hire a driver, the car comes with them. Pay careful attention to the vehicle as well as the driver; see how well the driver looks after it. If it looks good, it looks like it’s taken care of, then it’s probably a good option.

Basically, driving is not safe in Madagascar. Hire a driver, a good one who’s reputable, comes highly recommended and who knows what they’re doing, if you really want to get around by car.

Is Uber safe in Madagascar?

You might have seen this coming if you’ve read everything thus far, but Madagascar doesn’t have Uber.

Are taxis safe in Madagascar?

Taxis in Madagascar might be how you expect them to be – varied. There are two main types: city taxis (which operate in cities and towns, obviously) and bush taxis, known as taxi-brousse .

Almost all cities in the country have taxis that regularly work as part of the transport system. They used to indistinguishable from normal cars, but nowadays efforts have been made to make them look more taxi-like; for example, in Diego Suarez and Antsiranana they are painted yellow, whilst in Antananarivo they are beige.

Are taxis safe in Madagascar?

This kind of practice is slowly developing in the cities, making taxis in Madagascar a little more safe – but not all the time.

It’s not common to call up for a taxi. In fact, most taxis don’t have a phone number. To hail one down, you need to stand on the street and wave your arm. Usually, taxis are around 24/7, but there aren’t too many which operate at night time.

They operate by neighbourhood and not on an address or street name system.

As with many taxi systems around the world, you should make sure you have cash, and small notes at that, when you come to pay your taxi driver. Uniquely, in Madagascar they have to watch out for robbers as much as you do; having all that cash on them tempts thieves, so often there are partners in the car who act as security for the driver.

Be warned that inflated “tourist prices” will be charged to you, but usually, taxi prices are pretty affordable, hovering around USD $3, but can go up depending on the time of night, the traffic and peak hours. Also, note that fares are negotiable, so you can haggle – just make sure you set, and agree on, a price before you get in.

Don’t be surprised if other passengers get in: shared taxis are common in Madagascar. You can ask politely to not have this happen if you want, but this will cost you more money.

Is public transportation in Madagascar safe?

Much like the taxis, public transportation in Madagascar is… an experience.

There is a variety of things to use. The bush taxi/taxi-brousse we mentioned earlier isn’t just a taxi service, it forms the skeleton of much public transport around the island nation. It works much like a bus.

In fact, many of the drivers and the vehicles are employed transport companies called Cooperatives. They go all over the place in a system that is actually surprisingly well organised, regardless of how archaic the vehicles may look.

However, even though they are very cheap and easy to come by, they are often very uncomfortable, slow and are driven quite erratically. This leads to them being sometimes not so safe.

Is public transportation in Madagascar safe?

A good tip: you can actually book more than one seat (good for tall people) and actually choose the seat you want to sit on.

It’s the kind of thing where the vehicles leave when they’re full; the luggage goes on the roof, and it could take much longer, or quicker than you thought to get where you wanted to go – usually longer.

You shouldn’t travel at night time, which is when it’s much riskier. Even the taxi-brousses have to go around in convoys, too.

There is a train line that runs between Fianarantsoa and Manakara. You can get a 1st class ticket for this journey (must be reserved in advance); it takes 12 hours and is a cool way to see the landscape – especially if you’re a train fan.

Boats and river ferries in Madagascar operate somewhat irregularly throughout the country. However, you should watch out for these because they tend to be overcrowded, poorly maintained and by a crew with a lack of training.

In general, the best thing to do in Madagascar is probably to get your own driver. Public transport exists, but it’s not all that, and it’s not always safe. Alternatively, a tour will be able to take you around hassle-free.

Is the food in Madagascar safe?

We’re going to go out on a limb here and say that you probably don’t know much about Madagascan or Malagasy cuisine . It’s a real cocktail of culinary traditions, from the earliest Bornean influences and Arab twists on cooking, to French gastronomy later on.

Is the food in Madagascar safe?

Whilst there are a surprising amount of places to eat food – from local eateries called hotelis and street food, to restaurants and homestays – it’s not always easy to judge how safe it is to eat there. With that in mind, we’ve got some safety tips when it comes to Malagasy food.

  • Be careful of dietary changes. Go easy on local food and don’t try everything all at one time straight away.
  • We definitely recommend that you should wash your hands before you eat. This may seem like a simple thing to do, but you could easily forget to do so.
  • Only eat things that you can cook and peel yourself. Eating things from market stalls that have already been peeled are a good way to upset your stomach.
  • When choosing to eat from street vendors, be selective. Make sure that the place looks clean, that some level of hygiene standards are being practised by the vendor, and that you can see food being cooked at a high heat in front of you.
  • Be careful of dirty crockery and cutlery. A common way to get ill in Madagascar is by eating with plates or cutlery that hasn’t been washed properly or has been washed with contaminated water. Use a sanitising wipe if you’re unsure on the sanitary conditions of the establishment in which you’ve found yourself.
  • As a good rule of thumb, you should choose to only go to places that are busy with locals and have a high turnover of customers. This means a hot grill, fresh food being cooked up freshly; missing the lunchtime rush could mean that you end up with something that didn’t sell a few hours ago and has been sitting around for a while.

Whilst it can be a hit or miss, eating the food in Madagascar is – like many other things in this island country – quite the experience. Don’t let it pass you by!

Make sure you pack plenty of medicines from home.

Can you drink the water in Madagascar?

The tap-water in Madagascar is not safe to drink. You shouldn’t be drinking it anywhere in the country – even at top hotels.

Avoid ice in drinks as well, as this won’t be safe to drink and will make you ill.

Bottled water is readily available throughout the country, but a good idea is to bring along some water purification tablets and your own refillable water bottle to save from leaving behind too much plastic waste.

Is Madagascar safe to live?

The Indian Ocean island nation may not be the top expat destination on the list, but it’s definitely a consideration if you’re wild about nature.

With all the diverse nature and landscapes, as well as a vibrant culture, it’s definitely an interesting place to base yourself for a while. If you speak French, your life will be a lot easier here, as that will help you connect with locals, read important information and get around.

In terms of safety, there are obviously issues around the country related to crime – particularly with pickpockets – but this will vary depending on where you choose to live.

Is Madagascar safe to live?

The best place to live in Madagascar would be in a smaller city: this way you have access to all the amenities of a city but without the crime of the capital.

Choosing to base yourself in the capital, on the other hand, means power outages and traffic jams, but more options when it comes to eateries and accommodation.

Speaking of which, it’s not legal for foreigners to own land, so that will affect how you choose to live. Many houses are small and normally, families live in one single room. There are apartments, however, which are a little more classy. Do your research to find good places to live and base yourself when in the country.

Once you’ve found yourself here, you’ll find things affordable: everything from public transportation to things like rice will mean you’ll basically be able to live quite cheaply.

You’ll have to get used to a completely different lifestyle: watching out for crime, shopping at markets and not having good public transport readily available.

Madagascar is not the paradise it is painted out to be.

To conclude, we would recommend that you head online and talk to expats, get involved with NGOs, dig deep and talk to as many people as possible about how it is to live in Madagascar. It may change your mind, it may make you more determined to go there than ever, but either way, it’ll give you more of a solid grounding.

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Is it safe to rent an Airbnb in Madagascar?

While there might not be as many homes as we’d like to see, renting an Airbnb in Madagascar is a great idea. And it’s perfectly safe, as long as you read the reviews. Staying at an Airbnb during your trip will also open up new possibilities and options to experience the country.

The local hosts are known to take great care of their guests and give the absolute best recommendations of what to do and what to see. Local knowledge always goes a long way, so be sure to reach out to your hosts if you’re unsure about how to fill up your Madagascar itinerary!

On top of that, you’ll stay safe with the reliable Airbnb booking system. Both hosts and guests can rate each other which creates a very respectful and trustworthy interaction.

Is Madagascar LGBTQ+ friendly? 

While homosexuality is legal in Madagascar, we wouldn’t necessarily say it’s super safe for LGBTQ+ travellers. Public affection, no matter what kind of relationship, is a no-go.

So unless you and your partner are okay with keeping the affection behind closed doors, you will have to face quite a bit of discrimination. While the younger generation is generally more open-minded, most of the country is still stuck in a conservative and closed-minded mindset.

Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Madagascar.

What should you avoid in Madagascar?

Avoid these things in Madagascar to stay safe: – Do not walk around looking wealthy – Don’t walk around by yourself after dark – Don’t resist if someone tries to rob you – Avoid relying on people’s English skills and learn French instead

Is Madagascar dangerous for tourists?

Madagascar can be dangerous, but tourists are normally not targeted by violent crimes. As long as you keep your wits about you and use your common sense, you can have a great time in Madagascar. It still pays off to do a bit of research before you start your travels.

Unless you’re visiting with a guide or tour, Madagascar can get really sketchy for solo female travellers. Visiting and having a safe trip is possible, but it’ll require a lot of research and preparations.

What are the biggest safety issues in Madagascar?

These are the biggest safety issues in Madagascar. Note that most of them do not target tourists directly. – Gang activity – Robberies and break-ins – Kidnapping

Final thoughts on the safety of Madagascar

This is. a hard one. It CAN definitely be safe, but visiting Madagascar requires a lot of research and preparation.

To be called “the poorest country in the world not in conflict” is a pretty big statement. Even though Madagascar has such a wealth of biodiversity and some of the coolest endemic animals on Earth, as well as some interesting history to explore and even a load of amazing beaches to discover, it’s still a developing country that will certainly be a challenge to almost any visitor. It will also be very rewarding.

Madagascar is not easy to travel around. It isn’t always safe. You won’t always be able to meet up with fellow travellers if you plan on doing it independently. There are a lot of reasons why we definitely wouldn’t recommend travelling independently by yourself around Madagascar, one of which is simply getting around easily; tours just offer you a much easier way to see the country – and with a guide, too.

Then again, if you are a veteran backpacker and has been to many places before and you yearn for adventure and truly untouched, off the beaten track destinations, getting to meet interesting local people and seeing some diverse stretches of landscape – from deserts to rainforests – then you’ll love exploring Madagascar. You’ll have to research, stay alert, read up on customs and culture, and research some more.

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11 Reasons to Visit Madagascar at Least Once in Your Lifetime

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As the biggest island in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is famous for its unique wildlife and biodiversity. With breathtaking views of nature, white sand beaches, stunning rainforest and delicious local food, this spot offers an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here’s why it should be on your bucket list.

It’s home to some seriously cute lemurs.

Found only in Madagascar, lemurs are the country’s ultimate hallmark, notably the black and white ring-tailed Lemur Catta species. With more than 60 species present throughout the island, these mammals are currently classified as an endangered species. Visitors can take photos with them while visiting national parks, while luxury hotels built within natural reserves here also offer the chance to see them in the wild where they are no longer afraid of humans. You will certainly fall in love with them.

Lemurs

The whale-watching is spectacular

Whale, Madagascar

The beaches are beautiful

What else would heal the soul more than resting on a calm and peaceful beach away from home? In front of an emerald sea offering stunning views at sunset, a large part of the south-west of Madagascar has become one of the country’s top destinations for tourists. These places are perfect for that crucial wedding proposal moment and as a honeymoon destination for newlyweds. You can also have this same experience in the north and within the surrounding islands of Nosy Be.

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The beach at Nosy Komba

You’ll get to taste the local koba cake

Don’t judge the flavour of this cake by its appearance! In western society where people tend to prefer European-style dishes, this brown cake has recently gained a prestigious place among desserts during luxury weddings, being presented with vanilla ice cream. One of the most traditional Malagasy foods , koba is a cake made of peanuts and rice flour. It is sold by street vendors, or in a tightly-packed tin in supermarkets. It makes for an authentic gift for friends upon your return.

Koba, Madagascar

You can help through volunteering

Madagascar is the fifth poorest country in the world and, with our time on this earth being so short, giving a helping hand at least once in your life is always more than welcome. Many volunteering opportunities are available with local organizations: you can teach French or English to children in remote villages, help environmental NGOs with scientific research and above all, work in the humanitarian sector by helping non-profit organisations which look after sick children from impoverished areas, most of whom suffer from critical illnesses.

It’s home to the biggest baobab ever

Known as the bottle tree, the baobab is also called ‘ reniala ,’ which means ‘mother of the forest’ in the Malagasy language. Six out of eight existing baobab species can be found in Madagascar , where they form a vast forest in semi-arid regions in the south. Some baobab can reach 29.52 ft (30 meters) high and 98.4 ft (9 meters) in circumference. Enough to remind how small you are regardless of your size, these natural jewels will leave you mesmerised.

Baobab, Madagascar

The local rice-and-romazava-soup combo is a delight

If you’re tired of eating heavy and fatty meals, it’s time to go to Madagascar and try this particular traditional meal. Romazava is a soup essentially prepared with different leaves and meat, which is an optional addition. Though its preparation varies from one region to one other depending on available leaves, the final mixture is a tender tasting dish typical of tropical regions. When prepared without meat, romazava is suitable for vegetarians knowing that its taste comes primarily from the leaves it contains.

Isalo: the Malagasy Grand Canyon

Madagascar has its own version of the American Grand Canyon : Isalo National Park. Covering more than 80,000 hectares in the south, millions of years ago this wonder was beneath the sea, and today is the most visited park in the country with more than 30,000 visitors per year. Though you can swim in natural pools if you’re tired between trecks, Isalo is Madagascar’s first wildlife hotspot, so be ready for extreme adventures and sensational views in the wild. A whole week may not be enough to see it all but enjoy your stay, regardless of how long you’re here for.

Isalo

It offers affordable living

For a short stay or a gap year, living in Madagascar is not that difficult. Unless you a are very particular about food or hotel quality, you can have good and affordable meal with €5 (USD$6.25), and rooms start at around €12 (USD$15). You can spend even less if you eat local food. Because of this, many Europeans have decided to spend their retirement here, as you can live far better in Madagascar than in Europe. If you’re a digital nomad , you can easily work and travel here at the same time.

There are some great surfing spots

From May to October, you can enjoy great surf breaks in some epic surf zones. These are located in the southernmost or northernmost points of the island, and along the whole region of the v ezo people in the south. Part of the eastern region also offers amazing surfing waves due to its rugged coastline. Madagascar opened its surf school in 2003 in Mahambo, and while the island is ideal for beginners, it’s also a must-see surf trip destination for advanced surfers too. If you’re looking for awesome waves, put Madagascar on your bucket list.

It has a stunning World Heritage Site

You’ll need a guide to visit this World Heritage Site. The Bemaraha Tsingy is one of the oldest national parks in Madagascar and is formed with majestic limestone formation covering a labyrinth of 72,300 hectares. Created in 1927, the park has long piques the curiosity of geologists and botanists around the world. With unique views, the park can be visited on a four-day excursion offered by most local tour operators, and is home to some 90 bird species, 10 types of lemur, and eight species of reptiles.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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See & Do

Avenue of the baobabs: where the trees reach the sky.

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Guides & Tips

Meet madagascar's newest lemur.

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Why You Need To Visit the Lokobe Forest in Madagascar

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An Introduction to the Antakarana People of Madagascar

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A Guide to the Islands Around Nosy Be, Madagascar

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Meeting the Sakalava People of Madagascar

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When's the Best Time of Year to Visit Madagascar?

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Food & Drink

How is madagascar affected by the banana crisis.

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7 Things You'll Only Discover in Madagascar

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The 8 best bars in antananarivo, madagascar.

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An Art Lover’s Guide To Antananarivo

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Madagascar's Endemic Plants and Flowers

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Life of Y

Is Madagascar Worth Visiting In 2024? Complete Guide & Best Things To Do

Feature image for Is Madagascar Worth Visiting post on Life Of Y. Images shows Jeff and Zuzi walking down a dirt road with tall baobab trees either side.

Is Madagascar worth visiting in 2024? What are the best things to do in Madagascar?

Are you looking for a unique, diverse country filled with unique flora, fauna and once-in-a-lifetime experiences? Then you’re probably looking for Madagascar!

Just make sure you’re not looking to visit the fourth largest island in the world to look for lions, zebra, giraffes and hippos. Despite the name, this is definitely not a DreamWorks movie!

Instead, you’ll find that animals that live in the rainforests, mountains and deserts of this diverse land are unique to Madagascar.

We travelled through this spectacular country and now I want to tell you exactly why Madagascar is worth visiting!

Is Madagascar Worth Visiting?

Yes! Madagascar is definitely worth visiting, especially for nature lovers and those who looking for a bit of adventure! We spent a couple of weeks exploring the country and met others who felt the same way.

Free from human colonisation, until around 2000 years ago, ‘The Red Island’ remains largely unspoiled and is one of the last places in the world where you can really have an adventure of a lifetime!

In fact, 90% of the flora and fauna are endemic, meaning that they are found nowhere else on Earth! Madagascar only sees a few hundred thousand tourists annually, and some of the national parks only see a few hundred visitors each year!

You see why it’s not difficult to wander off the beaten track and those who believe that ‘getting there is half the fun’ will be greatly rewarded!

What Is Madagascar Famous For

Apart from a certain group of movie characters, not everyone will know what Madagascar is famous for!

Madagascar is nicknamed the Red Island due to the red soil which is high in aluminium and iron. If you’ve ever seen the movie Madagascar, you’ll know that animals such as lions, zebra etc don’t live on this large island.

The wildlife in Madagascar has taken a different evolutionary path from those in mainland Africa. Lemurs are the king of the jungle here (King Julien, anyone?) and you can find over a hundred different species of them depending on where you visit.

You’ll also find hundreds of different species of reptiles, birds and insects and thousands of species of plants. Much of the flora and fauna in Madagascar can be found nowhere else on Earth!

Madagacas’s coastline also offers great opportunities to go whale watching, relax at the beach or do some diving or snorkelling. It really has it all!

Brief History of Madagascar

What happens when a piece of Africa is separated off the east coast and allowed to evolve for 88 million years? Madagascar! That’s what happens!

After millennia of complete isolation (and evolution), migrants from Indonesia, and later Mozambique, settled in Madagascar around 2000 years ago. A quick look at the history books will see stories of pirates, traders and explorers until the rise of the Merina Kingdom in the early 19th century.

Seven kings and queens (including ‘The Mad Queen’ Ranavalona I) ruled during this time until the French invasion in the 1890s. The royal family were exiled to Algeria and the short-lived Merina Monarch ended.

Madagascar gained its independence from the French, after a period of revolt, in 1960 and it’s easy to find their influence wherever you go. From the language to the cuisine, it’s easy to see why the majority of visitors are from French-speaking countries.

Best Things To Do In Madagascar

So what is there to do in Madagascar? From ring-tailed lemurs to epic landscapes, and beach escapes, a trip to Madagascar is a truly unique experience.

1. Antananarivo – Madagascar’s Capital City

A view of the capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo, during sunset.

Most people who visit Mada will have to go through the ordeal of staying in ‘Tana’ at some point. Nearly everyone will tell you to leave as soon as possible.

Whilst we agree that it’s probably not the most charming or inviting city we’ve visited, there are still a few things worth seeing such as The Ambohimanga Rova (Queen’s Palace) and the Catholic Cathedral. Why not visit Lemur’s Park where you can play with semi-wild lemurs like ‘King Julien’?

An image showing the colourful Analakely Market. A woman crouches amongst colurful fruits and umbrellas.

We really enjoyed Ambohimanga – a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 25km north of Tana. The drive takes about one hour due to the city’s infamous traffic (try not to breathe in all the fumes!) This is one of the most important, and best-preserved monuments of the Merina Kingdom.

We also liked the colourful Analakely market – the perfect way to immerse ourselves in local Tana life.

➡️ Check Out This Day Trip To Ambohimanga Rova Here!

2. Andisabe – Mantadia National Park

Image of a bamboo lemur at Lemur Island. Part of the Andasibe National Park

After a three-hour journey from Tana, you’ll arrive at Andasibe National Park – one of the most visited parks in Mada.

Comprising of the Analamazaotra Special Reserve, and Mantadia to the north, the protected rainforests are home to many lemur species but there is one in particular that everyone comes to see the indri. The Indri is the largest of the lemur species and their haunting calls can be heard throughout the forest, making them easy to find.

The guides here make it their duty to spot Indri for you. We spent most of our hike off the main path as our guide was determined to find the Indri before we left.

We also visited the Vakona Forest Lodge where we were taken to Lemur Island – a small island where rescued semi-wild lemurs reside. This was the perfect place to get up close and personal with Madagascar’s most famous residents.

➡️ Check Out This 3-Day Andisabe Tour Here!

3. Avenue of The Baobabs – Bucketlist Destination

An image showing a sunset at Baobab Avenue. The tall trees are black silhouettes against a purple sky.

One of the main reasons we visited Mada was to see the legendary baobab trees that litter the west coast. The most famous place to see them is The Avenue of The Baobabs and it was on our bucket list . These magnificent specimens can reach a height of over 30 metres and some trees are said to be hundreds, or even thousands, of years old.

Located 17km northeast of Morondava, a beach town on the West coast, a visit to ‘Baobab Avenue’ is a must and can be organised by your hotel (they always know a driver) or by taxi. The road to Baobab Avenue soon turns into a bumpy, dusty, dirt road so, as tempting as it seems, tuk-tuks are probably avoided on this journey!

A visit at sunset or sunrise, or both, is highly recommended. Don’t expect to have the place to yourselves though. Even arriving at 5 am for sunrise, there were already groups of people on the avenue taking photos. At least we had someone to take our photo for us!

➡️ Check Out This Day Trip From Morondava To Kirindy & The Avenue Of The Baobabs!

4. Tsingy de Bemaraha – The Stone Forest

Jeff sits on a rock at Tsingy National park and waves to Zuzi as she crosses the rope bridge.

The stone forests of Tsingy National Park are a highlight for anyone visiting the west coast. A full day’s drive from Morondava in a 4×4 on a bumpy dirt road is needed to get there. With its jagged, limestone landscape and the possibility to spot lemurs, this is a place not to be missed.

It’s easy to see why they named the park Tsingy as this roughly translates to where one cannot walk barefoot in Malagasy. A limestone seabed 200 million years ago, heavy rainfalls have eroded the cliffs into the spectacular, jagged valley we see today.

The park is split into the Great Tsingy and Petite Tsingy, we hiked for hours around this magnificent park. We crossed rope bridges, squeezed through caves and spotted some wildlife in this other-worldly place.

➡️ Check Out The Best Tsingy 4-Day Tour Here!

5. Isalo National Park

Jeff and Zuzi stand at Isalo Nation Park in Madagascar. The background is dry but grassy.

Madagascar has many tropical rainforests but for something slightly different, try Isalo National Park. Looking more like something from the American West, Isalo combines desert landscapes with deep lush canyons.

A hike through this reserve can bring you along the rocky terrain, through lemur-inhabited forests and even alongside waterfalls.

6. Ranomafana National Park

Meaning ‘hot water’ in Malagasy, this mountainous rainforest is one of the most picturesque reserves in Madagascar. Located about 7 hours from Antananarivo, the park was created in 1991 due to the discovery of the golden bamboo lemur.

With 12 species of lemur living here as well as 115 bird species and 62 different reptiles, Ranomafana is one the best places to see Madagascar wildlife.

💡Pro Tip: All national parks in Madagascar require a guide. Prices will depend on the park visited and the length of your hike.

7. Madagascar Beaches

Image of Salary Bay in Madagascar featuring a white sandy beach with straw umbrellas and deck chairs. The image really answers the question Is Madagascar Worth Visiting

Does Madagascar have nice beaches? Of course, it does! Being a huge island with 5000km of coastline, you’re sure to find stunning beaches as well as many beautiful islands.

Nosy Be is probably the most popular, and expensive, island located in the north. Whale sharks are the main attraction and visit from September to December.

For more peace and quiet, Ile Sainte Marie lies on the east coast and was a popular base for pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries.

During our off-road drive down the west coast, we passed beautiful places such as Morembe and Andavadoaka. These places are not written about much, due to the difficulty of getting there, and we only saw a handful of other tourists.

We highly recommend a few days in beautiful Salary Bay – a gorgeous 7km stretch of white beach without any other people to share it with. More on this later.

➡️ Check Out These Superb Bungalows On Nosy Be!

Best Time To Visit Madagascar

The best time to visit Madagascar would depend on what you really want to see. The start of peak season runs from the end of April/beginning of May through to December. We arrived in May and there still weren’t many tourists around!

There were sunny days in Antananarivo as well as rain and chilly evenings. This time of year is considered to be winter in the southern hemisphere too. It didn’t feel like it during the 38°C temperatures on the west coast!

Madagascar can be enjoyed all year round but, having said that, it’s a huge country and the climate will vary depending on your location. The wet season, from late December to March, is probably best avoided as a lot of roads are closed or become impassable and places like Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park will be closed.

Beach destinations like Nosy Be are still possible from September to November as the weather is hot and the heavy rains won’t come until December.

Is Madagascar Worth Visiting? Yes because of these - Lemurs. A close up of a brown lemur. The primate is standing in-between branches.

One thing to consider when planning your trip is the wildlife. Lemurs are the main draw here and can be seen all year round in the reserves, however, visiting in October or November would increase your chances of seeing baby lemurs!

Humpback whales visit these shores from July to September and from September to December, whale sharks visit the island of Nosy Be.

How To Get To Madagascar

This will be one of the most difficult parts of any visit to Madagascar. There are only direct flights to Madagascar from Paris with the UK, US and Australia requiring a transfer, normally at an African airport.

Flights from Heathrow cost around £750/$900 upwards, but the stopover times are longer unless you pay a bit more. Flights in July will cost around £1200/$1400 or more due to this being the peak season for Madagascar.

Our flight from London cost us just over £650/$800 per person as we visited in April, and we had a long stopover in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I would recommend paying that little bit extra to reduce the time spent in an African airport (no offence to the Egyptian and South African airports!)

Bole International Airport, in Addis Ababa, is stuffy with no air-con and without a lot of options to entertain ourselves. Once the security desks open, expect a lot of pushing, and shoving and people just generally do not give a damn that you’re in their way!

➡️ Check The Latest Prices On Flights To Madagascar ✈️

Madagascar Visas

As of 2024, there is no need for a visa if your stay is less than 15 days. Considering a two-week trip (including flights, layovers etc.) should be sufficient for most, this is great news! There is now a mandatory 10 Euro admin fee on arrival though.

Most travellers will need to adhere to the standard 6 months remaining in their passport and proof of onward travel rule, as well as two blank pages.

Visa fees, as of 2024

You can get a visa-on-arrival if your stay is longer than 15 days. The visas must be paid in cash using US dollars, Euros, or Malagasy Ariary. The fees are:

30 Days –  35 Euros / 37 USD / 115,000 MGA 60 Days – 40 Euros / 45 USD / 135,000 MGA

You can also apply for a visa in advance through your local embassy or consulate. There is an option to extend the visa to 90 days through the immigration service should you wish to do so.

Arrival At Madagascar

Ivato International Airport, in Antananarivo, will be one the of things you will want to forget in a hurry! You will be handed your visa forms to fill in at the airport on arrival, not on the plane.

Once the paperwork is complete, you then join a very slow-moving queue… three times! The first queue is to check the visa form. Then another queue to pay for the visa. Then, the longest wait is for them to actually give you the visa.

In a tiny airport, with no air-con, the wait is frustrating enough. What will annoy you more is the number of people who get their visas before you when you were sure you were in front of them.

Bribery is rife in Madagascar and even airport security guards have no problem accepting them! This is where we first thought to ourselves ‘is Madagascar worth visiting’ with all this hassle and corruption!

After finally getting your visa, you may be asked to present your passport several more times (five in my case!) Once in the arrivals hall, you have a chance to use the ATM or the currency exchange to get your Ariary.

The exchange rate isn’t amazing but certainly better than some hotels. Euros and US Dollars give a slightly more favourable rate than British Pounds. Now is also a good time to get a local SIM (we were told Telma provided the best service.)

Tip | When leaving Madagascar, try to use all your Ariary BEFORE check-in/security. For some strange reason, many of the shops in the departure lounge only accept Euros or US Dollars!

How To Get Around Madagascar

Patience is the key! And there will be times when yours will be pushed to the limit. Tourism is slowly growing in Madagascar, but the infrastructure still remains a problem.

Many of the national roads between locations are either unpaved or in terrible condition meaning long travel times and uncomfortable journeys. You will also be sharing the roads with goats and zebu as well as children and people as there are no footpaths.

This, of course, is all part of the adventure!

Driver's point of view of oncoming traffic. Which happens to be two zebu carrying a cart of Malagasy people

Transfer From The Airport

The airport is around 16km from the city and the journey usually takes around one hour (I know!!) On exiting the airport, or more likely before, you will probably be approached by one of the many taxi drivers.

There is no longer a shuttle bus service so a taxi for $15-$20 is a reasonable price. Make sure to haggle and agree on the price beforehand. Or you can organise a private transfer through your hotel or tour operator.

Be aware of anybody trying to help you with your bag. They are after tips. Some guy followed us and our taxi driver to our car, literally grazed Zuzi’s bag as she put it into the back (didn’t even glance at mine) and then expected a tip. Even the driver said ‘just give him something!’

If I hadn’t just been on a 15-hour journey I probably would’ve told him where he could go. More on tipping later…

➡️ Book Your Private Airport Transfer In Antananarivo Here!

Madagascar Car Hire with Driver

Jeff waving from the side of a 4 wheel drive vehicle. The best way to travel Madagascar

This is the most common way to travel around Madagascar, and with good reason – the roads. I’m not going to beat around the bush here, the roads are basically just shit! Hiring a car with an experienced driver who knows the roads is one of the best options.

They will know how to negotiate the thousands of potholes on the road that you wouldn’t even see until it’s too late. Your hotel will most likely know of a few drivers to get you from one place to another.

We negotiated a price with our hotel in Morondava to have a driver with a 4×4 for a few days as it would not be possible to visit some places without one. Of course, a 4×4 would cost more but there are two of us to share the costs.

A popular way to reduce costs is by asking other travellers at your hotel/hostel and seeing whether you can share a trip together. We met a group of about five people who joined up to do this at our hostel in Antananarivo.

Looking out of a car window at the water whilst driving through a stream in Madagascar

Madagascar Car Hire Cost

A car with a driver (4×4) can cost around €50/$65 per day. The driver’s food and accommodation are included. If you have a driver for just one day, they will wait while you visit a national park etc. before taking you back.

It’s not uncommon for them to have a friend or relative for the company during your trip. You are expected to pay for fuel costs and any return costs. E.G. The driver picks you up from location A and drops you off in location B. You will pay for the driver’s fuel to return to location B as well as the extra day(s) it takes for his return.

Please listen to your driver! If he says you need to leave at 5 am, then be ready. He will know the road, the current conditions and the time it takes to arrive somewhere. Driving in the dark is nearly impossible as there are no streetlights (or streets!) It’s not a great feeling watching your driver avoid zebu and people when driving during the night!

Taxi Brousse

Malagasy people chat in front of 3 taxi brousse. A local's choice to travel Madagascar is in these vans

The famous taxi brousse of Madagascar is the locals’ choice and for the real budget conscious. A ‘ taxi be ‘ can come in all shapes and sizes. In Antananarivo and other cities and towns, this is usually a minibus such as a Mercedes Sprinter or smaller.

If you’re on a really tight budget, this is probably your best option but your choices will be limited unless you have a lot of time to travel as taxi be’s normally only leave when full (this could take 10 mins or 4 hours) and have an annoying habit of breaking down.

I wouldn’t advise a taxi be when travelling to remote places such as Tsingy. We saw several broken down taxi brousse during our drive there and most were still in a state of repair when we returned two days later!

Distances between cities can be huge, and the road conditions mean it will take longer than normal, so a longer journey usually means a better standard of taxi be. A better option is the Cotisse/Sonatra Plus taxi brousse option.

These have their own stations in the major cities and the standard of the minibus is higher. Booking online is not always possible but we managed to book an Antananarivo to Morondava journey for 45,000 MGA each.

Flights In Madagascar

Air Madagascar is the main airline for domestic travel. With little competition from other airlines, the price of flights can be expensive. Air Madagascar don’t really have the best reputation and is known for its ‘flexible’ itinerary meaning you’ll either leave later or earlier than expected.

Update | Tsaradia is a new domestic airline launched in 2018. A subsidiary of Air Madagascar, they offer fairly priced domestic flights and have a growing reputation.

Trains in Madagascar

There are a few trains that run on a limited schedule in Madagascar. Trains are slow and can take anything from 8 to 12 hours, or more, to cover a short distance in comparison. At the time we were in Mada, we saw many train tracks but never a train.

Where To Stay In Madagascar

Madagascar is such a large island that you’ll be on the move most of the time you are there. Luckily for you, there are plenty of options when it comes to accommodation.

Here are a few suggestions from our own trip around Madagascar. We personally stayed in each of these locations and highly recommend each hotel!

Antananarivo – Madagascar Underground

This colourful little hostel is a great budget option and one of the top-rated in Tana. Rooms are dorm style and there are plenty of private rooms for a very reasonable price.

The staff are super helpful and friendly and are always on hand to help with activity and travel booking. The restaurant and bar also serve a great range of food and drinks.

➡️ Check The Latest Prices For Madagascar Underground!

Morondava – Chez Maggie

Morondava is the gateway to the Avenue of the Baobabs and Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park and there’s no better place to stay than Chez Maggie.

This lovely little hideaway by the sea offers romantic chalets and bungalows for different budgets. There is also a pool and restaurant with full bar service.

Perhaps the best thing about Chez Maggie is their tour agency -Remote River Expeditions. They can organize custom tours with a vehicle and driver to all parts of Madagascar!

➡️ Check The Latest Prices For Chez Maggie Here!

Bekopaka – Olympe De Bemaraha

The accommodation choices when visiting Tsingy de Bemaraha are quite limited but Olympe De Bemaraha is definitely the best of the lot in our opinion.

Olympe De Bemaraha offers a good range of rooms and has a very nice large restaurant with decent food. There is an outdoor picnic area and they also have a children’s play area and a kid’s club!

The best thing about this hotel is the outdoor pool. The spectacular sunsets by the pool with a beer are just what we needed after a long day exploring the stone forests of Tsingy!

➡️ Check The Latest Prices For Olympe De Bemaraha Here!

Andavadoaka – Laguna Blu Resort

Our journey down the west coast of Madagascar was long but not uninteresting! Along the way, we stopped at Laguna Blu Resort in Andavadoaka without knowing too much about the place.

The resort is set along a small sandy beach which is perfect for relaxing in the sun. The restaurant offered really good quality food – the seafood was excellent! It’s a great place to relax and do nothing but you can also visit the surrounding baobab forests or try a bit of snorkelling.

The Laguna Blu was definitely one of the nice places we stayed in. The rocky bungalows are quite cute and the shower was outside (but still private!) which I thought was pretty cool!

➡️ Check The Latest Prices For Laguna Blu Resort Here!

Salary – Salary Bay

This was perhaps our favourite place to stay in Madagascar. In fact, we still talk about it now!

We stayed in a gorgeous little white bungalow that had an upstairs where you could sleep in the open. There was nobody on the white powdery beach except some shy Malagasy children and the water was nice and warm!

The food at the restaurant was delicious and there was a real feeling that we found an idyllic secret location. The standards were high for Madagascar but we felt like we deserved a real treat after so many days on the road!

➡️ Check The Latest Prices For Salary Bay Here!

How Many Days Are Enough For Madagascar?

This is an interesting question and one that only you can really answer! A full 2 weeks is recommended to get a good taste of Madagascar and that is exactly how long we had on our trip.

The biggest problem with travelling in Madagascar is the distances between places of interest. So having an extra few days/weeks would allow a slower pace to enjoy the beauty of what this place has to offer.

How Much Is A Typical Meal In Madagascar

Is Madagascar Worth Visiting? Table of local Malagasy food on a red checkered cloth including rice, fish and potatoes in sauce.

Food in Madagascar can vary depending on where you eat (our hostel served Mexican). Most of the restaurants we visited had pretty much the same kind of menu.

This typically involved some type of meat – usually chicken, fish or zebu (Madagascar’s version of a cow), along with a plate of rice huge helping of rice! When you see all the rice fields during those long drives, you’ll probably understand why!

The price of such a typical meal is between 10,000 MGA and 20,000 MGA which is roughly just over $2 to $4.50.

Make sure to take advantage of the cheap seafood available when staying on the coast or islands. Even as we drove off-road, our driver managed to buy some fish from locals by the river. Simple, fresh and grilled to delicious perfection!

Drinking In Madagascar

Bottled water will probably be your drink of choice in Mada. It can get hot and the local water is not drinkable. Soft drinks and beer are available at nearly every restaurant and bar. THB (Three Horse Beer) is cheap and tasty whilst Baobeer, made from the baobab fruit, was also nice but harder to find.

Locals in Madagascar are making rum on the side of the road using very basic methods

Madagascar also produces high-quality rum. Often cheaper than beer, rum is normally available in a variety of flavours including coffee, which is a local favourite, (caffeine and alcohol anyone?) vanilla, pineapple and many more. We passed homemade rum distilleries just on the side of the road selling cheap bottles!

Tip | Save your empty water bottles. When driving off-road, through remote villages, the children will really appreciate them. They are used for collecting honey. If you are unsure whether to give them your empties, ask your driver.

Is Madagascar Expensive To Visit

The great news is that, after that expensive flight to get there, the cost of travelling around Mada can be relatively low. Travelling as a couple meant shared expenses when it came to hotels and car hire. National park guide prices are often banded, meaning there will be one price for 1-4 people, another for 5-8 people etc.

Exchange Rate 2024

£1 = 5,100 MGA €1 = 4,900 MGA $1 = 4,600 MGA

Madagascar Average Costs

To give you an idea of costs, here are some of the prices of things we paid for –

Coffee – 1,000 MGA (espresso 4,500 MGA) THB beer – 4,000 MGA Bottled water – 5,000 MGA Breakfast – 8,000 MGA – 15,000 MGA Typical meal (chicken/zebu with rice/fries) – 10,000 MGA – 20,000 MGA Hotel room – 30,000 MGA – 140,000 MGA for a double room Taxi within Tana – 15,000 MGA per journey Cotisse (taxi-brousse) from Tana to Morondava – 45,000 MGA Cotisse from Fianarantsoa to Tana – 25,000 MGA Car hire with driver – 120,000 MGA per day excluding fuel Car hire with drive (4×4) – 220,000 MGA per day excluding fuel National park fees – 45,000 MGA – 55,000 MGA per person per day National park guides – 50,000 MGA (3hrs 2 persons at Andasibe), 135,000 MGA (full-day 1-4 persons at Tsingy)

These are just some of the prices from our trip. Food and drink will vary greatly depending on how touristy or how local you eat. There are also hotels for all budgets in Madagascar. Prices are per person unless stated otherwise.

Tipping In Madagascar

Tipping is not obligatory, or even expected, in Madagascar. That’s what people tell you! The truth is that nearly everyone in Madagascar thinks that you will tip them. I don’t want to say that this is a result of the older, richer tourists that visit but it’s definitely not a habit that a Brit is used to.

Carrying your own luggage will save you thousands (of Ariary). Some hotels will have porters to carry your bags and expect 2000 MGA We had three people carry our bags and show us to our room once!! I don’t even want to talk about what happened at the airport again.

How Much To Tip In Madagascar

We didn’t always tip, but when we felt a tip was well deserved, we followed these guidelines:

5% of the food bill at a restaurant 2,000 MGA for porters 20,000 MGA for a guide – full-day 10,000 MGA for a guide – half-day 20,000 MGA for a driver, per full day taxis – no tip, agree on the price before the journey

This was what we paid as a couple . You may feel differently if you’re travelling solo or in a group.

Is Madagascar Safe?

Madagascar is a relatively safe country to visit. Just don’t go wandering too many of the dark streets at night!

You should also try to avoid travelling on the roads at night. Vehicles have been ambushed after dark by bandits blocking the road. If you think you’re at risk, have a few thousand Ariary in your pocket.

Although ambushes do occur, the situation has improved significantly since the new president, Andry Rajoelina, was sworn into office in January 2019 . You will see his face on the t-shirts of many Malagasy people!

The crime rate in Madagascar is generally lower than in many other African countries. Crime can happen anywhere but by being cautious and staying aware, there’s no need to let it ruin your trip.

Health In Madagascar

As well as the usual travel vaccinations needed when visiting developing countries (Hep A, typhoid etc) Malaria is the other main danger in Madagascar. Antimalarials are essential on any visit as well as a mosquito repellent, with DEET, and those fiddly bed nets.

We used Malarone, which was more expensive than the others but there are fewer side effects and they are only taken for 7 days after departure (doxycycline requires an extra 4 weeks worth after departure!)

Those coming from, or have spent more than 12 hours in, an area at risk of yellow fever will also need a yellow fever certificate (now valid for life.) Most flights to Madagascar will have a stopover so please check if the country is at risk and how long your stopover is. If you’re unsure, just check the WHO .

How Many Days Do You Need To See Madagascar?

What language is spoken in madagascar.

French is the main language in the main cities in Madagascar. But once you leave places like Tana, you hear a lot more Malagasy being spoken, especially in the remote villages. English is not as widely spoken, which explains why we met mostly visitors from France, Canada and Belgium.

Having spent five years learning French at school, I am happy to tell you that I can only say bonjour ! With a lot of gesticulation and pointing, it wasn’t so difficult to navigate our way around Mada. Hotel receptionists and drivers usually have some level of English, as do national park guides.

Good To Know | Many of the Malagasy people, especially in the small villages, don’t see tourists often so don’t be offended when they stare. Children will often be heard shouting “vazaha” meaning foreigner (white) but it is not to offend you. The Malagasy people we met were kind, friendly and often very helpful.

Wrapping Up: Is Madagascar Worth Visiting?

We’ll never forget the moment we first saw those majestic, giant baobab trees. Or seeing how the lemurs leapt sideways from tree to tree in their funny little way. We were also treated to beautiful coastlines where we were the only tourists around!

However, the cities are a little rough around the edges and the signs of poverty are hard not to miss. Even the national park set-up didn’t seem quite official at times.

The Malagasy people are friendly and want you to enjoy your visit. One hotel forgot to book our taxi brousse so the receptionist took us to the station herself, at 6 am, and booked our tickets!

Image of a big taxi brousse in Madagascar. The bus is an old truck and is overloaded with locals. some sitting on top of the vehicle. Last image from the post Is Madagascar Worth Visiting

Time and patience are the keys to a great trip in Mada. My patience was certainly pushed to the limit when a battery fault meant that a 4-minute ferry crossing was delayed by OVER THREE HOURS.

Did I lose my cool? Sure – we arrived at our next destination at night with no time to enjoy the sites! These things happen when you travel and happen a lot in Madagascar. Drivers can be late due to misinformation and we can’t even count how many vehicles we saw broken down on the road!

Despite this, we had an absolutely amazing, mostly trouble-free, time in Madagascar. We especially loved experiencing nature and wildlife in the country.

Madagascar was definitely an adventure we’ll never forget! So to answer the question ‘ is Madagascar worth visiting ‘ I’d have to say it’s definitely a yes from us!

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Jeff Yip is the owner and author of Life of Y, a blog that helps travellers find adventure travel on a budget. As a travel expert, Jeff has explored over 50 countries (many as a solo traveller), been to 6 continents, and seen all 7 World Wonders. Jeff shares his tips and hacks on Life of Y so others can follow their dreams without breaking the bank.

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Madagascar Roadtrip Meet Locals

The journey along highway 7 included some of the best places to visit in Madagascar like: Lake Tritriva in Antsirabe, the rainy Ranomafana NP, the serene and peaceful Lake Sahambavy near Fianarantsoa, Anja Reserve with its ring-tailed lemurs, the beautiful peaks of Andringitra National Park, Isalo National Park and Zombitse National Park.

Best of Madagascar Lake Sahambavy

When planning a trip to Madagascar keep in mind that even within 23 days we didn’t manage to squeeze in all the best things to do in Madagascar, but many of Madagascar’s highlights from North to West and South Madagascar were included in our itinerary.

Madagascar Itinerary Ambalavao

After seeing the best of Madagascar with its great biodiversity I understand why this 4th largest island in the world is also called the Eight Continent, Rainbow Island or the Red Island. Visit Madagascar as soon as you can, you will not regret it.

Madagascar Trip Train Ride

Remote River Expeditions Madagascar (RRE) is a small, experienced tour operator offering high quality and personalized services. We travelled in 4WD with a skilled driver and an English-speaking guide with a huge knowledge of the Malagasy nature, culture and history. Because of Stella, we learned a lot about this ‘red island’ and that definitely made our Madagascar trip complete.

Madagascar wildlife lemur zombitse

RRE is able to customize your Madagascar itinerary to your wishes and needs, from a 1-day tour in Morondava to a 1-week itinerary in West Madagascar or for example a complete 4-week Madagascar itinerary to discover the best places to see in Madagascar. We had a great experience and I would highly recommend contacting Remote River Expeditions if you’re planning to travel to Madagascar. I got in touch by mail and we had quick and reliable communications until our arrival. Their office is located at Chez Maggie, a great property in Morondava that also belongs to the owner of Remote River Expeditions .

travel to madagascar local markets

Our Madagascar Itinerary

This 2-week Madagascar itinerary includes our route from West Madagascar along the national highway 7 to Tulear. We drove about 985km, excluding the drives inside national parks and detours to hotels. Because of the constantly changing landscapes and presence of several national parks and reserves along the way, the RN7 or Route Nationale 7 is the most popular tour in Madagascar and not to be missed if you travel to Madagascar.

Planning a trip to Madagascar then also take a look at the beautiful archipelago Nosy Be in the North of the country. For my all my  North Madagascar travel tips  click on the link.

Madagascar Itinerary Highlights RN7

This is the best 2-week Madagascar itinerary possible

Antananarivo - 1 night

  • Morondava and Kirindy Forest Reserve – 3 nights

Miandrivazo – 1 night

Antsirabe – 1 night.

  • Ambositra - stopover

Ranomafana National Park – 1 or 2 nights

Fianarantsoa and sahambavy - 1 or 2 nights.

  • Ambalavao and Anja Reserve - 1 night or stopover
  • Isalo National Park - 2-3 nights
  • Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park - stopover

Tulear (Toliara) - 1-3 nights

Antananarivo (tana) - 1 night.

You can either start your road trip along the national highway 7 in Antananarivo or from for example Morondava in West Madagascar. Because we first explored Northern Madagascar, we decided to fly to Morondava to start the RN7 road trip from there. From Diego-Suarez in North Madagascar there are no direct flights to Morondava, so we had to bridge 1 night in the capital city of the country.

Antananarivo Trip Tsarasaotra Bird Park

We even had some time left to explore Tsarasaotra Bird Park, close to Antananarivo airport. The domestic flights are operated by Madagascar’s local airliner Tsaradia, a subsidiary of Air Madagascar.

Where to stay in Antananarivo?

I had two domestic flights to Antananarivo during my Madagascar trip. The second time I flew into Tananarive I stayed in the beautiful San Cristobal Boutique Hotel only 4 km from Ivato Airport in Antananarivo. San Cristobal Hotel offers a nice garden, a terrace and a cosy bar with a nice seating area including a flat screen TV. The Wifi is free and worked very well; also inside the rooms!

Madagascar Travel Guide Local Market

The hotel has several art-works like photos and paintings hanging around the whole building, something I really loved. This 3-star hotel has quite big air-conditioned rooms with a flat screen TV, coffee & tea facilities and a fridge. I loved their continental breakfast with fresh eggs as well as their coffee. The employees at the reception were very friendly and helpful and made us feel at home. Since you are at Ivato Airport in no time, it’s an ideal base to catch your onward flight.

Morondava & Kirindy Forest Reserve – 3 nights

Before we started with our national highway 7 Madagascar road trip we first explored the best things to do in Western Madagascar and more specific the laid-back town of Morondava. It literally means ‘place at the beach’ and it’s the gateway to Avenue of the Baobabs .

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But also tours to Kirindy Forest Reserve and Tsingy de Bemeraha National Park are totally worth it. If you visit Madagascar you can’t leave the Island without exploring Morondava. Check out the best things to do in Morondava in this link.

Madagascar Travel Tsingy

Where to stay in Morondava?

I highly recommend staying at Chez Maggie . For Kirindy I would advise to either stay in Kirindy Lodge inside the reserve or at Relais du Kirindy. In my blog about things to do in Morondava I also write about Chez Maggie and where to stay in Kirindy.

Travel to Madagascar RN7 Highlights

Miandrivazo is a village that lies on the main RN34 road between Morondava and Antsirabe. It’s a perfect stop to break the long drive to Antsirabe. Kaominina, the Malagasy name for Miandrivazo, is considered to be the warmest city of the island. Because of its geographical situation, there is almost no wind. An interesting place to add to you Madagascar road trip itinerary.

The city is situated at the Mahajilo River and the starting point for boat trips down the Tsiribihina River to Belo-sur-Tsiribihina. You can enjoy swimming near a natural waterfall and observe different animal species like lemurs, bats and chameleons. 

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Where to stay in Miandrivazo?

In this area there are very few places to stay. Most of the tourists will drive directly to Antsirabe or overnight in Princesse Tsiribihina Hotel . The rooms here were good and comfortable and there’s Wifi in the main building, where you can also watch TV and have a beer at the bar. There’s also a small pool to relax and cool off.

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A cool Madagascar travel tip is that you can apparently walk up to the hill behind the hotel to enjoy an extraordinary panorama. The walk will take you one hour. If I knew this before, I would have left Morondava quite early instead of after lunchtime. We checked-in quite late, even too late to watch the sunset over the river, so there was nothing to see or do by the time we arrived and the next morning we had to leave early on our way to Antsirabe. 

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Antsirabe (literally ‘the place of much salt’) is well known for its thermal springs and therefore also called the ‘city of water’. This city is located in the central highlands of Madagascar. From Miandrivazo, it took us 4,5 hours to get there. Because of its geographical location, Antsirabe has a cool climate throughout the year; so don’t forget to pack a sweater and a pair of trousers when you visit Madagascar.

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Transportation in Antsirabe

The most common transportation in Antsirabe is the colourful rickshaw or ‘pousse-pousse’, which is pulled by a man on foot or on a bicycle, the ‘cyclo-pousse’. It’s not only for tourists but also the daily transportation of local Malagasy.

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It’s a fun way of exploring the city and the owners of these rickshaws are happy to earn some extra money. On the other hand I found it weird to be pulled by this friendly Malagasy man.

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Things to do in Antsirabe

Antsirabe is rich in history. You will feel a strong colonial influence through the architecture of the city buildings. The most prominent buildings in town are the Cathedral Church and the charming Hotel de Thermes, in front of the baths. Another interesting architectural building is the Antsirabe Train Station, dating from the colonial period. Nowadays, they only use it for cargo transportation.

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Antsirabe Crater Lakes

There are two popular natural crater lakes outside of Antsirabe town, which are worth a visit: Lake Andraikiba and Lake Tritriva. From Antsirabe it took us around 40 minutes to get there by car. There’s a parking space near Lake Tritriva and from there it will only take you a few meters to look down on the blue-opaque green Crater Lake. 

Travel Madagascar Lake Tritriva 01

Apparently there are two roads leading to these lakes: a short, but bad road and a way longer but better road. We took the shortest one and it sure wasn’t the worst road of my Africa travels.

Travel Madagascar Lake Andraikiba 01

Lac Tritriva or Lac Andraikiba? The area around Andraikiba Lake seems to be ideal for walking because of its peaceful and harmonious environment. It’s the largest lake and the closest one to town. 

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We only stopped there from a distance on our way to the prettier Tritriva Lake. At Lake Tritriva you’ll have to pay a guide- and entry fee of 5000 Ariary ($1,5) to enter the area.

Travel Madagascar Lake Tritriva 02

Crafts and markets in Antsirabe

In the lively city of Antsirabe you have the opportunity to visit various craft workshops, where objects are made from for example zebu horn or natural fibber. For me, these workshops were too much focussed on tourism, but there are definitely some great artists around in Antsirabe. 

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To see the real Malagasy life, I would advise you to go to the local market. The Tsena Sabotsy (Saturday market) is the central open-air market of Antsirabe, a good place to discover what the local Malagasy are buying from clothes and vegetables to pots and pans. The vendors were very friendly and didn’t mind me taking their photos.  

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The Countryside of Antsirabe

Antsirabe’s countryside is beautiful as well! You will walk through rice fields, small villages and meet friendly locals.

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Where to stay in Antsirabe?

Couleur Café Antsirabe is perfectly located near the city centre of Antsirabe, close to the RN7 road. They offer a number of individual brick bungalows, facing a lovely and well-maintained garden. There is plenty of space in the room, with a TV and fireplace and the beds are really comfortable. They offer a WIFI connection in the room, something you don’t find often when traveling in Madagascar. Their restaurant serves good food for diner and in the morning you can enjoy a buffet breakfast with fresh eggs from Antsirabe’s market. 

Where to stay in Antsirabe Madagascar

Ambositra - stopover on your way to Ranomafana

From Antsirabe we were able to take the RN7 (National Highway 7) southwards, with Ambositra as first stop after 90 km along the Route Nationale 7. The RN7 in Madagascar is the 980 km long main road in Madagascar, connecting Tananarive (Antananarivo) to the western-coast town Tulear. A journey along Madagascar’s RN7 highway includes the most famous highlights of Madagascar. 

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The city of art, culture and crafts

Ambositra is famous for the quality of its marquetry, weaving and especially woodcarvings. Ambositra is home to the Zafimaniry Tribe and their houses have colourful carved wooden balconies and shutters. The woodcarving knowledge of this tribe is internationally recognized as a world treasure. In some shops, it’s possible to see the artist working on its crafts. A handy Madagascar travel tip is that on Sunday all the shops are closed. As we were there on a national holiday, all shops were closed and we sadly couldn’t find any artists at work.

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Madalief | foundation for mothers and children in Madagascar

This non-profit organization with the purpose of giving underprivileged children in Madagascar a better future, was the result of a Dutch travel guide - Remi Doomernik - working in Madagascar and settling in Ambositra. In 2004 they bought a site with a house in Ambositra where nowadays still children live. Apart from that they take care of the meals of 45 children. 

Madalief also helped restoring the nearby school and built two classrooms. They restored about 10 houses and more than 40 women received small loans for starting up small trade to take better care of themselves and their children. Since they couldn’t take care of more children in the home, they started supporting families around Ambositra (40 families in 2019). The foundation helps single mothers with a donation for daily needs, school fees and medical costs. 

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Since I thought Remi’s story was quite impressive I planned a visit to Residence Madalief in Antsirabe , 4 miles south of Antsirabe, to add this to my Madagascar travel blog. To create employment and working experience for their youngsters and single mothers from Ambositra they chose Antsirabe because of the touristic route to the south. So when you travel to Madagascar please include this in your itinerary.

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The site offers a hotel with 11 rooms for tourists and also a youth hostel, where they welcome groups of children from other orphanages and foundations as well as their own children, to give them nice holidays for little money. We stayed an extra night in this Residence, located in a beautiful area in the middle of the rice fields. 

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Visit their website if you want to know more about this foundation and all of their projects and achievements. It’s definitely worth to stay in Residence Madalief on your Madagascar trip and it’s good to know that your money is spent well. 

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When you continue the RN7, you need to take the RN25 to Ranomafana through the Betsileo highland region. Hills and rice fields are part of this landscape. The roads are curvy and close to Ranomafana a bit dangerous depending on the weather conditions; road verges can be very soft or roads can even be closed after rain. 

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The popular Ranomafana Park is part of the eastern rainforest, which used to take up nearly the complete island. Rano means ‘water’, and mafana means ‘hot’, referring to the many hot-water springs, in this area. Ranomafana is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and became a protected area in 1991 after the discovery of the golden bamboo lemur in the rainforest in 1985. Definitely one of the best places to visit in Madagascar. Ranomafana National Park is known for its tropical rainforests, humid climate, waterfalls, hot mountain streams and different species of Madagascar wildlife.

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This large rainforest is home to 12 lemur species. Lemur comes from the Latin word ‘lemures’, which means ‘ghosts of the forest’. Seeing the lemurs up close requires some effort. You’ll need to hike off the beaten path into the forest with an experienced guide to spot them in the treetops. Apart from the golden bamboo lemur, you may spot some other lemur species like the rare Aye-Aye, the Sifaka or the mouse lemur. Other wildlife includes chameleons, frogs and the Malagasy striped civet. Ranomafana National Park is also a paradise for birders!

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The entrance of Ranomafana National Park is located on the national road RN25. For the budget travellers: It is possible to get a taxi-brousse (shared taxi bus) directly from Antananarivo or Fianarantsoa, but there is no transportation between the park and the village of Ranomafana.

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Things to do in Ranomafana

Ranomafana offers a lot of activities, but because rainforests are subject to heavy rainfall, the weather can ruin your activities. During our stay we had heavy rains all-day long and there was a lot of fog. Even inside the rainforest (where trees and plants provide some shelter) it was almost impossible to take pictures. 

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It is highly recommended to pack water-resistant clothes that cover arms and legs when you visit Madagascar, as well as anti-mosquito gels that will keep mosquitoes and leeches away.

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Hiking or trekking lovers will love Ranomafana rainforest and its mountain ranges! There are many different hiking circuits that vary in length and duration. Some of the best hiking In Madagascar can be found here. Apart from the hiking, you can enjoy a swim in Ranomafana’s thermal bath. The hot springs of Ranomafana are located across the Namorona River and are very popular among locals. It’s best to swim in the thermal bath on Wednesday, since they clean everything on Tuesday.

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One of the other activities in Ranomafana is a night walk along the road – outside of the National Park – where you have the chance of spotting the Ranomafana’s five nocturnal species, including the adorable mouse lemur. The extreme weather conditions kept me from doing this activity. Near Ranomafana NP, there is a research station called Centre ValBio that is open to visitors. They work to protect Madagascar’s unique and biologically diverse ecosystems through conservation science and projects that directly benefit the local people, including rural health care delivery.

Where to stay in Ranomafana?

SETAM Lodge Madagascar is located on a slope of the rainforest, conveniently close to the park entrance of Ranomafana National Park. The lodge is situated along the main RN25 road, but completely surrounded by rainforest. For that reason, it offers stunning views from your private terrace.

Where to stay in Ranomafana Madagascar 02

It’s a very quiet and peaceful place. The cottages are aging a bit, but they are spacious, functional and comfortable. What more do you need? There’s no Wifi in the cottages but there’s occasionally Wifi in the restaurant area. The staff is very helpful and friendly and the 3-course dinner as well as the breakfast was good. I recommend staying at this lodge when visiting Ranomafana National Park. 

Where to stay in Ranomafana Madagascar 01

The city of Fianarantsoa is considered to be the capital of Betsileo, located 60 km of Ranomafana. On the road you will pass some wonderful landscapes and small villages. 

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Most of the tourists spend one night in Fianarantsoa on their Madagascar itinerary, or to take the train to Manakara at the East Coast of Madagascar. The Sahambavy train station is close to Lac Hotel in Sahambavy, where you can also enjoy a night in a vintage train wagon! They can also help you to arrange train tickets. 

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Sahambavy is a small place near Fianarantsoa and apart from the train station worth a visit because of their huge tea plantations and the serene Lake Sahambavy. These beautiful tea plantations are among the best places to visit in Madagascar.

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FCE Train (Fianarantsoa Cote Est)

For the adventurous traveller, the train rain ride from Fianarantsoa to Manakara seems to be one of the best things to do in Madagascar. The 163km route takes you through the rainforest, offering very scenic views. It’s the only operating passenger train line in Madagascar. 

FCE Train Madagascar Fianarantsoa Manakara 151

In theory, this journey will take about 8 to 12 hours (20 km/h), but in reality around 12 to 24 hours. Be prepared for train failures and bring enough water and food. It’s all about the experience and getting in touch with the Malagasy villagers who use this train to cover long distances to get from one village to another.

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Therefore, the train stations are quite bustling with vendors selling food and other goods. A first-class train ticket from Fianarantsoa to Manakara will cost you 70.000 Ariary (19 dollar).

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Sahambavy Lake and Tea Plantation

We didn’t overnight in Fianarantsoa on our Madagascar itinerary, we decided to make a small detour to Sahambavy, which is located 23 km from the city of Fianarantsoa. I’m still happy with that choice, since I loved to relax at Sahambavy Lake enjoying the peaceful surroundings. 

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Lac Hotel, which lies directly at the lake, offers different activities around the lake. They also have some water bikes you can use to explore the lake, which was great fun!

Things to do Finarantsoa Sahambavy

If you have a chance I recommend visiting the nearby Sahambava tea plantation on your Madagascar trip, which covers nearly 400 ha. They have a monopoly position, as it’s the only centre of farming and tea production in Madagascar. Since we visited the place on a public holiday the factory was closed and there were no Malagasy working in the field, but I liked walking around the plantation chatting with some locals.

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Photographer Pierrot Men

As an avid photographer, I couldn’t leave Fianarantsoa before visiting the photo laboratory of Pierrot Men. He has been the most famous photographer of Madagascar for over 40 years. Visitors can buy his books and a huge selection of postcards and poster prints of his photo collection of Madagascar. It’s a unique souvenir to bring home when you travel to Madagascar. If you’re lucky, you can meet Pierrot in the studio. Unfortunately for us, he was at an exhibition in Paris at the time we visited the laboratory.

Travel to Madagascar Pierot Men Photographer

Where to stay in Fianarantsoa or Sahambavy

I highly recommend staying at Lac Hotel Sahambavy . Lac Hotel is a wonderful and charming hotel at Lake Sahambavy and next to the Sahambavy tea plantation. It’s also close to the FCE train station. The bungalows on tilts at the water are amazing: very peaceful, huge, comfortable and clean. We were given the so-called honeymoon bungalow, the biggest bungalow at the lake with a private terrace overlooking the lake and its surroundings.

Where to stay in Fianarantsoa Lac Hotel

Lac hotel Fianarantsoa is also very innovative and eco-friendly. The products they use are organic, homemade and homegrown. They have their own vegetable garden to provide quality and fresh products. The restaurant offers a European and Malagasy menu and the food is good.

Another big advantage is their agreement with the Malagasy train railway, the FCE, to give customers the best quality of service in terms of ticketing. Last but not least, they are planning to build a spa to complete your relaxing stay at Lac Hotel. There’s WiFi available in the restaurant area; it’s not working in the bungalows.

Lac Hotel Fianarantsoa Madagascar

Ambalavao and Anja Reserve - 1 night or stopover on your way to Ranohira

On this part of your Madagascar road trip, you will enjoy Madagascar’s vineyards with steep-terraced slopes and typical Betsileo mud brick houses with local people working on the land. 

Madagascar Vineyards RN7

Madagascar has several vineyards in the district around Fianarantsoa and Ambalavao. They were originally planted by French Jesuit priests and make about 10 million litres a year for the local market. Along the way you’re able to visit a winery or by Malagasy wines at local wine shops along the RN7 road. You have to try the local wine when you travel to Madagascar.

Madagascar Wine area

Things to do in Ambalavao 

Ambalavao is situated at the Route Nationale No. 7 at 56 km from Fianarantsoa and is the most southern part of the Central Highlands of Madagascar. The city is famous for their big Zebu Market that takes place every Wednesday. You can also visit the factory where they produce Antemoro Paper. Once you reached the area of Ambalavao you will notice a change in landscapes. You cannot miss the high mountain peaks with Pic Boby (Pic Imarivolanitra) as second highest mountain of Madagascar. Pic Boby is also the main attraction of Andringitra National Park and another place to visit in Madagascar on a road trip south.

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During a photo-stop along the streets of Ambalavao we met friendly Malagasy from the Betsileo tribe who were celebrating their new house. It’s a tradition like a huge house warming where all family and other villagers are invited to celebrate this event together.

Ambalavao betsileo tribe Madagascar

They were all well dressed: men wear a traditional cover over the shoulder and women braid their hair. We were invited to celebrate with them, but unfortunately we had to continue our journey because of our planned visit to Anja Reserve or Parc D’Anja, about 13 km south of Ambalavao. The friendly Malagasy people are one of the reasons you should visit Madagascar.

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Anja Reserve 

Anja reserve is famous for its numbers of Ring Tailed Lemurs (lemur catta- king Julien from Madagascar film). There are 11 lemur families living in this park. Some other interesting fauna such as giant chameleons and boas also call this place home. 

Madagascar Wildlife Lemurs Anja Reserve

Anja Community Reserve is a forest, protected area and freshwater lake, situated at a rocky landscape at the feet of the ‘three sisters’ or ‘telo mirahavavy’.

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Hiking in the Anja Reserve is another Madagascar travel tip. You can choose between two different circuits, but a local guide must accompany you. The shorter trail can be completed in around one to two hours and you will easily see different lemur families and the variety of flora. Depending on the time you have, you can see the natural cave(s) and climb up the rocks to a viewpoint, with stunning views of the valleys, mountains and villages.

Madagascar Travel Guide Anja Reserve

The longer trail includes a hike to the top of the mountain at 1400 meter, where you will have a 360-degree view that includes a view of the city of Ambalavao, 13km away. This trail will take up to six hours. Be sure to wear covered footwear and bring enough water. There is a small restaurant nearby where you can have lunch before or after the hike.

Anja Reserve Hiking Trail Madagascar

Because it’s a reserve run by locals, all the profits go back to the community. Unfortunately we got the impression they wanted to take advantage of the ‘rich’ tourists by charging more money. After our walk along the short circuit, we were asked to pay extra because we walked an extra small loop.

We understand that our money is very valuable for the local community, but situations like this are not pleasant. Make sure to agree on the circuit (and the time spend on that particular circuit) before you enter the reserve.

Ring tailed lemurs anja reserve

Andringitra National Park

Andringitra National Park has been called the Yosemite of Madagascar and has been declared as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2007 and definitely a place that needed to be included in this Madagascar travel blog, although I wasn’t able to visit myself. If you love Yosemite National Park then you should definitely visit Andringitra National Park.

We were not able to add this place to our Madagascar itinerary, which is a pity because it seems to be a hikers paradise with spectacular views and a must-visit if you travel to Madagascar. Near Andringitra National Park lies the Tsaranoro Valley. You will pass this beautiful valley after a visit to Andringitra on your way to Ranohira.

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When you’re heading to Ranohira, you will pass the huge impressive rocky hill called ‘Bisshops Hats’ and cross the Ihorombe plateau. The road from Ambalavao to Ranohira is a spectacular part of the famous RN7 with a lot of great photo-stops along the way to capture this beautiful landscape. I’m sure a Madagascar road trip will blow your mind.

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While road tripping on this part of the RN7 I was sad we didn’t have enough time to overnight in this area to enjoy more of maybe one of the most beautiful places to visit in Madagascar. After seeing this part, I truly wish I get to chance to travel to Madagascar again to visit Andringitra National Park, Tsaranoro Valley and the surrounding areas.

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Isalo National Park - 2-3 nights (trekking inside the park)

Isalo National Park is the most visited national park in Madagascar and one of the natural wonders of the country. It’s mostly known for its incredibly rugged Jurassic terrain that has been formed into beautiful canyons and gorges by eroding winds and rain. On top of these canyons you have breath-taking panoramic views. No wonder Isalo is a hikers paradise and one of the best things to do in Madagascar.

Isalo national parkk best of madagascar

Apart from rock formations you will cross true oasis with crystal-clear water and natural swimming pools. A hike to the Piscine Naturelle and the Namaza circuit are definitely a must-see in Isalo National Park. 

Things to do in Isalo National Park

Isalo is also home to rare plants endemic to Madagascar. During your hikes you will discover the fire resistant tree ‘Uapaca Bojeri’ and the small iconic ‘Pachypodium rosulatum’ plant that grows between the inlets of the rocks. Wildlife lovers are able to spot different lemurs, including the dancing ring-tailed lemur, birds, chameleons and other reptiles. 

Hiking in Isalo Rare Plants

Hiking in Isalo National Park

There are numerous hiking circuits in Isalo National Park ranging from easy hikes of a few hours to average or heavy multiple-day circuits including camping. Every circuit will show you parts of the amazing landscape of Isalo National Park.

Madagascar itinerary Isalo National Park

We chose to do a hiking trail including a night at a remote campsite inside Isalo National Park to cover more of the park. This definitely is one of my best Madagascar travel tips for you. It’s not possible to do an overnight trip on your own! We planned our hiking trip in Isalo with Momo Trek. I highly recommend contacting them if you’re searching for a local and reliable agency for multiple hiking-days inside Isalo National Park.

Porters will carry your camping equipment and backpacks directly to the campsite. They follow a different route, so you have to pack a daypack with stuff you really need during the hike (like water, mosquito-repellent, sun cream, camera-equipment and lunch). 

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We chose a medium level hiking circuit, a combination of two circuits including one night of camping inside Isalo National Park. The medium hiking circuit offered different sights. The natural pools and the waterfall were unexpected oases among the rocks, where fresh water flows. 

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We also discovered cliffs, eroded massifs and savannah and desert landscapes. The visit of the Bara and Sakalava burials gave our tour in Isalo National Park a bit of a mystical touch. The Bara is the only tribe that is allowed to bury the dead inside the park, up to the rocks. If you are lover of history, then this is one of the best places to visit in Madagascar. Visit the temporary and sacred tomb where these bodies are held before the complete decomposition. The tomb is basically a heap of stones. 

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In the forest you have the chance to spot lemurs. Unfortunately we didn’t see any ‘dancing lemur’ in Isalo. If you are more into lemurs instead of the landscape I highly recommend visiting the Namaza campsite. Especially in the morning and late afternoon you’ll have a high chance of seeing ring-tailed lemurs sunbathing.

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The different viewpoints, for example the climb to Namaza, were amazing with views of the valley. The different shapes as well as the changing colours of the eroded rock formations are quite interesting.

Madagascar Travel Guide Highlights RN7 468

We enjoyed our packed-lunch – arranged by Momo Trek – at the beautiful natural pools ‘Piscine Noire’ and ‘Piscine Blue’ with a small waterfall, we had a freshly prepared dinner under a sky full of stars at a remote campsite and we ended our Isalo trek with a breakfast at the plateau while watching sunrise over Isalo National Park. If you are an adventurous traveller then this is another great Madagascar travel tip.

Camping Isalo National Park Madagascar 01

It was a truly memorable experience and one of the best ones on my Madagascar trip. Make sure to bring enough water during the hike(s), because it can get really hot in the fierce sun. Apart from some oases, the trails offer very little shade. 

Camping Isalo National Park Madagascar 02

Trekking in Isalo with Momo Trek

The team of Momo Trek is specialized in organizing hiking and camping tours in Isalo National Park. They have been offering tours of all levels, for over 20 years. Momo Trek offers a very complete package including guide, porters, meals and camping equipment. 

Isalo Trek MomoTrek Madagascar 01

This experienced local Ranohira operator offers Isalo treks from a 2-hours hiking circuit to a 15-days all-inclusive hiking package including different campsites and expeditions to the remote Makay Massif. You can check the different Isalo hiking circuits on their website. If you want to see more of Isalo National Park I highly recommend a minimal of a 2-day hiking package with Momo Trek.

Isalo Trek MomoTrek Madagascar 02

After a long day of hiking, the Momo Trek staff already set up our tent and cooked a great dinner. We also enjoyed some beautiful polyphonic live sung Malagasy songs by the talented staff members. I loved the combination of their cooking skills and musical qualities. The meaning and sounds of these live sung Malagasy songs made the peaceful and serene atmosphere in Isalo National Park even more special. We were the only ones on the campsite and it felt like we had the whole national park to ourselves. 

Isalo Trek MomoTrek overnight camping

I really loved the hiking experience in Isalo National Park. We had a great English speaking guide with a lot of knowledge of the flora and fauna of Isalo, Madagascar wildlife in general and the history of Isalo National Park and the history and traditions of the Sakalava Tribe and Bara tribe. Did I already convince you to go on a camping adventure on your Madagascar trip?

Isalo Window | famous Madagascar tourist attraction

A lot of people choose to do a one-day hike and visit the touristic ‘Window of Isalo’ afterwards. This is a natural window in a red rock formation that frames the sunset. Our initial plan was to visit Window rock in Isalo on our arrival day in Ranohira, but didn’t make it for sunset because we spent too much time in Anja Reserve including several photo stops along the way. I’m still a bit disappointed we didn’t make it there on time. 

If I would do this again I would either choose to spend an extra night near Isalo National Park or to spend extra nights near Ambalavao or for example Andrigitra National Park to spend more hours exploring Anja Reserve and the beautiful granite peaks and views of the surrounding mountains. A lot of Madagascar tour agencies include Anja Reserve as a short stopover on their way to Ranohira, so it’s quite normal, but I felt very rushed and needed more time to enjoy and photograph all the beautiful views along the RN7 road.

Best of Madagascar Isalo National Park Hiking

Isalo National Park is must-visit when you travel to Madagascar. Because of the low tourist numbers in Madagascar, you will only see a few other tourists, especially when you’re planning to do a longer hike. Apart from hiking in Isalo National Park, there are plenty of other things to do in Isalo, like mountain biking, horse riding and wildlife watching. Because of the dry climate, the best time to visit Isalo National Park is all year-round. Don’t miss out on this stunning park, add this to your Madagascar itinerary.

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Where to stay in Isalo (Ranohira)? 

Le Relais de la Reine is a great option if you’re looking for a hotel between the rocks that is close to Isalo National Park. This eco-friendly hotel offers everything you need after a tough hike. They have huge and really spacious rooms and cottages with a comfortable bed and a spacious bathroom. 

Le Relais de la Reine also offers a number of sport and leisure activities in a serene area. The most outstanding and exclusive sport activities are Via Ferrata (rock climbing) and horse riding. On top of that you can spoil yourself with a facial or massage at their professional therapy centre for beauty and massage. The service and kindness of the staff is amazing, very friendly and helpful. Their relaxing pool surrounded by the Isalo rocks is amazing! I would definitely stay here again on my next trip to Madagascar.

Where to stay in Isalo Ranohira

Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park - stopover on your to Tulear

On your way from Ranohira to Tulear along the RN7 I highly recommend to make a short stop at Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park. It’s one of Madagascar’s least known but most accessible National Park, located along the RN7. From Ranohira it takes 1,5 hour to reach this park. 

Zombitse National Park Lemur Madagascar 01

If you are a bird lover you should visit Zombitse National Park as early as possible to have a fair chance of seeing Madagascar’s rarest endemic birds, like the ‘Appert’s Greenbul’. Apart from that, you will probably spot other Madagascar wildlife, like the Red-fronted brown lemur, the Sifaka or White lemur, the nocturnal sportive lemur, chameleons and the Standing’s Day gecko.

Best of Madagascar Zombitse National Park

As you approach Tulear – the end of Madagascar’s RN7 highway – you cannot miss ‘Table Mountain’, a large flat mountain that is called the Table Mountain of Madagascar. It’s also possible to climb this mountain all the way to the top, which will only take you about 30 minutes. On top of the Table Mountain you will have a 360 degrees overview of the beautiful coastline of Tulear. The starting point to climb Table Mountain is about 10 km from Tulear. 

RN7 Highlights Tulear Table Mountain

Another thing to do in Tulear is visiting the Arboretum d’Antsokay, a botanical garden. According to experts, this botanical garden has 900 plant species of which 90% is endemic to Madagascar. They also state that 80% of these Madagascar plants have medicinal value. The Arboretum is located next to Auberge de la Table Hotel. For guests of Auberge de la Table, the entrance fee for the Arboretum is free.

Chameleon Madagascar Arboretum Tulear

Where to stay in Tulear?

Since we had to fly back to Antananarivo the next day we decided to stay our last night of this RN7 road trip in Auberge de la Table . At this place you have a wonderful view of the Table Mountain in Madagascar and it has a small swimming pool. For those who have more time to spend in Tulear (read: beach days), I would advise to continue your road trip to Ifaty; a beautiful place along the coast about 30 km north of Tulear, where you can also discover a different species of Baobab: the Fony Baobab.

Antananarivo is the largest city in Madagascar and interesting for travellers who have enough time to visit Madagascar. If you don’t have that much time, I would only stay in Tana to bridge your time between flights. In my North Madagascar Travel Blog I wrote about my short stay in Antananarivo and the Tsarasaotra Bird Park I’ve visited that is very close to Ivato Airport. 

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Travel to Madagascar now!

Traveling to Madagascar blew me away. It’s an amazing place on earth, with an intense kaleidoscope of nature, that I highly recommend putting on top of your travel bucket list. In this Ultimate Madagascar Travel Blog I tried to describe the best places to visit in Madagascar, but apart from these highlights of Madagascar there’s still so much to see and do on this Treasure Island that wants me to visit Madagascar again!

RN7 Roadtrip Madagascar

This Madagascar travel guide is written by travel photographer Kim Paffen , one of Traveltomtom’s talented team members with a deep-seated passion for traveling to Africa. She traveled for Traveltomtom to this beautiful country and shared all her Madagascar tips and incredible photos in this Madagascar travel blog and itinerary. Check out her Instagram account: ourplanetinmylens .

Madagascar Travel Blog

She also wrote about her North Madagascar itinerary , the best things to do in Nosy Be Madagascar and things to do in Morondava and a complete guide for visiting the Avenue of the Baobabs .

For more Africa inspiration and amazing photos of Kim have a look at her Uganda travel blog or read more about Gorilla trekking in Uganda .

I hope this travel blog and all the above Madagascar travel tips and things to do in Madagascar were helpful to plan your own Madagascar trip. Please help me in return by sharing the link of this article on the Internet. Every tweet on Twitter, pin on Pinterest or share on Facebook is very much appreciated. Also don’t hesitate to reach out on my Instagram account. I’m happy to help!

Madagascar Travel Guide: Essential Facts and Information

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Madagascar is undoubtedly one of Africa's most fascinating countries, and certainly one of the continent's most unique. An island nation surrounded by the crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean , it's most famous for its incredible flora and fauna - from its charismatic lemurs to its towering baobab trees. Much of the country's wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth, and as such eco-tourism is one of Madagascar's key attractions. It is also home to unspoiled beaches, breathtaking dive sites and a colorful kaleidoscope of local Malagasy culture and cuisine. 

The fourth-largest island on the planet, Madagascar is surrounded by the Indian Ocean and situated off the east coast of Africa. The country's closest mainland neighbor is Mozambique , while other islands in the nearby vicinity include Réunion, the Comoros and Mauritius. 

Madagascar has a total area of 226,660 square miles/587,041 square kilometers. To put that into perspective, it's just less than twice the size of Arizona and similar in size to France. 

Capital City:

Antananarivo

Population:

In July 2017, the CIA World Factbook estimated Madagascar's population at just over 25 million people. 

French and Malagasy are the official languages of Madagascar, with various different dialects of Malagasy spoken throughout the island. French is generally spoken only by the educated classes.

The majority of Madagascans practice either Christian or indigenous beliefs, while a small minority of the population (around 7%) are Muslim. 

The official currency of Madagascar is the Malagasy ariary. For up-to-date exchange rates, check out this helpful conversion site . 

Madagascar's weather changes dramatically from region to region. The east coast is tropical, with hot temperatures and plenty of rain. The highlands of the central interior are cooler and less humid, while the south is the driest region of all. Generally speaking, Madagascar has a cool, dry season (May to October) and a hot, rainy season (November to April). The latter brings frequent cyclones. 

When to Go:

The best time to visit Madagascar is during the May to October dry season, when temperatures are pleasant and precipitation is at its lowest. During the rainy season, cyclones can be a threat to visitor safety. 

Key Attractions

Parc National de L'Isalo

Parc National de L'Isalo offers more than 315 square miles/800 square kilometers of breathtaking arid scenery, complete with fantastic sandstone rock formations, canyons and crystal clear pools perfect for swimming. It is one of Madagascar's most rewarding destinations for hiking. 

The shores of this idyllic island are washed by clear turquoise waters and the air is fragrant with the scent of exotic blooms. It's home to many of Madagascar's most exclusive hotels, and is the destination of choice for wealthy beachgoers wishing to go snorkeling, sailing and scuba-diving. Nosy Be is also one of the best places in Africa to swim with whale sharks .

Avenue of the Baobabs

In Western Madagascar, the dirt road that connects Morondava and Belon'i Tsiribihina is home to a rare botanical spectacle, comprised of dozens of giant baobab trees. Many of these magnificent roadside trees are several hundred years old and over 100 feet/30 meters high. Because the avenue isn't yet part of a national park, you can view the trees for free.

Parc National d'Andasibe-Mantadia

Parc National d'Andasibe-Mantadia combines two separate parks, which together provide one of the best opportunities for a close encounter with Madagascar's largest lemur species, the indri. A total of 13 lemur species live in the park, as well as over 100 bird species, many of them endemic (including the Madagascar yellowbrow and the Madagascar serpent eagle).

Fondly referred to as "Tana", Madagascar's capital city is busy, chaotic and well worth a few days' visit at the beginning or end of your trip. It is a hub of Malagasy culture, known for its colonial architecture, vibrant art scene and surprising number of high-quality gourmet restaurants. Top attractions include the Rova palace complex and Analakely Market.

Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

Located in the remote northwest, Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is famous for its astonishing karstic plateaus. These petrified forests are crafted from razor-sharp spires of limestone and can be explored via a series of suspension bridges. Keep an eye out for 11 species of lemur or endemic mammals such as the fossa and falanouc.

Getting There

Madagascar's main airport is Ivato International Airport, located 10 miles/16 kilometers northwest of Antananarivo. The airport is home to Madagascar's national airline, Air Madagascar. From the United States, most flights connect via Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo Airport or Paris, France.  

Non-nationals need a tourist visa to enter Madagascar; however, these can be purchased upon arrival at all international airports or harbors. It is also possible to organize a visa in advance at the Madagascan embassy or consulate in your home country. Check the government's visa information page for more information. 

Medical Requirements

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travelers to Madagascar, however the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends certain vaccines including hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Depending on the region you plan to visit, anti-malaria medication may be necessary, while visitors travelling from a yellow fever country will need to carry proof of vaccination with them. 

This article was updated by Jessica Macdonald on August 27th 2018. 

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Travel Guide Madagascar

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Travel to Madagascar and discover an extraordinary storehouse of natural and cultural riches. Separated from Africa and Asia at the time of the dinosaurs, Madagascar's animal life has evolved in a startling myriad of forms, with endemic species found nowhere else on earth.

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Humans first colonized this huge island less than 2000 years ago. Before then, Madagascar was a primal Eden, inhabited only by its bizarre and marvellous zoological cornucopia. As biologists continue to discover more about this remarkable place, calling Madagascar the eighth continent barely does it justice: second planet seems more appropriate. Read our Madagascar guide for everything you need to know before you go.

  • Size: Madagascar is the fourth-largest island in the world. Measuring 587,040 square kilometres, it is more than double the size of Texas and nearly two-and-a-half times the size of the UK.
  • Population: At the last official estimate in 2011, Madagascar’s population was just under 21 million, with a population density of 35 per square kilometre.
  • Language: The country’s official languages are Malagasy and French, though English is increasingly important.
  • Conservation: Madagascar has more than 40 national parks and reserves, managed by Madagascar National Parks.
  • Religion: Traditional religious beliefs are still widely upheld in Madagascar, with some 4 million Roman Catholics, and 3.5 million members of the FJKM (the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar).
  • Politics: Madagascar’s independence was returned to it, from France, on June 26, 1960. After years of chaotic dictatorship, the country now has a presidential, multi-party democracy.
  • Biodiversity: Dozens of new species are discovered in Madagascar every year: more than 100 species of lemurs are now recognized and nearly 80 species of chameleons are endemic to the island.
  • Leaping ahead: While Andasibe-Mantadia National Park’s most famous resident is the lemurs, the forests are also home to at least a hundred species of frogs – a figure that makes this the most frog-rich area on earth.
  • Exports: Madagascar is associated with vanilla or rum and sugar cane, but the national crop with no equal is rice (vary in Malagasy), with the highest consumption per capita in the world – around 150kg per person (400g) or a pound of rice a day.

Madagascar has an entrancing tableaux of landscapes: dripping emerald rainforests, baobab trees like giant windmills towering over the savannah, and crazy outcroppings of limestone pinnacles, like a million wonky Gothic church spires.

The human landscapes are equally captivating. In the highlands, a thousand shades of green dazzle from the terraced rice fields, framed by dykes of red earth; water-filled nursery paddies reflect a cerulean blue sky and towering granite mountains, daubed by the pastel images of rows of multicoloured Hauts Plateaux houses.

On the east coast, you’ll find golden beaches framed by huge boulders and palm trees, lapped by the bath-warm Indian Ocean.

Out to the west and south, rolling plains of dry savannah and range lands intersperse with dense and alien spiny forest and carved by broad meandering rivers.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Madagascar :

Antananarivo

There’s no other capital in the world like Antananarivo (Tananarive to the French, “Tana” colloquially to everyone). A necklace of emerald rice paddies trails around lakes, canals and jagged hills, while a huddle of pastel-coloured houses crowds the still-partly cobbled streets of a crumpled central lattice. Even the sprawling shanties seem somehow prettier than the average urban slum: still largely built in the traditional manner, using fired-clay bricks, they blush radiantly pink in the afternoon sun, packed together between the glimmering rice fields.

Central Madagascar

The highlands of central Madagascar stretch from north of Antananarivo far towards the south of the island, undulating wildly across dramatic granite mountain ranges, lava ridges and outcrops. While there’s very little indigenous natural forest left, the human landscape is captivatingly beautiful. Deep valleys are filled by terraced rice fields and traditionally built towns, from the busy provincial agricultural hub of Antsirabe to the historical city of Fianarantsoa. Explore towns by horse-drawn buggy and immerse yourself in cultural traditions such as Malagasy crafts and famadihana (reburial) ceremonies. Beyond these urban centres lies the Réserve Villageoise Anja, where you can hike through the home territories of delightful ring-tailed lemurs, and rugged Parc National de Ranomafana, whose rainforest conceals the rare golden bamboo lemur.

Southern Madagascar

Southern Madagascar has some of the island’s most compelling attractions, from the gaunt sandstone plateau of Parc National d’Isalo to the towering mountain fastness of Parc National d’Andringitra. Elsewhere, you’ll discover spiny forests and glorious beaches, surfing and diving in the dry southwest, and the seductive rolling landscapes and scalloped bays wrapping around the port of Fort Dauphin in the far southeast. This is also Madagascar’s poorest region, however, and more prone to lawlessness – generally manifested in cattle rustling and highway banditry – than the rest of the country.

Western Madagascar

Way off the tourist trail, the vast region of western Madagascar has some unexpected surprises for those who slog to this barely visited backcountry. Western Madagascar may not be blessed with interesting towns or picturesque beaches, but its weird and wonderful natural spectacles make up for it. Hikers can strike out among the giants at Morondava’s Allée des Baobabs, where 300-plus baobabs loom above scattered bush and farmland, some reaching heights of 20 metres. After dark, seek out the exhilarating nocturnal animal life of Kirindy Private Reserve, whose rich wildlife includes fossas. But, without a doubt, the region’s crowning glory is Tsingy de Bemaraha, an extraordinary expanse of otherworldly limestone pinnacles, cut through by winding rivers.

Northeastern Madagascar

The rainforests of northeastern Madagascar are some of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. These hilly landscapes support a riotous display of jungle trees, lianas and other flora, which shelter extraordinarily rich wildlife, from minuscule chameleons to weighty indri lemurs. While the northeast’s natural vegetation is dense forest, the majority of trees had been cut by the time of independence, and today rice paddies, sugar-cane fields and plantations of vanilla and fruit trees account for much of the more level ground. The sizeable remaining pockets of forest are major strongholds of Madagascar’s natural heritage, now flagged by UNESCO as the “Rainforests of the Atsinanana” group of World Heritage Sites in Danger.

Off the sheltered west coast lies the fabled island of Nosy Be , with smaller and even more alluring islands dotted around the warm waters of the Mozambique Channel. Madagascar is swathed in largely deciduous dry forest, interspersed with pockets of highland and lowland rainforest – a biome known as the Sambirano ecosystem. The southeast corner of Nosy Be is still shrouded by a cloak of primary rainforest sheltering a number of rare and endemic species. The majority of those who visit Madagascar make a beeline here, lured by the balmy weather and warm seas, plus regular charter flights from France and Italy. Diving and snorkelling are popular pursuits, and kite- and windsurfing are big around Diego.

Far out on the west coast, the town of Morondava has some compelling assets nearby that draw visitors from across the globe. Foremost among these is the iconic Allée des Baobabs, or Avenue of the Baobabs, just a short drive out of town. As you arrive by plane, you’ll see the big baobabs as you descend, looking like stumpy wind turbines on the flat plain among the fields of sugar, cotton and rice. Further north is the lesser-known Kirindy Private Reserve, the only place you can travel in Madagascar with the near-guarantee of seeing a fossa – a ferocious puma-sized creature that looks like a cross between a cat and a mongoose.

Ambatolampy

Ambatolampy was a traditional Merina iron-smelting and forging town, and is still associated with metalwork and crafts – and nowadays souvenirs. Clusters of craft-sellers gather along the roadside, selling basketry and raffia-ware, brightly painted metal toys, even statues of the Virgin Mary. The stalls of musical instruments are particularly appealing, with nicely made local violins, banjos and other instruments on offer for around 20,000–40,000ar. South of Ambatolampy, you can trace the meandering Onive River by car, passing picturesque rural scenes of verdant emerald-tinted rice paddies; rust-red hillsides brimming with iron oxide; and rows of colourful houses.

Up to the west of Ambatolampy, you can see the looming mountains of the Massif de l’Ankaratra. This ancient volcanic range is occasionally dusted in snow and still bubbles with a little activity in Antsirabe’s hot springs. Antsirabe was founded in 1869 by Norwegian missionaries attracted by the curative powers of its mineral-rich thermal springs, and today is Madagascar’s third-largest town – and one of its most prosperous. Relatively clean and quiet, this is a town where many Tananariviens aspire to live, and where a few have holiday pads. The thermal baths are currently closed, but there’s no shortage of good hotels, restaurants and interesting crafts and jewellery shops.

Vehicles arriving from the north plunge down the road to Ambalavao, with the valley spread out beyond and the peaks of the Massif d’Iandrambaky poking up dramatically on the horizon. The town makes a good base from which to stock up if you’re heading into the Parc National d’Andringitra. Otherwise, you don’t need to stop here for long, but the town’s crafts workshops are accessible and worthwhile, and its famous old Betsileo houses, with their ornate verandas known as lavarangana, are very photogenic.

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

The country’s most famous national park, Andasibe-Mantadia is located in the eastern rainforest and is home to twelve species of lemurs, including the largest – the wonderful, wailing indri. The otherworldly chorus of a family of indris, reverberating through the misty early-morning forest, is an unforgettable sound. Two hundred species of orchids bloom magnificently here, and the forests are also home to around 110 species of birds, over seventy species of reptiles and at least a hundred species of frogs – a figure that makes this the most frog-rich area on earth.

Isalo National Park

One of the best places to travel in southern Madagascar is Parc National d’Isalo. Midway between Fianarantsoa and Tuléar, this 810-square-kilometre sandstone plateau is a dramatic spectacle; its towering mesas and sculpted pillars creating a Monument Valley-style landscape. It is especially striking at its southern extremity, where the tarmac highway twists past the cliffs. The whole region, however, is a hiker’s mecca, cut by streams and springs into countless, forest-filled canyons, dotted with alluring natural swimming holes of crystal-clear water.

Tsingy de Bemaraha

The huge Parc National de Bemaraha and its far-flung northern extension, the Réserve Naturelle Intégrale du Tsingy de Bemaraha, are located on Madagascar’s largest plateau of tsingy (limestone) karst pinnacles. It’s a region that competes for remoteness with the most inaccessible parts of the island, incorporating a spectacularly strange landscape that is home to a host of endemic plants and animals. In recognition of its uniqueness, it was the first region in Madagascar to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sheltered on what were once mud and sand flats behind straggling stands of mangroves, the port of Tuléar (also known as Toliara or Toliary) is not the most prepossessing place to visit in Madagascar. This former slaving port has been sidelined by recent history – a fact reflected in the rebellious political stance often taken by the townspeople to matters being decided in Tana. As you wander around, look out for the town’s zebu carts, sometimes painted with bright, symbolic imagery derived from popular culture – typically music and film stars. The best attraction in Toliara is the Arboretum d’Antsokay, a 25-acre patch of spiny forest heavily planted with the flora from a lifetime’s botanical collecting by its Swiss founder, Hermann Petignat.

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  • Western Madagascar Travel Guide
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The best time to visit Madagascar depends on where you are going and your interests. A hot, wet summer, from November to March, drenches the eastern slopes and highlands in heavy rain. Ferocious cyclones hit the east coast and ravage their way inland, making travel extremely difficult. However, down in the southwestern semi-desert, rain barely spatters the parched earth. From April to October, Madagascar experiences a dry, cool season, which is overall the best time to travel to Madagascar for bright, warm days and mild nights.

However, if you’re travelling to Madagascar for the wildlife, whale-watching is best from June to September when the creatures pass the east coast during their northerly migration. November is often recommended as the best time to visit Madagascar for wildlife, with the first rains bringing out an explosion of courting, mating and spawning among amphibians, reptiles, birds and the fabulous fossa. August to October are ideal months for diving and snorkeling.

Read our guide on the best time to travel to Madagascar .

The only practical way to travel to Madagascar is by plane. There are no direct flights from the UK or Ireland to Madagascar, but you can fly to Nairobi or Paris and connect onwards. Similarly, visitors from the east coast of North America will have to fly via London or Paris, but from the west coast it may be cheaper to fly via Bangkok. From South Africa, there are direct flights to Madagascar from Johannesburg. There are various options for travelling to Madagascar from Australia and New Zealand, notably flying via Johannesburg or Nairobi, or hubbing through Bangkok; however, the best-value route is via Mauritius and/or Réunion.

Read more in our Madagascar travel guide .

In this section, we’ll look at how to travel around Madagascar .

When considering how to travel around Madagascar, the most important thing is to give yourself time. It’s a big country, and most of the roads (such as they are) radiate out like spokes from the capital, so getting around needs planning, you’ll probably need to include some internal flights.

Most transport, however, is by road, and the road network is steadily improving. There are various options for getting around by car, the easiest (but most expensive) of which is hiring a vehicle and driver – many of whom double up as local Madagascar guides.

Budget travellers are better off using the slow and cheap shared taxis brousse (bush taxis, or taxi-be in Malagasy). These are privately or cooperatively owned minibuses running regular services to a vague timetable. Urban transport varies from town to town, but the main options are car taxis (t axis-ville ), Bajaj motorized trishaws (tuk-tuks), cyclo-pousses (cycle rickshaws) and pousses-pousses (handcarts).

Fianar’s hilltop old town is one of Madagascar’s most picturesque, with narrow lanes and views across the modern city and its rice fields.

The best place to visit in Madagascar for lemur-watching, including troops of habituated indris. Night walks and decent hotels make this as easy diversion, just a three-hour drive from Antananarivo.

This beautifully unspoiled island is quieter than Nosy Be, with the jewel of Île aux Nattes at its southern tip.

Heaven on a plate for beach-bum natural-history buffs, with leaf-tailed geckos camouflaged obligingly on every other branch and a glorious golden beach.

The real-life version of your local rainforest experience, complete with tumbling streams, buttress-rooted forest giants and thousands of life forms.

Madagascar’s most developed concentration of tourist resorts is low-key by global standards. Get away from the beach hotels and out to the offshore reefs or up to the hilly interior.

Two of the finest places to visit in Madagascar, these are worth the special journey for the towering “tree-elephants” and the exhilarating nocturnal animal life of Kirindy, including fossas.

Hard to get to, but worth every ounce of effort for the extraordinary expanses of weirdly eroded limestone pinnacles, cut through by winding rivers.

A park of big landscapes, lush canyons and wide horizons in the dry savannah. Plus, it’s easy to access and has good hotels and camping.

  • Sainte Luce Reserve Moist coastal forest and creeks, home to lemurs and chameleons, with glorious beaches and onshore whale-watching, as well as some excellent Madagascar guides.

Our Madagasca r travel guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning our Madagascar itineraries . These routes will take you to every corner of the island – and you’ll learn plenty about the country no matter where you want to go or what you want to do. You’re unlikely to complete the list, but it will give you a flavour of how to travel around Madagascar and a deeper insight into the country’s natural and historic wonders.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Madagascar, created by local experts

Wild Madagascar

18 days  / from 3663 USD

Wild Madagascar

This trip is a tour of Wild Madagascar: discover dusty desert canyons, lush rainforests teeming with wildlife and trek through national parks. Explore the bustling capital Tana, then stop by the beach at Ifaty where you'll encounter forests of baobab trees and wandering tribesmen.

Dreaming of Madagascar

11 days  / from 2417 USD

Dreaming of Madagascar

Tropical island beaches, lush rainforest, stunning wildlife, and the bright red clay houses of Antananarivo await you as you arrive on the beautiful island of Madagascar. Get your fill of culture in the capital Tana, snap beguiling wildlife, and revive and reboot on stunning white-sand beaches.

A Taste of Madagascar

6 days  / from 1292 USD

A Taste of Madagascar

An unforgettable journey through Madagascar's enchanting landscapes and cultural treasures. From the lush rainforests of Andasibe to the vibrant streets of Antananarivo, this adventure combines wildlife encounters with rich history, creating a diverse and immersive experience.

Want some help with the travel planning? Speak to us about our Tailor-made itineraries , where a local expert can plan your route and transport for you.

Itinerary 1: The North – parks and beaches

Almost all Madagascar trips start and end in Antananarivo. Allow 3–4 weeks to cover the north by a mixture of road and air travel, or skip half these stops and do it in 10–14 days.

  • Antananarivo Give yourself a couple of days to visit the Rova palace compound and the old royal capital of Ambohimanga.

Get up early to walk into the indris’ territory and hear their extraordinary call. Then plan a night walk looking for chameleons and mouse lemurs.

Fly or ferry out to this old pirates’ hideaway, then rent a scooter and explore its jungle paths, clean beaches and limpid waters.

Organize a boat and local Madagascar guide to this fabled, forest-stacked island. You’ll discover aye-ayes, leaf-tailed geckos and a host of other species, some almost certainly still to be discovered.

The steep paths of the Masoala rainforest start at the doorstep of Nosy Mangabe, with every minute of every hike yielding wonderful sights and discoveries, from vangas to boas, from tenrecs to sportive lemurs.

Diego Suarez is the perfect rest stop between national parks, with its picturesque views and superb watersports.

Much easier to explore than the other rainforest parks, and still bursting with life, the Amber Mountain and the little town of Joffreville are worth a day and a night.

If you don’t have time to take a boat trip to the Tsingy de Bemaraha, then this fascinating eroded plateau is the next best thing. Lemurs and plenty of reptiles inhabit this rocky fortress.

Nosy Be’s beaches are beautiful, the resort trappings pretty tame and the interior well worth exploring. Don’t forget a trip to the wonderful Lokobé reserve.

Deciduous dry forest meets lakes and erosion gulleys in this enjoyable and accessible park between Majunga and Antananarivo.

Madagascar has no shortage of hotels, and on the whole they offer good value, certainly by international standards. There’s only a handful of top-end options scattered across the island, from urban city hotels to beach resort hotels through to national park lodges and tourist safari camps. The highest concentrations of luxury accommodation are in Tana and on Nosy Be and Île Sainte Marie. A good step down in standards will give you mid-range places, stretching from charming and extraordinarily good value to very ho-hum and rather overpriced. The budget accommodation in Madagascar is plentiful and typically great value; mostly consisting of a group of wooden, thatched bungalows; some en-suite, some with the option of air-conditioning.

Madagascar’s food culture is built around the country’s national staple, rice ( riz , or vary in Malagasy), and even enthusiastic rice lovers tend to tire of it eventually. Happily, there are plenty of interesting flavours to accompany it.

The main options for eating out in Madagascar are hotelys (local Malagasy restaurant with a simple menu of staple favourites); your hotel dining room; and foreign imports. These range from pizzerias and crêperies to Italian, French, Indian and Chinese specialist restaurants. Street food can be very good and very cheap, and may include rice and sauce, brochettes of beef, fish or prawns, roasted or baked plantains, bananas, cassava or sweet potato, stews and vegetable fritters.

Madagascar’s two great drink offerings are spiced and flavoured rum in an almost infinite variety of flavours, known as rhum arrangé, and THB beer pronounced “Tay-Ash-Bay” (short for Three Horses Beer).

Read our Madagascar guide to food and drink .

Though most travellers visit Madagascar for its wildlife – lemurs and chameleons in particular – the island has so much more to offer besides curious critters. If it were only for its landscapes, beaches and warm seas, the island would still be one of the world’s most alluring destinations, and there’s plenty here to please adrenalin junkies and outdoor enthusiasts. This part of our Madagascar guide will look at the best activities on offer.

Walking is the default way in which to explore the national parks dotted across the island. Multi-day park hikes, with a local Madagascar guide and porters, are not difficult to arrange, especially in the national parks of Andringitra, Marojejy and Masoala.

Rock climbing

With its many sheer granite and sandstone rock walls, Madagascar is full of excellent climbing opportunities. Standout areas include the Montagne des Français near Diego Suarez, and the Isalo and Andringitra national parks.

Mountain biking

Mountain biking is only allowed in some areas of the national parks but cycling can be a great way to get around remoter areas where the rewards combine a mixture of culture, nature and landscape, rather than providing a more purely wildlife experience. Many hotels also have a few mountain bikes to loan or rent for short trips, but for something longer, check out Rando Raid , based in Antsirabe who also offer horse riding, or VTT Madagascar who organize bike tours in remote parts of southeast Madagascar.

Snorkelling and diving

If you’re travelling to Madagascar for underwater adventures, the easiest diving and snorkelling is around Nosy Be. The best options are less from the main island itself, and more from some of its smaller neighbours – Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Mitsio and Nosy Radames are particularly good. The reefs of southwest Madagascar, between Andavadoaka and Anakao, are also spectacular, and the waters around Diego Suarez have numerous wrecks to explore.

Watersports

Most larger beach hotels around Madagascar can offer windsurfing, or organize it for you. Surfing tends to be a speciality of the south, notably the areas around Tuléar and Fort Dauphin. The other key spot for kitesurfing is the Mer d’Émeraude, near Diego Suarez. Kayaking and rafting can be pursued on larger rivers such as the Namorona, Tsiribihina and Manambolo.

Spectator sports

Several traditional sports are still popular with visitors to Madagascar. Moraingy, a bare-fisted combination of boxing and kick-fighting, comes from the Sakalava country of western Madagascar and can be seen on weekends in the dry season.

Travel advice for Madagascar

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Madagascar

  • Eating and drinking in Madagascar
  • Getting around Madagascar: Transportation Tips
  • National Parks in Madagascar
  • Travel Tips Madagascar for planning and on the go

For visitors to Madagascar, staying healthy should not be a big issue. You need to be aware of malaria but generally, so long as you take sensible precautions, you should have no problems beyond the occasional stomach upset.

Despite warnings from some official government travel advisories, most people visit Madagascar without incident. However, you should certainly heed warnings about night-time travel and avoid it if you can, particularly the lonely dirt roads in the south, which are prone to banditry. Also be aware of pickpocketing, muggings and hotel thefts (especially your hotel has no safe), avoiding late arrivals in towns or taking a taxi.

Lastly, if you’re travelling Madagascar during cyclone season (December to March) and a storm is forecast, cancel any boat trips, get yourself as far inland as possible and take shelter on the ground floor of a solid building.

A few items to avoid when shopping are timber products, which often have a dubious source, and anything with a wildlife origin, which is likely to get you in trouble when leaving Madagascar. Other items on the banned exports list are all items connected to the country’s many funerary customs, including grave posts.

Read more advice and tips to make your Madagascar trip stress-free and safe.

This section will look at travel requirements for Madagascar. Visas are required by all nationalities. Non-immigrant visas are currently granted free on arrival for most nationalities at Ivato airport for stays of up to thirty days, and it’s generally easier to get one there than in advance (which usually requires photos and possibly a processing fee). If you want to stay longer, the fees are €55 for up to 60 days or €77 for up to 90 days. Longer than that, you’ll need to leave the country in order to re-enter (Réunion is the cheapest place to fly to and an overseas French département so part of the EU and the Eurozone). The only health requirement is a yellow fever certificate if you’ve been visiting a country in the yellow fever transmission zone.

Top image © Ava Peattie/Shutterstock

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written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

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Is Madagascar Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Madagascar

Madagascar, a very well-known country occupying a large island of the same name, is located in the Indian Ocean, just right off the eastern coast of Africa.

The fourth-largest island in the world offers incredible experiences and breathtaking views for its visitors.

There’s the Tsingy de Bemaraha, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Madagascar’s largest reserve (with 152,000 hectares).

It consists of a gorgeous limestone plateau, filled and decorated with a chaotic, maze-like, and razor-sharp collection of pinnacles, the “Tsingy”, also called the Labyrinth of Stone.

You can also count on the vast forest where you just might get a chance to see brown lemurs and several rare species of birds, as well as the very rare, all-white Decken’s sifaka.

There’s also the Avenue of the Baobabs, which is an extraordinary stand of huge baobab trees that are a fascinating site by themselves.

Located near Madagascar’s west coast, this is the most visited landmark in the Menabe Region, as well as a candidate to become one of the 7 Wonders of Africa.

Madagascar’s flora and fauna are virtually unmatched in the world, as over 80% of it exists nowhere else, so visiting Madagascar might be tourists’ only chance to see the Lemurs, Tortoise, Geckos, Chameleons, and unusual flora.

  • Warnings & Dangers in Madagascar

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Madagascar is, for the most part, a safe country to visit. However, it does have a rather high crime rate, though it's mainly ridden with petty crime due to vast unemployment and poverty. Tourists are advised to remain vigilant and take all possible precaution measures in order to minimize the risk of getting stolen from.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH

Transport is not very safe in Madagascar. Be cautious when taking a so-called bush taxi (taxi-brousse) as there were reports of people being robbed by taxi drivers. Driving a rented car isn't much safer since there have been incidences of carjacking and they are on an increase. Most of these crimes occur at night, so do your best to travel only during the day.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Madagascar is known for petty theft. Petty crime (mainly pickpocketing) usually takes place in crowded areas and airports and foreigners are the targets, more often than not. Take precautions when walking in street markets and avoid walking at night in urban areas.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Since Madagascar widely varies in terrains and has a specific geographic location, its land often suffers from a number of annual natural disasters – such as cyclones and tropical storms, flood, drought and locust infestations.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Muggings and robberies are also very common in this country. What is important to remember here is that these crimes occur not only in urban areas but also in nature reserves and beaches. Be very careful around the capital, Antananarivo and southern districts of Toliara and Fianarantsoa provinces.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There haven't been any terrorist attacks recently in Madagascar, but they shouldn't be ruled out. Remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all time.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

You should expect that many people will try to scam you in this poverty-ridden country. There are a number of scams performed on tourists, and the locals might use tricks to trick you in order to get money from you. Double-check everything, and negotiate everything in advance.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Madagascar is relatively safe for solo women travelers but not at night. Avoid going anywhere after dark. Use your common sense and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid wearing purses and do not walk alone or ride in taxis (or bush taxis) at night.

  • So... How Safe Is Madagascar Really?

Madagascar is mostly safe to visit since the overall crime rate here is fairly lower than in many other African countries, so many consider this country a safe one to visit.

However, there has been some political turmoil that leads to massive unemployment which, in turn, lead to a rise in crime, especially petty crime and armed robberies.

What is important to note is that these crimes don’t only occur in urban areas but also in nature reserves and beaches.

The problematic spots where armed robberies have been reported are areas around the capital, Antananarivo and southern districts of Toliara and Fianarantsoa provinces.

If you absolutely need to go and visit these areas, you may want to consider hiring a reputable guide.

You should also be very careful when traveling in bush taxis as they have also been reported for robbing passengers.

Rented vehicles are no safer, as there were also cases of carjacking.

However, bear in mind that most of these crimes occur at night, so if you travel only during the day, you might avoid most of these problems.

When it comes to armed robberies, bear in mind that armed bandits tend to position themselves on major routes after dark in order to ambush vehicles, or even stage breakdowns, that way blocking the roadway and forcing drivers to slow down.

The problematic spots where armed hold-ups have occurred are some of the main roads in Toliara province.

Also, if your car is stuck in traffic, keep your vehicle locked with the windows rolled up, as there have been reports of “smash and grab robberies”.

  • How Does Madagascar Compare?
  • Useful Information

All visitors are required to have a visa in order to enter Madagascar, but it is relatively easy to acquire one: nationals of any country can obtain a visa on arrival and the visa is valid for up to 90 days, though there's a fee to be paid for a maximum 60 or 90 days stay, while stays up to 30 days are free of charge. Make sure your passport is valid for 6 months from the date of your arrival.

There are two currencies in Madagascar: Malagasy ariary and Malagasy franc. ATMs are widely available in large towns and cities, while in rural areas, it is best to rely on cash.

Madagascar has a subtropical climate, with hot, wet seasons that last from November to April and cooler, drier seasons lasting from May to October. The east coast is the wettest part of the country which is why it is home to many Madagascar's rainforests.

Ivato International Airport is the main and the busiest international airport serving Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. It is located 16 km northwest of the city center.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Madagascar, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Madagascar Weather Averages (Temperatures)

  • Average High/Low Temperature
  • Where to Next?

MAURITIUS-1

2 Reviews on Madagascar

General feedback.

No, there aren’t such a thing like two different currencies in Madagascar. It is just a change of name from the former (francs) to the latter (ariary) although some banknotes in ariary used to be printed with the equivalent in francs. Note that is used (still?) to be used to scam tourists to announce prices in francs instead of ariary since 1ariary = 5 francs at the time of changement of denomination. About general safety, a word about animals: although being tropical and subtropical country, there is almost no dangerous (lethal) specie for the human apart from mosquitoes spreading diseases and stonefish or shark by the seaside. You might want to stay away from some streetfood as hygienic standards tend to be non existent. Locals have to take care about foreign spoliation and pedophiles predators. Amazing landscapes, lovely country, i wish them all the best.

Be careful and you will have a good time

Madagascar is a beautiful country where, unfortunately, many people barely have enough to live on. That’s why there are so many scammers, thieves and pickpockets around. Most just need money and other goods for their survival. Does this mean this is just like the wild west? No, but you do need to be extra careful when you’re exploring this country. There’s petty theft in most areas, whether we’re talking about cities or even even in more secluded ones. In crowded places, pickpockets are always present so watch out. Keep your goods closeby and pay attention to shady people.

Some taxi drivers can be thieves in disguise. Try to only use reputed companies as much as possible. Muggings happen all the time here, mostly in some areas but they can also happen in nature reserves or on beaches. Just keep an eye out for people that look or act suspicious and don’t travel at night as much as possible.

Some of the many beautiful places one can visit while in Madagascar are Lake Itasy (with many wonderful geysers, waterfalls), the Queen’s Palace (originally built in 1839), Antsirabe (take a tour of the artisanal workshops found here – these people are very, very talented) or the Sahambavy Estate (take a tour and drink some drink green or black tea which is produced here).

If you’re into something more horror or macabre, then head over to Ambalavao. Here, back in 1811, there was a mass suicide and many bones can be found in the area. Macabre enough for you? Or go to the Spiny Forest which is very inhospitable and has a certain weirdness to it. If you’re into strange things then research this place and visit it.

There are many more places to visit in Madagascar. These are just some of the ones I experienced. Do your research before coming here and choose your own points of interest.

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Article Contents

  • Overall Risk
  • Transport & Taxis Risk
  • Pickpockets Risk
  • Natural Disasters Risk
  • Mugging Risk
  • Terrorism Risk
  • Women Travelers Risk
  • Weather Averages (Temperatures)
  • User Reviews
  • Share Your Experience

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Travel | us news and world report’s 10 most gorgeous islands on the planet.

Italy's Sardinia is considered one of the world's most gorgeous islands. (Getty Images)

US News and World Report is known for its “best college” and “best high school” lists, of course. But their travel editors do rankings too, including a list of the most stunning islands in the world. It’s a rough job, but someone has to do it — evaluate the clarity of the turquoise water, the softness of the sand and the snorkeliest of recreation possibilities.

The recently released list for 2024 gives shout-outs to 24 incredible destinations, starting with Palawan in the Philippine archipelago, where beaches beckon and abundant sea life and reefs draw divers and snorkelers. The diversity of wildlife on Madagascar helped the world’s fourth largest island snag the No. 6 spot, while a heady mix of sandy beaches and ancient ruins puts Cyprus at No. 7.

It’s a globe-circling list that includes French Polynesia (Tahiti, Bora Bora) and Europe (Sardinia, Santorini), the African coast and the Caribbean Sea. And the Hawaiian island of Kauai provides the sole U.S. representation at No. 24. (We’re not quibbling with that. Alcatraz is pretty spectacular, but it’s no Zanzibar.)

Here’s a peek at the top 10. Find the full 24 — along with all the reasons these islands belong on your bucket list — at https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/. You can cast your vote there, too, on whether their choices belong on the list.

Top 10 islands in the world

1 Palawan, Philippines

2 Sardinia, Italy

3 Zanzibar, Tanzania

4 Mauritius

The Greek island of Santorini is illuminated by the setting sun. (Thinkstock)

5 Santorini, Greece

6 Madagascar

8 Tahiti, French Polynesia

9 Whitsunday Islands, Australia

10 Bora Bora, French Polynesia

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This Norwegian Cruise sailing takes you on a bucket list adventure: What it's like aboard

madagascar travel reddit

For Kylie Herd, an Australian passenger on Norwegian Dawn’s Feb. 25 southern Africa itinerary, cruising has been the best way to check places off her bucket list.

“I just go with whatever cruise line has the itinerary that I want to do at the time that I’m available. It tends to be Norwegian, and when I saw that Norwegian had all these African cruises, I just thought, ‘I’m going to spend summer in Africa,’ because it’s an amazing itinerary,” she told USA TODAY.

When it comes to cruising, most Americans probably think of bopping around the Caribbean or checking out the wilds of Alaska if they’re feeling especially adventurous, but that’s really just scratching the surface. Cruise lines are increasingly offering diverse itineraries including expedition cruises to remote parts of the globe and introductory sailings to help travelers explore countries and regions they might never visit otherwise.

Madagascar was the real draw for months of consecutive cruises on the Dawn for Herd.

“I’ve been trying to go to Madagascar for years. I always wanted to go there way before the movies ever came out. It’s one of those places that’s really difficult to get to,” she said. “When I saw Madagascar on a cruise itinerary I was like, ‘I have to do it.’ ”

Although the Feb. 25 sailing had to skip Madagascar for logistical reasons after a delay departing Mauritius, Herd said she was able to visit the country earlier on her trip and that it was a real highlight.

Norwegian’s Africa itineraries had various changes and missed ports throughout the season. Passenger contracts give cruise lines some leeway to alter itineraries on short notice for reasons including weather or conditions on the ground that prevent ships from reaching or being accommodated safely in a scheduled port. Such changes can be especially common in regions prone to political unrest or that lack sophisticated port facilities.

Even so, Herd said she understood why passengers who missed out would be frustrated, but she encouraged her fellow travelers to keep an eye on the positive. “I understand the disappointment. I was disappointed, too, but we’re still having a great time.”

The Feb. 25 cruise still stopped at Reunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean, which has an active volcano, as well as ports in South Africa where travelers could spot local wildlife.

Safari from a cruise

Norwegian Dawn stopped at four ports in South Africa, three of which offered safari experiences as shore excursions.

▶ From Richard’s Bay, passengers could visit the iSimangasilo Wetland Park , home to elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, zebras and other classic African big game. The park is about an hour and a half drive from the port, and Norwegian’s shore excursion included two game drives, snorkeling and a traditional South African braai, or barbecue.

Just as cruise itineraries can sometimes be subject to last-minute changes, safaris are at the whim of wild animals. Sightings are not guaranteed, but patience and vigilance are often rewarded.

▶ In Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Norwegian Dawn’s passengers had the opportunity to visit Addo Elephant National Park, also about an hour and a half drive from the port.

As the name suggests, Addo is home to a huge and docile population of more than 600 elephants. These animals often congregate around watering holes accessible from well-worn safari tracks.

Even after a strong rainfall the night before the excursion, which allowed elephants to retreat into the bush and temporarily lessen their reliance on overtaxed wells, dozens of the creatures greeted visitors coming from the ship for two-hour game drives.

▶ In Mossel Bay, passengers could also access private game reserves, which often have a higher concentration of wildlife roaming free, but sometimes include animals that are not directly indigenous to the area where they’re located.

Cape Town and the winelands

There’s more to Africa than safaris and Cape Town is an especially good place to experience metropolitan life and other kinds of outdoor activities on the continent.

South Africa’s legislative capital offers excellent hiking, a great foodie culture, beautiful (if slightly chilly) Atlantic beaches, penguins and more.

For travelers willing to explore beyond the city, South Africa’s wine country is close at hand in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and many vineyards offer tastings and meal experiences. One Norwegian excursion took passengers to the Blaauwklippen wine estate in Stellenbosch, which is best known for its Zinfandel.

Is an Africa cruise worth it?

From a financial standpoint, a cruise around Africa can be an excellent way to explore. However, for American travelers, flights to and from the ship are often more expensive than the cruise itself.

For example, a 13-day Norwegian itinerary that begins in Cape Town on Dec. 7 and ends in Mauritius on Dec. 20 has prices that start at $899 per person for an inside stateroom, but flights can be well over $1,000 round trip. The current cheapest itinerary from Detroit, for example, is a 42-hour slog on multiple airlines via Montreal and Dubai to Cape Town. The return trip is a bit shorter, at 31 hours, also via Dubai and Montreal. That routing would cost $1,694 per person in economy as of March 18, according to Google Flights.

Logistically speaking, though, it can be much easier to book a cruise and rely on the line’s shore excursions to expand one's horizons than to coordinate one's own safari.

“With multiple diverse ports of call within one coastal continental area, our Africa voyages provide our guests the opportunity to explore lush rainforests or volcanoes, experience captivating wildlife tours, learn about the rich culture on the South African coastline, indulge in Cape Town’s incredible wine regions, and so much more,” Brian Gilroy, vice president of revenue management and itinerary planning for Norwegian Cruise Line, said in a statement to USA TODAY.

The one thing to keep in mind is that the African cruise market is less mature than the Caribbean – at many ports, there just aren’t comparable facilities to handle big ships. That doesn’t mean the cruises can’t or don’t happen, just that sometimes the operation is a little less fluid than the well-oiled Miami machine.

“Our 11- and 12-day cruises start and end in either Cape Town, South Africa or Port Louis, Mauritius, and include an overnight stay in one of those magnificent cities giving our guests the chance to fully explore what these regions offer. The variety of adventures our guests can experience in these destinations are endless, which makes for a truly unforgettable cruise experience," Gilroy continued.

Travelers may be more likely to encounter a hiccup on their Africa cruise, but that’s all part of traveling to a new and exciting place. A missed port or an extra sea day can be a great time time to take stock, focus on the highlights, enjoy the experience of unlocking a new destination, and maybe take another sip of the wine your onboard sommelier recommended.

Just take a page out of Herd the Australian’s book. Despite some schedule changes, she said, “I’ve loved every single thing.”

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Norwegian. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]

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  4. Weird Local Bazaar of Madagascar🇲🇬| मैडागास्कर का अजीब बाज़ार

  5. Madagascar

  6. Exploring the Fascinating Lemurs at Lemurs Park in Madagascar #ytshorts #shorts #viral

COMMENTS

  1. What's your thoughts on Madagascar? Let's discuss.

    Mauritius is 1000x better. Just saw this and thought I'd throw my thoughts into the mix as back in 2018 my partner and I spent a month in Madagascar as the last country on a year-long trip. We didn't take a full tour and opted for local taxi brousses to get around instead. The countries infrastructure is basic so travel takes time.

  2. 18 Things I Wish I'd Known Before Visiting Madagascar

    5. Schedule A Trip To A Major Grocery Store Your First Morning. Big grocery stores are found only in Antananarivo, Madagascar's capital. Stock up on bottled water from a major company (not the national water company, Jirama, which bottles water that is unsafe for foreigners). Pick up wine, if that's what you drink.

  3. The Ultimate Madagascar Itinerary Ideas

    Madagascar is a beautiful country with many places to visit. It is also a massive country with horrible infrastructure, leaving precious time on holiday often on a bus or plane. With these in mind, it is important to consider logistics within Madagascar for each destination, so we came up with the ultimate Madagascar itinerary - from two up to eight weeks - for your stay.

  4. Madagascar Itineraries, Things to do

    December and January is the beginning of the rainy season in Madagascar, and it's also summer. We hit temperatures of 41 degrees C, or 105 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity as high as 95%. Hiking in the rain forests, this can certainly take its toll. We were drenched in sweat, from head to foot within a few minutes.

  5. Madagascar Travel: 33 Things You Need to Know Before You Go

    Refer to your vaccination records. Make sure you are up to date on the following: Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Meningitis, Polio, MMR, Tuberculosis (BCG) and/or Tetanus (DTP). You don't need the Yellow Fever vaccine for Madagascar. However, if you plan to travel in mainland Africa on your ...

  6. The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Madagascar, The Red Island

    There are just a few airlines that fly to Madagascar: Air France from Paris. Kenyan Airways from Nairobi. South African Airways/Airlink from Johannesburg. Air Mauritius from Port Louis. Air Madagascar from Paris and Johannesburg. Air Madagascar is the national airline and all domestic flights go through this company.

  7. Madagascar Travel Guide: 8 Reasons to Visit

    8 reasons why your next adventure should be in Madagascar. Madagascar: a rarely visited country that has an exotic hold over the imagination, conjuring up a land of wild nature: plains of baobab trees, armies of lemurs, unique animals, lush rainforests, and white sand beaches. It's not an easy destination to get to, which makes it the perfect ...

  8. Madagascar Travel Guide

    Madagascar, located off the southeastern coast of Africa, is a mesmerizing island nation that beckons travelers with its unique and diverse natural wonders. Renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, this "eighth continent" boasts lush rainforests, otherworldly landscapes, and a coastline teeming with marine life.

  9. Is Madagascar Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips)

    Yep, backpacking Madagascar independently can be dodgy. Crime, such as robbery and theft, are sadly rife in Madagascar. There has even been an increase in the number of kidnappings, targeting wealthy visitors to the country. There was a coup in 2009, which led to much political instability.

  10. Madagascar Travel Guide (Everything You Need To Know)

    Visa For Visiting Madagascar. Visas are required for everyone visiting Madagascar. You can obtain a 30 days or 60 days visa at all international airports. Despite what the guidebooks say, the 30-day visa is NOT FREE. A 90-day visa is no longer available! 30 days 35 Euro / 37 USD. 60 days 40 Euro / 45 USD.

  11. 11 Reasons to Visit Madagascar at Least Once in Your Lifetime

    For a short stay or a gap year, living in Madagascar is not that difficult. Unless you a are very particular about food or hotel quality, you can have good and affordable meal with €5 (USD$6.25), and rooms start at around €12 (USD$15). You can spend even less if you eat local food. Because of this, many Europeans have decided to spend their ...

  12. Is Madagascar Worth Visiting In 2024? Complete Guide & Best ...

    Madagascar Visas. As of 2024, there is no need for a visa if your stay is less than 15 days. Considering a two-week trip (including flights, layovers etc.) should be sufficient for most, this is great news! There is now a mandatory 10 Euro admin fee on arrival though.

  13. The Ultimate Madagascar Itinerary for 2 weeks

    For my all my North Madagascar travel tips click on the link. This is the best 2-week Madagascar itinerary possible. Antananarivo - 1 night. Morondava and Kirindy Forest Reserve - 3 nights. Miandrivazo - 1 night. Antsirabe - 1 night. Ambositra - stopover. Ranomafana National Park - 1 or 2 nights. Fianarantsoa and Sahambavy - 1 or 2 nights.

  14. Madagascar Travel Guide: Essential Facts and Information

    Madagascar's weather changes dramatically from region to region. The east coast is tropical, with hot temperatures and plenty of rain. The highlands of the central interior are cooler and less humid, while the south is the driest region of all. Generally speaking, Madagascar has a cool, dry season (May to October) and a hot, rainy season ...

  15. Is Madagascar Safe to Visit in 2024?

    The severe economic situation in Madagascar has also led to unrest. According to the World Bank, the prolonged drought Madagascar experienced from 2018 to 2022 caused near-famine conditions. In early 2023, Madagascar was hit twice by cyclone Freddy in a rare looping phenomenon, further displacing and impoverishing locals.

  16. Madagascar Travel Guide

    Rough Guides® is a trademark owned by Apa Group with its headquarters at 7 Bell Yard London WC2A 2JR, United Kingdom. Plan your visit to Madagascar: find out where to go and what to do in Madagascar with Rough Guides. Read about itineraries, activities, places to stay and travel essentials and get inspiration from the blog in the best guide to ...

  17. Is Madagascar Safe for Travel RIGHT NOW? (2024 Safety Rating)

    Written by Travel Safe Team. Safety Index: 49. * Based on Research & Crime Data. User Sentiment: 70. * Rated 70 / 100 based on 2 user reviews. Madagascar, a very well-known country occupying a large island of the same name, is located in the Indian Ocean, just right off the eastern coast of Africa. The fourth-largest island in the world offers ...

  18. The 10 most gorgeous islands on the planet

    The diversity of wildlife on Madagascar helped the world's fourth largest island snag the No. 6 spot, while a heady mix of sandy beaches and ancient ruins puts Cyprus at No. 7.

  19. An African safari cruise? Onboard a Norwegian Cruise Line adventure

    Although the Feb. 25 sailing had to skip Madagascar for logistical reasons after a delay departing Mauritius, Herd said she was able to visit the country earlier on her trip and that it was a real ...