7 Essential Things Every Visitor Must Know Before Visiting Madagascar

Visiting Madagascar is on the bucket list of many travelers – and with good reason. One of its chief attractions is the remoteness at which the island nation located in the Indian Ocean. Which is why it’d suck if you landed up without knowing essential information about this destination of a lifetime.

Visas:

Okay, let’s start with some bad news. While visas for Madagascar were free for most visitors until recently, there is now a 25 euro charge for visas for a duration of 30 days or up to 50 euros for 90 days. When I visited, I was openly asked for a bribe by the immigration officer. Hopefully, the visa fees has streamlined the entry procedure for visitors.

Vaccination:

While Yellow Fever is a mandatory requirement in most parts of Africa, Madagascar doesn’t require any vaccinations before visiting the country. Tour operators, however, recommend getting a malaria shot before landing in the country. All in all though, it’s perfectly fine to just come without any vaccinations.

Currency:

Madagascar’s national currency is Ariary although most high-end hotels and tour operators charge in euros. The exchange rate for 1 euro is currently around 3500 ariary, roughly the same amount I paid when I visited in 2015. Remember to exchange the money at the last counter or at the one at the car park at Tana airport itself. If you are venturing further into the country, exchange your euros at Antananarivo itself as cards are not widely accepted in the interiors. You’ll also have to pay higher rates to exchange euros the farther you get from the capital city.  

Electricity:

Be ready to carry an universal charger with you while travelling to Madagascar. You will frequently come across French two-pin and European two-pin sockets in some places so it makes sense to have a charger that can work on both sockets. The charge is 220V

Public transport:

There is little doubt that travelling in Madagascar’s infamous taxi-brousse is a surefire conversation starter. Although cheap, consider the fact that they’re often cramped. And while they will take you almost anywhere you wish to go, their departure and arrival time can never be determined. You can luck out with private mini-buses on some routes that are slightly more comfortable than taxi-brousses. Taking a taxi is sometimes inevitable. I didn’t mind it one bit for the chance to sit in the old Citroen taxis that ply in most major cities. Finally, if you have lots of money and patience, consider flying on Air Madagascar to get from Point A to B in this vast country.

When to Travel:

It’s best to travel during July and August when temperatures are cool in the north and tolerable in the south of the country. Unfortunately, this is peak tourist season so try to time your visit during the Shoulder season between April to June or October to early December. Avoid January to March at all costs as cyclones are frequent and often violent.

Languages:

A former French colony, you will find many products from France as well as the locals speaking fluent French in many regions. The locals, of course, speak Malagasy amongst themselves. English is acceptable at high-end hotels and with tour operators.