Things to Do in Madagascar

About Madagascar

Madagascar split from the Indian Ocean floor 165 million years ago, and evolution went rogue. Lemurs howl through baobab groves while thumbnail-sized chameleons shift through colors that shouldn't exist in nature. The red highlands drop into rainforests thick with orchids, and limestone tsingy formations jut up like stone forests designed by something not human. Eighteen Malagasy tribes share one belief—the dead stay close. They welcome visitors into that world. The Avenue of the Baobabs at sunset is worth the trip alone, with trees stretching roots skyward like they're trying to escape. Head to Nosy Be's beaches and you'll hear whales singing through clear water. This isn't a vacation spot. Madagascar is the planet's strangest evolutionary lab, and you can walk right into it.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Taxi-brousse (bush taxis) are the main intercity transport - Antananarivo to Andasibe costs 15,000-25,000 MGA ($3.60-6) for 4 hours. City taxis have no meters - negotiate beforehand, typical rides 2,000-8,000 MGA ($0.48-1.92). Pousse-pousse (rickshaws) in Antsirabe cost 1,000-3,000 MGA ($0.24-0.72) per trip. Domestic flights on Madagascar Airlines cost 200,000-500,000 MGA ($48-120). Car rental starts at 120,000 MGA ($29) daily but roads are challenging. Motorcycle taxi (taxi-moto) costs 2,000-5,000 MGA ($0.48-1.20) for short distances. River crossings by ferry add time and cost to journeys.

Money: Malagasy ariary (MGA) is the currency but euros are accepted at tourist venues. ATMs exist in cities but are unreliable - carry cash for rural areas. Budget $40-65 daily including accommodation. Credit cards work only at upscale hotels and a few restaurants. Banking hours are Monday-Friday 8am-3pm. Tipping isn't customary but 5,000-10,000 MGA ($1.20-2.40) is appreciated for guides. Exchange money at banks for best rates. Many prices quoted in old francs (divide by 5 for ariary). Keep small denominations as change is scarce.

Cultural Respect: Greet with 'Salama' and a handshake. Fady (taboos) are numerous and vary by region - ask guides about local restrictions. Ancestors (razana) are deeply respected - tombs are sacred sites. Photography of Malagasy people often requires payment of 2,000-5,000 MGA ($0.48-1.20). French is widely spoken alongside Malagasy. Dress modestly especially in rural areas. Pointing with finger is rude - use whole hand. Gift-giving should be reciprocal. Time moves slowly - patience is essential. Lemur viewing requires respectful distance. Traditional music and dancing are important cultural expressions.

Food Safety: Romazava (traditional stew) costs 8,000-15,000 MGA ($1.92-3.60) at local eateries. Fresh zebu steak runs 20,000-35,000 MGA ($4.80-8.40). Coconut crab on the coast costs 40,000-80,000 MGA ($9.60-19.20) when available. Local Three Horses Beer costs 3,000-5,000 MGA ($0.72-1.20). Street food like mofo gasy (rice cakes) cost 500-1,500 MGA ($0.12-0.36) each. Vanilla is world-class but expensive at 50,000-100,000 MGA ($12-24) per pod. Litchees in season cost 2,000-4,000 MGA ($0.48-0.96) per kg. Restaurant meals average 25,000-45,000 MGA ($6-10.80) per person. Bottled water costs 1,500-3,000 MGA ($0.36-0.72).

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 great destination 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 ensoiasts 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.