The below Madagascar Travel Essentials is not meant to replace a guidebook or web search, but to encourage you to do more research to address your particular level of interest or concern.
Accommodation
Not all hotels and lodges within Madagascar are graded according to international standards. We have undertaken many hotel inspections, and aim to undertake many more, to ensure what is advertised will meet expectations.
Due to Madagascar being a developing country, certain areas may have limited tourist numbers. This in turn impacts the level of luxury accommodation available. Fleewinter will recommend the accommodation we have either inspected or which has been highly rated by our local partners.
Currency
The currency in Madagascar is the ariary (Ar), with £1 being equal to approximately Ar 5,500.
Madagascar is largely a cash-based economy, consequently, credit card payments may not be accepted at all locations or for all services.
As ATMs in most towns may only allow you to draw 40 notes at a time, equivalent to 400,000ar or ~£90, several withdrawals may be necessary. This will naturally mean you are carrying a sizeable wad of cash which may pose an increased safety risk. Please ensure any sizeable amount of cash withdrawn is separated into smaller bundles and securely saved in different locations. Keep smaller denominations handy for tips and small purchases.
Business Hours
Business hours work to the rhythm of the island and thus can’t be guaranteed, however, they are typically open between 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday, whilst Saturdays are from 8 to 11 am.
Electricity
We can confirm all the hotels and lodges we have inspected, do have reliable power supplies. Please bring a battery bank along if you require an additional power supply.
Madagascar operates on the 220-volt Type E or F “Schuko” plugs or the flat Type C “Europlug”. Please ensure you bring an adapter.
Drivers/Guides
English-speaking knowledgeable driver-guides, drivers and or guides will be provided.
Food
Typical Malagasy meals are rice-based, be that rice with zebu steak or rice with laoka (sauce, stew or soup), or more dense rice dishes, you will find a LOT of rice in Madagascar, especially in the more remote areas! Having said that, Malagasy meals consist predominantly of zebu meat (beef), vegetables and rice; or if you are on the coast, fresh seafood. Should lobster and crayfish not quite float your boat, many specialist restaurants and hotels cater to the Western palette.
For the more daring, we would have ordinarily suggested trying the “street food” served by roadside vendors, however, far too many reports of less-than-savoury consequences requiring medical attention abound. We therefore strongly recommend only eating food from reputable vendors, restaurants and hotels. Please note that local cuisine is not heavily spiced, so is very easy on the palette.
Tap water is generally not safe to drink in Madagascar. Bottled water is readily available and at many of the hotels we work with, you may refill your water bottle from a larger supply of safe drinking water in the lobby or restaurant. We encourage all travellers to Madagascar to bring a reusable water bottle to minimise the use of disposable plastic bottles.
Weather
Please take a look at the When to Go webpage.
Transport
Please refer to Getting Around Madagascar.
Medical
We advise you to make a travel appointment with your local medical team for the most up-to-date and accurate information. For most travellers, antimalarial tablets are advised, but there are exceptions. We recommend consulting the https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk website for details about immunization requirements which provides a malaria map of the country.
Yellow fever certificates are not required upon arrival unless you have visited yellow fever countries before arrival.
For further information please refer to the UK Foreign Office or US State Department for up-to-date travel advice.
Hospitals are found in all major centres. Medical facilities such as clinics, capable of providing basic medical attention, are widespread within rural communities and even on some of the remote islands.
In the event of serious illness or injury, many Malagasy fly to Réunion (part of the European Union) for private medical attention.
Toilets
Toilets can range from a hole in the ground to a Western-style flushing toilet – so go prepared!
Toiletries are scarce outside of Antananarivo, so ensure you arrive well-prepared. And yes, that means packing a spare toilet roll in a daily travel bag!
Sunscreen
And as Baz Luhrmann wisely stated in his hit song “Everybody’s Free to Wear Sunscreen” – don’t forget to wear sunscreen! But please remember that if you’re planning any ocean activities ensure the use of waterproof and “reef-safe” sunscreens that don’t contain oxybenzone, butylparaben, or octinoxate (as these can negatively impact the corals)!
Connectivity
As island time rules here, expect a 3G signal from the well-established networks. Cell phone masts are widely distributed, so connectivity is generally available. And if you have an “unlocked” phone, we’ll give you a local sim card and you are good to go!
Visa and Passports
Madagascar requires all foreign nationals to obtain an entry visa on or before arrival. Our driver guides will aid you at the airport and quickly have you on your way.
A valid passport not set to expire within six months of arrival is required.
Language
French and Malagasy are the official languages of Madagascar, whilst English remains a major foreign language.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required and must be obtained before arrival, and should include trip cancellation, medical repatriation, theft, loss, and force majeure. Please visit our page on travel insurance for further information. It is a good idea to photocopy and scan all relevant documents – passport, travel insurance policy, etc – and leave one copy at home. Carry another copy with you separate from the originals and digital versions in your smartphone.
Tipping
Always a controversial topic. Tipping of your driver/guide/staff or any other incidental guides or helpers is not compulsory, nor customary, and thus left to your discretion.
Staying at expensive accommodation or parting company with an experienced guide/driver could be seen as an opportunity to tip as a gesture of gratitude.
Laws, Customs and Culture
Madagascar culture is a mix of African influence blended with French and Creole cultures. The Malagasy are a welcoming society that embraces foreigners in a relaxed and informal manner.
As foreigners, it is important to be aware of “Fady” and other cultural rituals. If fady and its restrictions affect your time in Madagascar, your guide will advise appropriate behaviour. Fady is celebrated through various famadihana ceremonies, behaviours and ways of life. Due to the complexity of fadit’s, it is best to enquire from your guide for more information.
Due to Madagascar’s blended history, handshakes and French-style cheek-to-cheek kisses are the norm amongst acquaintances, friends and business associates.
The Malagasy practice a wide range of beliefs, with Christianity being the predominant religion, followed by Islam and a variety of traditional beliefs. Consequently, the dress code is relaxed and public displays of affection are commonplace.
LGBTQ+
Madagascar has no laws governing male or female homosexual relationships, and consequently, the likelihood of problems relating to sexual orientation remains low. However, Fleewinter suggests visiting the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) website and becoming au fait with Madagascar cultural traditions and government policies.
Consequently, travelling as an LGBTQ+ person should never be avoided, but we do recommend thorough research before travel.
Festivals and Holidays
Madagascar has 13 official public holidays, of which five are moveable as these coincide with inter alia the Islamic lunar calendar.
Festivals are varied and vibrant and reflect the arts, heritage and culture of Madagascar and are typically held between May and October.
Time difference
Madagascar’s standard time is UTC+3.
Travelling with Disabilities
Travelling in Madagascar with any form of disability may be a challenge, especially if you are wheelchair-bound.
Air Madagascar requires all passengers to board and disembark the plane via plane steps, and many hotels do not cater for wheelchair access (but there are exceptions!).
Some national parks and private reserves are however wheelchair accessible – to a point…
Travelling with Children
I travelled to Madagascar with my 10-year-old son and we had a blast! Consequently, partnering with Fleewinter will make travelling with children in Madagascar a breeze! Our vehicles, guides and accommodation will be tailored to suit your family requirements.
The wildlife is safe and VERY approachable, and the Malagasy are naturally child-friendly.
Take a look at my blog “A Family Adventure That Shapes Young Minds | Child-Friendly Travel” for inspiration.
Photography
As in most countries, it is unacceptable to photograph people without their permission. Yet, many Malagasy people may be all too happy to pose – so use your discretion and ask permission. Photography of Famadihana ceremonies, private functions, sacred sites etc should be avoided.
Safety
The question of safety often arises when considering a trip to Madagascar. While no destination is entirely risk-free, it’s important to evaluate the risks and rewards within a global context.
A Global Comparison
Before diving into Madagascar’s specific safety considerations, let’s compare it to other popular travel destinations. With a struggling economy, its politics becoming radicalised, assassination attempts and drug-induced stupidity rearing its ugly head, is the USA a safer place to holiday than Madagascar? Or do rivers of sewage, political instability associated with five Prime Ministers within six years, and the exorbitant cost of living within the UK make for a more stable and healthy destination?
Madagascar’s Safety Profile
While Madagascar has its share of issues, it’s essential to consider the following:
- Travel Advisories: At the time of writing (September 2024), the US government has placed both the UK and Madagascar on the same Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution warning; whereas the UK government has issued similar warning levels for the USA and Madagascar. This suggests that Madagascar is not inherently more dangerous or less stable than these countries. However, it’s important to exercise caution and follow the advice of local experts.
- Fleewinter’s Commitment to Safety: Our team at Fleewinter is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of our clients. We carefully select reputable and registered tour guides and drivers who are familiar with the local conditions.
- Personal Experience: I’ve travelled to Madagascar with my 10-year-old son and felt completely safe throughout our journey. Even in Ilakaka, a notorious sapphire mining/smuggling town, we experienced no threats thanks to our knowledgeable guide. He ensured our safety by navigating the bustling streets and timing our arrival perfectly to witness a vibrant Catholic street procession. This firsthand experience underscores the value of travelling with knowledgeable local guides who can provide invaluable insights and ensure a seamless and secure journey.
Safety Tips for Madagascar
To minimize risks and enjoy a safe and memorable trip to Madagascar, consider the following:
- Travel with a Reputable Tour Operator: Choose a company like Fleewinter that prioritizes safety and has experience in the region.
- Follow Local Guidelines: Pay attention to travel advisories and heed the advice of local authorities and your tour guide.
- Avoid High-Risk Areas: While most tourist destinations are relatively safe, it’s advisable to avoid remote or isolated areas, especially at night. Zebus are free to wander at will and I am sure you would rather prefer your steak tartare served in a restaurant than off your vehicle bonnet…
- Basic safety: Whilst petty crimes like pickpocketing are commonplace in Antananarivo, violent crimes against foreigners are rare. Just like the rest of Africa, it is still important to remember safety basics: stay in public spaces, avoid scams and demonstrations, don’t walk around at night, and keep your eyes open.
Conclusion
Madagascar offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. While safety is a crucial factor, it’s important to weigh the risks against the potential rewards. By choosing a reputable tour operator, following local guidelines, and being mindful of your surroundings, you can significantly enhance your chances of having a safe and enjoyable trip to this beautiful island nation.
