Mid-Range Travel Guide: Madagascar

Accommodation

$30-80 per night

Comfortable hotels and eco-lodges with private bathrooms, air conditioning or good ventilation, and tourist-standard amenities.

Food & Dining

$15-35 per day

Mix of local restaurants and tourist-oriented eateries. Fresh seafood, Malagasy specialties, and international options in tourist areas.

Transportation

$20-60 per day

Combination of taxi-brousse, private car hire for day trips, and domestic flights for longer distances. Occasional taxis in cities.

Activities

$25-75 per day

Guided national park tours, wildlife viewing excursions, cultural experiences, and organized day trips to attractions.

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