First time in Madagascar: everything you need to know
Madagascar rewards travellers who come prepared. If it is your first trip, here are the practical essentials that make planning easy, so you can focus on the adventure.
Visas, money and language
Most visitors get a tourist visa on arrival at the airport for short stays, check current rules for your nationality before you fly. The currency is the ariary, and cash is king outside the cities, so carry small notes. French and Malagasy are the main languages, and a few words of either open doors. Your guide bridges any gap.
How long to stay
Distances are long, so give yourself time. A week covers one region well, two weeks allows a proper route like the RN7 plus the baobabs or the north, and three weeks lets you go deep. Trying to see everything in a short trip means too much driving and not enough wonder.
What to expect
Expect rough roads, simple but warm hospitality, astonishing wildlife and slower rhythms than home. Power cuts and schedule changes happen, so flexibility helps. Travelling with a local driver-guide smooths all of this, see getting around and our packing list. Decide when to go with our seasonal guide.
We have planned Madagascar trips for years and handle every detail. Tell us your dream trip and we will make it real.