Madagascar Journey Insights & Recommendations

Finance & Expenditure

The currency in Madagascar is the Malagasy ariary, yet nearly all expenses and fees related to tourism are settled in euros. Bring along some euros in cash to cover various personal items that your all-inclusive itinerary doesn’t include.

It is wise to avoid depending on credit cards since they are not commonly accepted everywhere.

Tipping

In Africa, it is customary for tipping to be a voluntary gesture in appreciation of good service or assistance. It is common to show appreciation to drivers, servers, skippers and their crew, and guides. Tipping pilots is not a requirement. Tips are preferred in euros, if you can manage it.

Climate Madagascar experiences a typical seasonal rhythm of the southern hemisphere: from around November to April, the weather is generally warm and wet (summer), while from May to October, it turns cooler and drier (winter).

January typically brings the warmest temperatures, averaging around 22°C / 72°F, while July cools down to about 15°C / 59°F. December brings the most rainfall, with an average of 310mm / 12in of precipitation.

The climate is shaped by the prevailing south-eastern trade winds that flow from the Indian Ocean anti-cyclone.

What To Pack Traveling in Madagascar offers a unique experience, so it is essential to pack wisely. Once you venture beyond Antananarivo, finding forgotten items may prove challenging, making careful preparation crucial for your journey.

Must-haves include:

A camera equipped with an impressive zoom for capturing the essence of lemurs.
Binoculars for discovering lemurs and birds.
Easygoing attire in earthy tones such as grey, green, khaki, or brown, complemented by a cozy jacket and trousers for those brisk evenings. Attire should provide coverage from above the knee to your shoulders – steer clear of clothing that exposes too much.

Closed walking shoes for hiking.

Your prescriptions along with the necessary medications. Before embarking on your journey, it is wise to consult with your doctor or travel clinic regarding mosquito avoidance and anti-malarial prophylactics, especially since there is a moderate risk of malaria outside Antananarivo.

Headgear and shades.

Eco-friendly, biodegradable sun-protection lotion (synthetic alternatives have been associated with coral reef bleaching).
Swimming costume.

All-natural insect repellent.

Social manners
Madagascar has a tourism industry that is still emerging, and many locals are not accustomed to seeing tourists in their towns or villages. Being aware of this and demonstrating respect to others is crucial by:

Seeking consent – via your guide – prior to capturing images of them, their children, or their homes.
Respecting the traditions associated with visiting places of worship.
Wearing attire that embraces a sense of coverage from shoulders to above the knees. Steer clear of clothing that is overly tight or revealing.
English is not commonly used, so embrace the journey as your guide translates into Malagasy or French.

Refrain from bringing candy or sweets to share with children – instead, have a conversation with your Africa Safari Expert about any charitable contributions you would like to make, ensuring your efforts create a meaningful impact in an organized manner.

Travel & Transportation

Direct flights to Antananarivo are available from Johannesburg in South Africa, Istanbul in Turkey, Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, and Paris in France. A Southern African safari pairs effortlessly with an adventure in Madagascar.

Madagascar is not a place for self-driving adventures. Your Africa Safari Expert will craft a comprehensive itinerary with all drivers and transfers arranged, ensuring you fully relish your time on the island. Most journeys begin in Antananarivo and continue on to Nosy. Experience the thrill of the north with a customized holiday designed just for you, whether your passions lie in birdwatching, hiking, diving, or capturing stunning photographs.

Due to the immense size of Madagascar, travels will typically involve a combination of flights and road transfers in 4x4s or the local mini-busses known as ‘taxi-be’ on the island. All flights will converge in Tana.

Travel Documents

Every traveler must obtain a visa, with payment accepted in euros or US dollars, no matter their nationality. For the most current fees and applications, please reach out to your nearest Malagasy consulate. The short-term tourist visa grants you a thrilling 30 days to explore the wonders of the country.

Your passport needs to be valid for six months beyond your entry date.

Chronicles & Commerce

The history of Madagascar is as varied as its breathtaking landscapes, unique fauna, and vibrant flora. Once a piece of the mighty super-continent Gondwana, it eventually drifted away from the mainland. In this isolation, the surviving species transformed into the unique endemic varieties we see today, shielded from outside influences and predators.

Even though it lies just around 400 kilometres or 250 miles from the African mainland, it boasts a rich tapestry of diverse influences. The Mozambican Channel presents quite a challenge, yet it’s possible that other settlers journeyed across the Indian Ocean from Indonesia, the Philippines, and India, introducing rice along their path. The Chinese and French also arrived on Madagascar, and the island’s history is marked by African slavery and British colonialism.

Today, there are at least 18 ethnic groups, each boasting their own unique dialects. Much of the island is dedicated to agriculture, yet tourism, logging, and mining are also making their mark (it is said that at least half of the world’s sapphires come from Madagascar).

Individuals & Community

The population stands at around 20 million individuals, with more than 80 percent communicating in Malagasy. A small portion speaks French, while even fewer are proficient in or literate in English, making a Malagasy-speaking driver-guide essential for your visit.

The culture is a captivating blend of African, South-East Asian, French, British, and Chinese influences. Traditional clothing, houses, and cuisine all resonate with influences from various world cultures, lending Madagascar a unique and inviting charm.

Scenery & Creatures

The most iconic species that are intricately linked to Madagascar are, without a doubt, lemurs. Lemurs, with their large eyes, acrobatic behavior, and vibrant coats, are a unique type of primate, setting themselves apart from apes and monkeys. The island’s most captivating draw, the more adventurers who embark on safaris to witness them, the more their invaluable habitats will thrive under protection. Lemurs inhabit various regions throughout the country, making it exciting to explore multiple areas to encounter a diverse range of species.

The east coast, with its direct view of the Indian Ocean, boasts the most vibrant and verdant landscapes in Madagascar, adorned with safeguarded rainforest national parks. If you are eager to encounter lemurs, make sure to add this area to your travel plans. Venture to Sainte Marie Island for an exhilarating experience of seasonal whale watching. Keep in mind that it experiences significant impacts during the annual cyclone season, which typically occurs over December and January.

On the west coast, a starkly different terrain unfolds, revealing a drier landscape that edges into semi-desert regions in parts of the south-west. This arid landscape provides an ideal setting for the majestic baobab, Africa’s largest tree, and it is here that you can discover the renowned Avenue of the Baobabs.