Overview of Madagascar
The fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar is world famous for its unique wildlife, diverse fauna and flora, and melting pot of cultures. Situated just off the east coast of Africa, Madagascar is distinct from its African neighbour. The Malagasy culture is an interesting mix of Indonesian, French and Southern African. All these influences can be seen in the island's architecture, food, and music.
Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot, being home to thousands of species of plant and animal life of which about 90 percent cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. Tourists and scientists alike come to the island to see the 103 different species of lemur, as well as the dwarf chameleons, tomato frogs, fossa, and hedgehog-like tenrecs. The country's isolation has also enabled the development of plants into remarkable shapes, like the swollen Baobab, and the spiny forests. Wilderness areas such as Isalo National Park and Tsingy Nature Reserve allow visitors to explore Madagascar's exotic fauna, flora, and striking geological features.
Madagascar has its share of beautiful beaches and coral reefs, such as those found on the cluster of islands off the northeast coast. Best known is Nossi Bé, while Ile Ste-Marie off the east coast, and Toliara in the south, are also major attractions for divers, snorkelers, and sunbathers. The bustling capital of Antananarivo, or 'Tana', has a distinctly French flavour and is an excellent place to shop for Malagasy arts and crafts. Holiday makers searching for an off the beaten track experience will revel in all that Madagascar has to offer.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Malagasy is the official language, but French is used in business and government and is widely spoken in the main cities in Madagascar. A few people involved in the tourism industry might be able to speak some English, but it is not widely spoken.
- Passport/Visa:
-
Foreign visitors to Madagascar of most nationalities can obtain a tourist visa on arrival, provided they have at least one blank page in their passport reserved for the Immigration Authorities of Madagascar, and return/onward flight tickets. Tourist visas are valid for a maximum of 90 days and cost around MGA 200,000 (or equivalent in USD or EUR). Shorter stays cost less. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Madagascar, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
-
The official currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA), which has been reintroduced to replace the Malagasy Franc. Coins and notes display both currencies, but newer notes display the Ariary more prominently than the Franc. One Ariary is equal to five Francs. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and official bureaux de change, but the Ariary cannot be changed back into hard currency. Some banks will only accept US Dollars or Euros. ATMs are available in Antananarivo. Most major credit cards are starting to be accepted in top hotels and major travel agencies in the capital and other major towns, but have limited usage elsewhere.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are generally of the two-pin variety.
Travel to Madagascar
Overview
Boasting miles of verdant landscape with pretty beaches, wild and beautiful rainforests, and scenic towns and ports, Madagascar offers some lovely attractions for those who choose to visit this inspiring and unique land. With a number of reserves and national parks boasting a variety of magical wildlife, including the famous lemurs, Madagascar's unique creatures and botanicals have earned the island the title 'the eighth continent' and visitors will be enchanted by the beauty of this mysterious land. Madagascar is not easy to get around and sightseeing can be challenging as a result, but with a little effort travellers can reap exciting rewards.
Head to the town on Antsirabe to view the volcanic lakes of Andraikiba and Tritriva, or relax in the therapeutic thermal baths; visit Ile Sante Marie for some of the best whale watching opportunities, to wander through herb gardens and enjoy the scents of vanilla and lemongrass, or to take a spooky tour of the pirate cemetery; explore Toamasina to see some fantastic architectural wonders as well as the popular Jardin D'Essel and the Parc Ivoloina.
For active travellers, water sports abound off the island, including scuba diving, swimming, snorkelling and canoeing, to name a few; while landlubbers can enjoy the plentiful walks and hikes through the many reserves Madagascar offers, while viewing some of the most fascinating birds and animals on the planet.
Climate in Madagascar
Generally the climate of Madagascar is subtropical, with a hot and rainy season between November and April, and a cooler dry season from May to October. However, there is a big variation in climate depending on altitude and geographical position within the country. Travellers should be sure to check up on the climate of the particular region they are visiting. For instance, the west coast is drier than the east coast and the central highlands, while the far south and southwest is a semi-desert region that experiences very little rainfall. The east coast receives the most rain and is hot and humid during the wet season, and also prone to cyclones between February and March. Temperatures are much cooler in the highlands. Antananarivo has a pleasant, temperate climate. Along the coast temperatures range from 81°F to 90°F (27°C to 32°C) in the wet season, and 64°F to 72°F (18°C to 22°C) in the dry season. The cooler and drier months between May and October are generally the most
pleasant time to travel to Madagascar.
Health Notes when travelling to Madagascar
Malaria is a risk throughout the year and the risk of infection is highest in coastal areas; visitors should take appropriate measures to avoid contracting the disease. All travellers coming from a country with yellow fever risk are required to prove they have been vaccinated against the disease to enter Madagascar. Vaccinations are also recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and influenza, and those at risk of animal bites should also consider a rabies vaccination. Tap water should not be drunk unless it has been boiled or chemically treated.
Medical facilities are severely limited in Madagascar, and outside of the capital medical care may be difficult to find. Limited French medications are available in Tana; however, it is advisable to bring along a medical kit for private use. If you require specific prescription medications it is best to bring them with you, in their original packaging, along with a signed and dated letter from your doctor stating what they are and why they are needed. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.
Safety Notes when travelling to Madagascar
The political situation in Madagascar is unstable, especially in central Antananarivo and the Ambohijatovo, Lac Anosy, Antaninarenina and Analakely areas. Violence is possible at any large gatherings and political or military installations. It is advised to travel with an established agency, and solo travellers should continually monitor the local media. Precautions against opportunistic crime, especially in the urban areas, should be taken. Pickpockets operate at the airport and in crowded areas such as markets. Travellers should carry a photocopy of their passport at all times. At night, avoid walking around city centres and road travel outside urban areas as there have been occasional hold-ups on the main routes. The height of the cyclone season is from January to March and affects the coastal regions. Piracy is a significant concern in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, and there have been several attacks against private vessels and kidnappings.
Customs in Madagascar
Do not photograph military or police establishments while in Madagascar. Identification should be carried at all times by visitors. In rural areas, locals may abide by a number of taboos called fady, which should be respected by visitors at all times.
Duty Free in Madagascar
Visitors may bring 500 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 500g tobacco, as well as one bottle of alcohol into the country without incurring import duty.
Communication in Madagascar
The international dialling code for Madagascar is +261. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). To make an international call to Madagascar, the dialling code of 261 must be followed by a two-digit operator code (e.g. 34 for TELMA, the most reliable), then the regional code (e.g. 22 for Antananarivo) and then the five-digit number. A GSM 900 network is in use, covering major cities and main roads, and some operators have also introduced 3G networks. Public internet access exists in large cities.
Passport/Visa Note
Foreign visitors to Madagascar of most nationalities can obtain a tourist visa on arrival, provided they have at least one blank page in their passport reserved for the Immigration Authorities of Madagascar, and return/onward flight tickets. Tourist visas are valid for a maximum of 90 days and cost around MGA 200,000 (or equivalent in USD or EUR). Shorter stays cost less. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Madagascar, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
-
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Madagascar. A 90-day visa can be obtained on arrival.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
-
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Madagascar. A 90-day visa can be obtained on arrival.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
-
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Madagascar. A 90-day visa can be obtained on arrival.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
-
Australians must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Madagascar. A 90-day visa can be obtained on arrival.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
-
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Madagascar. A 90-day visa can be obtained on arrival.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
-
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Madagascar. A 90-day visa can be obtained on arrival.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
-
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Madagascar. A 90-day visa can be obtained on arrival.
Tourist Offices
Madagascar Tourism Website: http://www.madagascar-tourisme.com
Madagascar Embassies
- In the United States:
-
Madagascar Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 265 5525.
- In Canada:
-
Madagascar Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 567 0505.
- In the United Kingdom:
-
Madagascar Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for the UK): +33 09 83 32 45 15.
- In South Africa:
-
Madagascar Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 21 674 7238.
Foreign Embassies in Madagascar
- American Embassy
-
United States Embassy, Antananarivo: +261 2023 480 00.
- Canadian Embassy
-
Canadian Consulate, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Madagascar): +27 12 422 3000.
- British Embassy
-
British Honorary Consul, Antananarivo: +261 2022 33053.
- Australian Embassy
-
Australian High Commission, Port Louis, Mauritius (also responsible for Madagascar): +230 202 0160.
- South African Embassy
-
South African Embassy, Antananarivo: +261 20 224 3350.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Madagascar
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| | Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
| Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. |   |
Most travelers Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting. |
| Hepatitis A | CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Madagascar, regardless of where you are eating or staying. |  |
| Typhoid | You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Madagascar. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. | |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
| Malaria | Talk to your doctor about how to prevent malaria while traveling. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, especially if you are visiting low-altitude areas. See more detailed information about malaria in Madagascar. |   |
| Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |   |
| Rabies | Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Madagascar, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups: - Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Madagascar
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
|  |
| Yellow Fever | There is no risk of yellow fever in Madagascar. The government of Madagascar requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission. For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Madagascar. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. | |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Madagascar, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Madagascar. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Talk to your doctor about how to prevent malaria while traveling. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, especially if you are visiting low-altitude areas. See more detailed information about malaria in Madagascar.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Madagascar, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Madagascar
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Madagascar. The government of Madagascar requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Madagascar. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Take antimalarial meds
- Eat and drink safely
- Prevent bug bites
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Top
Note: The outbreak of plague pneumonia that occurred in October throughout areas of Madagascar has been contained. However, bubonic plague occurs nearly every year in Madagascar. Travelers to the areas should continue to take precautions to protect their health. Please refer to the Plague in Madagascar travel notice for more information.
Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Madagascar, so your behaviors are important.
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
- Food that is cooked and served hot
- Hard-cooked eggs
- Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
- Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
- Food served at room temperature
- Food from street vendors
- Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
- Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
- Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
- Bottled water that is sealed
- Water that has been disinfected
- Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
- Carbonated drinks
- Hot coffee or tea
- Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
- Tap or well water
- Ice made with tap or well water
- Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
- Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Hide Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Madagascar. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Hide If your travel plans in Madagascar include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
- If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Madagascar. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Madagascar’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in Madagascar. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Madagascar may be poor.
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in Madagascar, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide Top
Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Madagascar for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
Top
Hide Travel Health Notices
Be aware of current health issues in Madagascar. Learn how to protect yourself.
Watch Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions
- Updated Plague in Madagascar December 19, 2017 In early October, World Health Organization and the Madagascar Ministry of Health responded to an unusual outbreak of plague pneumonia in widespread areas of Madagascar, including in heavily populated cities of Antananarivo (the capital city and its suburbs) and Toamasina. The outbreak has been contained. In late November 2017, the Madagascar Ministry of Health declared the urban outbreak of plague pneumonia had been contained. However, bubonic plague occurs nearly every year in Madagascar, so travelers to the area should continue to take precautions to protect their health.
Top
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
Top
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The official currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA), which has been reintroduced to replace the Malagasy Franc. Coins and notes display both currencies, but newer notes display the Ariary more prominently than the Franc. One Ariary is equal to five Francs. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and official bureaux de change, but the Ariary cannot be changed back into hard currency. Some banks will only accept US Dollars or Euros. ATMs are available in Antananarivo. Most major credit cards are starting to be accepted in top hotels and major travel agencies in the capital and other major towns, but have limited usage elsewhere.
Nosy Be Airport (NOS)
Fascene Airport
Location: Nosy Be The Fascene Airport is located 11 miles (18km) from Hell-ville (Andoany).
Time: GMT +3
Getting to the city:
There are taxis available at the airport to take you to your destination. Some hotels offer shuttles, but these should be arranged in advance.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside the airport terminal.
Facilities:
Facilities are very limited at this small airport.
Parking:
There is parking available at the airport.
Antananarivo Airport (TNR)
Ivato International Airport
Location: Antananarivo The airport is situated 10 miles (16km) from Antananarivo.
Time: Local time is GMT +3
Contacts:
Tel: +261 202 244 041
Transfer between terminals:
The Domestic and International Terminals are connected and may be reached on foot.
Getting to the city:
Private taxis are available but are known to be expensive; shared minibuses are also available but are often packed to capacity and uncomfortable. A shuttle bus provides a service to hotels in the city centre and is considered the safest and most affordable option. It is recommended to book this in advance.
Car rental:
A number of car rental companies are represented at the airport, including Sixt, Hertz, and Avis.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available.
Facilities:
Facilities include a bureau de change, a restaurant, shops, and lounges.
Parking:
Parking is available directly outside the terminal building.
Overview of the Attractions in Madagascar
Boasting miles of verdant landscape with pretty beaches, wild and beautiful rainforests, and scenic towns and ports, Madagascar offers some lovely attractions for those who choose to visit this inspiring and unique land. With a number of reserves and national parks boasting a variety of magical wildlife, including the famous lemurs, Madagascar's unique creatures and botanicals have earned the island the title 'the eighth continent' and visitors will be enchanted by the beauty of this mysterious land. Madagascar is not easy to get around and sightseeing can be challenging as a result, but with a little effort travellers can reap exciting rewards.
Head to the town on Antsirabe to view the volcanic lakes of Andraikiba and Tritriva, or relax in the therapeutic thermal baths; visit Ile Sante Marie for some of the best whale watching opportunities, to wander through herb gardens and enjoy the scents of vanilla and lemongrass, or to take a spooky tour of the pirate cemetery; explore Toamasina to see some fantastic architectural wonders as well as the popular Jardin D'Essel and the Parc Ivoloina.
For active travellers, water sports abound off the island, including scuba diving, swimming, snorkelling and canoeing, to name a few; while landlubbers can enjoy the plentiful walks and hikes through the many reserves Madagascar offers, while viewing some of the most fascinating birds and animals on the planet.
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Opening time: Open daily 6am-4pm
The Andasibe-Mantadia National Park situated in the eastern rainforests is Madagascar's most popular reserve for good reason. The park contains unique wildlife, including 13 species of lemurs, more than a hundred bird species and fauna and flora unique to the area. Andasibe has two sections. The more accessible of the two is the Indri Special Reserver. Here, visitors can take a hike at dawn to hear distinct siren-like Indri call over the misty and observe the lemurs in their natural habitat.
The second section of the park, Mantadia, has a greater variety of wildlife and a more challenging trail for the adventurous. Night hikes allow guests to see a whole new side of the forest as nocturnal animals emerge. Hikes in the park range from three to six hours. A local guide is required for entry into the park. Private tours need to be booked in advance.
Getting there: The Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is easily accessible from the capital Antananarivo. A three hour drive along the Route National 2 will bring you to the reserve.
Telephone: +261 33 14 440 31
The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
Opening time: Open daily 6am-6pm
The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is the ruined remnant of the 15th century Madagascan kingdom. Located just 12 miles (20km) from Antananarivo, the Hill features a ruined royal city, several royal tombs and numerous holy sites. This spiritual attraction is widely lauded as the premier symbol of the cultural identity of the Madagascan people. It is still a place of worship to both locals and foreigners. Set in lush green countryside overlooking a rice paddy, visitors can explore the burial grounds, historic village and palace complex. The palace itself houses artefacts which include gifts from Queen Victoria.
Telephone: +261 20 22 661 15
Website: whc.unesco.org/en/list/950
Ranomafana National Park
Explore the lush and misty rainforests of the Ranomafana National Park, with its rare species of flora and fauna, and unique wildlife. This UNESCO World Heritiage is home to 12 species of lemurs and an incredible selection of indigenous birds. Visitors can explore the park on its numerous trails and hikes, escorted by guides that can call the animals using a series of clicks and whistles. There are also jungle waterfalls and pools to cool off in after a long day trekking through the humid jungle.
The best time to visit Ranomafana National Park is between August and December. The park office is located at the entrance to the reserve in the village of Ambodiamontana. This is where visitors will find the privately owned and eco-lodges to spend the night. Guided night walks are available to seek out the nocturnal animals in the reserve. Ranomafana is relatively well-developed for tourism and has comparably good facilities and infrastructure including a decent access road
Telephone: +261 20 75 523 02
Berenty Reserve
The Berenty Reserve is a small private reserve set along the Mandrake River in Southern Madagascar. Its gallery forest and array of indigenous wildlife and birds, such as ring-tailed lemurs, white-browed owls and giant couas make it an eco-tourist's dream. The de Heaulme family first formed the Berenty Estate to conserve the natural forest in the area. Through their efforts with the Tandroy tribe, more than 2500 acres (1000 ha) of forest has been maintained. For its relatively small size, the reserve has a remarkable variety of topographies, ranging from dry, open scrub, 'spiny' forests, and closed canopy jungles. Day visitors can enjoy a walking tour through the wilderness, while others can stay longer at the guest lodge. Get up close and personal with nature at the Berenty Reserver, where the semi-tame sifaka and ring-tailed lemurs often sit with guest as they eat.
Address: Réserve de Berenty, Amboasary
Telephone: +261 33 23 210 08
Website: http://www.madagascar-resorts.com/en/home/
Antsiranana Bay
One of the finest natural harbours in the world, Antsiranana Bay is a vibrant and cosmopolitan seaport located at the northernmost tip of Madagascar. Formerly known as Diégo Suarez Bay, this tiny island is haven for nature lovers with wonderful lakes, rainforests and waterfalls to explore, and wildlife such as lemurs, crocodiles, and an array of indigenous birds. Visitors can relax at the quiet beach at Ramena, while others can take a boat to nearby Nosy Be to explore the lush inland areas. The bay has been the setting for some major historical events, such as the invasion of Madagascar by the Allied forces in 1942, to protect the territory from the Japanese after the surrender of France, and a submarine attack on the British fleet by Japanese submarines.
Avenue of the Baobabs
According to the Madagascan legend, the Baobab tree was planted upside down, so its roots are on top and its branches underground. There is no better place to observe these giant trees than at the Avenue of the Baobabs. it is located in the Menabe region of Madagascar, along the road between Morondava and Belon'i Tsiribihina. This distinctive cluster of trees stands 100 feet (30 metres) high, each roughly 800 years old. The Avenue of the Baobabs is truly an escape into nature, unspolit as it is by mainstream tourism. It contains a simple picnic area and a baobab 'farm' where visitors can see the different kind of baobab saplings.
Amber Mountain National Park
Madagascar's most famous park, Amber Mountain (Montagne d'Ambre) National Park is known for its array of colourful orchids found exclusively on the island. Located in the northern part of the island, the mountainous park is predominantly tropical rainforest. The altitude and lush vegetation makes it pleasantly cool compared to the surrounding lowlands. Animal lovers will delight in the unusual animal species that inhabit the park like the blue-nosed chameleon and seven different kinds of lemur. The park is also a treat for bird lovers, with 75 different bird species, 35 of which are endemic. There are many waterfalls and some beautiful volcanic lakes to hike to. The trek to the Sacred Waterfall (Cascade Sacree) is one of the most popular.
Amber Mountain is one of the most accessible parks in Madagascar, with comparably good infrastructure including wide trails and camping areas as well as an in-park lodge. However, electricity is not always available, and the nearest banks and medical facilities are several hours away in the town of Antsiranana. The tracks and landmarks are well-maintained and signposted, making it easy to explore the park without a guide. In fact, it is the only park in the country where tourist can visit without the compulsory assistance of a guide.
The best time to visit the park is between September and November, when the animals are at their most active and are most easily observed.
Telephone: +261 20 22 415 54
Website: http://www.travelmadagascar.org/PARKS/Amber-Mountain-National-Park.html
Public Holidays in Madagascar
| |
2020 |
2021 |
| Whit Monday |
Sun. June 1 |
Sat. May 24 |
| New Year's Day |
Wed. January 1 |
Wed. January 1 |
| Martyrs' Day |
Sat. March 29 |
Sat. March 29 |
| Easter Monday |
Sun. April 13 |
Sat. April 5 |
| Labour Day |
Thu. May 1 |
Thu. May 1 |
| Ascension Day |
Sat. May 10 |
Fri. May 30 |
| Independence Day |
Thu. June 26 |
Thu. June 26 |
| Assumption |
Fri. August 15 |
Fri. August 15 |
| All Saints' Day |
Sat. November 1 |
Sat. November 1 |
| Christmas Day |
Thu. December 25 |
Thu. December 25 |
