Madagascar Travel Information
Madagascar is a unique destination just waiting to be discovered. Our travel information section aims to provide you with useful information and resources for your trip to this magical island.
Getting There
Madagascar’s main international airport is Ivato International Airport, near the capital Antananarivo:
Antananarivo (TNR)
There are (as yet) no direct flights from UK or US into Madagascar, most routes involve flying via Nairobi.
Due to this and to its location, it is a great destination to twin with it’s neighbouring countries on the African mainland, for example it is only a 3hr 20min flight from Nairobi.
You can check your best flight route here
Time Zone
Madagascar is located at GMT + 3
Security & General Travel Safety
To view the current travel advisory to Madagascar click here: UK & USA
Our head office is based in Nairobi and we work with reputable safari companies who are located on the ground in Madagascar. These companies are the eyes and ears on the ground and can inform our head office in Nairobi of any security situation as it may happen, ensuring that we can act and respond swiftly.
Other general travel safety advice:
- In the cities and main tourist areas, be on the alert for handbag snatchers and pick pockets.
- Do not travel with any precious jewellery items.
- Make copies of your travel documents and keep these in a safe place – separate from the original documents.
- Split out cash into separate bundles of small amounts and keep separately.
- Ensure that luggage can be locked.
- Always wear sear belts whilst traveling in vehicles and ensure doors are locked.
Currency
The Malagasy Ariary (MGA) is the local currency of Madagascar.
The most accepted foreign currency is the Euro, but US dollars and GBP are easily changed. You can exchange money at banks or make withdrawals from local ATMs. If you use a money exchange office, count your money immediately to make sure you haven’t been short changed. There have been a number of reports of this type of fraud in the exchange offices operating in the Antananarivo international airport.
Ensure to travel with lower denomination notes, as change given from high tender notes may not be easily available.
Please be aware that some hotels & lodges in remote areas may not accept credit/bank cards, so it is advised to have enough EUROS in cash to cover your costs.
Always inform your bank that you are travelling outside of the country as they might block any attempt to withdraw cash or use card machines if they have not been informed beforehand.
Tips & Gratuities
Tipping is entirely at your discretion and although it is not a requirement it is customary to tip for good service.
Tips can be given in local Ariary currency or Euros. It is usual to tip at the end of your stay and some hotels/lodges will have a tip box for the camp staff team.
Health Information
Malaria:It is advised that visitors take malaria precautions when travelling to Madagascar. It is recommended that you contact your Doctor or Travel Health Clinic at least 6-8 weeks prior to travel.
You can reduce the risk of malaria by using prophylactics (which should be started before arriving in Madagascar and under your doctor’s guidance) and by following these simple procedures:
- Wear long sleeves and long trousers to avoid bites from mosquitos, insects and ticks.
- Apply mosquito repellents on a regular basis to exposed skin.
- Where possible sleep under a mosquito net.
- Burn an insect/mosquito repellent candle or coil.
All travellers should be aware of the signs and symptoms of malaria and should be advised to seek immediate medical attention if these occur either whilst abroad or up to a year after their return. Speak to your Doctor or Travel Health Clinic for more information.
Vaccinations:
Yellow fever is required if traveler has been in a yellow fever endemic country within 6 months of arrival.
The recommendations regarding vaccinations & anti-malaria tablets need to be discussed with a professional, therefore it is advised that you contact your Doctor/medical centre/ travel health clinic for up-to-date details, this should ideally be done at least 8 weeks before you travel.
Drinking Water & De-Hydration
Do not drink water straight from the tap, always drink & brush teeth from bottled water.
Request drinks without ice, as be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.
De-Hydration
Always take a bottle of drinking water in your day bag on any activity or excursions – even if it’s a short one – and take regular, small drinks of water.
Wear a hat and sunscreen at all times and cover up/take shade from the heat of the sun, especially during the hottest times of the day.
Bites & Stings
Bugs and small creatures are all a part of being in the wilds of Africa. It is of course important to take precautions against any opportunity for bites or stings, so being aware is important.
When walking in the bush always wear long trousers and enclosed shoes or walking boots , with thick socks covering the ankles for protection. When walking in long grass, check your legs and clothes for grass ticks – especially in the rainy season, even when you are wearing long trousers.
Check & shake out shoes and walking boots before putting them on.
Always look first to see where you are sitting, when picking something up or when putting your hand/foot into something, like a bag or shoe – check first!
If you think you may have been bitten or stung by something, always inform the Camp Manager & Safari Guide as soon as possible.
Internet, Electricity and Plug Standards
Internet availability and wifi can be sporadic whilst in Madagascar. It is best to think of this trip as an opportunity to take a break from the world of tech and reconnect to nature. If necessary, we can check each hotel/lodge individually if there is a wish to know if it has an internet connection.
The main networks are Telma, Orange and Airtel and an option is to purchase a Sim Card.
Madagascar operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz. Solar power is also common in safari locations.
Madagascar uses plug types, types C and E.
Climate
This is a year-round travel destination with a marine climate and mild winter.
There are two main seasons, the high season which is July through to October where the temperature can be milder, depending on the location.
Low season which is Nov – June, when temperatures are higher and rain can also be expected Nov through to April.
Visa & Passport Requirements
- Passport valid for a least 6 months from your date of entry.
- Enough blank pages (a min of 3) in your passport to fit the required entry visa
- Tourist Visa may be purchased on arrival with U.S. dollars, euros, or Malagasy ariary, credit cards are not accepted.
- There is no VISA fee for stays of less than 15 days. However, travellers will have to pay a 10-euro administrative fee for border control formalities.
You can expect to pay:
VISA 30 Days: 35 Euros / 37 USD / 115.000 MGA.
VISA 60 Days : 40 Euros / 45 USD / 135.000 MGA
See here for more information from US Government Travel Department
Clothing Suggestions
- Pack lightly for your safari to include:
- Comfortable, loose fitting cotton clothing in muted and natural tones is recommended.
- Long sleeves and long trousers, shorts and t-shorts with enclosed footware.
- Jacket or fleece for early mornings and evenings, when it can get chilly.
- Swimwear & travel light beach towel.
- Hat to keep the sun off and protect from sunburn.
- Small day pack to hold water bottle, binoculars, notebook and pen, sunglasses, face/hand wipes etc.
- Please avoid camouflage-patterned clothes.
See here for our clothing packing guide
Travel Insurance
All travellers must have adequate and comprehensive travel health insurance. Make sure your travel insurance covers all the activities you plan on doing in Madagascar and covers your full stay in the country and travel to/from.