Madagascar Tours & Vacations
Madagascar showcases the very best of our wild, weird but oh so wonderful world.
With biodiversity to rival the Galapagos Islands, towns of historical significance, beautiful beaches of golden sand and a remarkable culture influenced by Europe, Africa and the East, Madagascar's rare riches are well worth discovering. Venture into national parks to experience profound moments in nature, mellow out on idyllic islands, stroll through heritage towns and spot quirky wildlife not found anywhere else on this earth.
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Madagascar Adventure
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Articles of Madagascar
Madagascar at a glance
CAPITAL CITY
Antananarivo
POPULATION
29.5 million
CURRENCY
MGA
LANGUAGE
French, Malagasy
TIME ZONE
(GMT+03:00) Nairobi
CALLING CODE
+261
ELECTRICITY
Type C (European 2-pin) Type D (Old British 3-pin) Type E (French 2-pin, female earth) Type J (Swiss 3-pin) Type K (Danish 3-pin)
Learn more about Madagascar
Best time to visit
With such a unique ecosystem and environment, going on holiday to Madagascar at different times of the year offers a variety of challenges and benefits. September to November is considered one of the best times to visit, as these months sit right in between the cool, dry winter and the hot, rainy season. This time is also considered the best time to view birdlife.
July to August offers cooler temperatures and the best chances for whale watching on the coast.
January to March is cyclone season, but this is also the best time to see flowering orchids.
Culture and customs
Madagascar is a relatively young nation with inhabitants only traced back 1,300 years. Throughout its history, multiple nations and peoples have influenced the culture and customs of modern-day Madagascar. While some of this history can only be speculated, it's known that much of it has come from Indonesian origins, alongside neighbouring African and Arab cultures.
The official languages of Madagascar are Malagasy and French. French is still widely spoken across the country due to the nation being a former French colony.
Today, about 90% of the population identifies as Malagasy, further split into 20 ethnic groups. The largest of these groups is known as the Merina, who lived on the plateau. The country's religious practices are split between Christian and the traditional beliefs of the Malagasy people.
Geography and environment
This iconic island nation sitting off the coast of East Africa in the Indian Ocean, is home to one of the most precious and unique natural environments in the world. Its isolated location means that a distinct variety of animal and plant species have been able to thrive without outside genetic influences.
Possessing extinct volcanoes, hidden waterfalls, cool highlands, grassy plains, pristine beaches and islands, Madagascar was once completely covered in forest - but due to high levels of deforestation, most forest cover has been lost. Some tracts of rainforest do endure today, but it's estimated that the current level of forest cover is only 1-2 percent of what it once was. Despite this loss, hundreds of species of plants and trees thrive all over the island, from huge, ancient baobab trees to thorny cacti and resplendent ferns.
Eating and drinking
Malagasy cuisine is highlighted by its fresh and tasty homegrown exotic produce alongside its unique local livestock, such as the zebu (a species of cow) and a variety of seafood. Many cultures across the world have contributed to the Malagasy cuisine of today, including French, Indonesian, Indian and nearby African nations.
Food to try in Madagascar
1.Romazava
This national dish is made of cubed zebu meat (a local type of cow) and served with a light broth, tomato sauce and rice. With all the bright colours, it resembles the Malagasy flag.
2. Henakisoa sy Ravitoto
This dish is made up of braised pork and pounded cassava leaves with an assortment of spices.
3. Malagasy chocolate
Because of the unique environment it's created in, Madagascan chocolate has a unique fruity, citrusy and even forest flavour profile.
4.Henakisoa sy Amalona
One of the seven royal dishes, this traditional meal is made of pork and eel. While an unusual duo to most, this dish is a delicacy in Madagascar.
5.Tsaramaso Malagasy
A slow-cooked white bean and tomato dish cooked with zebu or pork as a stew.
Top things to do in Madagascar
Avenue of the Baobabs
Arguably one of Madagascar's most famous icons is the baobab tree. Walk under the towering trunks of the Adansonia Grandidieri variety, the tallest of the species, at the Avenue of the Baobabs found near the coastal town of Morondava.
Take a sunset stoll under these magnificent trees on our 11 days Madagascar Baobabs & Beyond tour.
Andasibe National Park
If you were hoping to see lemurs in Madagascar, Andasibe National Park is the place to be. Home to 11 species of lemur alongside many other native birds, reptiles and frogs, the park feels alive with activity.
Enjoy Andasibe National Park by day and night on our 14 day Madagascar Adventure
The Small Tsingy and Great Tsingy
Come across the forest of rocks known as the Tsingys, roughly translated to ‘place where one cannot walk barefoot,' and you can definitely see why. Found in the Bemaraha National Park, these spiky natural limestone formations jut out from the ground. But don't worry; there are rope bridges to get you through.
Trek through and wander over the Big and Small Tsingy on our 24 day Madagascar in Depth adventure
Ranomafana National Park
A government-protected park, the Ranomafana is home to a huge variety of wildlife, from the world's smallest chameleon and striped civet to the famous golden bamboo lemur. Alongside the rare species, walk among stunning forestry and even some carnivorous plants.
Explore the Anja Community Reserve, Ranomafana and Andasibe National Parks on a 14 day Madagascar Wildlife Adventure
Ambositra
Stop by the country's arts and crafts capital to see the beautiful creations handmade by the local people. See a woodcarver demonstration when you stop by a workshop to learn more about the region's crafts.
Meet the people and learn about their incredible craft during an Ambositra village visit when on our 24 day Madagascar in Depth tour
Chocolate making demonstration
Learn the secrets to the famous Madagascan chocolate during a hands-on demonstration class led by a local chef in Antananarivo.
What a perfect way to finish off your 14 day Madagascar Adventure than with a chocolate class.
Festivals and events
Public holidays that may impact travel:
Martyrs' Day
Labour Day
Ascension Day
Whit Sunday
Whit Monday
Independence Day
Assumption Day
All Saints' Day
Please note Madagascar public holidays may vary.
Shopping
Madagascar is popular around the world for its specialty produce items such as coffee, chocolate and vanilla, but there are many other unique souvenirs to find while on the Great Red Island.
It's also a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.
Things to buy in Madagascar
Vanilla
Vanilla is arguably one of the most famous exports to come out of Madagascar. Shop around for vanilla beans, paste, essence and more.
Silk shawls (lambas)
Silk weaving is an important part of culture, especially in certain parts of Madagascar. In Sandrandahy villages, generations of mothers have passed the craft of making lambas to their daughters.
Wood carvings
Madagascan wood carvers are known for their woodwork. Find artwork, chess sets, wooden figures and more.
Chocolate
Madagascan chocolate is shipped all over the world due to its rich and flavourful profile.
Coffee
Just like chocolate, Madagascan coffee is world-famous and highly sought after.
Further reading
Title | Author |
The Eighth Continent | Peter Tyson |
Lords and Lemurs | Alison Jolly |
Antipode | Heather E. Heying |
Flashman's Lady | George MacDonald Fraser |
The Sapphire Sea | John B. Robinson |
Similar destinations
Thinking about a Madagascan adventure but still looking at other destinations? See below some of our wildlife-filled African destination tours.
Botswana
Comoros Islands
Tanzania
Comparison
Madagascar travel FAQs
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
If you are visiting Madagascar as a tourist for over 15 days, you will need to purchase a visa. A 30 or 60 day tourist visa can be purchased at the Antananarivo airport on arrival. You may also be able to apply in advance at your nearest Madagascan Embassy.
You may be asked to provide evidence of onward travel or a return ticket.
If you are visiting Madagascar for less than 15 days, you may not need to purchase a visa, however, you will still need to pay a border control administration fee. If you wish to extend your tourist visa, you can apply to the immigration service to extend it for up to 90 days.
- 15 days or less: approximately 10 Euros (48,299 MGA)
- 30 day traveller visa: approximately 35 Euros (169,043 MGA)
- 60 day traveller visa: approximately 40 Euros (193,192 MGA)
The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.
Last updated: 06/11/2023
Tipping isn’t mandatory, but a little generosity will be received positively especially when considering the low wages that most service workers are typically paid. Setting aside a small amount for porters, guides and drivers is wise, as is leaving spare change or rounding up the bill at restaurants.
Cyber cafes are found in some of the larger cities like Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa and Antananarivo. Smaller towns and remote areas will have far less access, so prepare to disconnect when travelling out of urban centres.
Cell phone coverage is generally good in Madagascar's large cities and towns, but less so in rural areas and on remote islands. Ensure you have global roaming activated before leaving home if you wish to use your phone.
Squat/pit toilets are the standard in Madagascar except for western-style flushable toilets that are sometimes available in large hotels and other modern buildings. Carry your own supply of soap and toilet paper, as this is rarely provided.
Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Madagascar. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found, some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.
Major credit cards like Visa are usually accepted by large hotels and western-style restaurants in the capital but not by smaller vendors. Ensure you have adequate cash to cover purchases not able to be made on credit.
ATMs that accept foreign cards can be found in large cities and the airport, although they're often unreliable or out of service. Be sure to carry a back-up method of payment in case ATM access becomes difficult.
Discretion is advised for LGBTQIA+ travellers in Madagascar. While same-sex relationships are legal, public attitudes in Madagascar are not widely accepting of LGBTQIA+ people. The age of consent for same-sex relations is 21. Same-sex marriage is not recognised. It is advised to be discreet and avoid public displays of affection.
For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.
If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Eden Reforestation Projects
Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe.
Find out more or make a donation
World Bicycle Relief
World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most.
Find out more or make a donation
From Australia?
Go to: Smart Traveller
From Canada?
Go to: Canada Travel Information
From the UK?
Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice
From New Zealand?
Go to: Safe Travel
From the US?
Go to: US Department of State
The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance