PASSPORT AND VISAS
A tourist visa is necessary for any foreigner of any nationality to enter and stay in Madagascar.
You can obtain it either at the Malagasy Embassy / consulate in your country, or directly at the airport on arrival.
In both cases, you will need to present:
– Your return or continuing plane ticket
– A valid passport for six months at least, after the departure date from Madagascar.
For 2025, tourist visa cost is 35 € for less than one month stay.
HEALTH
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are requested by law to enter Madagascar. However, we highly recommend people to come in with up-to-date vaccinations against:
– B hepatitis
– Typhoid fever
– Diphtheria / Tetanus / Polio
Anti-malaria treatment
Despite stronger risks on the coast than in the highlands, and during the rainy season than during the dry season, Malaria is present all over the island all year round. Therefore, an anti-malaria treatment must be taken before, during and after your stay in Madagascar. Consult your general practitioner before traveling.
You should also check the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/madagascar) or National Travel Health Network and Centre (https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/134/madagascar) for more information.
If you’re traveling from or between countries where Yellow Fever is a common concern, you will need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. It’s strongly advised to get information from the Yellow Fever health authority in your home country well in advance of your travel dates. People aged 60 years or older should not be given the vaccine for travel to these areas with low potential for exposure due to a higher risk of life-threatening side effects and instead carry a doctor’s letter to highlight the same.
Travellers’ Insurance and Evacuation
All travellers must have travel insurance or enough financial resources to cover potential costs in case of a medical emergency, trip disruption, or early termination of their journey.
SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
Casual, comfortable wash and wear clothing is recommended. A warm jacket is useful during the winter months on the highlands (June to September). Hiking boots are highly recommended if walks are included in your itinerary. In the evenings, it’s a good idea to cover up to protect yourself from mosquitoes and bugs. Depending on the duration of your trip, you may want to adjust the quantity and types of clothing to suit your needs. Below is a list of items we recommend you bring:
Clothing:
| Toiletries:
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Electronics:
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Currency:
The official currency is the ARIARY.
Banks are normally open from 08h00 to 12h00 and 14h00 to 15h30 weekdays. Credit cards (the most popular is VISA) are only accepted in city hotels, restaurants and some shops, mainly in Antananarivo. In the other mid-size cities, you can get cash from Automatic Cash Machines (ATMs). There’s also an ATM inside Antananarivo airport. Don’t rely on ATM machines only, they are sometimes out of order. Keep some cash with you for emergencies.
Tipping:
Tipping is incredibly subjective. There are times you might not leave anything, other times you might want to leave your full wallet! On average, previous clients have indicated to us they add around 10% of the total trip cost as tip money to distribute as they see fit. It may be different for you. This is completely your call.
A few things to consider: Guides are usually tipped separately from any other staff you may encounter (for example, at the camps). Where possible, tip directly to the staff as opposed to putting into a tip box. This ensures that each staff gets their tips directly.
Weather:
Best season to come to Madagascar is during dry season, from April to mid-November. Peak season is July to October.
Mid-June to mid-September is winter on the highlands. During the day, temperatures are cool, approx. 18°C; but at night, temperatures can drop down to 5°C. On the coast, it is always nice and warm.
Cyclonic season (mid-December to mid-March) is to be avoided.
Electricity and Plug Standards:
The two-pronged plug and the European standard socket are the most used with a
tension of 220 volts (but it may go down to 170 volts in some areas at peak times).
Electricity (220 volts) is available in main cities. In smaller villages or bush hotels, electricity often comes from a privately-owned generator and is not available all the time. Bring a flashlight/headlamp with you.
TRAVEL ETIQUETTE
Listen to your guide as they work knowing the rules and regulations and work within those for the safety and comfort for all.
Please do not litter. Carry any litter, including biodegradables, back to camp/lodge/hotel and dispose appropriately.
Stay in the vehicle at all times when on wildlife viewing drives.
Do not disturb wildlife, either with the vehicle or on foot. Remember, wildlife has right of way. They are also unpredictable and can be dangerous.
Keep sounds low and encourage silence especially when wildlife is nearby.
Never feed any wildlife as our foods would cause them harm.
Avoid flash photography.
Respect all customs, communities, and religions.
