travel tips for madagascar

©Dennis van de Water/Shutterstock

Lemurs, baobabs, rainforest, desert, hiking and diving: Madagascar is a dream destination for outdoors enthusiasts – half the fun is getting to all these incredible attractions.

Your next trip starts here

Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Allée des Baobabs

Western Madagascar

One of Madagascar's most recognisable images, this small stretch of the RN8 between Morondava and Belo-sur-Tsiribihina is flanked on both sides by…

Musée de la Photo

Antananarivo

Opened in early 2018, this fabulous photography museum is Antananarivo's best museum. There are four small rooms showing films (in French, English or…

Parc National Isalo

Southern Madagascar

Isalo is one of Madagascar's most beautiful parks. It contains sculpted buttes, vertical rock walls and, best of all, deep canyon floors shot through with…

Parc National Bemaraha

If you visit one place in western Madagascar, make it Parc National Bemaraha. A Unesco World Heritage Site, its highlights are the jagged, limestone…

Poised atop Ambohimanga hill is the Rova, the fortress-palace. The walls of the compounds were constructed using cement made from sand, shells and egg…

Tana’s rova (fortified palace), known as Manjakamiadana (A Fine Place to Rule), is the imposing structure that crowns the city's highest hill. Gutted in a…

Parc National Masoala-Nosy Mangabe

Eastern Madagascar

This 2100-sq-km national park contains one of the best primary rainforests in the country. It is famous for its vegetation, which includes rare hardwoods,…

Parc National Analamazaotra

This is the most popular park within Parc National Andasibe Mantadia. The real draw of this reserve is the rare indri, Madagascar’s largest lemur, whose…

Latest stories from Madagascar

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Wildlife & Nature

Oct 30, 2020 • 1 min read

Lemurs are exclusive to Madagascar and over 100 unique species live there, but 98% are threatened with extinction.

Sep 29, 2020 • 2 min read

Oct 9, 2019 • 3 min read

Sep 27, 2019 • 6 min read

Aug 21, 2018 • 6 min read

Apr 18, 2017 • 16 min read

Oct 19, 2016 • 5 min read

Jun 20, 2016 • 1 min read

Jun 1, 2013 • 5 min read

Apr 10, 2012 • 3 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Madagascar

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Madagascar with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Madagascar and beyond

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Madagascar, The Red Island

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.

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.

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$.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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]

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

Related Posts

The Perfect Sri Lanka Travel Itinerary: One Week, 10 days, and Two Weeks

The Perfect Fiji Honeymoon Itinerary: One To Two Weeks

The Perfect Fiji Travel Itinerary: Beaches, Diving, and Island Paradise

The Perfect Vietnam Travel Itinerary: One Week, Two Weeks, and Three Weeks

The Perfect Two Week Travel Itinerary For Greece

The Perfect One Week Itinerary For Greece

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 Yes, add me to your mailing list

Add Comment  *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

Post Comment

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!

Madagascar Travel Guide: Essential Facts and Information

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. 

The Top 8 National Parks in Madagascar

Tanzania Travel Guide: Essential Facts and Information

12 Best Things to Do in Madagascar

Amber Mountain National Park: The Complete Guide

Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park: The Complete Guide

Mauritius Travel Guide: Essential Facts and Information

Weather in Madagascar: Climate, Seasons and Average Temperatures

Equatorial Guinea Travel Guide: Essential Information

Djibouti Travel Guide: Essential Facts and Information

Top 18 Things to Do in Antananarivo, Madagascar

Kenya Travel Guide: Essential Facts and Information

Rwanda Travel Guide: Essential Facts and Information

Senegal Travel Guide: Essential Facts and Information

Botswana Travel Guide: Essential Facts and Information

12 of Africa's Best Beach Destinations

Ghana Travel Guide: Essential Facts and Information

No videos yet!

Click on "Watch later" to put videos here

Madagascar Travel Guide – Everything You Need to Know

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.

You may also like

State of Palestine Travel Guide – Everything You Need to Know

South Sudan Travel Guide – Everything You Need to Know

Democratic Republic of the Congo Travel Guide – Everything You Need to Know

Travel destinations.

• Experiencing Australia 20
• Experiencing Cambodia 5
• Experiencing China 24
• Experiencing Cruise 6
• Experiencing France 5
• Experiencing Germany 3
• Experiencing Indonesia 10
• Experiencing Italy 11
• Experiencing Japan 10
• Experiencing Korea 7
• Experiencing Malaysia 6
• Experiencing Maldives 7
• Experiencing Myanmar 10
• Experiencing New Zealand 17
• Experiencing Singapore 15
• Experiencing Switzerland 4
• Experiencing Taiwan 14
• Experiencing Thailand 18
• Experiencing Vietnam 5

Madagascar travel guide | 3-week Itinerary

• August 2, 2023

Welcome to Madagascar travel guide, a 3-week itinerary to this magical island of natural wonders.

We recently visited the Red Island of Madagascar, which proved to be one of the most challenging, adventurous, and unique destinations we have ever travelled to. Planning our trip was tough due to the notoriously bad roads, and it often took us days to get from one place to another. We couldn’t risk driving at night, as it was considered highly dangerous. Therefore, we had to rely on daytime travel, which made our journey even more challenging.

It was really hard for us also to decide which places we will pass on or which we will invest in long hours and sometimes days of driving.

When in Madagascar, communication can be tricky for English speakers as the main languages spoken are Malagasy and French. Ordering something as simple as water can be difficult, and it was a big challenge to express ourselves effectively.

However, despite all these challenges, Madagascar has rewarded us with stunning views, spectacular untouched nature, amazing tropical beaches, rich wildlife, and experiences.

As one of the megadiverse countries in the world, we got to see unique animals in their natural habitats and flora that can be found only on the island.

Madagascar is also one of the poorest countries on the planet, which exposed us to the harsh poverty of the locals. But also allowed us to experience a place that hasn’t been touched by time or progress, where people still live with the old traditions and lifestyle.

Do you want to know more about what are the best places to see in Madagascar? What not to miss in Madagascar? How to plan your Madagascar trip? Here are our experiences and tips for Madagascar travelling.

Is Madagascar a safe country to travel? – Madagascar travel guide

As always, before we go travel, especially to third-world countries, we hear a lot of scary stories. Madagascar wasn’t exceptional. We heard about gangs with axes lurking on the roads, evil mosquitos with malaria, and poor street kids who will rob our phones in a flash of an eye.

Luckily for us, we didn’t experience any of the above. During our 3 weeks in Madagascar, we didn’t see any kind of violence or felt threatened. Having said that, we always consulted the locals, on which places are dangerous, where not to go, and what to expect. Most of the time we were advised not to walk or drive at night, and in the big cities to take extra watch for our valuables.

Visa + Vaccinations + Water – Madagascar travel guide

All foreign visitors to Madagascar require entry visas. For tourism purposes, you can get a tourist visa with a validity for staying in the country of 30 to 60 days maximum. The requirement for the visa is a valid passport with a validity of more than 6 months and a flight ticket showing the dates of entry and exit to Madagascar. You can apply for an entry visa online or at the Antananarivo airport after departure. The procedure is very simple and will cost you around 35 euros.

It is recommended to be vaccinated against yellow fever.

Water in Madagascar is considered not drinkable for foreigners, it is advised to strictly drink from sealed water bottles. We recommend also avoiding tap water when brushing the teeth and being careful in the shower, not to get water in the mouth. Also, be careful with washing the fruits.

When to travel to Madagascar? Madagascar travel guide

The best time to visit Madagascar is during the dry season, between April and November. During the dry season you can enjoy comfortable temperatures of an average of 20 to 25 Celsius, and most important avoid heavy rains. During this season the roads are more accessible, and daylight is longer.

Between December and March, which consider the wet season, heavy rains and typhoons are expected, roads will become inaccessible, and fewer opportunities to watch the wildlife.

We went at the early beginning of December and still enjoyed good weather and to our surprise barely saw rain. We also enjoyed cheaper prices as the main tourist season was over. For us it was perfect, but we wouldn’t recommend going any further than that.

Money in Madagascar – Madagascar travel guide

The official currency of Madagascar is ‘Ariary’. The money banknotes vary from 100 to 20,000 bills. There are almost no ATMs and exchange offices in Madagascar. We recommend withdrawing extra money during your stay in the capital of Antananarivo.

Exchange rates at the airport are very high, so we advise you to just cash out from ATMs (which can be found at the airport) as much as possible. Credit cards are rarely excepted, but can be used in some hotels and fancy restaurants.

Where to stay in Madagascar – Madagascar travel guide

We booked some of our accommodation in advance through Booking. Most of our rooms were basic and budget-friendly, but we also spoiled ourselves with fancy places, especially at the beach areas.

The biggest accommodation problem in Madagascar was that many places that we visited didn’t exist on Booking. We had to help ourselves with guidebooks and tips from the internet.

Transportation in Madagascar – Madagascar travel guide

As backpackers, we usually like to explore and experience the place we travel to by public transportation. To feel the vibe of the locals and mingle with them. Unfortunately in Madagascar (unless you are a masochist) this is out of the question. The roads in Madagascar are so bad, you can spend days getting to your destination even if it is considerably close.

The public transport is also quite a mess, you can’t rely on the timetables, and the drivers will fill people in the vans with no consideration for comfort or logic.

Like most of the travellers, we met or talk with, we rented a 4X4 jeep with a driver, which was a bit pricy (35 € a day). But worth every penny! Not only for the comfort and safety but also for having a local with us, who served also as a guide which enriched our experience.

Due to the massive size of Madagascar, there are also domestic flights. We used it once from West Madagascar (Toliara) back to Antananarivo to save some time and avoid driving back. Unfortunately, most of the flights are quite expensive and were off our budget.

Food in Madagascar – Madagascar travel guide

Most food of Madagascar revolves around rice, the main agricultural crop of the island. The Malagasies eat rice during all meals of the day in different variations and flavours. The main protein of their diet comes from local beans and the ‘Zebu’. A humped-look-alike cow that can be seen throughout all of Madagascar.

Along the coasts of the Island is common to find fresh fish and seafood. For more about food in Madagascar click here.

Madagascar travel guide 3-week Itinerary

Antananarivo (days 1-2) – madagascar travel guide.

The capital of Madagascar was our first introduction to the island. Even though we are experienced travellers, who’ve spent a long time in India and South America… Nothing has prepared us for this crazy hectic city.

As we started exploring the town and got to the centre, both of us got into a culture shock. Seeing the masses of people, the smells, and the noises.

Everywhere we looked something was happening. The eyes of the locals were scanning us with curiosity and poor beggar kids were following us asking for money in a language we did not understand. Not for the faint-hearted.

The main attraction of the city for us was the Analakely Market. A huge and chaotic shopping area, covered with vendors, stalls, and shops offering colourful food and products of Madagascar.

We were multiple times warned to keep our phones as many pickpockets are waiting for the grab. To escape a bit from the crazy crowd we hike to one of the hills, where we got a nice panoramic view of the city. The capital city was a good place to exchange our money and arrange through the agency a driver for our travel.

CLICK HERE and read more about Antananarivo.

Antsirabe (day 2-3)

After getting introduced to our driver, we started driving towards our second destination. As we exit Antananarivo, we started to witness the beauty of Madagascar’s nature and views. Passing endless green rice fields, dark red soil, and bright blue skies. The construction of the colours was amazing.

We got to Antsirabe around noon and went to explore the third-biggest city in Madagascar. The city is packed with rickshaws drivers, some on bicycles and some on foot and it’s one of the main attractions of the place. After being offered a ride by endless people, we took a short drive along the city’s main road and enjoyed the unique vibe.

Even though it’s a city, it was so different from what we are used to in Western countries. It was a first glimpse of an African town, with dirt roads, small houses, and basic stalls and shops along the roads. At night time, the city was in complete darkness and we spent the evening at our hotel.

Ambositra and Ranomafana National Park (day 3-5)

In the morning, we started our journey toward the tropical Ranomafana National Park. After a few hours of drive passing small villages and more of the majestic nature of Madagascar, we stopped in Ambositra where we had lunch and went for a short hike around the city. We enjoyed checking out the many stores that offer wood-carving arts which is what the place is known for.

After Ambositra we continued the journey to the Ranomafana Park, passing many villagers along the roads, offering bananas, lychee, and plums. The more we got closer we notice the change in nature, becoming more and more green, tropical, and a true jungle feeling.

As we went up also the climate changed and for the first time we experience rain in Madagascar. We arrived afternoon at the park and went to our quite fancy accommodation, just a 5-minute drive from the main entrance.

Our spacious wooden hut was equipped with a huge bed and all the comfort accessories a room can have. We also got an amazing view of the jungle just in front of us.

This accommodation was one of the highest we spent on a room. Later we discover a small village close by that offer much cheaper prices but wasn’t on booking so we couldn’t know.

The next day we got up early and went to explore Ranomafana National Park. The park is famous for its many species of lemurs, mushrooms, plants, and flora.

We took the long hike which was around 6 hours, passing through rain forest full of life. We were lucky enough to spot 8 different kinds of lemurs in their natural habitat.

In the evening we went for a night walk with a guide to spot the cute mouse lemurs and many chameleons.

To read more about Ranomafana National Park click HERE .

Ambalavao and Anja Park (days 5-7) – Madagascar travel guide

As we were heading more towards the South of Madagascar, we notice a change of nature. From the green rain forests to more dry scenery with impressive huge rocky mountains and massive scattered boulders. Ambalavao was our base point to visit the much anticipated Anja Park.

On the first day, we walked along the only main road of the city. We mingled with the curious locals who were not used to seeing foreigners and admiring the mountains that surround the town.

The next morning we drove to Anja Park which turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip. The park is evolved around massive mountains and cliffs and offers different hikes to choose from with various difficulties.

During our hike, we had the chance for a close-up meeting with the beautiful ring-tail lemur’s pack, huge sleepy chameleons, and exotic birds. We also walked through caves, and cliffs and got almost to the top of the mountain with an amazing view of the area.

A must-visit in Madagascar!

For more about Anja Park CLICK HERE .

Isalo National Park (days 7-9)

The more we were heading toward Isalo, the more we got the feeling of complete wilderness. There was nothing on the roads but endless dry white fields, the blue sky, and our car. Occasionally we saw lone shepherds hoarding their Zebus on this wasteland and sometimes even a burial ceremony of the local villagers.

We got also to see the infamous Sapphire mining areas with its pop-up towns, where u can see how rich foreigners take advantage of the poor locals.

When we arrived at the Isalo National Park area around noon, it was the only place we haven’t booked accommodation in advance. The reason was, we knew about wild camping options inside the park, but couldn’t find any detailed information online. Second of all, around the park several resorts are quite expensive (and not just by Madagascar standards).

After consulting with our driver, we decided to go to Ranohira, the closest town to Isalo. There we found a lovely friendly budget hotel with cute clay huts and a panoramic view of the park.

Visit the park

The next day we got up early and headed to the park entrance where we paid the fees and local guide for the hike. We walked for about 8 hours, admiring the sandstone landscape of cliffs, canyons, plateaus, and natural swimming pools. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and showed us many unique plants, insects, and flora of the park. He also explained to us the history of Isalo and the local community.

Towards the end of our hike, we arrived at one of the camps (there are 2 different camping sites) of the park and felt a bit of regret not staying for the night. The camp is located in the middle of one of the canyons and it’s probably quite an experience to sleep there. Close to the camp we also saw for the first time the cute sifaka lemurs, and spend at least half an hour taking pictures and enjoying their company.

At the end of our Isalo experience, our guide took us through an amazing water stream path towards 2 beautiful pools where we could splash in the water and cool down from the heat.

Isalo National Park blew our minds, and if we had more time we sure stay more in this Malagasy gem. After the hike, we learned about the camps and prices and the hiking options the park has to offer. We highly recommend giving this place at least 3 days if not more.

CLICK HERE to read more about Isalo Madagascar.

Mangily (days 9-11)

After spending hasty days driving from one place to another, exploring the mainland of Madagascar, it was our time for some relaxing beach time. Our original plan was to stay at Toliara, the capital of the SouthWest coast region. But the city looked very crowded and hectic which wasn’t what we envision for our chill-out.

Our driver suggested we go to Mangily, which is about 25 km from Toliara. This cute fisherman village was exactly what we were looking for. Beautiful huts located on the shore, spacious hammocks, and green palm trees.

During our three-day stay in Mangily, we relaxed and indulged in fresh seafood and cold beer to rejuvenate our fatigued bodies from the tiring journey. One morning, we decided to go on a snorkelling excursion to explore the coral reefs nearby. However, the experience turned out to be a letdown as the reef was devoid of colours and life, likely because of overfishing and climate change. Moreover, the activity was excessively expensive.

In Mangily we also had to deal with quite annoying souvenir sellers who just didn’t leave us to be even after politely saying no. But having said that, we loved Mangily very much and highly recommend it if you travel to the area.

To read more about Mangily CLICK HERE .

Antananarivo (day 11-12)

To save time, we took a 45 min domestic flight from Toliara airport back to Antananarivo. There we spent 1 night before starting our journey towards ll Sainte-Marie island. On the next morning, we headed to the Taxi-Brousse station, where we took a shared van to Toamasina.

Toamasina (day 12-13)

We arrived in Toamasina after a brutal drive of more than 10 hours, passing quite bad bumpy roads and traffic jams. Not recommended will be an understatement.

Toamasina is a port city where most tourists come to take a boat or ferry to the Island of Nosy Boraha (ll Sainte-Marie). There is nothing special about the city besides its hectic vibe and crowded roads of rickshaws, cars, people, and farm animals running free.

Nosy Boraha – Ile Sainte Marie (days 13-18)

At 4 am, we reached the ferry agency in Toamasina and waited for three hours before being transported to the beach in vans. The journey was uncomfortable and lasted over two hours, made worse by the drivers cramming more people into the already-packed vans along the way.

The boat ride was also around 3 hours and when we arrived on the island we were completely exhausted. All these hard 2 days and journeys on the roads and the sea took the wind out of our sails. However the reward was well worth it, Ile Sainte Marie was revealed to be paradise on Earth.

Arriving at our Accommodation – Madagascar travel guide

From the port of the island, a driver of our resort came to pick us up and brought us to one of the most beautiful and welcoming accommodations we ever experienced. As we arrived, immediately all the stress and pain of the long travel dissolved.

We were greeted with fresh coconuts and delicious sandwiches and got escorted to our amazing spoiling bungalow one step away from the water.

During our stay on the island, we rented a motorbike (the main transport) and drove along the beautiful coastline of Nosy Boraha. Stopping from time to time for a quick deep in the sea. For watching waterfalls and seeing the local vibes of the islanders.

The island culture is quite different from Madagascar. We could see that people are more chill and happy with their life. One day we saved to go and check out Île aux Nattes, an even tinier island on the South of Nosy Boraha.

From the South point of the island, we took a small taxi boat towards the island, and what can we say it was just getting more and more pretty. The uniqueness of the island is in its natural state, u could almost feel Robinson Crusoe. Besides some very few hidden restaurants and resorts, there is nothing but palm trees, white sand, and the most crystal turquoise water.

Toamasina (day 18-19) – Madagascar travel guide

Boat number one.

Returning to Toamasina proved to be a great adventure for us. We woke up at 3 in the morning and headed to the port to catch our ferry back to the Madagascar mainland. Unfortunately, upon arrival, we found out that the boat was delayed due to bad weather and wouldn’t be departing until the following day. We felt frustrated and unsure of what to do.

At last, a stranger came up to us and proposed to sell us a boat from another port on the island at a reasonable cost. With limited options, we accepted the offer. However, the boat we ended up with was incredibly tiny and navigating through the rough waters and stormy conditions proved to be quite terrifying.

Dirt Bike Ride

After one hour we arrived at an abandoned beach, thinking a van will pick us up to Toamasina, but no van was in sight. People with motorcycles came to us and offer a ride to the next village. Without any other choice, we went on the bikes and drove with them at crazy speeds through dirt roads and rural villages.

2 More Boat Rides

Eventually, we got to a river and had to change to canoes, to take us further. We cruised on a beautiful backwater, surrounded by green nature listening to the local radio of the canoe captain.

A Horrible Endless Van Ride

Once we passed the backwaters, we made our way to Tanambao village to look for a taxi van that could take us to Toamasina. However, we were taken aback when the driver informed us that the journey would take more than 8 hours. The ride turned out to be even more unpleasant than the one from Antananarivo. We had never before been in such a cramped van with so many people that we couldn’t even move a finger.

We arrived in Toamasina at 9 pm. Destroyed, tired, dehydrated and hungry. It was probably the hardest journey we had in Madagascar and probably in all our travels.

In conclusion, we don’t recommend doing what we did. If Ile Sainte Marie is a must for you, please invest extra money and take the direct plane from Antananarivo.

Antananarivo (day 19-20)

Like the road toward Toamasina, also the drive back was long and exhausting. We arrive only at dark to the capital. The next day we just chilled in our hostel. We hung out with other travellers and ate some Italian food after so long time of basic rice.

We also wanted to do our shopping but unfortunately, it was Christmas Day and also Sunday so everything was closed. We had to go home empty-handed. In the evening we took a taxi to the airport and flew home. Exhausted, but happy.

Madagascar – travel for real adventurers

Madagascar is not a ‘walk in the park’. The roads can drive you to insanity. Without knowing at least a bit of French you will find yourself lost in this huge island.

But, Madagascar will give you thrilling adventures, majestic nature, out-of-this-world views, and unique animals you won’t see anywhere else. After traveling for so long and so many countries Madagascar will defiantly enter our top 5 destinations in the world.

You Might Also Like

Madagascar Food | What food to try in Madagascar

Guide to Isalo National park Madagascar

What to do in Antananarivo | Madagascar Capital City

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Complete Guide to Madagascar: All you Need to Know!

Madagascar feels like a far far away land. That is because it is! Located off the eastern coast of Africa across from Mozambique, Madagascar is the world’s fourth-largest island. And with nearly 90% of wildlife endemic to the island, Madagascar should be high on your bucket list.

Don’t worry, we’ll get you there with this complete guide to Madagascar! 

From rainforests to beaches, wildlife, and astonishing rock formations, there is a diverse range of sights to explore. But sadly, Madagascar is one of the world’s poorest nations, resulting in a poverty-stricken country that is also very cheap. Its infrastructure is some of the worst in the world, with a 120-mile journey sometimes taking an entire day to complete.

Because of the poor infrastructure and low costs, it is best to visit Madagascar for a long period, making it a wonderful backpacking destination. There are only a couple of well-developed areas, in particular Nosy Be, which is a common holiday destination.

Madagascar was a French colony until 1960 when it gained its full independence. As a result, the most common visitors to Madagascar are French nationals. There is a lot of French influence still today in Madagascar, especially related to its language.

Many French ex-pats have opened hotels and restaurants so the French food in Madagascar is delicious! Our favorite towns – Antsirabe and Diego Suarez – have an excellent culture, cheap accommodation, and excellent food.

Read on to learn all about the complete guide to Madagascar!

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 Time to Visit Madagascar

The best time to visit Madagascar is during the dry season between April and November. The wet season is best avoided. Rain is very heavy and the island experiences cyclones between December and March.

Like many countries, Madagascar has in place COVID travel restrictions . You have the option to present a negative PCR test performed 72 hours before boarding, or you can test upon arrival. But check with the airline first, just in case. If you decide to test upon arrival, you’ll need to pay for the test at your own expense and self-isolate until the results are available.

How to Get to Madagascar

Madagascar is not easy to get to and flights are expensive. There are not many places that fly directly to Madagascar, including Paris, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Johannesburg. Flights are also available from Mauritius, Seychelles, Reunion, Comoros, and Mayotte, but flying through these places is typically expensive.

We were able to score a multi-destination flight with Air Kenya that originated in Nairobi with stops in Mauritius, Madagascar, and Seychelles for only $350 USD. If you are exploring the region for a long time, make sure to check different options as there are often deals on multi-destination flights. 

Internal flights in Madagascar are a monopoly with Air Madagascar. They are known for lengthy delays (or cancellations) and flights usually cost $300 USD one-way.

Visa for Madagascar

An electronic visa (eVisa) will be required for tourists. The eVisa application is available online and valid for up to 90 days. Visitors will need to complete the online registration to receive a landing authorization to present on arrival at the eVisa ticket counters. The eVisa rates are:

• 30 days: $37 USD or 35 EUR
• 60 days: $45 USD or 40 EUR

Malagasy is the national language of Madagascar and there are many regional dialects. It was a French colony up until its independence in 1960, so French is the official second language. But in rural locations, many do not speak French.

English is rarely spoken in rural areas. From a language standpoint, Madagascar was one of the most difficult places we have ever traveled to. We would recommend learning some basic words in French as well as common numbers.

Madagascar uses the Ariary (Ar) which was introduced in 2005 as the national currency. It is the same bill as their earlier currency, the Malagasy Franc. Many locals, especially in the countryside, still use the Franc when quoting prices. The conversion from Franc to Ariary is 5:1.  Typical Costs in Madagascar are as follows:

• Street food  ranges from 500 – 2,500 Ariary for meals
• Beer  typically cost 3,000 Ariary
• Budget hotels  range from 20,000 – 35,000 Ariary.

As of March 2022, the Ariary is worth:

• $1 = 4,047 Ariary
• €1 = 4,474 Ariary

Best Sim Cards in Madagascar

Telma is the largest, most reliable, and cheapest cell phone provider. However, Orange was our preferred network to use for data. Sim cards cost 3,000 Ariary, and credit is available throughout the country at street vendors and shops. Credit is available in 1,000 Ariary intervals, which is good for about 50 MB of data.

Hotels in Madagascar are very cheap and possibly some of the best for the budget prices. Good rooms cost between 20,000 and 35,000 Ariary. Warm showers are a rarity and the “Malagasy shower”, a simple bucket shower, was quite common. Western toilets were not always found, and if they were, they rarely were inclusive of the much sought-after toilet seat.

Where to Stay in Madagascar on a Budget

• Fianarantsoa   –  Residence Matsiatra is around $20/night for a private room
• Manakara   – Chez Zizou costs $20 for very basic bungalows on the beach

Food in Madagascar

Madagascar has many ex-pats, so there are excellent restaurants on the island, and the Italian and French cuisine is particularly amazing. 

Zebu (beef) is the national dish and is incorporated in all cuisines. The local cuisine is served at “hotelys” and street vendors. Hotelys are small local restaurants, common in most towns. Dishes are typically an enormous plate of rice and a small side of meat, either zebu, pork, or chicken. Occasionally, mine sao (fried noodles) or beans are available.

In the morning, several street vendors sell coffee and fried dough (which is delicious). Throughout the day, it is common to find vendors with fried snacks, such as samosas, fried bananas, or fried vegetables. 

Typical costs for food are:

• Fried snacks: 100 to 200 Ar
• Coffee: 200 to 300 Ar
• Small meals: 1,000 Ar
• Hotely meals: 2,500 to 4,000 Ar

Food-Related Illness

Madagascar has very poor health standards, bad sanitation, and a lack of refrigeration. Food is often prepared in large quantities, days in advance, and sold until it is finished. The inevitable result is that you will likely have an upset stomach with a bout or two in the toilet. Don’t worry, everyone here is in the same boat, so you are not alone.

Taking a Taxi Brousse

Taxi brousses are the main method of public transportation in Madagascar. A taxi brousse is a mini-bus that can range from somewhat new to somehow surviving. You never know what to expect; music blasting, chickens on the floor, dead fish on the roof, luggage packed in everywhere, and babies sleeping half on your lap. It is surely an adventure, and Madagascar cannot be visited without at least one taxi brousse ride!

Be ready to get bombarded and harassed at every taxi brousse station. Always look around at several options, inspect the bus, and go with the one that is almost at capacity as they do not leave until they are full.

Regional vs. National Taxi Brousse

This is critical. Regional buses are of lower quality and they pack in as many people as possible. If they have room, even when you swear it is not possible, they will stop and pick up more people. At one such stop, we saw two grown men who did not know each other, sit on one another’s lap. National companies do not pack people in and each person has an assigned seat.

Factors When Picking a Taxi Brousse

• Look at the tires.  Do they look like they can make it to your destination?   Make sure they have tread. 
• Can they put your bag inside in the trunk space verses on the roof? 
• Can you get a seat next to a window that opens? 
• Are you sitting right next to the only working speaker? 
• Is the taxi brousse almost full? 

These may sound like minor factors, but then you have one of “those” taxi brousse rides. “Those” rides take eight hours when it should take three. They put dead fish on the roof on top of your bags. It is 90 degrees and humid and no one likes to open their windows, because its “winter.” Music is blasting out of the only speaker right above your seat.

These are not made up, these happened to us and it can happen to you too. Picking a taxi brousse is part art, part science. It’s best to just mentally prepare for a long and stressful day and cross your fingers that you’ll actually get to your destination. Aside from all those things, it’s absolutely great, I swear.

Taxi Brousse Pricing

• Tana to Antsirabe: 12K
• Morondova to Antsirabe: 30K
• Antsirabe to Fianarantsoa: 15K
• Tsaronuru to Ambalavao: 3K
• Ambalavao to Ranahiro: 20K
• Ranahiro to Toliara: 23K (no taxi browse station in Ranahiro, book the day before with a hotel or one of the touts in town)
• Toliara to Anakao Ferry: 50K each way
• Toliara to Tana: 52K by Taxi Brousse 120K by private car
• Tana to Andasibe: 15K
• Andasibe to Tamatave: 14K
• Tamatave to Ile Saint Marie (bus and ferry transfer): 70K
• Tamatave to Tana: 20K
• Tana to Diego Suarez: 70K

Madagascar Itinerary Recommendations

The biggest variable when visiting Madagascar is the travel time between destinations. The taxi brousse is pretty reliable; however, the drive will incur long hours. For those with a limited holiday, it is best to hire a personal car and driver.

West Madagascar: Baobabs and the Grand Tsingy

The west of Madagascar has two of the main highlights,  Tsingy de Bemaraha and the Avenue of the Baobabs . An excellent way to visit the west is on a seven-day tour that includes a few days on a traditional pirogue (boat) floating down the Tsiribihina River.

Tsingy and the Avenue of the Baobabs are two of the most popular places to visit in Madagascar and a highlight that should not be missed.

East Madagascar: Jungle and Beach

The east of Madagascar is a very desirable part of the country, with excellent rainforests and beaches. Near Antananarivo, Andasibe is a rainforest with great walking tours. Continue to the coast to Ile Saint Marie and the  paradise island of Ile Aux Nattes .

South Madagascar: Hiking and Beach

Due to better road infrastructure, visiting the south is the most popular route for tourists. The itinerary usually visits Antsirabe, Ambalavao, Anja Park, Isalo National Park, and one of the beach towns near Toliare, such as Anakao or Ifante.

While this is very popular, this was our least favorite part of the country. The only exception was hiking the Andringitra Mountains near Ambalavao.

North Madagascar: Rainforest, Rock Formations, and Beaches

The north is much more laid back than the rest of the country. Most of the north is concentrated around   Diego Suarez  and Nosy Be. Nosy Be is expensive and a popular resort island. Diego Suarez is a great colonial city with excellent sites nearby.

Main activities include a visit to Ramena, a boat ride to Emerald Bay, hiking the Three Bays, and a day trip to Tsingy Rouge and Amber Mountain.

Best of Madagascar

• Avenue of the Baobabs
• Andasibe rainforest
• Ile Aux Nattes
• Andringitra mountains
• Tsingy Rouge

That’s the complete guide to madagascar – we hope you have an amazing visit to this beautiful country!

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

SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST

About the Author:

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.

View all posts

Related Posts

An Adventure Guide to Diego Suarez, Madagascar

Wild West Tour of Madagascar

Travel Guide to Paradise: Ile aux Nattes

1 thought on “complete guide to madagascar: all you need to know”.

Hi Your trip sounds great, thank you very much for sharing all this helpful information. How was it with the safety? Did you always feel save? Or did you hear of tourists getting robbed?

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Madagascar   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Pierre-Yves Babelon | Getty Images

Why Go To Madagascar

Dreaming of a tropical getaway spent lounging on idyllic islands, trekking through verdant rainforests, hiking around jaw-dropping rock formations and spotting unique wildlife? Then set your sights on Madagascar. Located in the Indian Ocean, about 743 miles east of Mozambique, this African paradise is the fourth largest island in the world. Approximately 19,000 types of plants can be found in the country's 47 national parks and reserves, but its one-of-a-kind animals are the main draw for nature lovers. All of the world's 100-plus lemur species call this island nation home, as do more than 340 kinds of chameleons and a variety of birds.

Though you'll likely spend some time in populous areas like Antananarivo (the country's capital) and Nosy Be (a small island off the mainland's northwest coast), Madagascar is filled with regions ripe for exploration. Travelers can head offshore to snorkel around Nosy Sakatia or swim at The Three Bays , and photography enthusiasts can snap breathtaking pictures of the sun rising or setting over Morondava's Avenue of the Baobabs . Fitness buffs, meanwhile, have access to hiking trails at Anja Community Reserve , plus Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve 's towering limestone pinnacles, which are ideal for climbing. If you'd rather have a more quintessential Malagasy vacation, travel deep into national parks like Isalo and Mantadia to watch lemurs, boa constrictors and more lingering in the trees.

Find Flight and Hotel Deals

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

• # 6 in Best Islands in the World for 2024
• # 12 in Best Places to Visit in Africa in 2023

Best of Madagascar

Best hotels in madagascar.

• in Carlton Hotel

Best Things to Do in Madagascar

• # 1 in Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve
• # 2 in Avenue of the Baobabs
• # 3 in Mantadia National Park (Parc National Mantadia)

Popular Tours

Two days wildlife tour to Andasibe NP

(4 reviews)

from $ 336.70

Madagascar Wildlife Tour for 02 days

(7 reviews)

from $ 640.81

Guided day tour to the Nosy Iranja Natural Island

from $ 86.89

Madagascar Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Madagascar is from April to October. This dry season brings fewer rain showers, meaning optimal conditions for observing animals, hiking and participating in water sports activities. Although accommodation rates are higher at this time, properties will be easier to access due to the country's roads being clear. Temperatures will also be more comfortable than they are during the wet season.

Weather in Madagascar

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

• Beaches are not guarded  Lifeguards and security personnel are rarely stationed at beaches. If you plan on visiting a beach, do not leave your belongings unattended at any time, and keep a close eye on children.
• Bottled water is a must Tap water is not safe to drink at hotels, restaurants and all other locales in Madagascar, meaning you'll need to drink bottled water at all times. You'll also want to avoid ice in drinks unless it's been made from filtered water.
• Malaria is prevalent  Local mosquitoes may carry malaria, so bring long-sleeved clothing, insect repellent with DEET (a chemical that limits mosquitoes' ability to smell you) and anti-malarial medication, which can be obtained from your doctor.
• Cash reigns supreme  Few restaurants, shops and hotels accept credit cards in Madagascar, so bring Malagasy ariary with you or withdraw some from a local ATM to pay for goods and services.

How to Save Money in Madagascar

• Use taxis-brousse Though this mode of transportation is notoriously slow, taxis-brousse are one of the country's most affordable ways to travel long distances.
• Be mindful of trail fees Some paths, such as those found at Isalo National Park and Mantadia National Park , can only be accessed after paying park admissions, plus a trail fee. To save money, choose to explore paths where there is no additional fee, such as Lokobe National Park 's Circuit Kindro and Circuit Ramy trails.
• Pitch a tent High-end accommodations in Madagascar can cost more than $500 per night, so consider camping at a protected area like Anja Community Reserve or Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve . Campsite spaces are generally $2 to $12 per night to reserve.

Culture & Customs

Home to 18 main ethnic groups, Madagascar is a diverse island nation. Malagasy and French are the country's official languages, the latter of which was introduced when the French colonized the region from 1896 to 1960. You may also find a few Malagasy people who speak English, but it is best to use Malagasy or French when possible. Of the two primary languages, Malagasy is more commonly used. Some key Malagasy and French terms and phrases to use while traveling in Madagascar include "manao ahoana e" and "bonjour" (hello), "Manao ahoana ny fahasalamanao?" and "Comment allez-vous?" (How are you?), "Tsy azoko" and "Je ne comprend pas" (I don't understand), "Mahay miteny angisy ve ianao?" and "Parlez-vous anglais?" (Do you speak English?), and "veloma" and "au revoir" (goodbye).

Although Madagascar's capital city of Antananarivo has a population of more than 1.3 million people, the majority of Malagasy people live in rural areas, where traditional customs and practices are the norm. Men and women who live in the countryside, for example, mainly wear locally made garments like dresses with gathered skirts and oversized shirts with long pants, while wealthier individuals and those living in cities often wear a mix of Western attire and traditional items like lambas (shawls) and raffia hats. Many Malagasy people will also celebrate family-focused ceremonies, such as Famadihana (a sacred ritual that involves removing the bones of loved ones from an ancestral crypt to rewrap with fresh garments).

Music is an integral part of Malagasy culture. Western dances, lyrics and instruments are blended with Malagasy rhythms to create the bulk of the country's contemporary music. Western musical styles like rock, jazz and hip-hop can also be heard here, but one of Madagascar's most popular genres is salegy , an energetic style that features electric guitars, accordions, drums and call-and-response vocals. Salegy and other genres are played at various bars and clubs throughout Antananarivo, including the Hotel Glacier , Pandora Station and Espace Dera, but prostitution – which is illegal in Madagascar – occasionally takes place in entertainment venues, so exercise caution when enjoying Malagasy nightlife.

The official currency in Madagascar is the Malagasy ariary (MGA). One Malagasy ariary equals approximately $0.0003, or less than one American penny, but you'll want to check the latest exchange rate before visiting. Euros are easiest to convert to Malagasy ariary in-country, but some currency exchange vendors will take dollars. Credit cards are not accepted at most Malagasy locales, so plan on using cash; if you need additional currency, ATMs are available in most major towns.

Visitors are expected to tip for tourism-related services, but tips are not required for taxi services. It is customary to tip 5 to 10 percent of your food bill at restaurants that do not list service charges on receipts, while hotel employees (think: bellhops and housekeepers) should receive about 2,000 Malagasy ariary (less than $1) each per stay. Tour guides generally expect 10,000 to 20,000 Malagasy ariary (or $3 to $6) per day, and you should allot about 5,000 to 10,000 Malagasy ariary (or $1.50 to $3) per day for drivers.

What to Eat

The predominant cuisines in Madagascar are Malagasy and French, with French fare generally being more expensive. Antananarivo and Nosy Be are considered the best cities for fine dining and house many of the country's most popular restaurants. For a quintessential French meal, travelers suggest La Rhum Riz - Chez Nono on Nosy Be and Le Restaurant La Varangue , KUDéTA and Restaurant Sakamanga in Antananarivo. Nosy Be's Chez Loulou and Chez Mama are also highly regarded for their authentic Malagasy dishes, such as ravitoto (a pork and cassava leaf entree that's commonly served with white rice) and romazava (a stew made with beef, chicken or pork and leafy greens).

If you're willing to trek outside Madagascar's culinary meccas, try grabbing a bite to eat at Le Restaurant Mad-Zébu de Belo , which is in the small town of Belo Tsiribihina. Though service is sometimes slow, visitors say the European-inspired dishes are as tasty as those served in many Michelin-starred restaurants.  L'Idylle Beach , on Nosy Boraha (also known as Île Sainte-Marie), is also recommended for French cuisine and panoramic ocean views.

For more affordable meals, consider savoring some of the country's street fare. By Antsirabe's daily market, you'll find hawkers selling fried finger foods like nem (eggrolls) and sambosa (similar to samosas, or triangular pastries stuffed with potatoes and ground beef). Antananarivo's Analakely market, meanwhile, boasts an array of fresh fruit (think: lychees, bananas and papayas), plus fresh fish and grilled meat dishes.

Pickpocketing and stealing luggage from Ivato International Airport's baggage claim occurs regularly in Antananarivo. Additionally, violent assaults against travelers occasionally takes place in areas like Nosy Be and Tamatave, and remote highways are frequently targeted for robberies. What's more, street altercations and traffic accidents designed to draw a scene and incite violence against a foreigner is becoming increasingly more common. As a result, it is best to be aware of your belongings and surroundings at all times and to avoid unpopulated roads and public disputes.

Since a democratic government was elected in 2014, violent political events have been rare. However, deadly incidents do occur from time to time, so it's best to avoid or stay alert when visiting government buildings, national sports arenas and historic monuments in Antananarivo.

Malaria can be contracted from Malagasy mosquitoes carrying the disease. To protect yourself while staying in the country, wear long-sleeved clothing and insect repellent with DEET (a chemical that makes it difficult for mosquitoes to smell you). You'll also want to speak with your doctor before your trip to obtain an anti-malarial medication and go over possible drug side effects.

The U.S. State Department strongly advises all Americans who plan on vacationing in Madagascar to sign up for the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program , which notifies the nearest embassy or consulate of your travels. Additional security concerns and safety tips for Madagascar can be found on the U.S. State Department's website .

Getting Around Madagascar

The best way to get around Madagascar is to hire a car with a driver or join an organized tour. Car rentals commonly come with a driver as part of their rates and give you the most flexibility with your itinerary. Tours, however, generally cover the cost of accommodations and some or all meals, but you'll have to stick to a set schedule and travel with other visitors. Limited public transportation options are also available, but these affordable services are slow and often uncomfortable and unsafe. For longer trips between select towns, traveling by plane can be arranged. Getting to the island will require flying into Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo or arriving by cruise ship to various Malagasy locales, including Antsiranana, Nosy Be and Tamatave, via cruise operators like Costa Cruises  and MSC Cruises .

Entry & Exit Requirements

To enter Madagascar, you will need a U.S. passport that is valid for six months past your arrival date and has three blank visa pages. A tourist visa is required for all stays less than 90 days, which can be purchased at the Embassy of Madagascar in Washington, D.C. , or any port of entry in Madagascar. Visas cost $28.70 for stays lasting up to 30 days; $35.88 for stays lasting between 30 and 60 days; and $50.23 for stays lasting 61 to 90 days. For visas purchased upon arrival, only dollars, euros and Malagasy ariary are accepted. A valid World Health Organization-approved International Certificate of Vaccination (also known as a "yellow card") is also required if you have visited or had a stopover in a country where yellow fever is present up to six months before your arrival. Additional information about entry and exit requirements can be found on the Embassy of Madagascar's website and the U.S. State Department's website .

Madagascar is the only country in the world where wild lemurs reside. You'll find 97 species of this one-of-a-kind primate living throughout the island.

Explore More of Madagascar

Things To Do

Best hotels.

You might also like

# 5 in  Best Honeymoon Destinations for 2024

Galapagos Islands

# 3 in  Best Places to Visit in Central and South America in 2023

Kruger National Park

# 11 in  Best Places to Visit in Africa in 2023

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

The 26 Best Zoos in the U.S.

Rachael Hood November 16, 2023

Travel Guide Madagascar

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• Travel guide
• Itineraries
• Local Experts
• Travel Advice
• Accommodation

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

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.

Madagascar travel facts

Where to go in madagascar, best time to go to madagascar.

• How to get to Madagascar

How to get around Madagascar

Best places to visit in madagascar, itineraries for madagascar, accommodation in madagascar, food and drink in madagascar, activities in madagascar, travel visa requirements for madagascar.

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.

Discover more places in Madagascar

• Western Madagascar Travel Guide
• Antananarivo and around Travel Guide

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

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.

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.

6 days  / from 1256 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.

Tailor-made trips for   Madagascar

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

The Rough Guides to Madagascar and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find even more inspiration here

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

Ready to travel and discover Madagascar?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Travel advice