What to Do & Local Tips
Explore experiences and tips to get the most from your trip in Madagascar
Madagascar delivers wildlife encounters found nowhere else on Earth. Over 100 lemur species. Endemic chameleons, geckos, and baobabs. The razor-sharp Tsingy formations. Ancient baobab avenues at sunset. Indian Ocean reef diving.
This is where you go slow. Trekking rainforest paths with a local guide. Drifting down the Tsiribihina River on a wooden pirogue. Watching humpback whales breach off the southern coast in August. Photographing indri lemurs in morning mist at Andasibe.
Madagascar does not reward rushing. The roads are rough, the connections limited, and that is exactly the point.
Book Activities & Experiences
Lemur Trekking – Andasibe-Mantadia
Trek into the rainforest to hear the indri lemur's haunting call at dawn. Day tours from Antananarivo (3hrs each way) or overnight in Andasibe village. Licensed guides required – they find species in minutes. Black-and-white indri, diademed sifaka, and dozens of chameleon species. Best September–November, though the park is open year-round.
More info →Baobab Alley Sunset Tour – Morondava
The Avenue du Baobab near Morondava is Madagascar's most iconic image. Giant baobabs up to 800 years old line a dirt track. At sunset they glow orange-red against the sky. Day trips from Morondava town (7km). Most operators include a guided walk among the trees and a second stop at a smaller baobab "lovers" formation nearby.
More info →Diving & Snorkelling – Nosy Be
Nosy Be is Madagascar's diving hub. Warm water, strong visibility, and marine life that includes whale sharks (October–November), mantas, sea turtles, and diverse reef fish. Nosy Tanikely marine reserve is 30 minutes by boat – snorkelling straight off the beach onto colourful shallow reefs. Dive centres offer PADI courses from around €400.
More info →Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thousands of razor-sharp limestone needles rise from the western plateau – one of the world's most otherworldly landscapes. Leaping lemurs navigate the blades. Visitors use rope bridges, ladders, and via ferrata to cross between formations. Half-day or full-day circuits available. Access via Bekopaka village, fly from Antananarivo or drive via Morondava.
More info →Top Experiences in Madagascar
Indri lemur watching
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, 3hrs from Antananarivo. Dawn forest walks, licensed guides. Indri calls carry for kilometres. Park entry around 55,000 MGA.
More info →Baobab Alley at sunset
Avenue du Baobab, 7km from Morondava. Trees up to 800 years old. Orange glow at dusk. No entry fee, just get there before sunset. Bring a guide for context.
More info →Tsiribihina River pirogue
Multi-day river float from Miandrivazo to Belo-sur-Tsiribihina on wooden pirogues. Wildlife, riverside villages, no roads. 3–4 days. Unique and slow travel at its best.
More info →Whale watching – Ifaty/Anakao
Humpback whales breed in the warm waters off southwest Madagascar July–September. Boat trips from Ifaty or Anakao, around €30–60. Outstanding encounters in calm conditions.
More info →Ranomafana National Park
UNESCO-listed rainforest in the southern highlands. 12 lemur species including the golden bamboo lemur. Night walks reveal chameleons and mouse lemurs. Best June–November.
More info →Isalo National Park
Sandstone massif in the deep south with canyons, natural pools, and lemurs. Swimming holes in the forest. Full-day hikes, half-day circuits. Around 55,000 MGA entry.
More info →Nosy Tanikely snorkelling
Marine reserve 30min by boat from Nosy Be. Sea turtles, reef fish, coral. Best visibility May–October. Day trip around €25–40 including boat and snorkel gear.
More info →Analakely market, Antananarivo
Central market in lower Tana. Zebu meat, fresh produce, vanilla pods, crafts. Go morning. Chaotic, colourful, very real. Bring small notes – change is scarce.
More info →Rova Palace, Antananarivo
17th-century royal fortress on the highest hill in Tana. Panoramic views over the city and surrounding highlands. Partially restored. Entry around 10,000 MGA.
More info →Réserve d'Anja
Community-managed reserve near Ambalavao on the RN7. Ring-tailed lemurs among granite boulders. 2–3hr walk, guided. Around 15,000 MGA entry. Excellent value.
More info →Kitesurfing – Diego Suarez
The Emerald Sea near Diego Suarez (north Madagascar) is one of the world's great kitesurfing locations. Strong consistent winds June–November. Lessons and gear rental available locally.
More info →Night walk – chameleons
Madagascar has two-thirds of the world's chameleon species. Night walks in any national park reveal tiny leaf chameleons and larger Parson's chameleons clinging to branches. Around €10–20 with a guide.
More info →Vanilla farm visit
Madagascar produces 80% of the world's natural vanilla. Farm tours in the northeast (Sambava, Antalaha) show hand-pollination, curing, and drying. Direct purchase at source – far cheaper than home.
More info →Canal des Pangalanes
650km natural canal along the east coast, connecting lakes and lagoons behind the Indian Ocean shoreline. Slow boat journey through fishing villages and wetlands. 2–5 days. Very off-grid.
More info →Lokobe Reserve – Nosy Be
Primary black lemur forest on Nosy Be. Day trips by traditional pirogue. Black lemurs, boa constrictors, geckos. 2–3hr guided walk. Around €30–50 per person including boat.
More info →RN7 road trip
The Route Nationale 7 from Antananarivo to Toliara is Madagascar's best road and its most scenic. Passes Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa, Ranomafana, Isalo. 1,000km. Allow 10–14 days with stops.
More info →Sea kayaking – Masoala
Remote Masoala Peninsula in northeast: primary rainforest meets coral reef. Sea kayaking between headlands, snorkelling off beach, whale encounters August–September. Serious expedition territory.
More info →Zebu market – Ambalavao
Ambalavao on the RN7 holds one of Madagascar's largest zebu cattle markets every Wednesday. Hundreds of cattle, thousands of people. Raw, real, unforgettable. Free to visit.
More info →Mahajanga beach
Northwest port city with a broad seafront promenade, baobab trees, and a lively fishing harbour. Good base for the Tsingy de Namoroka and Ankarafantsika National Park. Low-key, local feel.
More info →Antsiranana Emerald Sea
The bay of Diego Suarez is called the Emerald Sea for its vivid green-blue water. Kayaking, boat tours, and the tiny Ile aux Forbans (pirates' island). Half-day trips from town.
More info →Booking Tips
- Book guides in advance: Licensed park guides are mandatory and fill up fast during dry season (June–October)
- Allow extra days: Weather, rough roads, and cancelled domestic flights are common – build buffer time
- Carry cash: Card readers are rare outside major hotels. ATMs in Antananarivo and Nosy Be – very scarce elsewhere
- Compare platforms: Tour prices vary between booking sites – always check multiple options
- Read recent reviews: Conditions change – a lodge or trail that was great two years ago may have changed
Local Tips
Everything you need to know before you go
Essential Info
MGA / Ariary
Malagasy Ariary
Cash is king. ATMs in Antananarivo and Nosy Be only. Carry euro or dollar bills as backup – exchange at licensed bureaux de change. Large hotels accept cards; almost everywhere else is cash-only.
Malagasy & French
French is widely spoken in towns. Malagasy is the national language. English is limited outside major tourist areas. Learning a few Malagasy phrases (misaotra = thank you) is warmly received.
+261
Emergency: 117 (police), 118 (fire), 119 (ambulance)
Mobile coverage good in towns and main tourist areas; very limited in remote parks. Buy a local SIM (Airtel or Telma) at the airport for around 10,000 MGA with data included.
Malaria is present – take prophylaxis and use insect repellent, especially in coastal and low-lying areas. Yellow fever vaccine required if arriving from endemic countries. Hepatitis A, typhoid vaccinations recommended. Tap water: Do not drink – use bottled water throughout.
Cultural Tips
Tipping
Expected by guides and hotel staff. Guides: 10,000–20,000 MGA/day minimum. Restaurant service: round up or leave 5–10%. Driver-guides: 20,000–50,000 MGA/day for long trips. Tipping matters significantly to local livelihoods.
Fady (Taboos)
Important: Madagascar has a system of fady (cultural taboos) that vary by region. Some areas prohibit photographing certain objects or pointing at tombs. Always ask your local guide – disrespecting fady causes genuine offence. Show respect: it is warmly reciprocated.
Dining
Staple: Rice (vary) eaten three times a day. Zebu beef, fish, and pork common. Romazava is the national dish – a green-leaf stew with meat. Vary amin'anana (beef with leaves) is hearty and cheap. Eat where locals eat – tiny gargotes (cafés) serve huge plates for under €2.
Photography
Always ask permission before photographing people. Most Malagasy are happy to be photographed if asked respectfully first. Never photograph military installations, government buildings, or airports. Some village communities charge a small fee for photos – pay it.
Dress Code
General: Conservative dress respected, especially outside beach resorts. Shoulders and knees covered in villages and markets. Beachwear belongs on the beach. Bright colours and lamba (traditional cloth wrap) are part of Malagasy culture – beautiful to see and buy.
Safety & Health
- Take anti-malarial medication (consult your doctor before travel)
- Use DEET insect repellent, especially in coastal and jungle areas
- Drink bottled or treated water only – tap water is not safe
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation
- Petty theft can occur in Antananarivo – keep valuables out of sight
- Know the location of your country's nearest embassy
Money-Saving Secrets
- Eat at local gargotes (basic cafés) – plates of rice and zebu for under €2
- Community reserves (like Anja) are often cheaper than national parks and excellent quality
- Hire local guides directly through lodges – cut out agencies for better rates
- Travel in shoulder season (April–June) for lower accommodation prices
- Buy vanilla, essential oils, and crafts directly from producers, not tourist shops
- Carry exact change – large banknotes are hard to break in rural areas
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (Best)
April–October ~ 15–30°C depending on region, very little rain, roads passable
Pros: Ideal conditions for wildlife, trekking, and road travel. Whale watching July–September. Baobab Alley at its most photogenic. Parks fully accessible. Best diving visibility.
Cons: Peak tourist season (July–October) – book ahead. Prices higher. Cooler nights in the highlands (Tana can drop to 8°C in July).
Rainy Season
November–March ~ 25–35°C, heavy rain, cyclone risk on east coast
Pros: Lush green landscapes. Lower prices. Fewer tourists. Reptiles and amphibians most active. Whale sharks off Nosy Be (October–November).
Cons: Many roads impassable. Some lodges and parks close. Cyclone risk on east coast (January–March). Not recommended for first visits.
Shoulder – April & October
April: end of rains. October: end of dry. Both offer balance.
Pros: Transitional periods with good wildlife activity, improving or still-good road conditions, lower prices than peak season. April is excellent for the RN7 south.
Cons: Some unpredictability with weather. East coast still recovering in April.
Highlights by Month
Key events and optimal times for specific activities
July–Sept: Humpback whales (Ifaty/Anakao). Best trekking. Peak season.
Oct–Nov: Whale sharks (Nosy Be). Orchids blooming.
Jun–Jul: Lemur breeding season – most active.
Jan–Feb: Cyclone season east coast. Some parks inaccessible.