Things To Do
in Madagascar
Madagascar is an island nation off Africa's southeast coast known for its extraordinary biodiversity and endemic wildlife. From towering baobabs to rainforests home to lemurs, the landscapes feel otherworldly and vastly varied. The culture blends Malagasy traditions with French, Indian Ocean influences, reflected in food, crafts, and everyday life.
Traveling Madagascar means embracing rugged routes, friendly hospitality, and unforgettable encounters with nature.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Ivato International Airport and take in the vibrant atmosphere of Madagascar's capital. After settling into your hotel, enjoy a leisurely breakfast featuring local delicacies. Explore the surrounding area to get a feel for the culture and landscape.
Visit the Rova of Antananarivo, a royal palace that offers stunning views of the city. Stroll through the Analakely market, where you can shop for handicrafts and sampled local street food. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you interact with the smiling vendors.
Dine at a traditional restaurant, savoring Madagascar's unique fusion of flavors. Perhaps enjoy a local live music performance to end your first day on a high note. Return to your hotel, reflecting on the vibrant sights and sounds of a new adventure.
Travel to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, home to famous lemur species including the indri. Upon arrival, take a guided nature walk to spot wildlife in the lush subtropical rainforest. You'll be amazed by the rich biodiversity and the cacophony of sounds created by the inhabitants.
Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the park’s breathtaking scenery. Continue to explore the trails, discovering various lemurs, birds, and unique flora. A visit to the Vakona Forest Lodge Reserve can also provide the opportunity to get up close with lemurs.
Return to your lodge for a relaxing evening, where you can share stories of the day with fellow travelers. Enjoy a hearty meal while soaking in the natural surroundings. Consider a night walk to spot nocturnal creatures before heading to bed.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-9 |
| 🍽️Meal at mid-range restaurant | $8-20 |
| 🏨1 night in a mid-range hotel | $25-70 |
| 🚌Taxi ride (short distance) | $1-6 |
| 📶Local SIM data package | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Incredible biodiversity and unique wildlife
- Warm, welcoming people and rich cultural experiences
- Affordable travel in many areas and diverse landscapes
- Variable road quality and long travel times
- Limited healthcare options in remote regions
- Occasional climate-related travel disruptions and cyclones
- "Salama" - Hello
- "Manao ahoana?" - How are you?
- "Azafady" - Please / Excuse me
- "Misaotra" - Thank you
- "Eny" - Yes
- "Tsia" - No
- "Aiza ny toilette?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Miala tsiny" - Sorry / Excuse me
Places to Visit in Madagascar
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic row of ancient baobabs along a dusty road near Morondava; magical at sunrise or sunset.
Misty rainforest with Indri lemurs and vibrant plant life; atmospheric macro and wide-angle shots.
Canyons, sandstone formations, and dramatic landscapes perfect for panoramic photography.
Limestone karst pinnacles and hanging bridges offering stark, otherworldly compositions.
Ancient royal hill with traditional architecture and sweeping views of the surrounding plains.
Lush rainforest and coastal scenery, ideal for rainforest textures and wildlife portraits.
Rocky shores, turquoise water, and spiny forest, offering coastal and desert-like contrasts.
Food in Madagascar
Madagascar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty beef stew with leafy greens, often considered Madagascar's national dish; best enjoyed with steamed rice.
Must-Try!
Crushed cassava leaves simmered with pork (sometimes palm or peanut additions) and served with rice.
Chicken simmered in coconut milk with garlic and ginger; popular in coastal towns.
Sweet or savory rice flour pancakes, a common breakfast or street snack.
A sweet banana–peanut cake wrapped in banana leaves; widely sold at markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling central market with fresh produce, street snacks, and Malagasy specialties.
Weekly markets offering everything from vegetables to prepared foods and crafts.
Local stalls with fresh seafood, grilled fish, and seaside snacks perfect for picnic lunches.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a light handshake and a nod; address elders with politeness and a smile. Malagasy culture places importance on politeness and patience in conversations.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or villages; remove shoes where required, and ask before photographing people or ceremonies.
Respect local customs around sacred sites; ask for permission before entering or taking photos in cultural spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Madagascar
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In nice restaurants, 5–10% is common; in casual eateries and markets, small coins or nothing is typical. Tip guides and drivers directly after service if you were satisfied.
Cash in Malagasy Ariary (MGA) is widely used, especially in rural areas. Major towns have ATM access and some hotels/restaurants accept cards, but carry cash for markets and remote itineraries.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Nov–Apr: Wet season with high humidity and frequent showers; cyclones can affect the east and north. Pack light rain gear, waterproof bags, and plan flexible itineraries.
May–Oct: Dry season with cooler nights and comfortable daytime temperatures; ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing. Some interior roads remain challenging after rains.
Madagascar at Night
Hiking in Madagascar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle to moderate rainforest trails with abundant wildlife and easy connections from Antananarivo.
Vast canyons and scenic ridges offering dramatic vistas and fitness-friendly routes.
Lush rainforest to shoreline treks with rich biodiversity along the northeast coast.
Airports
How to reach Madagascar by plane.
Main international gateway near Antananarivo; taxis and shuttles connect to the city.
Nosy Be gateway for domestic and some international flights; popular for island excursions.
East coast airport serving Tamatave; regional connections and coastal access.
Western gateway near the Avenue of the Baobabs; regional flights and overland transfers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Highland ethnic group, historically influential in central Madagascar; diverse dialects and strong agricultural traditions.
Coastal and western groups with distinct cultural practices, music, and crafts.
Eastern coastal community known for fishing, trade, and agroforestry.
Central-southern highland group noted for weaving and terrace farming.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played across towns and communities; local leagues and spontaneous games are common.
Popular in schools and urban centers with informal courts in neighborhoods.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Rice-based meals with vegetables are common; ask for vegetable stews, lentil or bean accompaniments, and avoid meat-heavy preparations. In towns, communicate clearly; many places can customize dishes with vegetables or legumes.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Madagascar.