A visa is required for all visitors unless you are a Malagasy citizen.
How to Obtain Your Visa:
On Arrival: You can easily get your visa upon landing at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo.
In Advance: Alternatively, you may apply for a visa at the nearest Malagasy embassy or consulate in your home country.
Required Documents:
A passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
A confirmed round-trip or onward international flight ticket.
Visa Fee:
A 15-day entry visa costs approximately €10 or $10.
Ready to embark on your Malagasy adventure? Ensure your documents are prepared, and you’ll be all set to explore the incredible island of Madagascar!
The best time to visit Madagascar generally falls during the dry season, which runs from mid-April to mid-November. This period offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for exploring the island’s famous national parks, beaches, and diverse wildlife.
For Wildlife and Nature Enthusiasts:
If you’re a keen naturalist, plan your trip between late August and December. This window is exceptional for bird watching, witnessing lemur activity, and enjoying lush landscapes as the rainy season begins to refresh the flora.
A Note on Climate:
With climate variations affecting predictability, conditions can vary by region and year. For the most tailored advice, let us know when you plan to travel. We’ll provide insights on the expected weather and help you select the best areas to visit based on seasonal conditions.
Ready to plan your trip? Share your intended travel dates, and we’ll help you design the perfect Madagascar itinerary!
Yes, absolutely. It is essential to take out comprehensive travel insurance from your home country before your trip.
Your policy should provide sufficient coverage for:
Medical emergencies and hospitalization
Emergency evacuation or repatriation
Trip cancellation or interruption
Loss or delay of baggage and personal items
Traveling with insurance ensures you can explore with greater peace of mind, knowing you are protected against unexpected events. Please review your policy details carefully to confirm it meets your needs and covers any planned activities.
We recommend bringing cash in Euros (€) and US Dollars (USD) in note form for your trip to Madagascar. These currencies are widely accepted for exchange.
For daily convenience, using a Visa card at ATMs is the easiest way to obtain local currency (Malagasy Ariary). ATMs are readily available in all major cities you will visit.
Important Tips:
Please note that debit cards and other card networks (like Mastercard) are often not accepted at ATMs or for payments. Relying solely on a non-Visa card may leave you without access to funds.
Ensure your banknotes are in good condition, as worn or torn bills may be refused.
It’s advisable to exchange a small amount of currency upon arrival at the airport for immediate expenses.
By planning your finances with these tips in mind, you can explore Madagascar with ease and security.
The official language of Madagascar is Malagasy, a unique language belonging to the Malayo-Polynesian language family. It is spoken by the entire population in various dialects.
For Travelers:
French is commonly used in business, government, and for official or administrative paperwork.
While English is understood in major tourist areas and by some within the tourism industry, it is not widely spoken across the country.
Travel Tip:
Learning a few basic greetings in Malagasy is a wonderful way to connect with local people. Carrying a phrasebook or translation app can also be very helpful during your travels.
Yes, you will have internet access, though availability and quality may vary depending on your location.
Here are the most convenient ways to stay connected:
Wi-Fi: Available in most mid-range to high-standard hotels, as well as in many restaurants and cafés in towns and cities.
Local SIM Card: For the most reliable and widespread mobile data, we recommend purchasing a prepaid SIM card upon arrival from major providers like Telma or Orange. Their 4G networks cover most urban and many tourist areas.
Cyber Cafés: Can still be found in larger towns if you need to use a computer.
Our Recommendation:
For consistent internet access throughout your tour, the easiest solution is to buy a local SIM card with a data package at Ivato Airport upon arrival. This will give you mobile data for navigation, communication, and sharing on the go.
Please be aware that in very remote or rural areas (such as deep within national parks), signal can be weak or unavailable. Plan ahead by downloading offline maps and essential information when you have a connection.
Enjoy a connected and seamless journey across Madagascar
Yes, mobile phone coverage is quite reliable in most accessible and populated areas of Madagascar, including cities, towns, and popular tourist destinations.
The country is served by three main network operators:
* **Orange**
* **Telma**
* **Airtel**
You can choose a prepaid SIM card from any of these providers based on your needs and their local coverage.
[Recommendation]
For the best connectivity during your trip, we suggest purchasing a local SIM card with a data package upon arrival at the airport. This is a convenient and cost-effective way to ensure you have network access for calls, messaging, and mobile internet throughout your journey.
Traveling to any destination involves a degree of risk, and Madagascar is no different. However, by utilizing local knowledge and experienced guidance, you can avoid higher-risk areas and travel with confidence.
Your safety is our priority. At Madagascar Decouverte, we have over 20+ years of experience conducting tours across the island. Thanks to our deep local insight and careful planning, we have never had a serious incident involving our guests.
We ensure safe travels by:
– Selecting secure routes and reputable accommodations.
– Staying informed about local conditions.
– Providing experienced, knowledgeable guides.
By traveling with a trusted local operator, you can focus on enjoying Madagascar’s incredible landscapes and wildlife with greater peace of mind.
We recommend booking your tour as early as possible, as many of our tours and premium accommodations fill up quickly, especially during the peak travel seasons.
To secure your preferred dates and itinerary, please contact us well in advance. Our team will be happy to help you choose the perfect trip for your interests, schedule, and travel style.
Ready to start planning?
Reach out to us anytime to check availability and begin designing your unforgettable Madagascar adventure. We look forward to assisting you!
Booking your Madagascar Tour with Madagascar Decouverte is simple and convenient. You can secure your tour from anywhere in the world, at any time.
Ways to Book:
– Online: Via our official website
– By Phone: Contact our office directly
To Confirm Your Booking:
Please email us with the following details:
– Full name(s) of all travelers
– Your international flight itinerary
– A 30% deposit to hold your reservation
Need Assistance?
Our team is here to help. Feel free to phone or email us with any questions—we’re happy to guide you through the process and tailor your perfect journey.
We look forward to welcoming you to Madagascar
Your final balance is due 30 days before your arrival date in Madagascar.
To ensure a smooth departure, please complete the payment by this deadline. You will receive a reminder from our team prior to the due date.
Please Note:
Your booking is confirmed once the 30% deposit is received. The remaining balance secures all the final arrangements for your tour.
For any questions regarding payment methods or instructions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help finalize your preparations for an unforgettable journey.
Absolutely! At Madagascar Decouverte, we specialize in creating personalized travel experiences tailored to your interests, schedule, and preferences. This custom itinerary planning service is provided free of charge by our team of Madagascar travel experts.
How it works:
1. Simply tell us what you’d like to see, do, or experience—whether it’s wildlife, culture, adventure, beaches, or a mix.
2. Share your travel dates, budget range, and any special requirements.
3. Our specialists will design a draft itinerary that reflects your requests and email it to you for review.
We’ll work with you to refine the plan until it perfectly matches your vision of the ideal Madagascar journey.
Ready to start planning? Let us know your interests, and we’ll create a unique itinerary just for you.
Yes, absolutely. We can book and purchase all your domestic flight tickets in Madagascar on your behalf as part of your travel arrangements.
Key Advantage:
Booking your local flights through us provides greater flexibility. Should your plans change, we can easily modify or update the dates of your domestic flights, saving you time and avoiding potential complications.
Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on enjoying your journey. For a seamless travel experience, simply share your itinerary preferences with us, and we will arrange all necessary domestic flights.
Please feel free to reach out if you would like us to include flight bookings in your custom travel plan.
You can conveniently pay for your tour using several secure methods:
Primary Payment Options:
– Credit/Debit Card: Visa or MasterCard
– Bank Transfer: Direct transfer to our company account
Additional Option:
If you are already in Madagascar, we also accept cash payments in:
– Euro (EUR)
– US Dollars (USD)
– Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
Next Steps:
Once your itinerary is finalized, we will provide you with a detailed invoice and clear payment instructions tailored to your preferred method.
For any questions regarding payment procedures or currency conversion, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to make the payment process smooth and secure for you.
The cost of a meal can vary depending on the type of restaurant. Here is a general guide:
Good to Know:
We hope this helps you budget for your culinary adventures in Madagascar!
The fee for a mandatory local guide in Madagascar’s national parks varies based on the specific trail or circuit you choose to trek.
Typically, the cost ranges from €12 to €30 for a group of 1 to 3 people for a half-day or full-day guided walk.
This is a standard park fee that supports the local community and ensures you have a knowledgeable guide to enhance your experience and safety while exploring the unique ecosystems.
For the most accurate pricing and to arrange your guides in advance, simply let us know which parks and specific trails you are interested in, and we will handle all the details as part of your itinerary planning.