Everything you need to know

Visas, health, seasons, flights, money, packing, safety and culture.

Safety

Madagascar is generally safe and welcoming, but take normal travel precautions: keep valuables out of sight, do not walk alone at night in cities, and use hotel safes where available. Pickpocketing can occur in busy markets in Antananarivo. Our guides will advise on areas to avoid. Always follow your guide's instructions in national parks and on trails.

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated in Madagascar but is not mandatory. There is no fixed amount, so you can simply tip according to the service you received and what feels appropriate to you.

Food & water

Malagasy cuisine is based on rice (the staple, eaten at every meal), zebu beef, poultry, fish and fresh vegetables. Try romazava (beef and greens stew), ravitoto (cassava leaves with pork) and fresh seafood on the coast. Hotel restaurants cater well to Western tastes. Vegetarian options are available but more limited in rural areas. Drink only bottled or filtered water. Avoid tap water, ice in rural areas, and unpeeled raw fruit from markets.

Visa & entry

Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Ivato International Airport (Antananarivo): EUR30 for stays up to 15 days, EUR35 for 16 to 30 days, payable in cash (euros or USD). An e-visa can also be obtained in advance at evisamada-mg.com, which saves time on arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date and have at least two blank pages. A return ticket may be requested at check-in.

When to go

• April–May: The rainy season is coming to an end. Landscapes are green and lush, and there are fewer tourists. Some roads may still be difficult, especially in the east.
• June–August: Cooler and drier weather. A good period for hiking and visiting the Tsingy. The Highlands can be cold at night, with temperatures around 10°C.
• July–September: Humpback whales can be seen around Sainte-Marie. This is also one of the busiest periods for tourism.
• October–November: Warm and mostly dry. A good time for wildlife and photography, with young lemurs and orchids in bloom.
• December–March: Rainy and cyclone season. The east and north are wetter, while the west and south are generally drier. Heavy rain can make some roads difficult, and some parks may be closed, particularly from January to March.

Money & costs

The currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). Euros are the easiest foreign currency to exchange. Bring cash in small denominations, EUR50 and EUR100 bills can be hard to change outside the capital. ATMs are available in major towns (Antananarivo, Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa, Tulear, Morondava, Diego Suarez) but are unreliable in rural areas and may have low withdrawal limits. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside top-end hotels. We cover most costs (accommodation, transport, park fees, guiding) in your trip price, so you will mainly need cash for meals not included, drinks, tips and souvenirs.

What to pack

• Light, breathable clothing in neutral colours (cotton/linen).
• A fleece or warm layer for highland evenings - it gets cold in June-August.
• Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots (broken in before you travel).
• A lightweight rain jacket (essential Nov-Apr).
• Swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 30+) and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Insect repellent (DEET-based) and a small basic first-aid kit.
• Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) for lemurs and birds - highly recommended.
• A headlamp or small torch for power cuts and night walks.
• Plug adapter (Type C/E, 220V) and a power bank.
• Reusable water bottle and a small daypack.

Getting there

Most international flights arrive at Antananarivo (TNR). Direct routes exist from Paris (Air France, Air Madagascar), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Nairobi (Kenya Airways), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian) and Johannesburg. Flight times are typically 10-11h from Europe. We can arrange your airport pickup and first night in Antananarivo as part of any tour.

Getting around

Roads in Madagascar are rough and travel is slow, expect 4-6 hours of driving on travel days. All our tours use private vehicles with an experienced driver and a dedicated guide: a 4x4 for a couple, and a larger 4x4, a minibus or two 4x4s for larger groups; another type of vehicle can be arranged on request. Domestic flights (Madagascar Airlines) connect Antananarivo to Sainte-Marie, Nosy Be, Morondava, Tulear and Fort Dauphin, useful to skip long drives. We can include these in your itinerary.

Language & culture

The official languages are Malagasy and French; English is spoken in tourist areas but less so in rural regions. A few words of Malagasy go a long way: salama (hello), misaotra (thank you), azafady (excuse me / please). Malagasy culture places great importance on fihavanana, kinship and mutual respect. Always ask permission before photographing people, and respect local customs and fady (taboos) your guide will explain.

Health tips

A few simple precautions can help you stay healthy and enjoy your trip to Madagascar.

• Drink bottled or treated water: avoid drinking untreated tap water.
• Be careful with food: choose well-cooked food and wash or peel fruit and vegetables.
• Protect yourself from mosquitoes: use insect repellent, especially in the evening.
• Protect yourself from the sun: use sunscreen, wear a hat and drink plenty of water.
• Bring your medication: make sure you have enough of any regular medication you take.
• Have travel insurance: check that your policy covers medical care and emergency assistance.

Still have questions?

Our team is happy to advise on any aspect of your trip, from visas to packing to the best route for your interests. Get in touch and we will help you plan.

Photography etiquette

Always ask before photographing people, many appreciate it, some decline, and some communities require a small fee. Drones are restricted in national parks; check with us in advance. Respect signs prohibiting photography at certain sacred sites.

Electricity & connectivity

Power is 220V, 50Hz, plug types C and E (European two-pin). Outages are common outside cities, bring a power bank. Mobile data (Orange, Telma, Airtel) works in most towns; buy a local SIM on arrival for data. Wi-Fi is available in city hotels but slow or absent in rural lodges.