Things to Do in Madagascar

About Madagascar

Madagascar emerges from the Indian Ocean like a lost continent frozen in time, where evolution took a wildly creative detour 165 million years ago. This mystical island pulses with life found nowhere else on Earth—lemurs call through ancient baobab cathedrals while chameleons smaller than your thumb paint themselves in impossible colors. Here, the red earth of the Highlands cascades into emerald rainforests where orchids bloom in secret, and limestone tsingy formations create stone forests so otherworldly they seem carved by alien hands. The Malagasy people, eighteen tribes united by ancestral reverence, welcome visitors into a culture where the spirits of the dead dance alongside the living. From the Avenue of the Baobabs at sunset, where giants stretch their roots toward heaven, to the pristine beaches of Nosy Be where whale songs echo through crystal waters, Madagascar doesn't just offer a vacation—it offers a pilgrimage to the planet's most extraordinary evolutionary laboratory.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Book domestic flights early through Air Madagascar for remote regions like Morondava. For overland travel, hire 4WD vehicles with experienced drivers—roads are challenging, especially during rainy season. Bush taxis (taxi-brousse) are economical but crowded and slow.

Money: Bring euros or US dollars to exchange for Malagasy Ariary (MGA). ATMs are scarce outside Antananarivo and major towns. Carry cash for national park fees, rural accommodations, and most restaurants. Credit cards rarely accepted outside luxury hotels.

Cultural Respect: Respect 'fady' (taboos) which vary by region—ask guides about local restrictions before entering sacred sites or tombs. Dress modestly when visiting villages. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially during traditional ceremonies or in rural areas.

Food Safety: Stick to bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Choose busy local restaurants where food turnover is high. Try zebu (local beef), ravitoto (cassava leaves), and fresh seafood. Avoid raw vegetables and street food unless thoroughly cooked and served hot.

When to Visit

Madagascar's seasons dramatically shape your experience across this continental-sized island. The dry season (April-October) offers the best overall conditions, with temperatures ranging from 60-75°F in highlands and 70-80°F on coasts, minimal rainfall (0.5-2 inches monthly), and excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. July-August brings peak tourist season with 40-50% higher prices but perfect weather for trekking and lemur spotting. The wet season (November-March) transforms the landscape into a lush paradise with temperatures of 75-85°F, but brings heavy rains (4-12 inches monthly) and potential cyclones from January-March. However, this season offers 30-40% lower accommodation rates, spectacular waterfalls, and baby lemurs. The shoulder months of April-May and September-October provide the sweet spot: pleasant weather, moderate prices, and fewer crowds. Key festivals include Famadihana (July-September), the sacred bone-turning ceremony, and Donia Music Festival in Nosy Be (May). Wildlife enthusiasts should visit April-October for lemurs, July-September for whale watching in Sainte-Marie, and October-December for chameleon breeding displays. Photographers will find the golden light exceptional during dry season sunsets, while botanists should visit December-February when orchids and other endemic plants bloom magnificently.