Things To Do
in Madagascar
Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa. It is renowned for its unique biodiversity, with most of its plants and animals, such as lemurs and baobab trees, found nowhere else on Earth.
The island's diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, dry deciduous forests, and coral reefs, are under threat from deforestation, climate change, and other human activities, making conservation efforts vital.
- "Salama" - Hello
- "Misaotra" - Thank you
- "Azafady" - Excuse me / Please
- "Inona ny vaovao?" - What's new?
- "Manahoana" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.20 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo. Settle into your accommodation and freshen up from your journey.
Explore the vibrant streets of Antananarivo, visiting the Rova of Antananarivo for stunning views. Stop by local markets to experience the culture and buy souvenirs.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, trying traditional Malagasy dishes. Take a stroll in the warm evening air and relax.
Travel to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, home to diverse wildlife. Start your adventure with a guided walk to spot lemurs and other endemic species.
Continue exploring the park's lush trails and waterfalls. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature while listening to the sounds of the forest.
Return to your lodge for a cozy dinner. If you're up for it, take an evening walk to see nocturnal wildlife.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich biodiversity with unique flora and fauna
- Stunning landscapes including rainforests, mountains, and beaches
- Cultural diversity with over 18 ethnic groups and traditions
- Affordability for tourists and expats
- Opportunities for eco-tourism and sustainable development
- Political instability and occasional civil unrest
- Limited infrastructure and healthcare facilities
- High levels of poverty in some areas
- Environmental challenges like deforestation and climate change
- Limited job opportunities outside of tourism and agriculture
Best Activities in Madagascar
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful landscapes and diverse flora and fauna of Andringitra National Park through its numerous hiking trails.
Discover the unique sandstone formations, canyons, and natural swimming pools while enjoying the hiking and trekking trails in Isalo National Park.
Experience the vibrant marine life and coral reefs through diving and snorkeling in the clear waters of Nosy Be.
Observe humpback whales as they migrate through the waters of Sainte Marie Island from July to September.
Tours
Uncover the best of Madagascar with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Madagascar
Visit one of these nice places.
Famous for its stunning sunset and picturesque landscape featuring ancient baobab trees.
A UNESCO World Heritage site with dramatic limestone karst formations and breathtaking views.
Home to stunning mountainous landscapes and unique biodiversity, providing fantastic photo opportunities.
Food in Madagascar
Madagascar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional meat stew made with leafy greens, tomatoes, and onions, often served with rice. Can be found in local eateries and restaurants throughout Madagascar.
Must-Try!
A dish made with mashed cassava leaves, pork, and sometimes peanuts, providing a rich and hearty flavor. Widely available in local villages and traditional dining spots.
Sweet banana bread often served as a breakfast dish or snack, best enjoyed in markets, bakeries, and street food stalls.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Madagascar better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the largest and most vibrant markets in Antananarivo, offering an array of fresh produce, spices, and street food stalls serving local delicacies like samosas, brochettes, and fresh fruit juices.
A popular spot for seafood lovers, with numerous seaside food stalls serving freshly caught grilled fish, crab, and lobster, accompanied by coconut-infused rice and condiments.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Madagascar, it is important to greet people with respect, using a handshake or a nod. It is also customary to inquire about the well-being of the person and their family.
Respect for elders is highly valued in Malagasy culture. It is important to address older individuals with deference and to show them courtesy and consideration in social interactions.
Madagascar has specific taboos and traditions that are important to observe. These may include rules about where and when certain activities can be performed, and respecting local customs and beliefs is key to showing respect.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Madagascar with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Madagascar
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Madagascar, and it is not expected in most situations. However, in upscale restaurants and hotels, a service charge might be included in the bill, in which case additional tipping is not necessary.
Cash is the most widely used form of payment in Madagascar, especially in rural areas. Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger cities and tourist areas, but it's always good to have some cash on hand. ATMs are available in major cities but may be limited in more remote regions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Madagascar.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Madagascar, with cooler temperatures and clear skies. It's the ideal time for wildlife spotting, particularly in the national parks and reserves.
Expect higher temperatures and more humidity. The landscape is lush and green, but some areas may be inaccessible due to flooded roads. It's a good time for birdwatching and seeing baby lemurs.
Madagascar at Night
Hiking in Madagascar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Known for its stunning mountain landscapes, Andringitra National Park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the route to the second highest peak in Madagascar, Pic Boby.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its unique limestone formations. The park has a range of hiking trails, including paths that allow exploration of the remarkable 'Tsingy' rock formations.
Isalo National Park features dramatic sandstone formations, deep canyons, and natural swimming holes. Various trails provide opportunities for hiking in this diverse landscape.
Marojejy is known for its rich biodiversity and beautiful mountainous terrain. The park offers challenging hikes through rainforests, with the chance to see rare wildlife.
Located on the Masoala Peninsula, this park boasts pristine rainforests and coastal trails. Hiking here provides an opportunity to encounter diverse ecosystems and unique flora and fauna.
Famous for its lemur population, this park features well-maintained trails through lush rainforests, making it a popular destination for both hiking and wildlife watching.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Madagascar through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Madagascar by plane.
Located in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Ivato International Airport is the main international airport serving the capital city and is the largest in the country.
Located in Sainte-Marie Island, Réunion, this airport serves as a significant international gateway near Madagascar.
Situated in Réunion, Pierrefonds Airport serves international flights and is another major airport near Madagascar.
Located in Plaisance, Mauritius, this is the main airport serving the island nation of Mauritius, which is relatively close to Madagascar.
Also known as Ivato International Airport, it is the main hub for international flights into Madagascar.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Merina are the largest ethnic group in Madagascar, primarily located in the central highlands around the capital, Antananarivo.
The Betsimisaraka are the second-largest ethnic group, located along the east coast of Madagascar.
The Bara are a significant ethnic group residing in the southern regions of Madagascar, known for their pastoral lifestyle.
The Sakalava are primarily found in the western coastal regions of Madagascar and are known for their rich cultural traditions.
The Antandroy are located in the southern part of Madagascar, characterized by their distinct cultural practices and arid farming.
The Tsimihety inhabit the northern central region of Madagascar and are known for their unique matriarchal social structure.
The Mahaijanga are found in the northwest region of Madagascar, with a mix of agricultural and fishing lifestyles.
Other smaller ethnic groups and communities exist throughout Madagascar, each contributing to the island's diverse culture.
The Soul of Madagascar
Discover the essence of Madagascar through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Madagascar, followed by a strong local support for both amateur and professional leagues.
Basketball has gained popularity over the years, especially among the youth, with many schools and clubs participating in local competitions.
Rugby is also quite popular, particularly in urban areas, with a growing number of clubs and national representation in international fixtures.
Athletics is widely practiced, with events held at schools and national levels, promoting various track and field disciplines.
Volleyball is enjoyed both recreationally and competitively, with many communities organizing local tournaments.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Malagasy cuisine prominently features meat and seafood, coastal areas and urban centers offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, such as coconut milk-based curries, mixed vegetable stir-fries, and fruit platters.
It is possible to find gluten-free options in larger towns and tourist-oriented venues, with rice forming a staple base for many dishes. Communicating dietary requirements clearly to local eateries is advisable for a tailored dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Madagascar with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Madagascar.