Madagascar

USEFUL INFO

Madagascar’s nature-based tourism attractions offer a unique and diverse experience. The island’s unique biodiversity, including lemurs, chameleons, and baobabs, is a major draw for eco-tourists.

National parks like Andasibe-Mantadia and Isalo offer opportunities for hiking, trekking, and wildlife observation. The Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, with its towering limestone formations, is a must-see for adventure seekers.

Madagascar’s pristine beaches and coral reefs provide excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

Capital Cities: Antananarivo (also known as Tana) is the capital city.
Official language: Malagasy
Population: Approximately 28 million people
Dialing code: +261

BANKING

  • Central bank: Banque Centrale de Madagascar (BCM)
  • ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas.
  • Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted.
  • Banking hours are typically from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

CURRENCY:

  • Local currency: Ariary (Ar)
  • ISO code: MAD
  • Subunit:  Iraimbilanja (1/5 of an Ariary)
  • Banknote units: 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 Ariary
  • Coin units: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 Ariary

BY AIR

  • Madagascar has several domestic airports, with Antananarivo being the main hub.
  • International flights connect Madagascar to major cities in Africa, Europe, and Asia.
  • Inbound / Outbound Airlines: Search for flights here.

 

BY ROAD

  • The road network in Madagascar is limited, and many roads are in poor condition.
  • Renting a car is possible, but it’s advisable to stick to major roads and hire a driver.

BY BUS & RAIL

  • Bus services are available between major cities, but they can be slow and uncomfortable.
  • Rail travel is limited to a few routes.

 

 

BY WATER

Madagascar has a long coastline, and boat trips are possible along the coast or to nearby islands.

Food and water safety:

  • Be cautious about drinking tap water, and stick to bottled water or drinks that have been heated to boiling.
  • Food is generally safe if cooked thoroughly.

Local cuisine: 

  • Malagasy cuisine is a fusion of African, Asian, and European influences.
  • Popular dishes include rice, seafood, poultry, and vegetables.

Local drinks:

Popular local drinks include rum, beer, and various fruit juices.

Tipping: 

Tipping is customary in Madagascar, and a tip of 10-15% is generally expected in restaurants and hotels.

Seasons:

Madagascar has two main seasons:

  • Wet season – November to April
  • Dry season – May to October.

 

Climate and Weather:

The climate across Madagascar varies depending on the region, but generally, the coastal areas are hot and humid, while the highlands are cooler and drier.

 

Best time to visit:

The dry season is generally considered the best time to visit Madagascar, as it offers more comfortable weather and fewer crowds.

Summer Clothing:

Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for the hot and humid summer months.

 

Winter Clothing:

For the cooler highlands, bring warm clothing, including sweaters, jackets, and long pants.

General:

Modest clothing is generally appreciated, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas.

Internet Availability:

Internet access is available in major cities and tourist areas, but the speed can be slow.

 

Electricity and Plug Standards:

The standard voltage in Madagascar is 220 volts, and the plug type is typically French-style (Type E).

 

EXPLORE OUR MADAGASCAR TRIP EXPERIENCES

Naturecrazi also offers 2 Planet and 2 People orientated trips to Madagascar in our Volunteer section .