Before you travel to Madagascar

Welcome service

On arrival at the airport you are met by our local representative, holding a welcome board with your name on it. Local contact details are printed in your confirmed programme in case of any problem.

Luggage

Please limit baggage to two items per person and use soft bags rather than hard suitcases. On some internal flights luggage is limited to 15 kg per person.

Food & water

Food varies from one destination to the next. We favour lodges and hotels that cook with local produce — do try it, it is part of the experience. Drink bottled water only; it is sold everywhere in Madagascar.

Communications

International calls are easy from the major cities and harder from remote areas. Mobile coverage is reasonable across the island, though you may need to walk a short distance to find a signal. All our driver-guides carry a mobile phone for emergencies.

Local time & daylight

Madagascar is GMT+3. Sunrise is around 05:30 and sunset around 18:30, varying slightly with the season and your location.

Electricity

The supply is 220 V / 50 Hz with European two-round-pin sockets. Most lodges have mains electricity; a few rural ones run a generator for a set number of hours — ask your guide or reception. A car charger is useful.

Local currency

The currency is the Ariary. It is non-convertible, so change according to your needs — and change on arrival, as it is harder once on tour. ATMs in the major towns dispense Ariary only, and VISA is accepted in few places, so treat cards as an emergency option. Do not bring travellers’ cheques: they cannot be changed in Madagascar. The Euro is the most widely accepted foreign currency, US Dollars also; if carrying USD, bring crisp bills dated 2004 or later.

Visas

A passport valid for at least six months on arrival is mandatory, and a tourist visa is required for all nationalities. We recommend obtaining it before departure, though visas can also be issued at Antananarivo International Airport on arrival.

Security

Take the usual precautions of travelling abroad: prefer a taxi to walking at night, avoid drawing attention to cameras, video equipment or jewellery, do not flaunt cash and use hotel safes where provided. If in doubt, ask your guide.

Health & medical

Always seek medical advice before travelling. Consult your doctor about antimalarial prophylaxis and recommended vaccinations, and bring a personal first-aid kit with your usual medication, a strong insect repellent and high-factor sun cream. Our driver-guides are trained in first aid, and travel insurance including repatriation is mandatory on all our tours.

What to pack

Light cottons for the coast, a fleece and long trousers for the highlands and for early mornings in the parks, good walking shoes, a head torch for night walks, and a rain jacket for the eastern rainforest. Our detailed packing list goes further.

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory but is customary and genuinely appreciated by park guides, porters, camp crews and drivers. Your guide can advise on an appropriate amount.

Ready to plan? See our tours or contact us for a free quote within 24 hours.