Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Madagascar

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Basic guesthouses, budget hotels, and simple bungalows in local areas. Shared bathrooms are common, with basic amenities and fan cooling.

Food & Dining

$5-15 per day

Local street food, rice dishes at small eateries, fresh fruit from markets, and simple Malagasy meals. Cooking own meals when possible.

Transportation

$3-12 per day

Public taxi-brousse (bush taxis), local buses, and walking. Occasional motorcycle taxis for short distances.

Activities

$2-15 per day

Free hiking trails, local markets, beach time, and occasional national park entries. Self-guided exploration and community visits.

Travel during the shoulder season (April-May, September-October) for typically 20-40% lower accommodation rates

Use taxi-brousse instead of private transport - can save 60-80% on transportation costs

Eat at local hotely (small restaurants) rather than tourist establishments for 50-70% food savings

Book accommodation directly with properties outside major tourist centers for 30-50% savings

Join group tours instead of private guides to reduce activity costs by 40-60%

Shop at local markets for snacks and water rather than tourist shops to save 40-60%

Stay longer in each location to reduce frequent transportation costs between destinations

Only eating at tourist-oriented restaurants instead of local establishments - typically costs 100-200% more

Booking last-minute accommodation in peak season without comparing options - can cost 50-100% premium

Taking taxis everywhere instead of learning public transport systems - typically 300-500% more expensive

Not factoring in park entry fees and guide requirements - can add $20-50 per day unexpectedly

Underestimating transportation time and costs between distant attractions - Madagascar is larger than many expect