BEFORE YOU GO
Madagascar Travel Guide
Madagascar’s weather changes with the landscape. It is warm on the plains and coasts but cooler in the highlands and mountains, including Antananarivo.
Dress code: Pack modest, comfortable, lightweight clothes. Bring warmer layers for highland areas.
Safari: Wear loose, neutral colors for wildlife viewing. Bring a fleece or jumper for cool mornings in the forest.
Beach: Swimsuits are fine at resorts, but please cover up in towns and villages.
Travel light—most hotels and lodges offer laundry. Pack soft bags instead of hard suitcases.
Baggage limit: Usually two soft bags per person; 15kg max for internal flights.
Check your “Journey Essentials” document for specific packing rules.
- Passport (with a copy and your embassy’s phone number)
- Medications, travel health kit, and prescriptions
- Water bottle and purification tablets
- Small flashlight or headlamp (plus batteries)
- Penknife (check airline rules)
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Travel adapter (European two-pin)
- Alarm clock or watch
- Sewing kit, safety pins, small tape, notebook
- Spare glasses or contacts
- Binoculars
- Camera (extra batteries/memory)
- Bath/plug stopper, laundry line, detergent
- Earplugs
- Travel games/cards
Vaccines: Consult your doctor about vaccines and malaria prevention before your trip.
Mosquitoes: Malaria is present—use insect repellent and sleep under nets where provided.
Water: Only drink bottled or boiled water.
Local hospitals are basic. Carry good travel medical insurance. Bring your own medications and female hygiene products if needed.
Local currency: Malagasy Ariary.
Euros are most accepted, but US dollars and GBP can be changed.
ATMs in main towns (Visa cards work best). Most places do not take credit cards—carry cash.
Change money at the airport or in Antananarivo on arrival.
Hotels and lodges use local produce—enjoy the fresh food!
Vegetarian options are available. Vegan, gluten-free, halal, and kosher meals are hard to find—bring your own special products.
Madagascar is generally safe. Watch for petty theft—keep valuables in several places and avoid visible jewelry or crowded spots. Carry your passport (not a copy) with you.
Swimming: Watch out for strong currents, sharks, and crocodiles—follow local advice.
Travel: Roads can be dusty, muddy, and slow. Avoid night travel if possible.
Dress modestly away from beaches. Seek permission before taking photos of people.
Respect local traditions and wildlife; do not use flash with animals, especially lemurs.
All visitors need a passport valid for at least 6 months and a tourist visa. You can get a visa on arrival (usually free for stays under 30 days), but check the latest rules before travel.
- Electricity: 220V, European plugs (2 round pins)
- Mobile coverage is good in towns but weaker in remote areas. WiFi and internet are limited outside major cities.
Traveling with young children is possible but challenging. Bring essential supplies as they can be hard to find outside Antananarivo.
Madagascar is safe for solo and female travelers. Use common sense—avoid unlit streets after dark, and dress conservatively. Women should bring their own hygiene products.
Main roads are good near cities, but rural travel is slow. Many tours use 4x4 vehicles. Domestic flights have a 15kg luggage limit.
- April–October: Cool, dry season
- November–March: Hot, wet season (more rain in the east/north)
- Highlands: ~25°C daytime, can get cold at night
- Coast: ~30°C
- No photos of military, airports, or with flash on wildlife.
- Ask before photographing people.
- Bring extra batteries and car chargers.
Plan for about $25 per person per day for drinks, tips, and souvenirs.
Tipping is not required but appreciated:
- 5 Euro per local guide, per excursion
- 10-15 Euro per private guide, per day
- 5-10 Euro per driver, per day
Loose change is fine for porters.
Please do not give cash directly. Ask your guide about local charities, schools, or projects. Donations of clothes, pens, and pencils are welcome.