Madagascar essential info
Neither Africa nor Asia, Madagascar defies classification. From desert to rainforest, mountain to beach it’s packed with endemic species and a culture all of its own
Travel in Madagascar: vital statistics
Capital of Madagascar: Antananarivo (Tana)
Population of Madagascar: 20.5 million
Languages in Madagascar: Malagasy, French official. French is widely spoken in all but some remote areas. English is spoken only in major tourist establishments and by some tour guides.
Time in Madagascar: GMT+3
International dialling code for Madagascar: +261
Voltage in Madagascar: 220V 50Hz AC
Visas for Madagascar: Madagascar visa
Money in Madagascar: Madagascar ariary (Ar). In more remote parts of Madagascar the old currency of Franc malgache (Fmg) remains in use. Useful cash currencies are euros and US dollars. ATMs are available in most (but not all) towns; these accept Visa credit only, and likewise with hotels. Tipping is appreciated for guides and drivers, and most restaurants will add a service charge to the bill.
Madagascar travel advice: Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Madagascar tourist board: Madagascar Tourism
When to go to Madagascar
Climate varies extremely across the island. The cyclone season tends to be from February to March. During the winter months (April-September), the country is dry; September can be very windy in the south. Tourist numbers are highest in August and over the Christmas period, despite December bringing the most rainfall. October-November tend to be fairly warm with little rain, so this is an ideal time to visit.
International airports
Ivato International Airport (TNR) is 12km from Antananarivo.
Getting around in Madagascar
The most common road transportation is by taxi-brousse; these minibuses seat about 15 but can become very packed. Coach service MadaBus has fewer routes, mainly between the major cities, but is much more comfortable. Hiring a car can be expensive but this allows more freedom in road travel.
Air Madagascar connects Antananarivo to major coastal areas around the island and discounts are available if you enter the country with the airline. A good rail service, FCE, runs between Fianarantsoa and Manakara on the east coast. Passenger-carrying boats are available along the west coast and to nearby islands.
Madagascar accommodation
Hotels can be found at a variety of costs but tend to be reasonable. Even budget hotels are likely to be clean and comfortable. Camping is available in national parks – make sure you bring a self-standing tent as it’s likely to be on a wooden platform with nowhere to drive in the tent pegs.
Madagascar food & drink
Rice is a staple of the local diet, often served plain with chicken - there's always a dish of very hot chilli paste on the side to liven it up. Notable Malagasy dishes include romazara (a ginger-flavoured meat and vegetable stew) and ravitoto (shredded manioc leaves with fried bread and coconut). Tourist hotels tend to mimic French cuisine and baguettes are available everywhere. A few small vineyards produce Malagasy wine, though it often comes with a pretty fiery aftertaste: imported wines can be found in cities.
Health & safety in Madagascar
Consult your GP or travel health clinic to check the appropriate vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis: malaria is a major risk in Madagascar. Protect yourself by wearing long trousers and long-sleeved shirts and cover exposed skin with insect repellent.
Sea-snakes, although venomous, are not usually aggressive; however, if you are bitten then seek medical treatment. Also be wary of large spiders. Leeches are a nuisance rather than a reason for concern; avoid against them by covering skin in the rainforest.
Until recently there has been very little violent crime in rural Madagascar, but a rise in unemployment and a loss of central government control means that even beaches and nature reserves have begun to see robberies. In large cities muggings are increasingly common and you should avoid walking in city centres after dark. Pickpockets and bag-snatchers are active in crowds, at markets and airports. Keep your important belongings in the hotel room rather than on your person.The police may ask to see your ID at any time, and though a photocopy might suffice it is best to buy a travel wallet for your passport that can be hung from your belt and worn inside your clothes. The political situation is increasingly volatile too: check the Foreign Office website for updates.