Madagascar is a unique island nation renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity, featuring thousands of species found nowhere else on Earth. Its landscapes range from lush rainforests and baobab avenues to pristine beaches and limestone karsts, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and cultural immersion.
Quick Facts
Recommended Stay10 days
Budget$30/day
Mid-range$50/day
Luxury$600/day
Known For
MalagasyComorosMauritiusReunionEast AfricaIndian Ocean
🇲🇬 Country Information: Madagascar
CapitalAntananarivo
CurrencyMalagasy ariary (Ar)
Language
Malagasy ,
French, English (limited)
Phone Code+261
Electricity127/220V (Type C, D, E, J, K)
Tap WaterNot recommended
Tipping
- Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service
- Restaurants: 5
- 10% is common for good service
- Tour guides/Drivers: Expected, amount varies based on duration and quality of service (e
- g
- , 5,000
- 10,000 Ariary per person per day)
- Porters: Small amount (e
- g
- , 1,000
- 2,000 Ariary) for carrying luggage
- Hotels: Small tips for housekeeping are appreciated
Money & Payments
- ATMs are limited, especially outside major cities; it's better to bring cash or use a credit card for larger establishments
- Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some restaurants in larger cities, but less so in rural areas
- It is advisable to bring a good amount of cash (Euros or USD) to exchange, as local currency (Ariary) can be hard to obtain in some places
- There can be a black market for currency exchange, but it is risky and not recommended
Cultural Norms
- Dress code: Modest dress is generally appreciated, especially when visiting villages or religious sites
- Avoid overly revealing clothing
- Greetings: A handshake is common
- When greeting elders or respected individuals, it's customary to use both hands
- Politeness: Malagasy people are generally polite and indirect
- Avoid direct confrontation
- Eating customs: Wash hands before eating
- In some traditional settings, meals are eaten with hands from a communal dish
- Do not point with your finger, use an open hand
- Shoes: Remove shoes before entering a home or certain religious sites
LGBTQ+ Information
Exercise caution. While there are no specific laws against homosexuality, same-sex relationships are not recognized and societal acceptance is low. LGBTQ+ individuals may face discrimination.
Alcohol & Drug Laws
- Legal drinking age is 18
- Drug laws are strict, and possession of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties
Special Laws
- Photography: Always ask for permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas or during traditional ceremonies
- Respect for customs: Madagascar has diverse ethnic groups with unique customs
- Be respectful of local traditions and taboos (fady)
- Prostitution is illegal
Common Phrases
NoTsia (TSEE-ah)
YesEny (EH-nee)
HelloSalama (sah-LAH-mah)
PleaseAzafady (ah-zah-FAH-dee)
GoodbyeVeloma (veh-LOH-mah)
Thank youMisaotra (mee-SOW-tra)
Best Time to Visit
- Cyclone season: Nov to Apr
- Rainy season (East Coast): Nov to Apr
- Droughts (South): May to Oct
Getting There
- Fly to Antananarivo (TNR) with connecting flights from Europe or Africa; prices vary significantly based on origin and season
Getting Around
- Taxis are common in cities; "taxi
- brousses" (bush taxis) for inter
- city travel; no major ride
- sharing apps
Health & Vaccinations
- Yellow fever vaccination required if arriving from an endemic country; Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Rabies, and Tetanus recommended; Malaria risk high in most areas, prophylaxis recommended; consult a doctor for altitude sickness and probiotics
Staying Connected
- eSIM availability is limited but growing; check providers like Orange Madagascar or Telma for local SIM cards; Airalo and Nomad may offer regional eSIMs that include Madagascar
Local Cuisine
Romazava
must_try
Considered the star dish of Madagascar, this stew is made with diced zebu meat cooked with tomatoes, onion, ginger, and 'bredes' (a spicy cress). It i
Ravitoto
regional_speciality
This unique dish consists of mashed or pounded cassava leaves, often cooked with pork or zebu meat until tender. It is commonly served with rice and a
Akoho
regional_speciality
A popular and typical Malagasy meal featuring chicken served alongside the staple food of the country, rice. This straightforward combination is widel
Lasopy
must_try
A hearty vegetable soup generally served as an appetizer before the main course. The stock from this soup is often the same stock used to boil the ric
Fish in Coconut Sauce
regional_speciality
Popular in coastal areas, this dish features grilled fish complemented by a rich and flavorful coconut sauce. It is typically served with vegetables a
Book in Advance
Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:
🔴 Must Book in Advance
Book 2–6 months in advance
Tsingy tours and park access can be capacity-constrained, especially during the dry season (peak travel), and require coordinating guides and 4x4 transport which fill up quickly.
Book 1.5–3 months in advance
Domestic flight options are often limited and can sell out, particularly routes to popular tourist islands or regions, forcing travelers into long, challenging road journeys.
🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead
Book 1–3 months in advance
Lodging options near popular, remote national parks are often few and book up fast, especially those offering high quality or unique experiences.
Book 2–4 weeks in advance
While not ticketed, popular local guides/drivers necessary for accessing the site at optimal times (sunrise/sunset) are limited, especially when coming from Morondava.
Fun Facts
- 1. Madagascar is technically part of Africa, but its people are typically of Asian heritage due to successive waves of immigration from across the Indian Ocean, making it a unique cultural melting pot.
- 2. The island is the world's fourth largest, but when considering only island countries, it is second in size only to Indonesia.
- 3. Approximately 80% of the animals in Madagascar, like the famous lemurs and nearly half the world's chameleons, exist nowhere else on Earth.
- 4. The island has no indigenous lions, giraffes, zebras, or hippos, though a much smaller species of pygmy hippo once lived there, going extinct about 1,000 years ago.
