Madagascar
Eastern Africa
Travel Information
Travel to Madagascar
When to visit
April to November offers dry and relatively cool conditions ideal for beach holidays and exploring the national parks. If your timing isn’t dictated by European school holidays, avoid the peak months of July and August. The rainy season of December to March, is also best avoided.
Visas and paperwork
US citizens require a valid passport and visa to enter Madagascar. Single entry tourist visas for stays of up to 90 days can be bought on arrival, or you can obtain an e-visa in advance.
Did You Know?
Madagascar is the only place on Earth where you can find wild lemurs—over 100 species—all of which are found nowhere else in the world! 🐒🌿
Highlights
The verdant volcanic islet of Nosy Be, hemmed in by a series of gorgeous palm-lined beaches, functions as a self-standing holiday destination complete with its own international airport. Activities include snorkeling, whale-watching, wining and dining, hikes to crater lakes, and boat trips to see the habituated black lemurs of Nosy Komba.
If you visit only one national park, make it Andasibe-Mantadia. The main attraction of this accessible park is the presence of Madagascar’s largest lemur, the Critically Endangered indri, a cuddlesome panda lookalike with an unforgettable far-carrying call. Several other lemurs occur here alongside a wealth of endemic birds, frogs, chameleons and orchids.
The capital Antananarivo has been the political hub of Madagascar for more than 400 years. Precolonial edifices include the three-storey Manjakamiadana Palace, constructed over 1839-40, and the hilltop Rova Ambohimanga, an out-of-town UNESCO World Heritage Site dotted with palaces and tombs dating back to the 18th century.
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tsingy de Bemaraha is the world’s largest ‘stone forest’, a surreal 50-mile-long karstic formation of tall jagged limestone pinnacles and labyrinthine valleys that supports a rich xerophile flora and fauna.
Situated 300 miles east of mainland Africa, Madagascar is a lushly vegetated tropical island whose long Indian Ocean coastline is adorned with picturesque swimming beaches. What sets the so-called Eighth Continent apart, however, is its staggering biodiversity: a tally of 10,000 unique plant and animal species, including more than 100 varieties of lemur, and a similar diversity of endemic chameleons and birds, protected in a network of roughly 50 hiker-friendly national parks.
Photo Highlights
Practical Information
Practical Stuff
Getting there
Serviced by several international carriers, Ivato International Airport (TNR), 10 miles north of Antananarivo, is the main hub for domestic flights and tours. Flights to Nosy Be’s Fascene Airport (NOS) cater mainly to people on package holidays to this popular standalone beach destination.
Health and safety
The risk of contracting Malaria is highest in the rainy season and in low lying areas; nevertheless, is it advisable to take prophylactic drugs wherever and whenever you visit. Crime levels are low, but it pays to be cautious and to avoid walking after dark in the capital Antananarivo. Nocturnal travel in rural areas is inadvisable due to a small but real risk of bandit attacks.
Itineraries
* Pricing is based on a group of 4 guests traveling together, and with each guest sharing accommodations with one other guest (i.e. double occupancy). Also, the cost per person will vary depending on the season / month of travel – for example, pricing will be higher during dates between Christmas Eve & New Year’s Day, as well as during other peak travel times.
What’s on the Menu
Madagascar’s cuisine is a delicious blend of African, Asian, and French influences, offering guests a dining experience as unique as the island itself. Expect dishes rich in fresh produce, fragrant spices, and seafood straight from the Indian Ocean. Signature flavors include romazava (a traditional meat and leafy greens stew), coconut-infused curries, and fresh-grilled fish served with rice, the national staple.
French heritage shines through in flaky pastries, crusty breads, and refined sauces, while tropical fruits like lychee, mango, and pineapple bring bursts of color and sweetness to the table.
For those who prefer familiar tastes, most lodges and resorts balance their menus with Western comfort dishes, from hearty breakfasts to classic pasta, poultry, and vegetarian options. Special dietary needs are readily catered for with advance notice.
Explore Other Destinations
Madagascar Travel Questions
Why visit Madagascar instead of a traditional safari destination?
Madagascar offers a completely different experience from traditional Big Five safaris.
Instead of savannah wildlife, Madagascar is known for:
- Endemic species found nowhere else on Earth
- Rare lemurs
- Baobab forests
- Unique geological formations
- Remote beaches
Over 90% of its wildlife is endemic, making it one of the most biodiverse destinations in the world.
It is ideal for travelers seeking something rare, adventurous, and biologically extraordinary.
When is the best time to visit Madagascar?
The best time to visit is during the dry season:
- May–October: Ideal for trekking and wildlife viewing
- July–September: Whale watching season (coastal regions)
The rainy season (November–April) brings lush landscapes but may limit road access in remote areas.
Where are the best places to visit in Madagascar?
Top destinations include:
- Andasibe-Mantadia National Park – Known for Indri lemurs
- Isalo National Park – Dramatic sandstone landscapes
- Nosy Be – Tropical island beaches
- Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park – Limestone forest formations
These regions combine rainforest trekking, desert scenery, and coastal relaxation.
