Explore
Madagascar with this essential travel guide — covering wildlife
wonders, cultural etiquette, visas, safety tips, and the best times
to visit. Discover unique landscapes, rare lemurs, and breathtaking
national parks across this incredible island.
Country: Madagascar
Continent / Region: East Africa / Indian Ocean
Capital City: Antananarivo
Government Type: Semi-presidential republic
Population: ~29 million
Official Language(s): Malagasy, French
Percentage of Population Who Speak English: Approx. 5–10% (higher in tourism areas)
Currency: Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
Time Zone (GMT): GMT+3
Driving Side: Right
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type C & E plugs, 220V
Adapter Needed: Yes — UK travellers require an adapter
Emergency Numbers: 117 (police), 118 (fire), 124 (ambulance)
Travel Time from the UK (London): Approx. 14–16 hours (with one connection)
Best Time/Months to Travel: April – December for dry weather; January – March is cyclone season
Main International Airports:
Visa Requirements: Visa required for most travellers
Visa Needed for UK Citizens: Yes — available on arrival or online (eVisa)
Visa Duration / Cost: 30-day visa approx. £30–£40; 60-day and 90-day options available
Vaccinations Needed: Routine vaccines; hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies recommended; malaria precautions required
Embassy Information (UK Embassy in Madagascar):
Average Daily Costs (Budget / Mid-range / Luxury): £35 / £70 / £150+ per person
Tipping Culture: Appreciated; 5–10% for restaurants; small tips for drivers & guides
Public Transport Options: Taxis, tuk-tuks, bush taxis (taxi-brousse), private drivers
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: Taxi within Antananarivo ≈ £1–£3; long-distance taxi-brousse £5–£15
Internet / SIM Availability: Good coverage in cities; slower in rural areas; Airtel & Telma offer SIM/eSIM
Main Climate Type: Tropical along the coast, temperate inland, arid in the south
Average Temperature Range (by Season):
• Summer (Nov–Mar): 25–33 °C (wet season, cyclones possible)
• Winter (Apr–Oct): 15–25 °C (dry, cooler nights inland)
Major Cities: Antananarivo, Toamasina, Antsirabe, Mahajanga, Fianarantsoa
Natural Attractions: Avenue of the Baobabs, Tsingy de Bemaraha, Ranomafana National Park, Isalo National Park, Nosy Be beaches
Popular Tourist Destinations: Antananarivo, Nosy Be, Morondava, Île Sainte-Marie, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Main Religions: Christianity, traditional Malagasy beliefs
Cultural Etiquette / Customs: Respect fady (local taboos); ask before photographing people; greetings are important; modest dress recommended in rural areas
National Dishes / Cuisine Highlights: Romazava (beef stew), Ravitoto (pork with cassava leaves), rice served with most meals, zebu meat, fresh seafood, lychees
Local Festivals / Public Holidays: Famadihana (turning of the bones), Donia Music Festival (Nosy Be), Independence Day (June 26)
Famous Landmarks / Heritage Sites: Avenue of the Baobabs, Royal Hill of Ambohimanga (UNESCO), Tsingy de Bemaraha (UNESCO)
Overall Safety Rating: Moderate — petty theft possible; rural roads can be hazardous
Common Scams / Warnings: Overpriced taxis, unofficial guides, currency scams; avoid walking at night in major cities
Health Risks: Malaria, dengue, waterborne diseases; medical facilities limited outside cities
Recommended Travel Clinics: Polyclinique d'Ilafy (Antananarivo), Centre Medical de Soavimasoandro
Travel Insurance Recommendation: Essential — must include medical evacuation due to limited facilities in remote areas
Internet Speed / Connectivity: Moderate in cities; unreliable in remote regions
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Avenue of the Baobabs, Tsingy de Bemaraha, Ranomafana Forest, Isalo Canyon, Nosy Be
Unique Experiences: Lemur trekking in Andasibe, whale watching at Île Sainte-Marie, Malagasy cooking classes, zebu market visits
Hidden Gems / Off-the-Beaten Path: Lokobe Reserve, Morombe beaches, Anja Community Reserve, Amber Mountain National Park
Popular Areas to Stay:
Average Hotel Prices (Budget / Mid-range / Luxury): £20 / £50 / £120+ per night
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Popular Nightlife Areas: Antananarivo city centre, Nosy Be waterfront
Local Drinks / Bars to Try: Malagasy rum (rhum arrangé), Three Horses Beer, fresh fruit cocktails
Entertainment Options: Live music, cultural dance shows, beachfront bars, night markets
Car Rental Availability: Available but roads can be challenging; hiring a driver is common
Domestic Flights / Trains: Domestic flights connect major regions; train services limited
Average Taxi / Ride Share Costs: Short rides ≈ £1–£3; private driver for a day £25–£50
Best Markets / Districts: Analakely Market, La Digue Craft Market, Nosy Be artisan stalls
Local Crafts / Souvenirs: Raffia products, carved wood, gemstones, vanilla, essential oils, handmade jewellery
Local SIM Card Providers: Airtel, Telma, Orange
Typical Business Hours: Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sat mornings; rural shops vary
Tap Water Safety: Not safe to drink — use bottled or filtered water
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?: Around 90% of Madagascar’s wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth — making it one of the most unique biodiversity hotspots on the planet.