Things to Do in Madagascar in March

March Weather in Madagascar

26°C (79°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

280 mm (11 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Lush green landscapes at their most spectacular - waterfalls are at full power and rainforests are vibrant emerald
Lowest accommodation prices of the year - hotels offer 30-40% discounts during rainy season
Lemur breeding season means active wildlife viewing, especially ring-tailed lemurs with babies
Fewer tourists means authentic cultural experiences and better interactions with locals

Considerations

Cyclone season peaks in March - potential for severe weather disruptions and evacuations
Many remote lodges and national parks close completely due to impassable roads
Daily rainfall 280 mm (11 inches) makes outdoor activities challenging - expect 5-6 hours of rain daily

Best Activities in March

Andasibe-Mantadia Wildlife Viewing

March is prime breeding season for indri lemurs and chameleons. The 135 km (84 mile) drive from Antananarivo is still accessible on paved roads. Morning tours (6-9am) offer best wildlife activity before afternoon rains. Lush vegetation creates ideal photography conditions with dramatic lighting.

Booking Tip: Book through established operators 2-3 weeks ahead. Tours typically cost 180,000-250,000 MGA ($40-55). Choose operators with covered vehicles and rain contingency plans. See current tour options in booking section below.

Antananarivo Cultural Immersion

Capital city exploration is ideal during rainy season. Visit Rova Palace complex, Analakely Market, and craft workshops during 10am-3pm dry periods. March features traditional Famadihana ceremonies in surrounding villages. Indoor venues like museums provide excellent rainy day alternatives.

Booking Tip: City tours cost 120,000-180,000 MGA ($25-40) per day. Book local guides through hotel concierges or established tour agencies. Indoor cultural sites remain accessible regardless of weather conditions.

Eastern Rainforest Lodge Experiences

Analamazaotra and Vakona reserves offer covered walkways and canopy platforms perfect for rainy season wildlife viewing. March rainfall creates optimal conditions for nocturnal lemur spotting tours. Lodge-based activities minimize weather exposure while maximizing wildlife encounters.

Booking Tip: Multi-day lodge packages range 400,000-600,000 MGA ($90-135) including meals and guided activities. Book minimum 4 weeks ahead as only select lodges operate in March. Choose properties with covered dining and viewing areas.

Highland Village Cultural Tours

Betsileo and Merina village experiences are authentic in March as locals engage in rice planting activities. Traditional architecture tours and artisan workshops provide cultural insight during weather delays. Village homestays offer genuine interaction away from tourist crowds.

Booking Tip: Village tours cost 80,000-150,000 MGA ($18-33) per day including meals. Book through community tourism cooperatives 1-2 weeks ahead. Ensure accommodations have solid roofing and drainage for March weather.

Mahajanga Coastal Experiences

West coast location receives less rainfall than eastern regions - only 120 mm (4.7 inches) in March. Boeny Region offers baobab viewing, Ankarafantsika National Park access, and cultural sites. Mahajanga serves as cyclone shelter with reliable infrastructure.

Booking Tip: Western circuit tours range 300,000-450,000 MGA ($65-100) for 2-3 days. Book flights to Mahajanga early as road access may be compromised. Select operators with 4WD vehicles and weather monitoring equipment.

Antananarivo Spa and Wellness Retreats

Luxury spas and wellness centers provide perfect rainy day experiences. Traditional Malagasy massage techniques and local volcanic stone treatments are ideal during humid March weather. Many facilities offer full-day packages combining treatments with cultural activities.

Booking Tip: Day spa packages cost 200,000-400,000 MGA ($45-90). High-end hotel spas remain fully operational during rainy season. Book treatments during afternoon rain periods (2-6pm) for optimal scheduling flexibility.

March Events & Festivals

Mid to Late March

Famadihana Ceremonies

Traditional bone-turning ceremonies occur in highland regions during March-April dry season breaks. Families exhume ancestors' remains, rewrap in fresh silk shrouds, and dance before reburial. Sacred Malagasy ritual offers profound cultural insight when invited by local families.

Throughout March

Rice Planting Season Festivals

Highland communities celebrate rice planting with traditional music, communal work parties, and feast preparations. Betsileo people perform ceremonial first plowing rituals. Village participation offers authentic agricultural cultural exchange during peak farming season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots rated for 500 m (1,640 ft) elevation - trails become muddy streams in March rainfall

High-quality rain poncho AND umbrella - 85% humidity makes plastic rain gear unbearably hot

Quick-dry synthetic clothing only - cotton never dries in March's 280 mm (11 inches) monthly rainfall

SPF 50+ waterproof sunscreen - UV index 7 penetrates cloud cover during brief sunny periods

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - electronics fail quickly in extreme humidity

Antifungal foot powder and extra socks - foot infections are common in constant wet conditions

Cash in small bills (20,000 MGA notes) - ATMs frequently malfunction during power outages from storms

Headlamp with extra batteries - power cuts are common during cyclone season

First aid kit with anti-diarrheal medication - stomach issues increase during rainy season

Insect repellent with 25%+ DEET - mosquito-borne illness risk peaks during March rains

Insider Knowledge

March is cyclone evacuation season - international flights get cancelled with 24-48 hours notice, so book flexible tickets and travel insurance

Local taxi-brousse (bush taxis) stop running when roads flood, stranding tourists for days - always have backup transportation arranged

Malagasy families practice 'fady' taboos more strictly during rainy season - ask permission before photographing people or entering sacred sites

Hotel prices drop by 40% in March, but many remote eco-lodges close completely - book Antananarivo base accommodation and day trip from capital

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking remote national parks like Tsingy de Bemaraha or Isalo - these close completely in March due to impassable roads and flooding

Planning beach activities on east coast - Toamasina and Ile Sainte-Marie receive 400+ mm (16 inches) of rain with dangerous surf conditions

Underestimating cyclone risk - tourists get trapped in remote areas when storms hit, requiring expensive helicopter evacuations