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Madagascar Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 2, 2023

Madagascar, a country famed for its lemurs, massive baobab trees, birding, and jungles, offers visitors a rich playground to explore .

I was enthralled by the country’s beauty during my visit. There are sweeping canyons and gorges, grand waterfalls, and a diverse landscape that spans the entire island. One day you’re in a tropical jungle, the next you’re in an arid plain, and a few hours later you’re on a pristine beach. The scenery here is unlike any other destination I’ve been to. Plus, there really are a seemingly endless variety of cute lemurs!

Located 400 kilometers (250 miles) off the eastern coast of Africa, Madagascar is nearly the size of France and is the fourth largest in the world. It has a population of over 20 million but sees only 300,000 tourists a year.

While traveling Madagascar is challenging , it’s also incredibly rewarding. The travel trail here isn’t well-worn, which means visitors get a much more rugged, unique experience.

This Madagascar travel guide will help you plan the trip of a lifetime, save money, and ensure you make the most of your time in this off-the-beaten-path destination.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Madagascar

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Madagascar

1. See the Avenue of the Baobab

Baobab trees are massive trees that can grow 30 meters (98 feet) tall, 11 meters (36 feet) wide, live up to 1,000 years, and are completely unique to Madagascar. While the trees can be found throughout the country, this road lined with them is one of the most iconic images of Madagascar .

2. Visit Tsingy

This park, near the western coast, is really two parks: Great Tsingy and Little Tsingy. It’s not an easy place to visit (it takes a full day via 4WD on very rough terrain to get here) but the views are worth it. The rock formations here are amazing and otherworldly. Admission is 55,000 MGA.

3. Explore Isalo National Park

Featuring multiple rugged hiking trails, cliffs, ravines, gorges, canyons, and plentiful fauna, this Westworld-like park blew me away. You are required to hire a guide before you explore though (they are found at the entrance). Admission is 65,000 MGA and guides cost between 80,000-100,000 MGA.

4. Relax at Nosy Be

Nosy Be is the place to go for Madagascar’s trademark beaches. Located 8 kilometers (5 miles) off the coast, this small island is home to white-sand beaches, expensive restaurants, and upscale resorts. Beach parties erupt each Sunday and there’s some amazing snorkeling, diving, fishing, and whale watching.

5. Explore Lemur Island

Lemur Island is a wildlife refuge that has four species of lemurs that have been rescued from being pets. They are also released back into their natural habitat when ready. If for some reason they can’t make it alone in the wild, they stay in the park. Admission is 12,000 MGA.

Other Things to See and Do in Madagascar

1. relax at île sainte marie.

While everyone goes to Nosy Be for the fancier resorts, if you want something a little more local, cheaper, and more relaxed, check out Île Sainte Marie. Located off the eastern coast, this former pirate capital (the 17th-century pirate Captain Kidd’s ship sank nearby) is a funky, relaxed island full of little coves, a pirate graveyard, and delicious seafood. The beaches aren’t as good as Nosy Be but there’s a beautiful white-sand beach in the south of the island that few people visit. This is also the best part of the country for whale watching. Round-trip flights here cost around 810,000 MGA. (Don’t take the boat, it’s slow and terribly inconvenient).

2. See Ranomafana National Park

This is one of the best spots in the country to see lemurs as it’s home to twelve different species of them. Besides lemurs, there are the famous giraffe beetles as well as lots of birds, chameleons, over 130 species of frogs, and other wildlife to see. Of the multiple trails available, I would do the morning hike, then the afternoon and night hikes at the secondary entrance (a guide is required for these). The majority of tours skip the latter hikes, so if you do them, you’ll get more of the park to yourself. Due to the park’s popularity, there’s a daily limit on the number of people who can visit so it’s best to go in the low season. Admission is 22,000 MGA per day and guides cost between 80,000-120,000 MGA.

3. Visit Toliara

This small west-coast town is famous for its expats, pizza (a seriously popular dish in the country), and for being a launching pad for diving excursions to the Great Reef offshore. There’s not much else to do except sit by the beach and relax. Driving here on the N7 (the only north-south highway) is also pretty amazing as you can take in Ranomafana National Park, Isalo National Park, and other stunning vistas along the way! A single dive costs 180,000 MGA.

4. Explore Antananarivo

The capital of Madagascar, known as Tana for short, it’s a gritty city with terrible traffic — but there’s a lot of history and culture here that make a short visit worthwhile. See the lemur park and the Rova (the old palace), get a sense of the international scene in the city and use it as your launching pad for stops further afield.

5. Try zebu

Zebu is a type of cow with a large hump on its back. It’s more of a work animal, like an ox, and you’ll see them all over the country (they are even used as dowries in weddings). It’s the only kind of beef here, and it is always on the menu (along with healthy portions of rice). The meat is really tough (thanks to all the work the animals do in the fields) and so it’s best in a stew. Be sure to try it while you’re here!

6. Drive the N5

Heading north along the east coast from Toamasina to Maroantsetra, this road — and I use the word “road” loosely — is a potholed-filled expedition through some of the rawest and most pristine areas of Madagascar. It’s also your best chance to see the famous aye-aye lemur (which kind of looks like a possum). The road weaves through dense jungle, across rivers, and through tiny towns in one of the most undeveloped parts of the country. Stretching 400 kilometers (250 miles), Route Nationale 5 (N5) is arguably the worst road (in terms of its condition) in the country. Many sections are often impassable so budget lots of time to drive it (they say it takes over 24 hours to drive the entire “road”).

7. Go whale watching

Between June and November more than 7,000 humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to Madagascar to breed, meaning the whale watching here is some of the best in the world. While we were taking the boat to Île Sainte Marie, we saw a couple breach the water and it was absolutely stunning to see. Plus, with so few tourists here, you aren’t stuck in a horde of boats vying for a photo. Adult humpback whales grow up to 16 meters (52 feet) and weigh over 30 metric tons (66,000 lbs.). You can also see the less-common Omura whale (dwarf fin whale) around Madagascar as well. Tours cost 135,000 MGA.

8. Enjoy Mantadia National Park

Located 160 kilometers (100 miles) east of the capital, Mantadia National Park is a protected area spanning 155 square kilometers (60 square miles). It’s home to 14 species of lemurs as well as over 115 types of birds and 84 kinds of amphibians — many of which are endangered. The landscape is a stunning mix of old-growth forest and rainforest, and you’ll see lemurs almost everywhere you go! Admission is 45,000 MGA and the required local guide is 60,000-80,000 MGA. There are also lodges in the park where you can stay overnight for 57,000 MGA per night.

9. Visit Lokobe National Park

Situated on the southeastern tip of Nosy Be, Lokobe National Park is one of the Sambirano region’s only remaining forests. Black lemurs, panther chameleons, and several endemic species of birds all make their home here. To get to Lokobe National Park, you’ll need to take one of the park’s pirogues (rowboat) from Nosy Be, which takes roughly 20-40 minutes. Admission is 55,000 MGA. Lokobe is one of the few national parks in Madagascar where a local guide is not needed.

10. Relax on Nosy Mangabe

Nestled deep between the coastal hills of Helodrano Antongila Bay as it carves its way inland on the north-eastern edge of Madagascar, this small island is famed for its booming populations of bug-eyed aye-aye lemurs. Huge fig trees wrangle around groves of palms, ruffed lemurs meet Mantella frogs in the undergrowth, and the green hills crash down into secluded bays of bright yellow sand. It’s a stunning landscape to say the least. Boats to the island and all the necessary permits are available in Maroantsetra. Admission is 45,000 MGA.

11. Visit Ambohimanga

The sacred royal hill of Ambohimanga, located 24 kilometers (15 miles) from the capital, was the one-time home of the country’s kings and the modern country’s first capital. Expanded throughout the 1700s, the walled complex contains a mound of palaces and burial grounds, crumbling fortifications, and regal tombs. King Andrianampoinimerina launched his now-famed campaigns to reunify the country from here, following more than seven decades of civil war in the 18th century. Admission is 10,000 MGA and you can also get a guide to show you around for free (just be sure to tip them).

12. Go to Antsirabe

Perched high up in the Central Highlands, Antsirabe is the third-largest city in Madagascar and the premier destination for the French who came here during the height of colonialism. They built elegant Parisian-style mansions, raised Gothic cathedrals, and laid wide boulevards with plane trees casting shade. The dusty city retains some of that charm and is one of the most aesthetically pleasing cities in the country. Antsirabe, a name that means “place of much salt” in Malagasy, is home to multiple natural thermal springs, making it a popular healing retreat. It’s also one of the best food spots in the country.

Madagascar Travel Costs

Accommodation – There are only a few hostels in the entire country and a bed in a dorm costs around 35,000 MGA, though sometimes you can find beds for as low as 20,000 MGA. For a private room, expect to pay at least 50,000 MGA. Free Wi-Fi and self-catering facilities are standard, though free breakfast is not.

Camping is available around some of the national parks. Wild camping is not recommended.

Budget hotels start at 60,000 MGA per night for a twin or double with a shared bathroom. For a room with a private bathroom in a hotel with more amenities (such as a pool), expect to spend at least 75,000 MGA per night. Free Wi-Fi is common but not included everywhere. A few hotels also offer free breakfast.

Airbnb is available around the country in larger towns and cities. You can find private rooms for 48,000 MGA per night and entire homes/apartments for around 100,000 MGA per night.

Food – Malagasy cuisine reflects the trading and colonial history of the island, with French, Southeast Asian, African, and Middle Eastern flavors all making their way into the country’s dishes. Tomato, ginger, turmeric, garlic, and onion are the commonly used spices in Malagasy cuisine.

Food in Madagascar is based around the country’s main staple: rice, usually accompanied by seafood or zebu. Rice is so central to food here that the Malagasy term for “to eat a meal” literally means “to eat rice.” Any side that comes with rice is called laoka . Some examples of sides include tomato salsa, stewed leafy vegetables, or beans.

Since zebu is quite tough, it’s often stewed (which is the best way to have it in my opinion), such as in romazava , which contains braised meat, tomato, garlic, ginger, and anamalao flowers, and is often considered the national dish.

Beef or prawn skewers are another common offering. For food on the go, be sure to try the nem (spring rolls) and mofo (fritters). They are cheap (usually around 50-200 MGA) and delicious!

Dining out is very inexpensive here. For a meal of traditional cuisine at a casual sit-down restaurant, expect to pay around 7,700 MGA.

Meals at restaurants that cater to tourists are the most expensive, offering Italian food or crepes for 25,000-28,000 MGA for a meal with a drink. For a pizza (which you can find almost everywhere), prices start at 10,000-15,000 MGA. A fast-food combo meal costs 20,000 MGA.

A beer costs 3,000 MGA while a latte or cappuccino costs 4,500 MGA. Bottled water is 1,500 MGA.

Cooking your own food won’t really save you any money since restaurants here are so cheap. However, if you do want to buy your own food, expect to pay around 77,000 for a week’s worth of groceries including staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Madagascar Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 110,000 MGA per day, you can stay in hostels, take shared or self-guided excursions, take buses between destinations, enjoy a couple of beers, eat street food for all your meals, and do mostly free activities like hiking and enjoying the beach.

On a mid-range budget of 240,000 MGA per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, take some guided tours, visit some islands and national parks (with the required guides), eat out at traditional Malagasy restaurants for all your meals, drink more, and take minibusses between cities.

On a “luxury” budget of 575,000 MGA per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out at any restaurant, hire private drivers, do as many excursions as you want, and take taxis everywhere. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in MGA.

Madagascar Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Looking to save money while you’re traveling Madagascar? Here are some of the best ways to save money during your trip:

• Travel during the off-season – Flights to Madagascar are cheapest during the low season (October-April). While it’s not the most ideal time to visit, your flight is your biggest expense (assuming you’re not booking a multi-day tour). Visiting during the shoulder season can go a long way to saving you money.
• Take local minibusses – When traveling between towns, take public minibusses. Fares are 20,000-50,000 MGA. Exercise patience, as you’ll rarely show up to your destination on time — but you’ll save money over hiring a driver and they are better than the regular bus.
• Skip the car rental – Car rentals cost the same as renting a car and driver. Skip going solo and hire a driver — they’ll not only be more familiar with the driving conditions but most drivers know a lot about the country and landscape too.
• Avoid the hotel restaurants – Food at hotels is cheap, however, it’s usually double the price of a restaurant elsewhere in the city.
• Get a local SIM card – Local SIM cards cost 4,000 MGA, and around 30,000 MGA per gig of data. A local SIM is much cheaper than your data plan from home.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water in Madagascar is not safe for drinking. Avoid single-use plastic by bringing a bottle and filter like LifeStraw . You’ll save money, stay safe, and help the environment!

Where to Stay in Madagascar

Hostels are few and far between in Madagascar. Here are some suggested budget-friendly options in the country:

• Madagascar Underground (Antananarivo)
• Le Karthala (Antananarivo)
• Coucher de Soleil (Nosy Be)

How to Get Around Madagascar

Tours – Multiday tours are the most common way to get around Madagascar. It’s a hard destination to navigate on your own, especially if you don’t want to hire a driver or speak a lot of French. Tours are the most popular choice for anyone looking to experience the country. I met travelers of all ages on my tour with Intrepid Travel .

Tours usually range from 11-24 days. A 14-day tour is around 9,000,000-17,000,000 MGA.

Bus – Buses here are slow, crowded, and unreliable. They don’t leave on a set schedule and often break down due to the terrible road conditions. However, they are the most affordable and best option to get around.

The 350-kilometer (217-mile) journey from Antananarivo to Toamasina takes around 7 hours and costs 30,000 while the 570-kilometer (355-mile) trip from Antananarivo to Mahajanga takes 12 hours and costs 40,000 MGA.

For shorter distances, most minibusses cost between 10,000-20,000 MGA.

Air – There’s only one domestic airline here (Air Madagascar and its subsidiary Tsaradia) and one-way tickets cost at least 350,000 MGA. If you’re on a budget, flying isn’t feasible.

Additionally, flights run on limited schedules, and flights are often canceled without notice, so make sure your plans are flexible if you’re flying.

Train – The train is only available between Fianarantsoa and Manakara. It’s a 300-kilometer (186 mile) trip and it usually takes around 10 hours (often much longer due to dilapidated railway lines and trains). Tickets are 70,000 MGA.

Car Rental – Car rentals can be found for around 280,000 MGA per day. However, it’s uncommon that rental agencies rent cars without a driver. Having a driver is recommended since the roads here are quite challenging and you’ll need a local to help in case anything goes wrong. I’d avoid driving here as the roads are hectic and in poor condition.

When to Go to Madagascar

April-December is the best time to visit Madagascar. You’ll avoid the rainy season as well as the cyclones that often occur. This is the most popular time to visit, however, Madagascar doesn’t see a huge influx of tourists so it doesn’t really get crowded here.

July-September is the best time to see the migrating humpback whales, while October and November are best for seeing baby lemurs. If you want to beat the “crowds” then visit in April, right at the end of the rainy season. It won’t be as hot, but the jungles will be lush and the beaches quiet.

Expect temperatures around 21-24°C (70-75°F) during the peak months of June-August.

How to Stay Safe in Madagascar

Madagascar is a relatively safe country, however, due to the extreme poverty here theft can occur. Don’t flash money or valuables and keep an eye on your belongings if taking a bus or if in large crowds. Keep your wallet and phone secure at all times, just to be safe.

While most cities and towns are safe, avoid walking around at night in Antananarivo.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, though some precautions apply (avoid walking around alone at night, never accept drinks from strangers, dress appropriately so you blend in, etc.).

The roads here are terrible and accidents are common. Always wear your seatbelt (if you have one).

If exploring a city or rural area and you come across wild dogs, act with caution and don’t provoke them.

There are a lot of beggars here, especially kids, and you have to just keep saying no and walking away. Be polite but firm.

There aren’t many common scams here, but if you want to learn which to be on the lookout for, here are some common travel scams to avoid .

As always, keep your wits about you at nighttime, particularly in the capital. Ask your hotel to call you a taxi if you need one (always negotiate the price before getting in the car). Your hotel/hostel staff can write down directions and help you with the fare estimate so you don’t get ripped off.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 117 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, before you leave on your trip. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Madagascar Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Madagascar Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling in Madagascar and continue planning your trip:

A Journey Through Madagascar: Notes on the Privilege of Travel

How to Travel Around Madagascar

The Top Things to See and Do in Madagascar

30 Epic Photos From My Trip to Madagascar

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• Where To Stay
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Is Madagascar Expensive?

• Is Madagascar expensive?

How expensive is Madagascar?

How expensive is a one week trip to madagascar, how expensive is a two week trip to madagascar.

• How expensive is a one month trip to Madagascar?

Is it expensive to backpack in Madagascar?

Are hotels expensive in madagascar.

• How expensive are activities in Madagascar?

Is food expensive in Madagascar?

Is transportation expensive in madagascar, is madagascar expensive to visit.

Madagascar is known as both a well-liked and budget-friendly destination. When compared to the rest of Africa, it is a moderately priced country. It places in the top 50% of countries in Africa for its travel costs. This puts it on par with destinations such as Namibia and South Africa.

Even though Madagascar is a less common destination, visitors still find some nice destinations to visit. One of the more expensive places to visit is Antsiranana. For a more affordable option, you can visit Antananarivo.

Travelers spend an average of $83 per day when visiting Madagascar (U.S. Dollars). This is according to our calculations which come from the expenses of previous visitors. While this is an average cost, prices can vary by travel style, the length of your trip, and other factors. However, you can keep close to this average, or even travel cheaper if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and take public transportation when possible. See more travel costs for Madagascar here .

Based on the travel expenses of others, a one week trip to Madagascar costs around $582 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $1,165.

Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a two week trip to Madagascar will cost around $1,165 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a two week trip would cost $2,330.

How expensive is a month long trip to Madagascar?

On average, a one month trip to Madagascar costs about $2,496 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a one month trip costs $4,993.

Madagascar isn't the first place that comes to mind for most backpackers. There aren't many hostels around the country, so traveling here as a backpacker on a budget could be challenging. This is especially true for solo travelers who might need to pay for the full price of a hotel room on their own. To save money, look for budget hotels or guest houses.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Madagascar.

• $10 for a dorm bed at Madagascar Underground in Antananarivo more details

Hotel prices in Madagascar are significantly cheaper compared to other countries around the world. You can expect to spend about $61 a night for a room on average. Some cities in Madagascar are more expensive than others, like Antananarivo, where hotel prices average $52 a night. There are also even more affordable destinations such as Antananarivo, averaging $52 per night for a hotel room.

Hotel & Spa Palissandre

How expensive are sightseeing activities in madagascar.

Activities and things to do in Madagascar can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $18 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting.

• Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Antananarivo Viator $ 35
• Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Antananarivo: $35
• Private Guided Day Tour to Nosy Iranja Natural Island: $89
• Full-Day Exclusive Private Tour to Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve : $211
• Private Tour to Lokobe Natural Park with guide: $94
• Private Tour Through the Wildlife of Madagascar and the Kingdom of Rova: $138
• Nosy Komba and nosy Tanikely islands private tour with guide: $94
• Nosy be tour by light car: $89
• Lemur Day Tour at Andasibe Rainforest and Vakona Lodge Reserve: $299

Food in Madagascar can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $30 on food per person per day. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.

• Cooking And Cuisine Tasting From Tana-Malagasy Fine Foodie Madagascar Tour Viator $ 245
• Cooking And Cuisine Tasting From Tana-Malagasy Fine Foodie Madagascar Tour: $245

Local transportation in Madagascar can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $14 on local transportation per person per day. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

Intercity transportation in Madagascar can vary widely in price depending on the type of transit used and the distance traveled. Generally, other travelers have spent $65 on intercity transportation per person per day. To save money, take long distance buses or trains instead of flying, as it will almost always be cheaper, even if it's slower.

More for Madagascar

If you're planning a trip to Madagascar, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Money Matters: How much does it cost to travel in Madagascar?

The large majority of species in Madagascar are found nowhere else on earth. No surprise Madagascar is a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. Famous sights include the Avenue of Baobabs with the gorgeous Baobab trees, the pinnacles of the ‘Tsingy de Bemaraha’ limestone plateau and the Andasibe-Mantadia park home to eleven lemur species. But how much does it cost to travel in Madagascar? Margherita Ragg of The Crowded Planet explored Madagascar with her husband Nick and backpacked throughout the country. Take a look at their expenses. 

This article is part of the  Money Matters  series in which we ask travelers to keep their expenses for Bunch of Backpackers. Real travelers, real expenses.  

COSTS 35-DAY MADAGASCAR TRIP:  1100 EURO (1352 USD)

Daily travel expenses madagascar*:  31 euro (38 usd).

*These daily travel expenses are per one person per day.  Including all tours, domestic flights, souvenirs, lodging, food, drinks, entrance fees, tips etc. Excluding international flights.

EXAMPLES OF PRICES IN MADAGASCAR:

These prices are per person unless stated otherwise.

Standard Madagascar expenses

One night in a hostel dormitory: 3,00   eur o One night in a double room in a simple guesthouse: 10,00 euro  A short 10-minute taxi ride: 1,00 euro  A bottle of water (0,5L) at the store: 0,40 euro  A local beer at a bar/restaurants:  1,00 euro  A glass of coca cola in a restaurant:  0,75 euro  Basic lunch at a local restaurant:  0,90 euro  Dinner at a local restaurant:  6,00 euro 

Notable Madagascar expenses 

7-day tour of Western Madagascar to the Tsiribihina River, Tsingy de Bemaraha, Avenue du Baobab:  300 euro (inclusive of accommodation, food, transport, local guide and entrance fees) 3 day trek around Andringitra National Park (including climbing Pic Boby, Madagascar’s 2nd highest mountain):  75,00 euro  2 dives in Anakao:  70,00 euro  Entrance and day trip in Ranomafana and Isalo (guide hired directly at park headquarters):  20,00 euro 

SOME DETAILS ON THIS TRIP:

About the backpackers:  Margherita Ragg and her husband Nick, 31 years Destination and travel period:  Madagascar in July 2014 for 31 days  Visited places:  Antananarivo, Antsirabe, Tsiribihina River, Tsingy de Bemaraha, Ranomafana National Park, Andringitra National Park, Isalo National Park, Tulear, Anakao. Type of trip:  Couple, independently Accommodation*:  budget (mainly hostels and guesthouses) Transportation*:  budget (cheapest available mode of transportation)  Food*:  budget (local places and cheap western places) Currency rate:  1 euro = 3250 Malagasy Ariary

*4 options: basic, budget, standard and luxury

MADAGASCAR BUDGET TIPS BY MARGHERITA

• In terms of traveling, you will save A LOT of money traveling by taxi-brousse, shared minibuses that shuttle across the country. They are cramped and uncomfortable, but they can be up to 10 times cheaper than the same ride in a rented 4X4.
• It’s worth taking a tent as many national parks have campgrounds for a minimal fee, but it may be cold in July/August and you may be miles away from restaurants. We camped near Ranomafana National Park in the grounds of a restaurant, for 5000 ariary per night (1.5 euro).
• When visiting national parks, you must be accompanied by a guide that takes up to 4 people. Solo or couple travellers can hang around park headquarters for a while, waiting for fellow travellers to team up with to share guide fees – the perfect way to make new friends!
• Traditional Malagasy food, served at establishments called ‘hotely’, is usually a big pile of tasteless rice with some pieces of meat for less than a euro. Dishes usually have nondescript names such as ‘chicken sauce’. I’m sure that even the thriftiest of travellers will have a hard time eating only at hotely – or maybe I’m getting old? Luckily, French cuisine is widespread and inexpensive throughout Madagascar. Think green pepper steak, pommes frites and banana flambé for 5/6 euro – heaven!

Note: The top photograph (featured image) was taken at sunset on the Avenue of Baobabs in Western Madagascar. ©The Crowded Planet.

–> Like this article :)? Book your Madagascar accommodation through  Hostelworld.com  or  Booking.com ! Booking through these links won’t cost you anything extra, but it will get me a small commission to keep this website up and running! Thanks! ~ Manouk

Have you been to Madagascar? Can you relate to these travel costs? 

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16 comments.

I had no idea it would be so inexpensive to travel in Madagascar! I’d travel there to see the trees alone. This post is an awesome resource. I only imagine a plane ticket from Europe or North America might cost more than the trip itself.

Me too Emiko! The Avenue of Baobab goes on my travel wish list! Amazing! And, Madagascar looks like an affordable country for backpackers :)

What incredible photos, wow gosh! Looks great! Prices aren’t too bad, though my understanding of euros is pretty shaky. Were there a lot of vegetarian food options out there, did you notice?

Ah I’m sorry Charlie! Will add the USD equivalents later! Think Marghe and Nick will be able to answer the vegetarian food question :)!

Great read! I guess I need to learn more about how to manage my money why travelling :) But it does look promising money-wise :) Might even check flights and consider it for my next year travel destination :) Looks like really cool and exciting place to visit!

Thanks for reading Monika! Yes, after seeing these photo’s and reading the Madagascar articles on The Crowded Planet I’ve become quite enthusiast about visiting! And it indeed does quite promising money-wise! Yay!

This is really useful especially since we have been considering Madagascar for awhile! I would love to take part in your series as we have been to Burma and I know a lot of travellers are always asking how much it costs to got there! Let me know if this is something I can take part in :)

He Samantha! Thanks so much for offering! I actually already have one for Burma, but I’ll send you an email for maybe a next trip :)? I’d be happy to feature you!! I hope you will make it to Madagascar by the way! It looks fantastic!

Hi everyone! Just to follow up on some of the questions: Emiko was absolutely right! we DID spend more on flights than in the country itself! And it didn’t really feel like we were trying to go as cheap as possible. It’s quite an affordable country, as long as you don’t hire cars with drivers. Charlie: we asked vegetarians in the country how they were coping and had mixed reviews. In hotelys, the veg option is likely to either be plain rice, or some sort of veg stew with the meat taken out of it. A Dutch traveler said she found really great veg food at street markets, and of course most French restaurants will have a vegetarian option. For vegans, I’m not sure. Hope it helps!

Great article if you are after the most basic trip…I have been driving around and I live in Madagascar and those rates are for locals only. You have always to negotiate the price, you need to have a very strong stomach to eat in those hotelys and to sleep in hostels (no hot-water and winter at night is very cold – dirty toilets to share etc..), you better camp outside or bring your own pillow and sheets. Like travelling using public transport? Ok, but be prepared to waste a whole day waiting for the bus to be full and, reach your destination at a speed of no more than 50 km/h (I own a bus that does the Tana/Diego route 24/28 hrs). A trip from Tana to Morondava will take more than a whole day, in a tiny mazda designed for 7 people that actually carries 18 ppl in one of the hottest area of the country. A domestic flight leg (ei. Toulear/Tana) is from €220 pp and a visit to a main national park is min. €15 pp. Madagascar is amazing and unique but it is not the right country for backpackers, infrastructure is just way too basic. However, good luck to all backpackers wishing to come to Madagascar, you will remember your trip!

Hi Roberto, thanks for your inputs. In your estimations, how long would it take to travel the whole country (if I specifically plan to visit the following places for about two to three days each: Antananarivo, Ambalakely, Ambatomirahavavy, Ambohimahasoa, Ambondromamy, Amparafaravola, Ankazomiriotra, Antalaha, Antsirabe, Antsiranana, Antsohihy, Bealanana, Befandriana, Fénérive Est, Fianarantsoa, Fort Dauphin, Maevatanana, Mahajanga, Manakara, Maroantsetra, Morondava, Sambava, Toamasina, Toliara, Tsiroanomandidy, Vangaindrano?

Please share your advise on what i should expect to spend as a non-back packer for the following expesnes: Flights between place, daily accommodation rates, food, fuel and vehicle rental? I look forward to hearing from you.

Hi Roberto, Thanks for your comment! I see your point, but for us backpackers that’s all part of the fun! We don’t mind spending time in a tiny Mazda carrying 18 persons ;)!

Hey! Thanks for the post. Do you gave any information on your itinerary? Planning on heading over in 6 weeks!

Hi fellow backpackers,

I plan a world trip with my best friend, starting in April 2017. We also want to travel to madagascar for 2-3 weeks. Does anybody know how the the security situation is at the moment? Did the prices change? And does anybody know how much we have to spend for a jeep with a driver in comparison to the public transport?

Thank you very much! Greetings from Germany Ole

Did you visit Madagascar in April 2017 and if so how was it? Who did you fly with and how much did you spent in total? I live in Germany too.

hello! I see it was a long time ago, but if u can share with us from where did u travel and did u change couple of stations before reaching the island? I am from Europe too and I can’t seem to find decent cost for the plane ticket … from anywhere in EU…

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Discover the Untamed Beauty of Madagascar: Unveiling the Trip to Madagascar Cost 2024

by Trip.com

August 30, 2023

Planning a trip to Madagascar? Let me give you the lowdown on the trip to Madagascar cost. This stunning country offers a unique experience for travelers who haven't been here before. In this article, I'll provide you with the best tips for saving money without sacrificing quality. From affordable hotels to delicious local cuisine and transportation options, I've got you covered. So, let's dive in and discover how you can make the most of your trip to Madagascar without breaking the bank!

When it comes to the cost of traveling to Madagascar, there are a few key factors to consider. A round-trip ticket from major cities can range from $800 to $1500, depending on the season and airline. Accommodation costs vary as well, with budget hotels and hostels starting at around $20 per night, while luxury hotels can go up to $200 or more. The country's public transportation system is not extensive, but it's relatively efficient, and a one-way subway or train ticket can cost around $1 to $5.

Now, let's talk about food. If you're on a budget, you can enjoy a meal at a local budget restaurant for as little as $5 per person. For those looking for a mid-range dining experience, expect to spend around $15 to $25 per person. It's important to plan ahead and research activities and costs to create a budget that works for you.

• How much does it cost for 2 nights and 3 days when traveling to Madagascar?

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Planning a trip to Madagascar and wondering how much it's gonna cost you? Well, hold on tight because we're about to break it down for you. The cost of a 2-night, 3-day trip to Madagascar can vary depending on various factors such as your travel style, choice of accommodation, transportation, and activities. But don't worry, we've got a rough estimate for you budget travelers out there.

Let's start with flights, shall we? The cost of a round-trip ticket to Madagascar from major cities around the world can range anywhere from $800 to $2000 in US dollars. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the season and availability, so it's always a good idea to book in advance.

Now, let's talk about accommodation. If you're on a budget, you can find budget hotels in Madagascar for as low as $20 per night. So for 2 nights, you're looking at a total cost range of $40 to $100. Not too shabby, right?

When it comes to transportation, you'll be happy to know that getting around Madagascar won't break the bank. A one-way subway or train ticket can cost you anywhere from $1 to $5, depending on the distance. So for 3 days of transportation, you're looking at a total cost range of $6 to $30.

Now, let's talk about food and drinks. If you're a budget traveler, you can expect to spend around $5 to $10 per meal at budget restaurants in Madagascar. But here's a little tip for you – street food and convenience store meals can cost even less, so keep an eye out for those tasty bargains. As for drinks, the cost can vary depending on the type and location, but you can expect to spend around $1 to $3 for a refreshing beverage. So for 3 days of food and drinks, you're looking at a total cost range of $60 to $180.

Now, let's move on to sightseeing and activities. Madagascar is home to some incredible attractions, and the best part is that some of them are absolutely free or have a small entrance fee ranging from $1 to $5. So you can explore places like the Avenue of the Baobabs or the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park without breaking the bank. However, if you're up for some more adventurous activities like scuba diving or wildlife safaris, you can expect to spend a bit more. These activities can range from $50 to $200 per person. So for 3 days of sightseeing and activities, you're looking at a total cost range of $20 to $300.

Alright, drumroll please! For a budget traveler who wants a 2-night and 3-day trip to Madagascar, you can expect to spend a total cost range of approximately $126 to $610 in US dollars. Now, keep in mind that these are rough estimates and actual costs may vary depending on your travel style, activities, and other expenses. But hey, it's always good to have a starting point, right?

So there you have it, folks! Now you know roughly how much it'll cost you to embark on a thrilling adventure in Madagascar. Start saving up, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable experience in the land of lemurs and baobabs!

• How much does it cost for flights when traveling to Madagascar?

Planning a trip to Madagascar? One of the first things you'll need to consider is the cost of flights. But hold on tight, because the price can vary depending on a multitude of factors. From your departure location to the time of year, airline choice, and even availability, these elements can all play a role in determining the cost of your journey.

So, let's dive into the nitty-gritty details and give you a general range of flight costs in US dollars. Keep in mind that these figures are subject to change due to the ever-fluctuating nature of the travel industry.

Starting with one-way tickets, if you're departing from a major city like New York, London, or Sydney, you can expect prices to range from $500 to $1500 for economy class. If you're looking for a little more comfort and legroom, premium economy tickets can cost anywhere between $1000 and $2500. And for those seeking the ultimate luxury, business class fares can set you back anywhere from $3000 to $6000.

Now, let's talk about round-trip tickets. For economy class, the cost can vary between $800 and $2000, depending on the factors we mentioned earlier. If you're willing to splurge a bit, premium economy prices can range from $1500 to $3500, while business class fares can go as high as $6000 to $12000.

Remember, these prices are just a general indication and can change based on the time of year you plan to travel, the specific airline you choose, and the availability of seats. It's always a good idea to compare prices across different airlines and booking platforms to find the best deal for your trip to Madagascar.

So, whether you're embarking on a wildlife adventure, exploring the stunning landscapes, or simply indulging in the unique culture of Madagascar, keep in mind that the cost of your flights can vary. Plan ahead, be flexible, and make sure to do your research to find the most affordable option that suits your travel needs.

• How much does it cost for hotels when traveling to Madagascar?

Planning a trip to Madagascar? One of the key factors to consider while planning your travel budget is the cost of accommodation. The cost of hotels in this beautiful country can vary depending on several factors such as location, season, and the type of accommodation you are looking for.

When it comes to major cities like Antananarivo, Antsirabe, and Toamasina, the prices tend to be higher compared to smaller cities or rural areas. In these bustling urban centers, you can find a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences.

For those seeking a mid-range hotel room in major cities, the average cost per night can range from $50 to $100. These hotels offer comfortable amenities and a pleasant stay without breaking the bank. On the other hand, if you're looking for a luxurious experience, be prepared to spend anywhere from $150 to $300 per night for a high-end hotel room.

As you venture into other cities and smaller towns in Madagascar, you'll find that the hotel prices become more affordable. In these charming locations, a mid-range hotel room can cost you around $30 to $70 per night. If you're in the mood for indulgence, luxury hotel rooms can be found at prices ranging from $100 to $200 per night.

Remember, these price ranges are just an estimate and can vary depending on the season and availability. It's always a good idea to do some research and compare prices before making your final decision.

So, whether you're exploring the vibrant capital city or immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of smaller towns, Madagascar offers a range of accommodation options to suit every traveler's budget. Plan your trip wisely and enjoy your stay in this enchanting island nation!

• How much does it cost for food when traveling to Madagascar?

When planning a trip to Madagascar, it's important to consider the cost of food and dining. The prices can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of food, the restaurant's location, and the level of formality or luxury. So, let's dive into the delicious details!

When it comes to food in Madagascar, you'll find a wide range of options to satisfy your taste buds. From street food or fast food joints to casual dining at local restaurants, mid-range eateries, and high-end or luxury restaurants, there's something for every budget.

Let's break it down by price range:

Street food or fast food: $1-5

Casual dining or local restaurants: $5-15

Mid-range restaurants: $15-30

High-end or luxury restaurants: $30+

These price ranges give you an idea of what to expect, but keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the specific dish or menu items you choose.

If you're looking for more affordable options, Madagascar also offers convenience stores and supermarkets where you can find a variety of food items at reasonable prices. This can be a great option for budget-conscious travelers who prefer to prepare their own meals or grab a quick bite on the go.

Now, let's talk about tipping. In Madagascar, tipping is not customary but is appreciated for exceptional service. If you feel that the service you received deserves recognition, a small tip will be greatly appreciated by the staff.

So, whether you're a foodie looking to explore the local cuisine or a budget traveler trying to make the most of your trip, Madagascar offers a range of food options to suit your taste and budget. Enjoy your culinary adventures!

How much does it cost for souvenirs when traveling to Madagascar? Well, let me tell you, the cost of souvenirs in this vibrant and diverse country can vary as much as the colors of its breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're on the hunt for a unique piece of jewelry, a traditional handicraft, or a quirky trinket to remember your trip by, Madagascar has it all. From bustling markets to quaint boutiques, the options are endless. But before you start splurging, it's essential to know that the cost of souvenirs depends on what you're looking for, where you're shopping, and the quality of the item.

Now, let's dive into the nitty-gritty and explore some popular souvenirs and their price ranges in good ol' US dollars. First up, we have the iconic Madagascar vanilla beans, known for their rich flavor and aroma. These little gems can cost you anywhere from $5 to $20 per ounce, depending on the grade and quality. If you're more into colorful textiles, the famous lamba cloth, a traditional Malagasy garment, can be found for around $10 to $50, depending on the intricacy of the design and the fabric used.

For those seeking a touch of whimsy, the whimsical wooden lemurs, crafted with love by local artisans, can range from $10 to $30, depending on the size and level of detail. And let's not forget about the stunning gemstones that Madagascar is renowned for. A beautiful piece of labradorite, a mesmerizing stone with iridescent flashes, can set you back anywhere from $20 to $100, depending on the size and quality.

While many souvenir shops in tourist areas have fixed prices, there's still hope for the savvy negotiator. If you're willing to venture off the beaten path, flea markets and antique shops offer a chance to haggle and score a bargain. So, don't be afraid to channel your inner negotiator and try your luck at getting a better deal. Just remember, it's all part of the adventure and the thrill of discovering unique treasures while exploring the enchanting island of Madagascar.

• How much does it cost for transportation when traveling to Madagascar?

Planning a trip to Madagascar? One of the key factors to consider is the cost of transportation. Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of Antananarivo or venturing into the wild landscapes of the national parks, getting around this beautiful island nation requires some budgeting. In this article, we'll break down the cost of transportation in Madagascar, giving you a better idea of what to expect.

The cost of transportation in Madagascar can vary depending on the mode of transportation and the distance traveled. Let's take a closer look at some of the options available:

1. Train: Train travel in Madagascar is a popular choice for tourists, offering a unique and scenic way to explore the country. Prices for train tickets can range from $10 to $50, depending on the distance and class of travel.

2. Subway: Unfortunately, Madagascar does not have a subway system.

3. Bus: Buses are a common mode of transportation in Madagascar, especially for longer journeys between cities. The cost of bus tickets can range from $5 to $20, depending on the distance and the comfort level of the bus.

4. Taxi: Taxis are readily available in major cities like Antananarivo and are a convenient way to get around. The cost of a taxi ride can vary depending on the distance traveled and the negotiation skills of the passenger. As a rough estimate, expect to pay around $1 to $2 per kilometer.

5. Rental Car: Renting a car in Madagascar gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Prices for rental cars can vary depending on the type of vehicle and the rental duration. On average, expect to pay around $40 to $80 per day.

It's worth noting that Madagascar does not currently offer transportation passes for visitors. However, there are often discount tickets available for certain routes or attractions. For example, if you plan on visiting multiple national parks, you may be able to purchase a discounted package that includes transportation between parks.

In conclusion, the cost of transportation in Madagascar can vary depending on your chosen mode of travel and the distance you need to cover. It's always a good idea to research and plan ahead to ensure you have a clear understanding of the costs involved. Happy travels!

• How much does it cost for sightseeing when traveling to Madagascar?

Planning a trip to Madagascar? Wondering how much it will cost to explore the breathtaking sights this country has to offer? Well, the cost of sightseeing in Madagascar can vary widely depending on the location, attraction, and activity you choose to indulge in. From lush rainforests to stunning beaches, Madagascar has it all, and here's a breakdown of the cost ranges for some popular tourist attractions:

1. Ranomafana National Park: This tropical paradise, known for its diverse wildlife and stunning waterfalls, can cost you anywhere between $20 to $50 for a guided tour.

2. Avenue of the Baobabs: This iconic avenue lined with majestic baobab trees offers a unique and picturesque sight. The cost to visit this natural wonder ranges from $10 to $30.

3. Isalo National Park: Famous for its dramatic sandstone formations and natural pools, Isalo National Park can be explored for approximately $20 to $40.

4. Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve: This UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its unique limestone formations and diverse wildlife, can be visited for around $30 to $60.

5. Nosy Be: This tropical paradise island offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. The cost to explore this island paradise can range from $10 to $50.

6. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park: Home to the famous Indri lemurs, this national park is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. The cost for a guided tour in this park varies from $15 to $40.

While these are just a few examples, it's important to note that there are many free or low-cost sightseeing options in Madagascar as well. You can explore the bustling markets of Antananarivo, visit local villages to experience the rich culture, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the stunning coastline. The possibilities are endless!

So, if you're planning a trip to Madagascar, keep in mind that the cost of sightseeing can vary depending on your preferences and the attractions you choose to visit. Whether you're on a budget or looking to splurge, Madagascar has something to offer for everyone.

• How much does it cost for Wi-Fi & communication when traveling to Madagascar?

When planning a trip to Madagascar, it's crucial to consider the cost of Wi-Fi and communication to stay connected with loved ones and navigate the island's stunning landscapes. Let's dive into the options and cost range in US dollars for accessing Wi-Fi in Madagascar, ensuring you make an informed decision. One option is to rent a Wi-Fi router, which provides a reliable internet connection throughout your journey. Depending on the rental company and plan you choose, prices can range from $5 to $15 per day. This option is ideal for those who require constant connectivity and want the convenience of having their own portable Wi-Fi hotspot. Another option is to purchase a SIM card upon arrival in Madagascar. Prices vary depending on the data plan and provider you select. Generally, you can expect to pay around $10 to $30 for a SIM card with a data plan that suits your needs. This option allows you to use your own device and enjoy internet access wherever there is network coverage. If you're looking to save some money, take advantage of the free Wi-Fi offered by some hotels and accommodations. Before booking your stay, be sure to inquire about their Wi-Fi policy. This way, you can enjoy complimentary internet access without incurring any additional costs. Additionally, there are smartphone apps like "Wi-Fi Finder" and "WiFi Map" that provide access to free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout Madagascar. These apps can be a lifesaver when you're in need of internet connectivity on the go. Simply download the app, and it will guide you to the nearest Wi-Fi hotspot, ensuring you stay connected without breaking the bank. It's important to note that the cost of Wi-Fi in Madagascar can vary depending on the method of access and the data plan you choose. However, with the numerous options available, you can find a solution that fits your budget and keeps you connected throughout your adventure on this captivating island. So, don't let the fear of being disconnected deter you from embarking on your dream trip to Madagascar. Stay connected, explore, and create unforgettable memories!

• How much does it cost for visa when traveling to Madagascar?

Planning a trip to Madagascar? Let's talk about the cost of visas and passports! When it comes to exploring this breathtaking island, it's essential to have all the necessary travel documents in order. The cost of visa applications can vary depending on your country of citizenship and the type of passport application you require. For example, citizens from the United States can expect to pay around $35 for a single-entry visa, while those from the United Kingdom may need to shell out approximately £25. However, it's important to note that some lucky travelers can enjoy visa-free access to Madagascar. So, if you hold a passport from countries like Mauritius, Seychelles, or South Africa, you're in luck! Remember, visa fees can change, and additional charges may apply for certain applications or travel documents. To stay up-to-date with the latest information on passport and visa requirements and fees, it's always wise to consult your local embassy or consulate. Bon voyage!

• How much does it cost for insurance when traveling to Madagascar?

The cost range of travel insurance for a trip to Madagascar can vary depending on several factors. These factors include your age, the length of your trip, the type of coverage you need, and the insurance provider you choose. To give you a general idea of travel insurance costs, here are some guidelines:

For a single trip, the cost of travel insurance can range from approximately $50 to $200. This range is influenced by the duration of your trip and the level of coverage you require. It's important to note that these prices are in US dollars.

If you are a frequent traveler, an annual travel insurance policy might be a more cost-effective option. The cost for an annual policy can range from around $300 to $1000, depending on your age and the coverage you select. This type of policy provides coverage for multiple trips throughout the year, making it convenient and potentially more affordable in the long run.

If you want comprehensive coverage that includes not only medical expenses but also trip cancellation, lost baggage, and other potential mishaps, the cost can range from approximately $100 to $500 for a single trip. This type of policy offers extensive protection and peace of mind during your travels.

To find the travel insurance policy that best suits your needs and budget, it's recommended to compare offerings from different providers. Carefully read the policy details to understand what is and isn't covered, as well as any deductibles or exclusions. Keep in mind that some credit cards and travel booking sites may offer travel insurance as a benefit or add-on, so exploring those options is worth considering.

Remember, it's crucial to have adequate travel insurance when visiting Madagascar or any other destination. Accidents and unexpected events can happen, and having the right coverage can help protect you financially. So, take the time to research and choose the insurance policy that gives you the peace of mind you need for your trip to Madagascar.

• How much does it cost for family, couples, or singles when traveling to Madagascar?

Planning a trip to Madagascar? It's important to have a clear idea of the costs involved so you can budget accordingly. The cost of traveling to this beautiful country can vary widely depending on several factors. These include the length of your trip, the type of accommodation you choose, the level of luxury you desire, the activities you plan to do, and the number of people traveling with you. Let's take a closer look at the estimated costs for a trip to Madagascar.

First and foremost, let's talk about airfare. The cost of airfare to Madagascar can vary depending on your departure city and the time of year you plan to travel. On average, a round-trip ticket from the United States to Madagascar can range from $800 to $2000 per person.

Next up, accommodation. The cost of lodging in Madagascar can vary depending on the type of accommodation and its location. If you're on a budget, you can find budget hotels or hostels starting at around $20 per night. For a more comfortable stay, mid-range hotels, luxury hotels, and ryokans can range from $50 to $300 per night.

Now, let's talk about food and drink. The cost of dining in Madagascar can vary depending on the type of cuisine and the level of luxury you prefer. If you're looking for a budget meal, you can expect to pay around $5 per person at a local restaurant. For a mid-range meal, the cost can range from $10 to $20 per person.

Transportation is another factor to consider. The cost of getting around in Madagascar can vary depending on the mode of travel and the distance you need to cover. A single metro or train ticket can cost around $1, while a long-distance bullet train ticket can range from $10 to $50. Taxis and car rentals are also available but can add to your transportation costs.

Overall, the cost of traveling to Madagascar can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per person, depending on your travel style and preferences. For a family, couple, or single traveler, the expected cost range can be anywhere from $1000 to $5000. Remember, these are just estimates, and the actual cost will depend on the choices you make during your trip. So, plan wisely and enjoy your adventure in Madagascar!

• Methods to Save Money When Traveling to Madagascar

Planning a trip to Madagascar can be an exciting adventure, but it's essential to consider your budget. To make the most of your experience without breaking the bank, here are some valuable tips to save money during your journey.

First and foremost, be flexible with your travel dates. By avoiding peak seasons and opting for off-peak times, you can secure better deals on flights and accommodations. This way, you can make significant savings on your overall trip to Madagascar cost.

Another way to cut down expenses is by choosing budget-friendly accommodations. Consider staying in guesthouses or hostels instead of luxury hotels. These options not only offer affordable rates but also provide an opportunity to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences.

When it comes to dining, explore local eateries and street food stalls. Not only will you get a taste of authentic Malagasy cuisine, but you'll also save a considerable amount of money compared to dining at upscale restaurants. Plus, trying local delicacies is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the culture of Madagascar.

Transportation costs can also be minimized by utilizing public transportation options such as buses or shared taxis. These options are not only cost-effective but also provide an opportunity to interact with locals and gain a deeper understanding of the country.

Lastly, plan your itinerary wisely to avoid unnecessary expenses. Research and prioritize the attractions and activities that interest you the most. By focusing on your must-see destinations, you can avoid overspending on less essential experiences.

By following these money-saving methods, you can make your trip to Madagascar both memorable and affordable. So, start planning your adventure today and embark on a journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and vibrant culture.

• Tips for Traveling to Madagascar

Are you ready to embark on an adventure to the stunning island of Madagascar? Well, buckle up and get ready for an experience like no other! From its diverse wildlife to its breathtaking landscapes, this African gem has so much to offer. To ensure you make the most of your trip, here are eight essential tips to keep in mind:

1. Pack light, but pack smart. Madagascar's terrain can be rugged, so it's important to bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothing. Don't forget your insect repellent and sunscreen!

2. Embrace the local cuisine. Malagasy food is a delightful fusion of African, French, and Asian flavors. Don't miss out on trying the traditional dish of Romazava or indulging in some delicious vanilla-infused desserts.

3. Explore the national parks. Madagascar is renowned for its unique biodiversity, and its national parks are a haven for nature enthusiasts. Make sure to visit Ranomafana National Park and Andasibe-Mantadia National Park for a chance to spot lemurs and other fascinating wildlife.

4. Dive into the crystal-clear waters. With its stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life, Madagascar offers incredible diving and snorkeling opportunities. Head to Nosy Be or Ifaty for an unforgettable underwater adventure.

5. Immerse yourself in the local culture. Take the time to interact with the friendly Malagasy people and learn about their customs and traditions. Don't be shy to join in on a traditional dance or try your hand at playing the valiha, a traditional bamboo musical instrument.

6. Be prepared for the unexpected. Madagascar's infrastructure is still developing, so delays and road conditions can be unpredictable. Patience is key, and it's always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

7. Respect the environment. Madagascar's natural beauty is fragile, so it's crucial to be mindful of your impact. Avoid littering, stick to designated trails, and support local conservation efforts.

8. Capture memories, not wildlife. While it may be tempting to take home a souvenir in the form of a chameleon or a lemur, it's important to remember that wildlife trafficking is illegal and harmful to the ecosystem. Instead, opt for ethically sourced handicrafts and support local artisans.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Our Epic 2-Week Madagascar Road Trip Adventure (Full Cost Breakdown)

Madagascar: one of the most special countries we have ever visited , one we’d been dreaming of seeing ever since we were kids.

After contacting multiple tour operators, reading other blogs, and researching both Google Maps and TripAdvisor (hint: neither are great in Madagascar), we came to a conclusion: fitting in so much of Madagascar into a 2-week itinerary won’t be easy .

But we went ahead and pushed forward with our plan, mixing and matching routes from here and there, creating our own, and learned so much about the country on the way – both good and bad (mostly good, though).

In the end, we found ourselves exhausted, exhilarated, expended, ecstatic, but absolutely enthralled about how we managed to pull it all off.

So here’s all you need to maximize your 2-week Madagascar road trip . Perhaps it’s madness, but it’s beautiful madness. You will love it.

In This Guide

Highlights of this two week Madagascar Itinerary Day-by day: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14 National Parks of Madagascar & Why They’re so Special

The Ultimate 2-Week Madagascar Itinerary (Real Costs Included)

This incredible, super-filled 2-week road trip itinerary across Madagascar covers the Central Region, east to west, and even much of the South! The North will be covered in a separate itinerary.

The unique 4000 kilometer itinerary you’re about to experience will enable you to see much more of Madagascar than any other I can find online, combining the best elements of the typical tours you can find with local knowledge, our experience on the ground, and the requirement of a solid 4×4.

What makes this Madagascar Itinerary special

Many of the existing blog articles and foreign tour offices have outdated info. The newly built (by the Chinese) roads enable us to bridge the best routes of the Central Highlands, Tropical West and Southwest Coasts, and even the rainforest-covered East Coast! All in one compact 2-week itinerary.

Not to say that it will all be easy. There will be early wake-ups, long days on bump dirty roads, and some discomfort. But there will also be “off-days” relaxing on the beach, a lazy day being treated like royalty on a canoe eating fresh lobster, and lots of great nights of sleep in awesome accommodations for low, low prices.

So let’s get started. I know you like to move it, move it.

The highlights of this epic 2-week adventure

When we saw this itinerary includes a LOT of Madagascar in just two weeks, we mean it. This covers way more than any other 2-week itinerary we can find. Here’s how to maximize your 2 week adventure across the wonderful country of Madagascar – and just some of what’s included in this itinerary:

• Antsirabe : the third largest city in Madagascar, featuring ivory art, great food, and artisans
• Morondava : enjoying beaches with baobabs and a more mainland Africa feel
• Baobab Avenue : visiting the most epic photo spot in Madagascar
• Tsingy de Bemaraha : climbing and hiking across giant limestone spires and watching black-face white lemurs jump from trees
• Kirindy National Park : jumping “rat” moles, baobab trees, and true Malagasy camping
• Ifaty : riding a pirogue surrounded by jumping humpback whales and feasting on fresh lobster
• Isalo National Park : hiking massive canyons and enjoying spectacular waterfalls
• Ifaty Nature Reserve & Tortoise Sanctuary : meeting endemic tortoises and learning about traditional and amazing herbal medicine
• Anja Private Nature Reserve : getting close to epic chameleons, ring tailed lemurs, and massive granite boulders
• Andringritra NP (Optional): intense hiking, optional camping
• Ramonafana National Park : golden lemurs, endemic bird species, nocturnal animals and insects, and tropical rainforests with waterfalls
• Canales Des Pangalanes : wonderful canals bypassing the rough waters of the east coast, vanilla plantations and local village visits
• Ambavalao : paper-making artisans
• Andasibe National Park (Optional): Dri Dri Lemurs

What you should pack before your 2-week road trip across Madagascar

As this trip is very special, unique, and quite rugged and tough, I do recommend that in addition to what you normally pack for a trip, you consider also taking:

• A GoPro 360 to capture the most incredible scenes, especially at Tsingy de Bemaraha
• Quick-dry travel towels for quick swims in natural pools like at Isalo National Park
• A compressible small travel pillow for added comfort on extremely long drivers
• Non-drowsy motion sickness medicine for windy roads
• Malarone (recommended for malaria prevention – low risk in southern Madagascar)
• A Lifestraw to make water potable anywhere you go
• Anti-diahrrea tablets
• Reef safe sunscreen for when you go whale watching and swimming in Ifaty

Day-by-day 2 week Madagascar Road Trip Itinerary

It’s time to move it move it!

This 2-week Madagascar road trip itinerary, with optional flights inside Madagascar and a mandatory sturdy 4×4 vehicle, will blow your mind. You’ll see hundreds of endemic species of fauna and flora. Thousands of baobab trees. Dozens of lemurs. Every kind of climate system from savannah to dry-as-a-bone desert to lush tropical rainforest and everything in-between. If you’re lucky, you may even see snow.

Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo (TNR), the road trip begins! (Tana to Antsirabe)

Madagascar road trip day 1 preview.

Welcome to Madagascar! Your journey begins now.

• Arrive at TNR airport, customs & immigrations formalities, grab cash
• Have lunch at Savanna Cafe (or grab takeaway)
• Fuel up and head to Antsirabe, check out artisanal crafts
• Stay at the Couleur Cafe (bungalows available)

Antananarivo Airport Formalities: Customs & Immigration

Most flights arrive at Tana midday or sooner. On arrival, most nationalities (including EU/Schengen and American) will obtain a visa-on-arrival in Madagascar (VOA). Ours cost only 10 Euro per person for a 2-week single-entry visa, and we were able to use credit card to pay. The visa is extendable if you later decide to stay longer.

Withdrawing money from an ATM in Madagascar on arrival

Make sure to grab cash (Ariary) on the way out. Your driver/guide may request a deposit or the full charge on arrival, and ours asked us to fill the fuel tanks before starting our journey. Because of this, you’ll want to withdraw about 1.5 million Malagasy Ariary (MGA) in addition to your car rental/drive fees to start with. That’s about $360 USD worth.

There’s an ATM at the airport arrivals area (after exiting), and several major banks accepting international cards on the road leaving the airport. The maximum you can take out at once is 800,000 MGA (about $200 USD worth), but you can make multiple transactions. There’s usually about a 8000MGA fee ($2) per transaction.

Open eyes, and an open stomach: driving from Antananarivo Airport to Antsirabe

After our long journey to Madagascar, we were hungry! Luckily, there is a great restaurant minutes outside the airport: Savanna Cafe. 

The road trip begins with full stomachs and empty minds, ready to absorb the beauty of this magnificent island-nation.

You’ll make your way towards the first stop: Antsirabe . If you arrive on an early flight, you may have time to stop to visit local artisans and craft shops there. Specialities include zebu (ox) horn art, recycled art (using cans to create vehicles), handmade wooden objects (such as cars/trucks), and more. There are several markets in town you can visit.

Where to stay in Antirabe

A great place to stay is the Coleur Cafe Hotel , which has an onsite (and quite decent) restaurant for both breakfast and dinner. Rates start at 140K MGA ($37 USD) for a well-appointed bungalow with hot water – food not included.

Day 1 costs

Here’s an approximation of our costs on the first day in Madagascar.

• Visa on arrival: 10 Euro per person
• Lunch @ Savanna Café: ~ 90K / 2p ($21)
• Accomodation @ Coleur Cafe : 140K /2p ($37)
• Dinner @ Coleur Cafe or Insolite: 70K / 2p ($15)
• Arts & Crafts: Most items cost 30-50K ($13)
• Pre-trip fuel fill up (requested by driver): 400K ($96)
• Car rental & driver: $55

Total Day 1 Cost (2 people): 750K MGA + $85 USD/EUR = $244 USD

Day 2: The most epic pictures of your life at Baobab Alley (driving directly from Antsirabe to Morondava)

If you flew here from TNR, you saved yourself quite a bit of time – and maybe even some money!

If not, no worries – we didn’t either. But in order to make this itinerary work, you’ll have to leave Antsirabe very early to make it to the famous Baobab Alley before sunset.

Madagascar Road Trip Day 2 Preview

• 530AM: Breakfast at the Couleur Cafe (or your hotel of choice)
• Ask for early breakfast and a picnic sandwich (30-50K MGA pp), Couleur Cafe can usually accommodate your request
• It’s a 9-10 hour drive!
• Stop at an “Hotely” (local restaurant) for lunch to save a LOT of time (food is ready super quick at Hotely’s)
• Arrive at the Baobab Alley by 5PM for the most epic pictures of your life
• Enjoy Baobab-flavored ice cream at the Baobab Alley Cafe
• Head to Le Renala in Morondava for a nice stay at a Bungalow on the beach! Have dinner and drinks at Le Corail.

It’s a 9 hour drive plus any stops, and you definitely want to make it to the Baobab Alley before 5PM or you won’t have time to take some of the most epic pictures probably of your whole entire life. No exaggeration.

Where to stay in Morondava

After finishing up making TikToks and taking selfies, it’s time for a nice night by the water. Our recommendation for lodging tonight is called Le Renala , located right on the beach! You can stay in a room for 140K MGA ($33) or a really nice bungalow steps from the sand for 180K MGA ($48).

Total Costs for Madagascar Road Trip Day 2:

• Breakfast, Picnic, and Lunch: 120K MGA ($45)
• Dinner at Le Corail: 80K MGA ($19)
• Fuel top off: 200K MGA ($46)
• Bungalow at Le Renala : 180K MGA ($48)

Total Day 2 Cost (2 people): 580K MGA + $65 = $193 USD

Day 3: The Road Less Traveled: Driving to Tsingy de Bemaraha from Morondava in one day

Thought you were done with long drives? Not so fast! (Unless you were able to procure yourself a flight and save a lot of time. In that case, bravo.)

You do get to sleep a little bit longer today – leaving Le Renala at 7AM if you want to eat at the hotel, 730AM if you preorder a takeaway breakfast sandwich the night before. Highly recommended.

It’s time to drive up towards the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, one of the most unique and epic in the world! But you’re gonna have to work for it.

Madagascar Road Trip Day 3 Preview

• Leave Morondava by 7AM for the long drive ahead (can only be done in daytime)
• Enjoy America Route 1, the road to Tsingy de Bemaraha, and its incredible Baobab scenery
• Have lunch at the Mad Zebu , known internationally for its epic cuisine
• Continue the drive through rough road conditions and another BAC ferry crossing
• Stay the night at the Grand Hotel de Tsingy de Bemaraha, the only one currently open (because of Covid)

The journey from Morondava to the Tsingy of Bemaraha

95% of your journey to the Tsingy is dirt road, and not a good one at that. Many, many cars don’t make it all the way. 

The road, nicknamed “America Route 1” because it was built in the 60s by Americans to find oil, is littered with gorgeous Baobab trees, including the famous Baobab Alley. Unfortunately, you won’t have the time to make any stops. There are several private ferry/“BAC” crossings that only work in daylight, including one right before arrival. Save the stops for the return journey when you have more time.

The best food in Madagascar (surprisingly)

Lunch will proceed at the Mad Zebu , about half of the way there. The Mad Zebu is known around the entire country for its epic cuisine. Zebu is the local form of cattle/ox that is Madagascar’s main source of agricultural prowess. You can see them wherever you go.

And at the Mad Zebu, you’ll see it on your plate – and much much more than that. Seriously such amazing food.

After that, the road gets a lot tougher and rougher. Not just for the car, but also for you. And for security purposes, it’s recommended to go in a convoy of 2 or 3 vehicles with a guard, as it’s very, very rural and isolated out there.

Adventure of a lifetime

But the private, hand-built ferry “BAC’s” are an adventure of their own. Watching your skilled driver maneuver a three ton SUV on two thin metal ramps over crocodile infested waters as the whole boat tips back and forth, boating through heavy currents with two 1970s engines (which may or may not both be working), and hoping everything goes right for about an hour each way: fun. I loved it.

When you finally get to Bekopaka, the village at the base of Tsingy, you’ll be as beat up as your car is. But if you have the energy, it’s actually a cute, vibrant village with markets and warm festivities to enjoy.

Where to stay near Tsingy de Bemaraha

At the time we went, the only operating hotel in the area was le Grand Hotel du Tsingy de Bemaraha. It’s a bit expensive at 199K MGA ($47) with pretty basic rooms. The showers are warm though, so that’s nice. And the restaurant is pretty good too.

Total costs for Madagascar Road Trip Day 3 Costs:

• Breakfast takeaway from Le Renala: 20k pp
• Lunch at Mad Zebu: 120K/2 people (full 3-course menu)
• 50000 car ferry to Belo
• 30000 car ferry to Bekopaka  
• 10000 city tax Bekopaka (2 p)
• Accommodation: Grand Hotel (199K)
• Dinner: 120k/2 people

Total Day 3 Cost (2 people): 569K MGA + $55 = $190 USD

Day 4: The most inSpiring scenery you’ve ever seen! (Tsingy de Bemaraha Half-Day Tour)

Brace yourself – you have an absolutely epic day ahead. Black-face white lemurs, chameleons, ancient fossils, long suspension bridges, cave climbing, giant limestone spires, and the most unique scenery you’ve ever seen await you. So make sure to get up at 6AM to leave by 630 – and get ahead of the crowds.

Madagascar Road Trip Day 4 Preview

• Have breakfast at 6AM to leave your hotel by 630AM
• 3-4 hour hiking tour of the “ Big” Tsingy de Bemaraha with lemurs, chameleons, fossils, caves, endemic birds, and more
• Lunch in Bekopaka with your local guide
• A shorter drive down to Belo Tsiribihina (halfway to Morondava)
• Stay at the Caribe Hotel and have delicious dinner at the Mad Zebu!

There are two options for today’s tour at the Unesco World Heritage Tsingy de Bemaraha : Big Tsingy or Little Tsingy. Unfortunately, you don’t have time for both, as it’s planned for you to head to Belo Tsiribihina tonight to get a head start on tomorrow’s amazing adventure.

How to get the most out of Tsingy De Bemaraha in one day

The most recommended tour is the “ Big Tsingy ”, which takes 3-4 hours through Lemur forest, varied terrain, inside caves, over giant limestone spires, across suspension bridges over massive limestone spires, and back through the forest.

Your driver will pick you up at 630AM, and if he/she is smart, he/she will have already picked up your local guide (required) for the hike through Big Tsingy de Bemaraha. If not, you’ll pick up your local guide on the way.

Make sure to pack snacks and water. A GoPro 360 and your best camera equipment is highly recommended.

After the tour, you’ll head to Bekopaka for lunch at another local Hotely. Enjoy a delicious THB beer (it’s so refreshing) with your local guide before embarking on a decidedly shorter trip down to Belo Tsiribihina. That’s where you’ll stay the night at the Caribe Hotel .

And if you enjoyed lunch yesterday, that’s also where you can find the wonderful Mad Zebu for another great meal!

Day 4 Costs

• Breakfast at Grand Hotel: 70K MGA / 2p ($17)
• 55k MGA per person park fees ($26 total)
• 120k MGA for a guide + 15k MGA tip ($32)
• Lunch at Hotely in Bekopaka: 50K MGA / 3p ($13)
• Bekopaka Ferry Crossing: 30K MGA ($8)
• Accommodation at Caribe Hotel in Belo: 50K MGA only! ($13)
• Dinner at Mad Zebu: 120K MGA ($28)

Total Day 4 Cost: 565K MGA + $55 = $189 USD

Day 5: Baobab Your Way Back to Morondava from Belo

Today, you’ll be thankful you stayed in Belo instead of the Tsingy are for the night. Because the first thing you’ll notice is the extra sleep from not having to leave before 730AM! Woohoo!

Madagascar Road Trip Day 5 Preview

• Enjoy your beauty sleep! You can leave Belo from 730-8AM with plenty of extra time.
• Start the drive back to Morondava by riding the adventure 45 minute ferry back from Belo.
• Get your Baobab fix; Stop at the Baobab Sacre (Holy Baobab), Baobabs Amoreux (baobabs in love), Baobab Alley
• Optional: walking tour at the Kirindy Forest NP/Private Reserve, home to the world’s smallest primate, Madame Berthe’s Mouse Lemur !
• Relax at the beach, check out local souvenir markets, and a possible return to Baobab Alley for more sunset pictures.
• Another night at Le Renala’s wonderful beachfront bungalows.

While everyone that stayed the night in Tsingy paid 4 times more than you and woke up at the crack of dawn to make it to Morondava before sunset, you got to sleep in and enjoy a nice full breakfast at the Caribe Hotel. That’s the genius of this plan.

With the extra time you have, you’ll be able to stop in a cute village and stop for local Malagasy rice pancakes (make sure to ask your driver-guide for this – they’re delicious!) and local coffee. 

First thing is the adventurous ferry BAC crossing from Belo, which takes less time with the current behind you.

All the incredible sights you need to see between Tsingy and Morondava

You’ll have time to stop at the Baobab Sacre (Holy Baobab), with free entry. The only thing is you actually have to take off your shoes to enter the surrounding land! After that, you can stop at the Baobabs Amoreux, a pair of Baobab Trees twisted around each other, apparently “in love” – or whatever that means. Maybe they hate each other. Who will ever know?

If you’d like to see more endemic species, ask for a 2-3 hour exploration tour at the Kirindy Forest NP/Private Reserve – where you can check out world’s smallest primate, Madame Berthe’s Mouse Lemur ! It’s right off the road back to Morondava.

There’s extra time to stop in Baobab Alley afterwards if you desire, and you’ll reach Morondava for lunch/dinner. Le Corail again, or try something new? There are also local markets for awesome souvenirs – mostly Baobab related.

With the extra time, we relaxed by the beach and asked our drive to bring us back to the Baobab Alley for sunset. Even after 3 times seeing it, we hadn’t had enough! Such an incredible place.

Day 5 Costs

• Breakfast at Caribe hotel: 40K MGA / 2p ($9)
• Rice pancakes: 2k MGA ($0.50)
• Baobab Sacre: Free
• Baobab Amoreux: 5K MGA ($1)
• Ferry from Belo: 50K MGA ($12)
• Lunch @ Le Corail: 110K
• Dinner @ Hotel: 120K
• Bungalow @ Le Renala : 180K

Total Day 5 Costs: 457K MGA + $55 = $162 USD

Day 6: The Memorable Full-Day Drive to Ifaty from Morondava

Madagascar road trip day 6 preview.

• 6AM departure from Morondava towards Ifaty
• Fill up fuel at a station in Morondava before the long drive
• 4 to 5 hour drive on “piste”/dirt road to Manja
• Lunch at Hotel Kanta
• Another 4 to 5 hour drive, with BAC ferry, on mostly paved roads to Ifaty
• Check in for a two night stay at the Bamboo Club!

It’s another long drive today, but worry not – this is the fun part! Make sure to leave around 6AM to drive all during daytime. Ask for a breakfast picnic the night before if you can.

You’ll pass through rivers – one of which is the widest in Madagascar – drive through sand, pass rural villages, and do all that fun off-roading kind of stuff.

And this is where our recent knowledge and experience come in handy. Today’s drive is possible only due to recent roadwork done by the Chinese. Because the second half of today’s drive is actually paved and mostly amazing (best road in Madagascar!), you can comfortably do this drive all in daytime.

The first half of the trip, headed towards Manja, is… well no other way to put it than brutal. We watched 2 cars break down on our way there. The road passes through many private areas, and negotiations will ensure by villagers attempting to collect tolls. It took us about 5 hours of rough road.

The toughest road in Madagascar?

We ended up paying a total of only 40K MGA for 3 tolls on our way to Manja, but some villagers demanded 200K for passage. It’s all about negotiation skills, which you can leave up to your driver.

Once at Manja, you’ll stop for lunch at Hotel Kanto. It’s nothing to write home about.

The next part of the drive is paved for an hour, followed by a quick ferry across a river to a long sandy (and beautiful) riverbank. It’s tough for 5-10 minutes, but quickly re-becomes paved for basically the entire drive to Ifaty. Total time from Manja to Ifaty now is 5 hours or less.

There is plenty of thoroughly cooked/fried street food for snacks on the way there.

Your reward will be an awesome TWO NIGHT (I know right?) stay at an awesome beach in an awesome bungalow at the Bamboo Club . And much relaxing at the beach.

Day 6 Costs

• Breakfast picnic: 20K pp
• Fuel fillup: 500K MGA
• BAC ferry crossing: 40K
• Private Tolls: 40K for entire drive, stopped 3 times for tolls
• Lunch at Manja at Hotel Kanto: 70K
• Street food: 10K
• Dinner @ Bamboo Club: 90K
• Accommodation: Bamboo Club 150K / night

Total Day 6: 940K MGA (with fuel) + $55 = $276

Day 7: Whales, Tortoises, and Baobabs (Ifaty)

This day will be one you remember for a very long time.

Madagascar Road Trip Day 7 Preview

• 6AM wakeup and early breakfast
• Pirogue sailing adventure to see whales and coral reefs
• Lunch on the beach
• A special baobab forest and endemic rescued tortoise village tour
• Dinner on the beach, and your second night at the Bamboo Club

The day starts young and early, but this time it’s not to sit in a car getting tossed around like a rag doll.

This time, you’re going to go on an epic adventure at sea. Call yourself Odysseus if you want, because you’re going to feel like it today.

Bamboo Club (the hotel) can arrange this, or it can be arranged on the beach (perhaps with better pricing). Morning tours by sailboat canoe (called a pirogue) out into the coral reef protected bay of Ifaty are a must-do when you’re here. Why? Because whales come out here to play every single day !

The coastline here is astounding. Clear, turquoise water surrounds you, white sand beaches go as far as the eye can see, and gorgeous palm trees keep them company.

Usually the beginning of the journey is propelled not by wind, but by oar. However, once you get far enough from the coast, you can start to see the wind-drawn tremors on the water indicating it’s now safe to raise the sails and let Mother Nature take you to the show.

And my, what a show it is.

The afternoon of this incredible day

After having your breath stolen from your lungs for a bit, having enjoyed the swells and the breeze, you’ll be ready for an early lunch. The Bamboo Club is a great place to go, but there’s a restaurant just about every 15 feet on the beach. And if you want to go local, there’s no shortage of fresh seafood cooking and steaming right on the beach.

Relaxing Afternoon Exploration of Ifaty

In the afternoon, check out the local Baobab forest at the Renala Reserve, filled with local medicinal plants and a local guide to tell you what they are. Here is where you’ll find the best climbing Baobabs in the area, with natural holes made into them perfect to hold onto and get a better view from the top of a 1000+ year old tree.

Almost next-door is the local Tortoise Village, filled with endemic rescue tortoises that only exist on this part of Madagascar. You’ll find plenty of star tortoises – the coolest we’ve ever seen – in all ages and sizes.

This tour can be done on a zebu-drawn chariot, or you can go by foot. Up to you.

Enjoy a nice dinner on the beach at a restaurant of your choosing in the evening, then relax at the wonderful Bamboo club afterwards.

Tomorrow, another long day awaits you.

Day 7 Costs

• Breakfast at Bamboo Club: 35K pp
• Half-Day whale watching pirogue tour: 120K + tip
• Fresh lobster goes for 45-50K ($11-12)
• You can also buy fresh “street” food on beach, calamari’s, lobster, fish
• Up to your own risk, but seems freshly cooked/fried and caught
• Usually 5-10K/dish
• Afternoon tour of Tortoise Village & Baobab Forest via Zebu/Ox Driven sleigh: 70K + tips
• Dinner on beach: 100K
• Second night @ Bamboo Club : 150K

Total day 7 costs: 610K or less + $55 = $187

Day 8: Exploring the Grand Canyon of Madagascar – Isalo NP

A major, major national park awaits you today. It resembles the Grand Canyon in Arizona, but it’s filled with endemic Malagasy species (even a lichen species found only here) including lemurs, frogs, chameleons, and plenty more.

Madagascar Road Trip Day 8 Preview

• Departure from Ifaty at 0530 with packed breakfast sandwiches
• Short stop at artisan market in Tulear for souvenirs (tortoise-themed)
• Quick early brunch/lunch at an Hotely in Ranohira
• 6-7 hour epic adventure hike of Isalo National Park
• Dinner & accommodation at H1 Hotel for incredible value

It’s a very early departure, because you want to save plenty of time to soak in the incredible scenery on your tour of Isalo National Park . The drive there from Ifaty is only about 4-5 hours, but there’s a great market stop in Tulear on the way there.

Trust me, you’ll want the extra time. Plan to leave at 530AM to maximize your day.

Once you reach Isalo National Park, it’s a 6-7 hour hike through gigantic ancient canyons, turquoise pools filled by gorgeous waterfalls, forests of trees shaken by jumping lemurs, epic views atop massive cliffs, and friendly locals welcoming you to their home.

Once again, it’s a good idea to bring snacks and water, and eating at a local Hotely before hiking will save time to ensure you can complete the hike today.

There are plenty of great choices for hotels around Isalo NP/Ranohira, but we found that H1 Hotel was an extremely great value. Awesome, clean bungalows and great breakfast for super cheap.

Day 8 Costs

• Breakfast box/picnic: 25K pp
• Lunch: 50K /2p
• 55K park fee pp
• 120K guide fee
• 10K city tax
• Accommodation (H1 Hotel): 142.5K
• Dinner: 70K

Total day 8 cost: 572.5K + $55 = $190

Day 9: Madagascar shines with its incredible habitat diversity (Isalo to Ranomafana)

Today, you’re going to see something quite remarkable. In the course of one short drive, you’re going to watch the scenery change dramatically.

Madagascar Road Trip Day 9 Preview

• Enjoy an early breakfast at the H1 Hotel – it’s truly great
• Departure at 630AM to drive towards Ranomafana National Park
• Stop at Anja Community Reserve for an incredibly nature visit
• Head to Ambavalao for superb arts and crafts, and lunchtime
• Finish your day in Ramonofana, stay at Chez Gaspard for incredible value
• Optional: nocturnal wildlife visit (must be arranged ahead of time)

You start the day out in basically the Grand Canyon , enjoying the Wild Wild West of Madagascar with its incredible desert scenery. But before long, you’re entering the African savannah with its rolling hills, isolated vegetation, and dryness. But then, you start hitting granite . And not just a little, but a lot . Massive granite boulders littered all over the place, like if a meteorite hit. And giant granite mountains surrounding you.

That’s what you know you’ve made it to the wonderful community reserve of Anja – and you’re not far from the vast and incredible Andringitra National Park .

Our favorite wildlife tour in Madagascar

At Anja Community Reserve , locals with incredible eyesight will find and show you all kinds of chameleons, tiny frogs, diverse species of Lemurs, butterflies, endemic birds, and more. They’ll lead you through forest and caves then on top giant granite boulders for an epic valley view that should only be reserved for drones and helicopters.

After this, you’ll continue onto Ambalavao for delicious lunch at a top rated hotel called La Residence du Betsileo. It’s really quite good.

An artisanal afternoon in Madagascar

Now with your stomach full, it’s crafts time. There’s a truly fantastic local artisanal paper factory, producing high-quality paper the old-fashioned way. It’s called Atelier Antaimoro . You can find postcards, wallets, album covers, and more made out of insanely strong natural paper and often embedded with beautiful flowers.

There’s also a local weaving artisanal crafts place here that uses natural dyes to produce beautiful clothing, tablecloth, scarves, etc.

After this fun little stop, you’ll continue onwards to Ranomafana National Park , arriving in the late afternoon. We stayed at Chez Gaspard , with wonderful little bungalows surrounded by nature for an incredibly good price: only 65K MGA ($17 USD).

Day 9 Costs

• Breakfast @ Hotel: 40K for 2p
• Lunch @ Ambalavao: 70K/2p
• Park fees: 20K MGA/person
• Guided short tour fee: 24K MGA/2p
• Accomodation ( Chez Gaspard ): 65K
• Fuel Top off: 170K MGA
• Dinner @ Chez Gaspard: 45K

Total Day 9 Cost: 454K MGA + $55 = $163

Day 10: Golden Lemurs and Greener Scenery

Today starts at your leisure, but no later than an 830AM departure. Breakfast at Chez Gaspard is pretty good and economical.

Madagascar Road Trip Day 10 Preview

• Explore Ranomafana National Park and its endemic Golden Lemur (3-4 hours)
• Lunch at Hotel des Thermes
• Swimming in a natural hot spring
• An incredible valley, mountain, river, and lush green forest drive towards Manakara
• Stay the Partheney, enjoy dinner on the beach

Ranomafana National Park , an incredible deep tropical rainforest in the lush green forests of east Madagascar, is home to the Golden Lemur – found only in this area. They’re such beautiful creatures and another reason Madagascar is one of our favorite trips ever.

The hike here takes 3-4 hours, much of it going into the bush for better views on the incredible wildlife. But there’s also a stop at a viewpoint atop the beautiful river valley.

After a wonderful morning of hiking, you’ll be hungry. The Hotel Thermal offers spectacular lunch. Word of advice though, do NOT try the flavored/spiced rum. Everyone in our group, including the guide, who did got food poisoning.

Packed you swimsuit? Hotel Thermal offers a wonderful natural hot spring to swim in!

Driving down the epic east coast of Madagascar

Feeling refreshed, next is the drive to Manakara , a gorgeous east coast town with long beaches, nice waves, great seafood, and epic scenery along the drive. Some of the best views of the trip were on the road between Ranomafana and Manakara.

Stay two nights at the Hotel/Restaurant Parthenay , right on the beach.

Optional: instead of heading to Manakara for a full-day canoe pirogue exploration, drive to Andringitra National Park and spend the next day hiking. Stay two nights.

Day 10 Costs

• Breakfast: 25K /2p
• Park Fees: 55K per person
• Mandatory guide: 110K MGA
• Lunch @ Les Thermes: 90-100K
• Accommodation @ Parthenay : 185k per night (bungalow)
• Dinner: 45k pp

Total Day 10 Costs: 585k MGA + $55 = $192

Day 11: Fresh lobster and the coolest pirogue experience this week (Manakara)

Wanna learn some more fascinating history about Madagascar?

You’re about to do it in a very hands-on kind of way. Today’s activity is rafting along the Canal Des Pangalanes.

The History of Canal Des Pangalanes 

Back in the 1960s, some French sailors decided they were too tired of getting beat up by the crazy swells and waves on the east coast of Madagascar transporting cargo down to Port Dauphin. So what did they do?

Turns out they created an array of canals running up and down the coast! And today, those canals make for some awesome, chillaxed exploration of this incredible, laid back area. 

Your personal epic Malagasy tour in Manakara

So why not hop on a pirogue (local canoe) with a local fisherman and explore the region a little? Hit up a tribal village, check out a vanilla plantation, and enjoy fresh lobster for lunch!

I’m happy to say that this is exactly the plan for today. And even happier to announce the price: 60K MGA ($15) per person including lunch for the full day! Wow!

Day 11 Costs

• Breakfast: 25K MGA/p
• Full Day Canals Tour: 60K MGA/p
• Dinner on the beach: 40K MGA/p
• Hotel: 185K MGA
• Car Rental & Driver: $55

Total Day 11 Costs: 435K MGA + $55 =  $157

Day 12: Swim in Madagascar’s beautiful East Coast

Today is a more relaxed day, with more time to enjoy Madagascar’s incredible lush east coast.

Madagascar Road Trip Day 12 Preview

• Relaxed wake-up 
• Leave by 930AM back towards Ramonafana NP
• Local Village Visit 10 km before Ramonafana 
• Swim in hot springs
• Nature walk if you didn’t have time previously

Wow. You can actually sleep in today. You can enjoy the beach. And you can have a relaxed breakfast. Surprised right?

Today, our plan is to head back up to Ranomafana. If the train is working, you can take it back up at your liking. If not, enjoy the wonderful scenery by car and make a couple stops on the way. 

Optional: wake up early and head all the way to Ambositra today (7h driving vs 4h). Stay at Artisan Hotel. This allows you time to check out Andasibe National Park at the end of the trip, the best place to get close to the “Dri-Dri” Indri Lemurs in Madagascar. 

Truly local and authentic village experience in Madagascar

First, make sure to check out a local village with a guide who actually grew up there! You can meet adults and kids and learn about their way of life. See how manioc, vanilla, bananas, and rice are integrated into their day-to-day. Admire their resourcefulness and appreciation for nature. And get to interact with small words here and there. Talk about authentic. 

If you didn’t get a chance to swim in the natural hot springs last time you were passing through, you’ll have some time now. You can do this at either the Hotel Thermal or the Station Thermale.

Stay again at Chez Gaspard, or another hotel or your choice. Almost all here are budget friendly and supremely charming. Feel free to go on a guided night walk if you didn’t have the chance last time.

Day 12 Costs 

• Breakfast or Breakfast Picnic: 25K/2p
• Local Village Visit: 40K/p
• Lunch in Ramonafana: 45K/p
• Accommodation @ Chez Gaspard: 65K
• Dinner of your choice: 45k/p
• Optional Train: Very Cheap
• Car Rental/Driver Hire: $55

Total Day 12 Costs: 375K MGA + $55 = $143

Day 13: The Malagasy Dance & Souvenir Day

Feel a little low on gifts and souvenirs to take back home with you? Want to add a couple more authentic Malagasy memories? Today is your day.

Madagascar Road Trip Day 13 Preview

• Semi-relaxed wake up, leave Ramonafana by 8AM
• Make it to Artisan Hotel in Ambositra for lunch with a twist: a local folk dance! 
• Check out the amazing handiwork at Chez David & Pavillons Artisans. Definitely buy your souvenirs and gifts here. 
• Continue up to Antsirabe, stay at Ecolodge des Voyageurs or Couleur Cafe
• Top the night off with an amazing dinner @ Insolite.  

Another relaxed day; it’s only about 5 hours up to Antsirabe today. But you’ll make a couple very interesting stops on the way. 

Note: if you made it to Ambositra yesterday with the hopes of including Andasibe NP , head all the way to Antananarivo for the night. 6 hour drive, and very early start tomorrow for Andasibe NP as a day trip – assuming your flight leaves late.

First stop is the Artisan Hotel for a wonderful lunch and a local folk dance included as part of the package! The local villagers show off their dance moves as tourists enjoy their lunch. Quite the show!

There’s an absolutely astounding handicrafts shops in Ambositra called Pavillons Artisans . I bought several handmade wooden boxes, created from perfectly cutting a tailoring dozens of smaller pieces to create absolutely amazing pictures/paintings. These make fantastic souvenirs and even better gifts (See: Chez David )

There’s another weaving store here, with phenomenal scarves, table clothes, and more dyed in mostly natural colors. 

This time, we stayed at the Ecolodge des Voyageurs . It’s the most expensive place in Antsirabe, but I feel you’re mostly paying for the beautiful gardens surrounding the rooms. The bungalow itself was not any nicer than the one we had at Couleur Cafe. Breakfast was great though!

We also decided to venture out for dinner. We did NOT regret it. Possibly the best meal of the trip, at a cute place called Insolite . Highly recommend. 

Day 13 Costs

• Breakfast @ Chez Gaspard: 25K/2p
• Lunch @ Artisan: 45K (2p) + 20K tip
• Bunch of souvenirs and gifts!
• Dinner @ Insolite: 45K (2p)
• Last fuel top off: 170K
• Ecolodge does Voyageurs: 220K MGA 

Total Costs: 550K MGA + $55 = $185

Day 14: Last but not least

Today will be an epic experience – whether you opted to head to the wonderful Andasibe National Park , or stuck with the original plan and are now heading to Antananarivo for the final couple hours. Enjoy it!

Madagascar Road Trip Day 14 Preview

• Leave by 830AM to get to Tana for lunch
• Buy the best souvenir of your life: a metal baobab tree to take home!
• Consider a dayroom to get some sleep before your flight
• End your incredible, super filled trip with amazing memories! Get to the airport a minimum of 2 hours early. 

Saving the best for last – that is if you were looking for the most incredible metal baobab structures in the world – like we were. 

It’s another relaxed day, assuming your flight leaves around midnight as ours does.

Note: This plan assumes you’re departing in the evening or close to midnight. Its a 4-5 hour drive to Antananarivo from Antsirabe depending on traffic. Plan to arrive at TNR airport for your flight about 2-3 hours before your flight.

The best artisanal work in Madagascar: Antananarivo

After enjoying breakfast at your beautiful hotel, you can start the drive towards Antananarivo. A great stopping point for lunch after 3-4 hours of driving is Coin du Foie Gras , but there are plenty of great options in Tana for food if you’re not yet hungry. 

A must see in Antananarivo is the Ferronnerie D’Art Violette . It’s the ultimate source for handmade metal baobab trees – the best and coolest souvenir you can buy in all of Madagascar. Closest thing you can have to a real Baobab! We bought and brought in all the way back home to Florida (via 3 flights, all checked in!) 

After a great shopping experience, a nice lunch, and a lot of driving, you’ve certainly built up some fatigue. 

Why not consider a day room before your long flight home? We recommend napping at the Fly Inn near the airport, but there were plenty of options in the area. You may have to call in ask, but you can generally get a much better rate than the nightly price. 

Airport Experience at Antananarivo TNR Ivato International

We arrived 2 hours early for our Air France flight. We only had to wait about 20 minutes for checkin, and had nearly no lines for immigration formalities or security. This is just our experience, yours could differ!

There are locals offering wrapping services right outside the airport for about 20K. Inside the airport, there is one little restaurant/stand offering drinks (including beer) and snacks, but not much other than that late at night. Prices are fair despite being in an airport. 

Day 14 Costs

• Breakfast: included
• Lunch in Tana: 100K
• Rental Car / Driver Hire: $55
• Optional Day Room: 140K
• Snacks @ airport: 45K

Total Day 14 Costs: 290K MGA + $55 = $134 USD

Total costs of a 2-week road trip across Madagascar for two people

Wondering how much it will end up costing to fulfill this entire journey across east, west, and south Madagascar over the course of two weeks? Here’s the final tally:

Accommodation : 1911.5 K MGA (+140K optional) = $453 Food : 2655 K MGA = $629 Driver/Rental Car : $770 Tours : 1143K MGA = $271 Tolls/Fees : 330K MGA = $98 Fuel Costs : 1750K MGA = $415

So what’s the total estimated full cost for a two week trip across Madagascar for two people? About $2636 for very good accommodation, good food, a great 4×4, and an amazing adventure.

National parks and reserves you need to visit in Madagascar and why

Part of what makes this Madagascar itinerary unique is how it enables you to see the best national parks in the country . Lemurs, chameleons, ancient rock formations, prehistoric fossils, wild limestone spears, endemic bird species, magic frogs, jumping whales, and incredibly picturesque waterfalls are all included.

Here are the best national parks (and reserves) of Madagascar that you need to see – and are included in this itinerary:

Tsingy de Bemaraha Natural Reserve

Made famous by the “Our Great National Parks” special narrated by President Obama on Netflix, Tsingy de Bemaraha features mind-boggling array of eroded limestone spears covering thousands of square kilometers is actually the largest national reserve in Madagascar!

The name roughly translates to “place you cannot walk barefoot”, but black-face white lemurs are definitely the exception to the rule here. Early in the morning, you can witness them jumping from needle to needle, oftentimes clutching onto a newborn baby while doing so!

Of the many treks you can accomplish here (some multi-day!), we chose the half-day best-of-the-best, descending into underground caves and ending up crossing massive suspension bridges hanging over the most incredible and unique formations we’ve ever seen.

Probably our favorite park in all of Madagascar – and it’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990.

Park fees: 55000MGA (~$13) per person, mandatory guide for 135000MGA total (~$30), 10000MGA city tax (~$2) per person, and 80000MGA x2 ($19×2) for ferries

Isalo National Park

The closest thing to the Grand Canyon you can find in Madagascar, Isalo National Park features an incredible display of eroded sandstone formations resulting a deep, truly historic and layered canyons, incredible unique biodiversity, amazing waterfalls and natural pools, and truly fabulous hikes and viewpoints.

Park fees: 55K per person ($13), plus mandatory guide for an additional 120K MGA ($27) + 10K MGA city tax, camping and multi-day hikes available

Ranomafana 

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, Ranomafana National Park is the tropical rainforest you need after 10 days in the dry regions. Located between the lush green East Coast and the dry central plateau of Madagascar, it’s home to over 100 bird species (30 of which are unique to the park) and the golden bamboo lemur .

There are hot springs located here, easily accessible in the town of Ranomafana – such as at the Hotel Thermal.

Park fees: 55K per person ($13), plus mandatory guide for an additional 110K MGA ($25)

Ifaty & the Renala Reserve

The Renala Reserve in Ifaty is one of the best places to witness the vast diversity of baobabs (6 species in one park), medicinal plants, cacti trees, and more. But even better is Ifaty’s local resident whales, just off the coast.

Simply take a local pirogue (canoe) sailboat, made out of one of the special trees you can find at Renala (literally ONE tree!), piloted by local expert fisherman off the insanely gorgeous coastline and onwards to the coral reefs. Soon after, you’ll easily find humpback whales – often jumping in and out of the water!

Absolutely one of the coolest experiences we had in Madagascar.

Whale Excursion Cost: 120K MGA ($29), Renala Forest & Tortoise Village Visit: 70K MGA ($17)

Anja Community Reserve

Actually a private reserve, Anja harbors some totally endemic species of chameleons, frogs, and very beautiful granite rock formations. It’s a totally pleasant 1-2 hour visit (and short viewpoint hike) right off the national road 7 (RN7).

The reserve is dominated by enormous cliffs, boulders, caves, and fallen rocks. It has the highest concentration of Maki Lemurs (ring-tailed) in the country, and that’s the reason why locals here took the initiative to create the reserve. True and amazing story.

Park fees: 20K MGA/person ($5), plus fees varying from 24K MGA ($5) to 80K MGA ($15) for various guided circuits (2 people, shared)

Andringitra National Park

One of the few places in Madagascar that receives snow, Andringitra NP is one of the most biologically diverse places in Madagascar, with many endemic species. It alone features 13 species of lemurs!

The park is located on a geological massif and features tons of incredible beautiful hikes, including an amazing short 4-hour hike to a legendary waterfall. It’s called the Ansaramanitra trail . There are also several on-site camps with established tents, huts, and more available.

Park fees: 45,000MGA per person (about $12) + Guide Fees (Usually 120K MGA total, about $28)

Kirindy National Park & Private Reserve

If you were looking for baobabs, tiny lemurs, giant jumping rats, and chameleons, head to Kirindy. Most notably it’s the only place in the world that you’ll find the world’s smallest primate, Madame Berthe’s Mouse Lemur .

It’s right off the path between Morondava and Tsingy de Bemaraha, and there are campsites and an ecolodge in the area.

Park fees: 40K MGA ($10) per person + circuit fees from 55K ($14) MGA to 250K ($54) MGA. Accomodation: Dorms from 35K MGA ($9) and lodges for 150K MGA ($35)

Andasibe National Park

Only a couple hours outside of Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo (‘Tana’), Andasibe NP is world-famous for its Indri/”dri-dri” species of Lemurs, the largest in the world !

There are also 26 Diademed sifakas, black and white ruffed lemurs, red bellied lemurs, and the enormous Parson’s Chameleon.

Park fees: 55K MGA per person ($14) + 120K guide fees (total, $28)

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Great article. Thanks.

Thanks for reading 😊

Thanks for sharing! Does the cost of the accommodations include the room for the driver? Or is it included in the 55$? Many thanks

My pleasure!

That’s included in the $55. They usually stay in much cheaper places such as homestays or even in the car.

Thank you for this thorough plan. I could not find mentioned in your itinerary the car rental agency with a driver. Did you book ahead or walked up to an agency at the airport?

Hi, I booked ahead via WhatsApp. But unfortunately I cannot recommend the driver/company I used. However, I still can pass along the contact info if you wish.

Hello! Great blog. Do you have the details of your car company which you can share? Thanks!

Hi Steph! I went with an agency called Titan, but I cannot recommend them as I feel they do not have good customer service, know zero English (though pretended to before the trip), and offer only high pricing.

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Madagascar Travel: 33 Things You Need to Know Before You Go

33 tips that will help you travel in Madagascar and make your time in this unique country so much more enjoyable. 

Table of Contents

These travel tips are aimed to help you prepare for an unforgettable journey to this bizarre “ Red Island !” Written by an adventurer who’s spent more than a year in Madagascar, it’s the real deal. 

The 33 recommendations below ( in violet ) are divided into 11 main sections ( in green ). This will make it easier for you to find the answers to a specific question.

HEALTH  AND  WELLNESS IN MADAGASCAR

Vaccinations to get before visiting madagascar.

• Visit a travel doctor well in advance. There are vaccinations you may need to be administered. These may take weeks to become effective. Refer to your vaccination records. Make sure you are up to date on the following: Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Meningitis, Polio, MMR, Tuberculosis (BCG) and/or Tetanus (DTP).
• You don’t need the Yellow Fever vaccine for Madagascar. However,  if you plan to travel in mainland Africa on your way there, you DO need it. You will also need to provide proof of administration upon entering Madagascar if they see African countries stamped into your passport within the past 6 months.

Malaria Prevention

• You should discuss a Malaria prophylaxis prescription with your doctor. This is especially true if you are travelling between September and May. This is Madagascar’s warmer, rainier season.
• Take every day – tetracycline antibiotic.
• Pros : Least expensive, used to treat many bacterial infections (ex: urinary tract infections) and tick-borne infections. A double dose can be used to treat Malaria if someone in your group contracts it.
• Cons : Side effects may include sensitivity to the sun, increased likelihood of vaginal yeast infections, and weakened gut microbial health.
• Suggestions : Doxycycline is the prophylaxis I prefer.  I just prepare for the side effects. I bring and use plenty of sunscreen and take probiotics to help my gut microbiome recover. Additionally, my doctor writes me a prescription for a burn cream (in case of sunburn), and treatment for yeast infections ( Fluconazole ).
• Take every day. It prevents the growth of parasites in red blood cells.
• Pros : Specific for malaria and also may be used for treatment.
• Cons : Relatively expensive. Its side effects may include mild stomach pain and diarrhea, headaches, difficulty sleeping, and vivid dreams.
• Take once a week. It prevents the growth of parasites in red blood cells.
• Pros : Don’t have to remember to take it every day.
• Cons : It. Has the most serious side effects. They include dizziness, severe anxiety, violent dreams, paranoia, hallucinations, depression. These nerve and psychiatric effects can sometimes last long after you stop the medication.
•  Insect repellents. In addition to long pants/sleeves, they are the obvious methods of limiting mosquito bites. But they also help prevent flea bites. The bubonic plague is still present in Madagascar. It’s seasonal and rare but is transmitted through flea bites.

First Aid and Medications While Travelling in Madagascar

• You should have antibiotics , such as Ciprofloxacin. It will be useful in the event that you get a bacterial infection.
• If your burps begin smelling like sulphur and rotten eggs, you likely contracted Giardia parasites. Otherwise known as traveller’s diarrhea from contaminated water or food. Acquiring a Flagyl (metronidazole) prescription and taking this treatment once the burps start can prevent Giardia from becoming much of a problem.
• Useful over-the-counter medications – antibacterial ointment (ex: Neosporin / bacitracin), Anti-diarrheal drugs (ex: Imodium A-D / loperamide), allergy medication (ex: Benadryl ), anti-inflammatory drugs / pain relievers (ex: Ibuprofen ), antacids (ex: TUMS or Pepto-Bismol ) and rehydration tablets. Most cities will have pharmacies, but drug names and doses will likely be in French. It’s much easier to bring your own.
• You can never bring too much hand sanitizer ! Sometimes there won’t be soap available. Or you may make a bathroom stop on the side of the road.  I also suggest rolls of toilet paper for the car. Our bodies aren’t familiar with the microbes in Madagascar. That makes it easier for us to get sick if we don’t remain mindful.
• Pack sunscreen and bug spray but check the ingredients list for harmful chemicals. If you’re planning to swim or snorkel in the ocean, please bring waterproof and “reef-safe” sunscreens that don’t include oxybenzone, butylparaben, or octinoxate that can bleach the corals!
• Menstrual supplies are limited and expensive in Madagascar. Women should bring their own.

Recommended Reading: The 33 Best Travel – Inspired Decor Ideas for 2021

Travel Insurance

• Invest in travel insurance. Be sure that it doesn’t just cover cancelled flights, lost or stolen items, and unexpected medical expenses. But also includes emergency medical evacuation . Madagascar’s road conditions are poor. And the health care isn’t generally what Westerners are accustomed to. Typically, being medevacked is your best option if it’s something serious.

TRANSPORTATION TO AND IN MADAGASCAR

Flights to madagascar.

• If travelling from the United States: Air France and South African Air are usually the best airlines to limit the number of layovers. However, I have also used Etihad Airways, Turkish Air, and Ethiopian Air. They typically cost significantly less money. However, expect multiple and longer layovers. Check out Skyscanner to compare prices.
• You will more than likely fly into Ivato Airport (TNR). It’s located 20 km north of the capital, Antananarivo (Tana).
• Air Madagascar is the domestic airline. It can save you a lot of driving time for long distance, internal travel.

Personal Vehicles in Madagascar

• If you don’t want to fuss with the scheduling and frequent discomfort of public transportation, it’s easy to hire a driver and guide for your entire stay.
• I don’t suggest driving yourself. However, if you have an International Driver’s License and nerves of steel, it’s possible to rent a car.
• You will not need a 4WD vehicle if you are going south on RN7. However, you will need a 4 wheel drive for travelling west on RN5 and north.
• Make playlists, download podcasts, charge your Kindle, and be ready to spend a lot of time in the car. Even though Madagascar is almost twice the size of the UK, it has only 1% of the paved road length that the UK has.
• Bring motion sickness medication , such as Dramamine (dimenhydrinate), if you have even the slightest tendency to get car sick! The roads can be quite twisty and bumpy.
• It’s not advisable to travel at night. Many drivers will refuse to continue much past sunset. Listen to your drivers. Bandits only strike at night for the most part.

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Public Transportation in Madagascar

• Hired Taxi – like most cities across the globe, there will always be a taxi cab eager to assist you. The fare is negotiable and you should haggle. The taxi drivers are known to charge tourists highly inflated rates. 
• Taxi-Brousse are large vans with designated routes to almost anywhere in the country. They are the least expensive method of getting around. However, they generally aren’t comfortable, efficient, or particularly safe. It’s not uncommon to end up with a child or chicken in your lap. And if you’re carrying anything larger than a backpack, it will be tied to the roof. 
• Taxi-Be are almost identical to taxi-brousse, except taxi-be is the term used for the organized minibusses within major cities. Whereas taxi-brousse are generally used for travel between cities. 
• Cotisse – a transport company with minibusses similar to taxi-brousse. However, it’s higher end and much more comfortable. They always leave when scheduled instead of waiting until the car is full and packed. They also drive more carefully. And if you’re really lucky, you can connect to free WiFi. 
• Trains – there are over 1000 km of railroads tracks in the RNCFM Malagasy rail system. But it’s primarily used to transport cargo. There are only 6 routes with passenger trains. While travelling by train in Madagascar is a lovely way to see the country, they run notoriously late. 
• Cyclo-Pousse – a covered rickshaw cart fastened to a bicycle. They’re used in most major cities (though, not the capital). Pay the bike ‘driver’ a small fare (Ar 5000 or less), and they’ll bring you to your destination. With frequent traffic jams in major cities, they are often faster than a car .
• Tuk-Tuk – motorized three-wheeled rickshaws that hold three people and are almost always yellow. It is usually a flat fare, but the prices are quite reasonable (similar to cyclo-pousse).
• Charette – a wooden cart pulled by zebu cattle is the most common way of getting around in rural areas. There is no set price. Haggle for what you are willing to pay.
• In some coastal areas, especially the southwest and the northeast, the primary means of transportation is by cargo boats. Avoid them during rough seas and cyclone season (Jan-Mar).

Dugout canoes called pirogues are common for crossing rivers or for getting to the best snorkelling areas.

8. Flexibility is KEY When Travelling in Madagascar

Please remember to be flexible, patient, and respectful to your drivers and other Malagasy people you encounter.

Most Malagasy don’t like rushing. And in a country with limited resources, it’s easier to just go with the flow .

The Malagasy have a saying, “Mora Mora,” which translates to slow living and no worries.

They are going to be relaxed, and I promise that you will have much more fun if you relax too!

FOOD AND WATER IN MADAGASCAR

Filtered water.

• Lifestraw Go water filter bottles are legitimately a life saver. Especially if you are environmentally conscious or an avid hiker. If you don’t want to constantly be buying water bottles, you can fill your LifeStraw up with unfiltered tap water. Or if you’re on the trails … anywhere !This allows you to avoid starting hikes with 3+ litres of heavy water. I have even filled my Lifestraw in a warm and murky rice paddy during desperate times. I never felt any signs of sickness. Lifestraws are relatively prone to leaking and should be kept upright. But they are 100% worth the small investment!
• Avoid ice in your drinks unless you can guarantee that it was made with filtered water.

Food and Drink in Madagascar

• Sometimes there isn’t much variety in the cuisine. On the plus side, meals come at a fantastic value! The capital – Antananarivo – and touristy areas, especially along the coasts, will have more to offer. I’ve had some of the best meals of my life in Madagascar. Just be flexible during monotonous periods.
• Like with ice, avoid uncooked vegetables unless you’re certain they were washed with filtered water.
• I encourage everyone to try the “Ranonapango.” It’s essentially burnt rice tea. Although it’s not actual tea, it’s comforting and reminds me of popcorn… Rice is the cornerstone of the Malagasy diet. It’s the base of every meal, including breakfast.
• “Toka-gasy” is a Malagasy moonshine made with sugar cane. You could be offered a drink by a village King. It’s considered rude not to accept. However, do be aware that it is technically illegal. Though, not enforced because the alcohol content cannot be controlled. Some batches seem weak and others will knock you on your feet!
• It’s a good idea to bring protein bars . Especially if you have dietary restrictions (such as vegetarian or vegan) and/or plan on long hikes.
• Here’s some additional info on local food and what to expect.

LANGUAGE IN MADAGASCAR

• Brush up on your French.  Madagascar was once a French colony.  French is still one of the official languages.
• Many signs and restaurant menus will be in French.
• Most prices will be told to you in French. It will be beneficial to at least learn your numbers .
• Try learning simple Malagasy phrases. The locals sincerely appreciate when you invest time and interest in their native language. For starters, “ Salama ” means hello.  “ Veloma ” means goodbye!
• Malagasy people are more inclined to be open and friendly with people who aren’t from France. So don’t feel like you should become fluent in French!
• There are a few Malagasy/English handbooks available if you’re interested in languages. Malagasy is a tough language to learn until you’re immersed, especially the pronunciations! This short video of a few keywords in Malagasy with pronunciations will get you started. 

MONEY IN MADAGASCAR

Malagasy currency.

• The currency in Madagascar is called Ariary (MGA)
• Ar 4000 = 1 EUR
• Ar 4600 = 1 GBP
• Ar 2500 = 1 AUD
• Ar 250 =  1 ZAR
• The largest bill – Ar 20,000 – is equivalent to less than 6 USD. However, it’s considered substantial to most Malagasy. You’ll want a safe money bag or belt because you will be carrying many more bills than you are used to.
• The Ariary notes changed in 2017. Therefore, there are two designs for every bill, excluding the Ar 20,000. The Ar10,000 was the largest bill until 2017.

Access to Cash and Using Credit Cards in Madagascar

• To exchange your currency into Ariary, bring relatively large and new bills. They shouldn’t be older than 2010. It will be easiest for you to exchange your currency right at the airport. That way you’ll avoid the long lines and limited hours of banks. I find this to be the easiest way to access money.
• Credit and Debit cards. Some places in cities accept cards, but only VISA is reliable. Other networks like MasterCard and AmEx often won’t work. Honestly, it is best to carry cash !
• ATMs are only available in big cities. And there’s a limit to how much you can take out. Also, it’s not uncommon for ATMs to be out of order or empty.

Begging in Madagascar

• You will have people begging you for money. Especially children, mothers, the elderly, and the disabled. I would be lying if I said it wasn’t difficult to witness. But it’s unavoidable, especially in big cities.
• Everyone is entitled to their own opinions on how to handle these situations. But do acknowledge that your actions will impact more than just the beggar. Begging is not a sustainable way to make a living.
• If you decide to give, be tactful about it. Don’t flash large wads of cash. And understand that successful beggars often return with friends. To avoid being surrounded and causing a scene, wait until you are about to get back into your vehicle.
• I generally only give to those performing – sometimes people sing, dance, or play an instrument. And I never give to overly pushy people. I don’t want them thinking that’s the way they should approach all tourists.
• When giving money, I keep it discrete and politely urge them to use it for food.

Tipping in Madagascar

• Tips are generally well received and deeply appreciated. They’re sometimes it’s your biggest daily expenditures. Especially if you’re on a guided tour where most expenses are paid for ahead of time.
• When you can break large bills into smaller bills for tipping. Keep these tips in a separate pocket from the majority of your cash.
• To offer you a perspective, Malagasy people who are fortunate enough to be employed typically don’t make more than Ar 200,000 (~$56 USD) a month .
• If you want to keep your tips within the average range of other tourists, roughly follow the guide below. However, you are welcome to give more. Especially with guides and drivers. But only if they exceeded your expectations.
• Taxis and bars : Not expected or small bills.
• Porters : small bills, likely not over Ar 1000.
• Restaurants : 5% of the bill or less.
• Guides : 10% of the fee.
• Personal Drivers : Ar 5000 – Ar 20000 a day.

PACKING FOR MADAGASCAR

• Bring more warm clothes than you would think necessary. This includes thermals, hat, gloves, and fleece. Especially if you are travelling during Madagascar’s winter months (May – September).
• However, the climate throughout Madagascar changes rapidly . While the cool rainforest fog may send shivers down your spine in the morning, you can jump in the car and find yourself in a desert ecosystem by late afternoon. Therefore, you will want to pack a variety of clothing. Be sure to bring shorts, T-shirts, and durable sandals.
• If you plan on hiking , you should pack quick-drying field pants, sturdy hiking boots , wool socks, a baseball cap, and a rain jacket. While hiking in rainforests, I advise tucking your pants into your socks and your shirt into your pants to minimize leech bites. Leeches don’t transmit diseases, their bites don’t hurt, and they only remain attached for about half an hour. However, they do have an anticoagulant in their saliva. This causes you to continue bleeding even after they drop off. And these bites can itch worse than mosquito bites. Take precautions but don’t panic if you get a leech.
• I also recommend a substantial daypack with a supportive waist belt and chest strap. This could double as your carry-on luggage for the flight!
• Don’t forget bathing suits ! Beaches aren’t the only places to swim; some parks have natural swimming holes you can hike to.

Travel Documents For Madagascar

• Your passport cannot expire within 6 months of entry and must have at least 3 blank pages. They are strict about this!
• Carry your immunization records. They may not be requested if you haven’t been in countries with Yellow Fever.
• If you’re travelling with a large group, it’s beneficial to obtain your Madagascar VISA within your home country. Otherwise, it’s easy to purchase a tourist VISA upon arrival at the airport for 30, 60, or 90 days.
• I prefer to have paper photocopies of my passport and tourist Visa. The police will occasionally ask to see your passport, especially in cities and on the road, but I don’t like carrying it wherever I go.

Power in Madagascar

• Bring European plug adaptors if necessary: 220 Volt, 50Hz AC (Two circular metal pins).
• Charged power banks are invaluable, especially considering the amount of travel time. If you need your phone to stay alive for the entire day, I would bring a power bank or two.

General Equipment

• Pack binoculars for lemur and bird watching! If you’re concerned about them occupying souvenir space in your suitcase, donate them to a deserving park guide near the end of your journey. Malagasy guides are often in need of functioning binoculars.
• Bring a bright headlamp and/or flashlight for night hikes. There are nocturnal lemurs, chameleons, frogs, snakes, geckos and so many other creatures you don’t want to miss!
• Wristwatches are convenient for checking the time. I t might not always be a good time to pull out your phone.
• All sizes of Ziplock bags are precious. Smaller bags can organize your medications and chargers; medium bags can keep your electronics and books dry; large bags are perfect for wet or dirty laundry.
• I recommend silica gel packets and dry bags for your electronics and camera if you’re spending an extended time in humid, rainforest environments.
• Remember the items mentioned in previous sections : medications, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, LifeStraw water bottle , protein bars, bills to exchange, designated money bag, VISA credit/debit cards, etc.

THINGS TO BE  MINDFUL  OF IN MADAGASCAR…

Internet and phones.

• Most hotels have complimentary WiFi. However, even luxury hotels don’t always have internet or outlets in individual rooms/bungalows. Sometimes you have to sit in the reception area for internet access and charging. WiFi is available in some restaurants, but you will need to ask for the password.
• If you have an unlocked GSM cellphone, you may want to buy a local SIM card (Airtel, Orange, or Telma) and a 3G package. You can do this at the airport. If you don’t want to purchase a plan, you can buy phone credit at virtually any shop.  

Cultural Awareness in Madagascar

• Avoid pointing with only your index finger extended. While it’s not considered offensive everywhere in Madagascar, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Pointing with your index finger is considered a “ fady ” or taboo in many regions of Madagascar. Especially when pointing directly at a tomb or grave. You can either gesture with your whole hand open, or bend your finger as you point.
• It is expected to haggle prices unless the price is already established, such as in tourist shops, restaurants, and hotels. It’s part of the culture.
• It’s respectful to dress fairly modestly . You’ll see everything in tourist areas. However,  I personally avoid low cut tops, short skirts and shorts. And I only wear one-piece swimsuits.
• While difficult to ignore their puppy-dog stares, don’t feed street dogs . Malagasy people can view it as highly offensive that you took the time and money to feed a dog, but not their family.
• Most Malagasy actively avoid confrontation, especially with foreigners. Don’t take advantage of this.

Saying “Thank You” in Madagascar

• In Malagasy, “ Misaotra ” means thank you. Add “betsaka” if you want to say, “thank you very much.”  
• If you anticipate any village visits, a gift that would be appreciated by everyone is a high-quality soccer ball . I always bring several deflated soccer balls and an air pump from the States.
• You’ll probably become close with your driver and guide. In addition to a tip, you may want to thank them with foreign gifts . A T-shirt representing your city or country, candy from abroad, or something else they wouldn’t find in Madagascar are the most cherished gifts.

PHOTOGRAPHY IN MADAGASCAR

Keep your camera close.

• If you have a DSLR camera, keep is safe, but don’t be afraid to bring it . There are countless sites and creatures to document that small cameras and phones just can’t capture.
• Keep all valuables close, especially in big cities like the capital of Antananarivo (Tana). I wouldn’t worry about being attacked. However, there are some skilled pick-pocketers. They can swipe your cash, phone, or other items without you even noticing.
• Just as you would back home, ask before taking someone’s picture. If you don’t speak French, saying “ Sary? ” (pronounced similarly to the English, “sorry”) – which means “Picture?” in Malagasy, should sufficiently get the point across.
• Adults will occasionally wave you off, but kids love to pose. You should show them their picture. But remember to wipe down your camera with a disinfectant afterward. The kids may excitedly grab your camera for a closer look with their cute, but dirty little hands.  

Selfies in Madagascar

• NEVER pay to take pictures with wildlife kept at restaurants or hotels.
• Paying for these photos encourages the illegal and devastating pet trade. One of the reasons lemurs are endangered .
• Many of these animals, especially lemurs, don’t survive these conditions. If they don’t die from a poor diet, they may be killed when they display aggression as they become sexually mature. The “Magic of Madagascar Ecotour” will take you to one of the only rescue centers in Madagascar that confiscates pet lemurs and teaches them how to survive the wild.

SOUVENIR SHOPPING IN MADAGASCAR

Avoid purchasing….

• Carvings made from precious woods like Rosewood and Palisander
• Butterflies and other preserved insects
• Sea turtle shells
• Sapphires, other precious gemstones, and gold

    28. Ethical Shopping

• Aim for sustainable gifts that don’t negatively impact wildlife or people while simultaneously expressing Malagasy culture.
• My main suggestions include… hand-dyed and spun silk scarves woven from sustainably farmed silk, items made out of recycled aluminium, and art constructed from repurposed zebu horns.

EXCLUSIVE  TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN MADAGASCAR

Places to visit in madagascar.

• RN7 is your best friend.  This route starts at the capital and works its way south, then slowly west. It is accessible year-round and brings you through every incredible ecosystem Madagascar has to offer! That’s the route that we take on our Ecotour through Madagascar from July 1st – 12th, 2019!  
• RN5 takes you west to see the “ Alley of Baobabs ” or possibly even the limestone forest of Tsingy ! This road is more difficult to navigate. It’s comical that it can even be considered a national route.
• The north is also beautiful, but similar to the west, the roads are very poor, especially as you work your way west. 
• There are stunning places that are easiest to fly to, such as the rainforest peninsula of Masoala and the island of scuba-divers dreams – Nosy Be .

   30. Wildlife You CANNOT Miss in Madagascar!

• “The Magic of Madagascar Ecotour” brings you to the largest species of lemur (indri) and the smallest lemur (mouse lemur), with many lemur species and sizes in between!

If you love Madagascar as much as we do, you’ll love our lemur t-shirts:

This meditating lemur t-shirt is the perfect gift for the animal lover in your life whether it be your wife, husband, sister, brother, best friend, son or daughter. It looks great with jeans and is perfect for a casual day out.

This t-shirt with words about lemurs is perfect for animal lovers – who want to show their love for ring-tailed lemurs and to raise awareness about this endangered species – see how many words related to lemurs you can find.

This ring-tailed lemur t-shirt will be a hit with animal lovers who want to show their love for these unique creatures while raising awareness about these critters from Madagascar who need our help.

ADDITIONAL  MADAGASCAR  INFORMATION

• Films and Books about Madagascar
• If you are keen to learn more about the creatures and culture before going or booking a ticket to Madagascar, I recommend either of the following  films :  Planet Earth II  (on Netflix) and  Island of Lemurs: Madagascar  (IMAX) .  
• Additionally, I recommend the following  books :  For the Love of Lemurs  (Patricia Wright);  Thank You, Madagascar  (Alison Jolly);  The Aye-Aye and I   (Gerald Durrell); and  Madagascar – The Eighth Continent   (Peter Tyson).
• Field Guides for Madagascar
• There are good field guides available for most  taxonomic groups  in Madagascar. I have personally had the best luck with  Lemurs of Madagascar: Third Edition  and  Birds of Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands . Note: if you can’t find that check out  Lemurs of Madagascar: Tropical Field Guide Series .
• For travel guides, the  Bradt Guides   are probably the best guide I have come across. The author has been travelling to Madagascar for over 30 years!  The Lonely Planet – Madagascar: 8 th  Edition  is also quite thorough.
• Online Info on Travel in Madagascar
• While this article provides a comprehensive list, you can’t fit everything into a single post! I recommend perusing additional online resources that can provide even more information about Madagascar. Be sure to check out   28 Interesting Facts About Madagascar ! 
• Continue researching and reading! The more you know, the better you can prepare for  culture shock.  And the more you will appreciate all the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Madagascar!

The long-ground roller is a bird species endemic to the spiny forests of Madagascar; Photo: Alicia Lamb.

Best of luck with your travels in Madagascar! Take care and enjoy, or as they say in Madagascar, “Mazotoa!”

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Madagascar Travel Guide

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Where is Madagascar located?

Madagascar is situated to the East of Mozambique and is the fourth largest island in the world. It is about twice the size of Britain and is characterised by 6 different Microclimates making Madagascar one of the most fascinating countries in the world to visit.

Tourism is still in its infancy in Madagascar due to its location and poor infrastructure but in recent times Madagascar has begun to open up to the rest of the world, and what a fascinating country it is!

Fauna and flora of Madagascar

Each microclimate and area has its own ecosystem with Madagascar as a whole having 5% of the worlds fauna and flora, of which 80% is unique to Madagascar. From Lemurs to Giant Chameleons Madagascar is a botanical and zoological wonderland. You will get to see plants and animals that you would never have seen before, this combined with the sheer beauty of Madagascar makes for a wonderfully memorable visit.

People and Cultures of Madagascar

The population of Madagascar are predominantly of SE Asia, Pacific Islander and African Descent with a recent European addition. Malagasy is the language of the country but French is widely spoken. 50% of the population still practise their own traditional religion. 43% are Christian (mainly Roman Catholic) and 7% Islamic. On the whole, tourism is a new phenomenon for the people of Madagascar and more and more of them are realising the potential of this source of income which has resulted in a really positive attitude towards tourists.

What's the weather like in Madagascar? 

The climate of Madagascar is generally subtropical with November to April being hot and rainy. However, the climate of Madagascar is strongly affected by altitude and geographical position and there are distinct microclimates unique to certain regions.

Best time to travel to Madagascar?

The best time to visit Madagascar is from May to October (fall to spring) as this period is generally cool and dry which makes it a great time to travel. The prime months to visit Madagascar are from July to September because of the pleasant weather and whale watching.

• Best time to see lemurs in Madagascar: from June to December. October and November are the best months for seeing baby lemurs. 
• Best time to go kayaking in Madagascar:  between May and December. The best region for kayaking is South Eastern Madagascar.
• Best time for whale watching in Madagascar:  between July and September. The best place for watching humpback whales is Ile Sainte Marie.
• Best beach time in Madagascar: September, October and November into early December when the weather is hot and relatively dry.
• Best time for low season travel: April is out of peak season so the national parks and beaches are quieter. 
• Avoid cyclone season: travel to Madagascar between December and March is usually not recommended due to cyclones.

Budget Travel in Madagascar - is it an affordable destination?

Madagascar is a relatively cheap destination. The most expensive part of visiting Madagascar is usually the flights.

In 2017, well-known travel blogger, Nomad Matt reported that although "getting to the country is expensive, once you are there everything is incredibly cheap". 

Travelling independently can be surprisingly affordable if you are prepared to rough it a little. Two main ways to save on expenses are to sleep in hostels and take public minibus transport (shared taxi-brousse). The shared minibuses do, however, require patience and are often crowded so prepare to be uncomfortable.  

Our Budget Madagascar Tours offer excellent-value-for-money and are designed to make travelling in Madagascar easier and more fulfilling. The idea is to enable travellers to focus on enjoying the country without expending too much energy on logistics and budgeting along the way. All accommodation and transfers are typically included, along with some or most meals and activities, and an English-speaking guide for park visits. Our affordable Madagascar Tours are packed with adventure but you won't be tested to your limits in an overcrowded minibus or dodgy hostel. 

Madagascan Industry & Vanilla

The main industries in Madagascar are Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry. However, with the opening up of Madagascar to tourism, it will not be long before sustainable tourism comes to the fore. Deforestation has been a major problem in Madagascar with a slash-and-burn technique widely used. Sustainable tourism in Madagascar will go a long way in curbing these long-standing policies.

Madagascar produces 80% of the world's natural vanilla (according to this Financial Times article in 2018) making it the primary supplier of vanilla pods which are used to flavour ice cream, confectionaries and chocolate. The booming vanilla industry is providing local farmers with income-generating opportunities as the demand for vanilla grows and the price rises. Sadly, the vanilla industry is characterised by violence, corruption and crime as well as driving deforestation and reducing populations of endangered wildlife. Yet, there are thousands of small-scale farmers growing vanilla sustainably. Trade in this traceable vanilla offers a more environmentally sound and socially responsible route which international buyers can choose. 

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The Perfect Travel Itinerary For Madagascar

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• Last Updated On: September 10, 2023

Madagascar may be the definition of exotic destinations. Nestled in the south Indian Ocean, this island is home to thousands of endemic animal and plant species found no where else in the world. Its landscapes are as different as they are otherworldly, as well as its people, a curious mix of Southeast Asian and African. Of all my travels around the world ,  Madagascar is still the answer I give to people when they ask me my favorite country. I spent a month in Madagascar which I think was still a bit too short. I could have easily spent three months because there is so much to see. There’s as much geological diversity here as there is in the United States.

I spent just under a month traveling through Madagascar. It’s not an easy place to travel through . Roads and general infrastructure here is some of the worst in the world. The main highways are equivalent to side streets in most other countries, but riddled with potholes and teeming with people walking their ox-carts.

I would recommend a minimum of 10 days in Madagascar (not including the flight to get here which can be very long), purely because the road conditions are awful and the sole airline, Air Madagascar, is suspect at best.

Interested yet? If you’re planning to visit Madagascar, make sure to read my  Guide to Traveling Madagascar for all the important things I picked up along the way. Then read the itinerary below 🙂

Where I went

In total, our trip was 28 days and our itinerary included the following

• Antannarivo
• Avenue of the Baobabs
• Tsingy Stone Forest
• Ranomafana National Park
• Isalo National Park
• Andasibe National Park
• Ile Sainte Marie & Ile Aux Nattes

If these sights are on your list and you have about a month for your visit, this post is for you! This itinerary can easily be tailored for a two week or three week Madagascar itinerary. Just pick the places you want to go!

I booked most of my accommodations through Booking.com as it seemed like most of the hotels in the country have adopted use of this platform. In previous years, you’d have to call in advance to book but they’ve caught on since!

In depth Madagascar posts

Like always, this guide is a general overview of the trip I did and to help you plan your wonderful trip to the country. Make sure to read the detailed posts below of all the places I visited for more information, pictures, and videos!

• Guide to Traveling Madagascar
• Morondava and the Avenue of the Baobabs
• Ile Sainte Marie and Ile Aux Nattes

 Full Itinerary:

Day 1-5: Straight to the Tsingy Stone Forest

We landed in Antananarivo International Airport in the early afternoon on a South African Airways flight. After clearing immigration, which gives all Western passports FREE 30 day tourist visas, we met our driver, Serge, waiting for us at arrivals. We planned on exchanging some Euros at the FX counters at the airport but our driver said he had a guy that would hook us up with better rates. A bit early in the trip for potentially shady practices, but what the hell?

My driver’s name was Serge, and his email is  [email protected]. Feel free to email him and see if he has availability for you!

We met with the guy, and he did indeed give us a better exchange rate and we were rolling in stacks of cash (the biggest bill in Madagascar is worth $3-4). We decided to skip Antananarivo (Tana) and drove straight towards Antsirabe where we spent the night.

Antsirabe to Tsingy Stone Forest

The next day we headed the Western beach town of Morondava. The drive took the whole day, but not without beautiful rice terraces and otherworldly landscapes. Morondava is a must stop for those visiting the Tsingy Stone Forest because it’s impossible to drive there at night. We would come back to Morondava afterwards for a few nights of R&R.

The next day we drove straight to the Tsingy Stone Forest .  It was offloading and make shift barge ferries the entire way up but we made it to our guesthouse just before sunset. We stayed here for three nights and hiked the Grand Tsingy and Petite Tsingy. Unforgettable places!

Day 6-8: Morondava and Avenue of the Baobabs

Day 6 was spent entirely on the same road back towards Morondava. We arrived around sunset to one of my favorite places in the world, the Avenue of the Baobabs . This is one of those places that looks amazing in photos, and looks just as magical and special in person. The giant baobab is native only to Madagascar and it’s about as unique of a tree as there is.

We stayed the next two nights in Morondava. We enjoyed the beach, partied with the locals by drinking copious amounts of Three Horses Beer, and hung out with local fisherman to eat hearty portions of lobsters and prawns.

Day 9-11: Ranomafana National Park

Day 9 was another all day drive. We had plenty of these because Madagascar is a surprisingly big country, and the roads are so bad, you’re never driving more than 90 km/h. We arrived in Antsirabe (where we also spent the first night), to spend the night.

The next day, we drove south along the RN7, Madagascar’s main highway, to Ranomafana National Park . This park is known for their numerous species of lemurs, including the elusive golden bamboo lemur. The contrast in scenery is extraordinary as Ranomafana looks like a tropical rainforest, where the previous segment of our trip was some combination of desert and ocean.

We spent two nights in Ranomafana and spent a whole day hiking through the park.

Day 11-14: Isalo National Park

Day 13 was another transit day as we drove along the RN7 from Ranomafana National Park to Isalo National Park. The landscape changed yet again to rugged landscapes that reminded me of the American southwest, but with palm trees dotting the horizon. We made the full day drive and stopped at various locations like the base of the Andringitra Moutnains and the Anja Nature reserve, home to numerous ring tailed lemurs.

Isalo National Park is one of the most popular parks in the country and this is where we decided to stay in our “luxury” accommodations”. We spent three nights here, and I could have used another day as I very much enjoyed it here.

We hiked all around the park, including the two canyons, Windows of Isalo, and Piscine Naturelle. The hiking trails here are long and physically challenging. There are many options so you can choose what best fits you. Some people spend days hiking through the park, camping along the way. While we weren’t that adventurous, we felt like we saw a lot of the park.

Day 15-18: Andasibe National Park

After an amazing visit to the Isalo National Park, our next destination was Andasibe National Park. This is the most visited park in all of Madagascar, likely because of its proximity to the capital (3-4 hours drive). It is home to the Indri lemur, the largest species of lemur that is famous for its loud and distinctive howl.

There are numerous luxury lodges here. One of these, the Vakona lodge, has a sanctuary for orphaned and domesticated lemurs of all species. You can play with them as well as they are completely unafraid of jumping on you. I’m not sure if there is some questionable ethics happening at this place, but it was a great experience nonetheless.

Day 19-25: Mahambo and Ile Sainte Marie

The last leg of our trip was beach time! From Andasibe, we drove to east towards the port town of Mahambo where we stayed for the night. They had a resident ring-tailed lemur that was also domesticated and followed us around the entire time. It even followed us into our bungalow where we tried (unsuccessfully) to kick it out. It ended up staying the night in our bungalow which in hindsight, was pretty cool.

The next day, we drove to Soanierana Ivongo, where we caught the passenger ferry to Ile Sainte Marie . Upon arrival, we took another transport to the smaller nearby island of Ile Aux Nattes. This place was pure paradise. Not only was there the bluest waters and whitest sand, but we had the whole place to ourselves. We did day trips to scuba dive, and took mopeds all around Ile Sainte Marie.

Some of the nicest beaches I’ve ever seen are in Ile Aux Nattes. It is just so rustic here that we felt like this beautiful slice of paradise to ourselves (which we pretty much did). Alternatively, you could pay thousands of dollars to stay at a resort on Turks and Caicos, or go to a much more stunning and incredibly untouched place like Madagascar!

Day 25-27: Antananarivo

Alas, the end of the trip. We took the morning ferry back to Soanierana Ivongo, and took a bus to the port capital of Tamatave. From Tamatave, we charted an entire Taxi-Brousse, the local form of transportation as we didn’t want to wait for it to fill up. We had a day to explore Tana which is about all you need.

Tana offered more to see than I had imagined. There are beautiful viewpoints all around the city as it is in the highlands, as well as nice colonial French architecture.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Land in Tana, drive to Antsirabe Day 2:  Drive to Morondava Day 3:  Drive to Tsingy Stone Forest Day 4:  Hike Grand Tsingy Day 5:  Hike Petite Tsingy Day 6:  Drive back to Morondava, stop at the Avenue of the Baobabs Day 7:  Relax in Morondava Day 8:  Drive to Antsirabe Day 9:  Drive to Ranomafana National Park Day 10:  Hike Ranomafana Day 11:  Ranomafana to Isalo National Park Day 12:  Hike Isalo Day 13:  Hike Isalo Day 14:  Isalo to Andasibe National Park Day 15:  Hike Andasibe National Park Day 16:  Hike Andasibe National Park Day 17:  Andasibe to Mahambo Day 18:  Mahambo to Ile Sainte Marie Day 19:  Ile Sainte Marie / Ile Aux Nattes Day 20: Ile Sainte Marie / Ile Aux Nattes Day 21: Ile Sainte Marie / Ile Aux Nattes Day 22: Ile Sainte Marie / Ile Aux Nattes Day 23: Ile Sainte Marie / Ile Aux Nattes Day 24:  Ile Sainte Marie to Antananarivo Day 25:  Antananrivo Day 26:  Fly out

This itinerary hopefully will help you in planning a trip to Madagascar. To be honest, I could have stayed at least another week or two. There is just so much to see and so much geological diversity that you could spend months traveling the country. If you have any questions or comments, please leave below!

Continue Reading:

• Guide To Visiting Andasibe National Park And Lemur Island, Madagascar
• The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Madagascar, The Red Island
• Guide To Visiting Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar
• The Ultimate Guide to Ile Sainte Marie and Ile Aux Nattes
• Ultimate Guide To Visiting Isalo National Park, Madagascar
• Guide to Visiting Morondava and Avenue Of The Baobabs
• Guide To Hiking The Tsingy Stone Forest, Madagascar
• The Best Of Johnny Africa – Top Moments Traveling Through Africa
• The Ultimate One Week and Two Week Travel Itinerary for Uganda
• The Perfect Las Vegas To Zion National Park Itinerary
• The Perfect South Africa Honeymoon Itinerary And Guide
• The Perfect One Week, Two Week, and Three Week Travel Itinerary For South Africa
• The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary For Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, and Antelope Canyon
• The Perfect One Week And Two Weeks Travel Itinerary For Albania

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Magnificent goods from you, man. I have keep in mind your stuff previous to and you are simply too wonderful. I really like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you’re stating and the way in which in which you assert it. You make it enjoyable and you continue to care for to stay it wise. I cant wait to learn far more from you. This is really a wonderful site.

How long did it take you from TSINGY STONE FOREST to Morondava? Is the only way back to the capital or is there a shortcut maybe?

Hi it is a full days drive from morondava to the tsingy. The roads are quite terrible and you’ll need to Take it slow. No other way around unfortunately!

Hi Johnny, I have 5 days 4 nights to spend in Madagascar, where I will arrive in December by flight at Antananarivo in the morning at 10.40 and leave at 14.45 on the fifth day. I wonder if it is possible to visit and see my 3 main objectives: Boabab trees in Boabab Avenue, the lemurs and Tsingi rock forest? Thanks 🙂

Hi arifin, I think it can be done but may feel very rushed and you won’t see as much. You can fly to morondava as soon as you land, and stay the night there while visiting the baobabs at sunset. The following day you will drive the whole day to the tsingy (and see the baobabs again as you must pass through them to get to Tsingy). The 3rd day you can make a hike through the big tsingy, the 4th day you would then drive back to morondava, and the 5th day you can fly to tana in the morning.

Hi My husband and I are traveling to Madagascar next month for 2.5 weeks. Can you pls suggest what shall we prioritise to visit in such a short time. We would like to spend a few days on the beach to relax Thank you, Monika

hi Monika, i would visit the western part of Madagascar per my itinerary, and then maybe a few days in Andasibe and then off the beach. But that is jus tmy preference. You can see my other post and pick what most makes you excited!

Thanks for putting together a great blog post about madagascar. It is really helpful to see an itinerary to see what is possible to do in madagascar. It looks like you had an amazing trip. I am going to madgascar for two weeks in August and I am trying to figure out one last piece of my itinerary. I see you travelled in one day from Isalo National Park to Andasibe. How long did this take you? We want to fit a visit into Isalo National park and it would be great to have an extra day by being able to drive from Isalo National Park to antananarivo in a single day.

Hey Chris! We actually stopped in Ambositra for the night. I don’t thjink it’s possible to drive from Isalo to Andasibe in a day. Alternativelly you could probably reach Tana in one day from Isalo as well!

Hi Johnny, I will go in Madagascar from 05 September to 21 September. We are a couple, and we are sportive and very very adaptable. Can you suggest an itinerary? (I would spend one day to play windsurf if it’s possible 🙂 )

tks best regards

Thanks for an amazing overview.

We plan on going to Madagascar this summer for 4 weeks. Here we have used your itinerary as the main inspiration. This include: – Nosy be (1-3) – Diego Suarez (4-6) – Morondova and Tsingy (7-13) – Isalo (14-16) – Ranomafana (17-18) – Andasibe (19-20) – Ile Nattes (21-26) – Tana (27-28)

However, when reading your itinerary one thing would be nice to know for all of it to add up. How did you get from Isola to Andasibe and how long did it take? 🙂

Thanks again! Marc

Hey Marc, that sounds like a great trip! One thing to note, from the tsingy and morondava to isalo will take you 2 days of driving so you’ll want to account for that. we took a driver with a car throughout our Madagascar trip. Hope that helps!

Hi Johnny, Thank you for your insights on madagscar, they have been helpfil. I have just started to plan a trip to Madagscar, from the 21st june to the 15th – my plane arrives at 21st June 22:00 pm and leaves at 15th 00:30 am.

I would like to visit more or less the places you did, but I think I might be short on time. I would like to visit Tana – Andasibe-Mantadia Parl – Ranomafama park – Isalo Park – Tsingy Baobas – St marie Island/Ille aux Nattes and possibly Kirindy. I wanted to end my trip with 5 nights in St Marie to relax and do some whale watching.

Do you think I could fit all this in such a shhort timeframe? What would you recommend?

Hi thank you so much for your blog post it was really informative and made it all sounds so exciting. I am going to Madagascar from March to April and will be staying in Andasibe, with food provided by a family. It is my first time travelling abroad by myself and was wondering whether you had any general tips; e.g. what things to avoid, what foods to steer away from and whether anything is an absolute must to bring etc… any tips will be super helpful. Thank you so much

Hi Poppy, that is quite the first place to travel alone to!! No matter, you will absolutely love it! I would say that the local food in madagascar can be quite tasty but if you’ve not traveled to very undevelope dplaces before, i would take it easy on the food until you know you can handle it. I hope you planned some trips afterwards however because Madagascar is such an amazing country that you’ll want to see more than just the Andasibe area!

I don\’t have a website so not sure how to respond to your blog posts. Sorry. But, I love the blog on Madagascar. I am planning a trip in May to see my niece in the peace corp. I’m nervous because she wants to plan it all, but I want us to use tour company such as GMT +3 TOURS. I keep hearing about the “malagasy stomach” and have been advised to be careful of what we eat. What would you recommend for food? Stick to hotels? They say “if you can’t peel it, don’t eat it”.

We are only there 10 days and she has us covering a lot of ground: Tana – Andasibe – Tamatave – Mahambo – St. Marie, then a boat to Ill Au Natte for 2 nights, then a regional flight to Tana to head back to US. Sounds aggressive. Your thoughts?

Hi Kim! Thanks for the kind words. I think like most places, you watch what you eat depending on your travel and stomach threshhold. What may rough up one’s stomach won’t for others. But generally, I avoid “salads” and fruits without an outer layer. I think if your niece is in the peace corp, she’ll have a good understanding of the country and know someone that can help her book her accoms. For the most part, you will be staying at modest hotels and guesthouses where the food will be good quality.

As for your itinerary, I think it should be enough time although I’d spend less time in Tamatave/Mahambo and more time on Ile Aux Nattes. Something like 2 days Tana, 3 days Andasibe, 1 day Mahambo, and 4 days in Ile Aux Nattes. Enjoy!

Hi Jonny, Thank you for your info. This is really helpful! We are planning a trip to Madagascar and are curious when the best time to go is. Do you have any advice?

Much Gratitude Aimee

Hi Aimee! I’d always recommend to travel in the dry season in Madagascar. This is May to November for the best times. The wet season can be very beautiful too of course but the weather is just very variable and some sights are out of reach like the Tsingy. Make sure to read my Madagascar Travel Guide for more info!

I’m looking to go with my 8 year old who is obsessed with the animals and nature in Madagascar. Did you see a lot of animals? That is his main goal, so trying to make sure we fit in plenty of forest/jungle time. He wants to see everything from giraffe bugs to lemurs.

Hi Karilyn, I defintely saw many many animals as you can see in all my detailed posts of the country. Lemurs were of course a daily sighting and other native animals as well. It was a great experience and would definitely recommend it, even with your 8 year old!

Hello Johnny, great itinerary! My friend and I are planning to go to Madagascar for 3 weeks-1 month, but the problem is, none of us drive. Will it be a problem? will public transport be a problem there?

Thank you:D

Hi Chandra, I would hire a car with a driver . This is the standard way to travel around Madagascar. Between 2 people, the cost will be very reasonable imo and you can see so much more in that time vs taking public transport.

Hey Johnny,

We are group of 3 planning to travel in Madagascar from 3 – 18 Nov. Reading your blog post, we understand that having a driver is a necessity. Just would like to ask you if you might have some contacts on EN speaking drivers and would be willing to share? Thanks a lot. Zuzana

Hi Zuzana, definitelyi would recommend a driver for your trip!

I would email my friend Serge who drove us around. He spoke decent English but as with everyone in Mada, English is their 3rd language so it was hard to find people that spoke very good English.

Hey Johnny, great post! I’m spending 8 nights in Madagascar in November and really want to see ISM, but was also hoping to see some Baobabs. Is that a reasonable goal for such a short stay? Or do you recommend choosing one direction or the other? I’m assuming the Baobabs are only in Morondava . . . is that true?

Hey Evan, I think with 8 nights you could squeeze that in. If you’re not going to tsingy, then it is just in and out of morondava to see the baobabs. You could either fly to morondava from tana, stay the night while visiting the baobabs, or take 3 days by driving (one day to Morondava, one day baobabs, one day back). From tana, fly to ile sainte marie and relax for 4 nights.

You won’t get to see any of the national parks or lemurs this way but it will check off those two things in your post. Hope that helps!

Ok, cool! That’s helpful. Thanks for the ideas.

Hi Johnny, I am currently considering a 2 month trip to Madagascar with a group of friends as part of a work placement. This would mean that we would be busy during the weekdays and able to travel on the weekends to see the rest of the country. I have read on your article here and on other websites that travel between sites can take up to a full days worth of travelling at some points. I was wondering if it would be possible to travel between say, Antananarivo and Ile Sainte Marie (or Tsingy stone forest or avenue of the baobabs, etc.) and back within a weekend (friday afternoon-saturday) whilst still being able to spend time at these sites and fully appreciate them. Or if we would need to dedicate more time to each venture out. Cheers

Hi Dan, unless the roads have significantly been improved in the last few years (which I can’t imagine is the case), it’s impossible to see the Tsingy within a weekend. You’d need to fly to Morondava, and then it takes a full day just to reach Tsingy on backroads and “ferries”. Ile Sainte Marie I think is posisble. You could fly from Tana to ISM and relax for a day or so but I think that is a bit much for a short weekend. I think the most feasible if you are only doing weekend trips are to the Andasibe and to fly to Morondava . Otherwise, would just save all the godo stuff for when you’re done with your work placement and have some proper time to explore!

Hi Johnny! Your itinerary has inspired us even if we have only 12 days so we need to speed up! We would like to ask you how much was to take a taxi brousse all for yourself?

Thanks Giovanni! I only took the Taxi Brousse from Toamasina to Tana. If I were to have used a taxi brousse for my entire trip, it would take me twice as long to complete this itinerary! However, you will save an incredible amount of money if you’re okay roughing it as a taxi brousse from Tana to Tulear for example is only 40000-50000 ariary. I would definitely not recommend taxi brousses if you only have 12 days!

Can you give me some ideas on costs for renting an ENTIRE taxi-brousse from Point A to B (say Andasibe to Il St Marie island area) and are the drivers reluctant to do this? Does it make the locals angry? I want to get a car and driver to do most of the trip, but then ditch him once we get to Andasibes since we will be there for 3 nights. I am wondering if we should hire another car and driver from Andasibe to take us to the islands or what…. Or maybe our guest house will have options for us? Ugh. Thank you for this blog. Still, Madagascar is a tough nut to crack at first with the planning! But thanks for helping!!!

Hi Emily, there is no taxi brousse to Ile Sainte Marie as it is an island. You’ll need to get to Toamasina where there is a shuttle to the ferry station in Soanierana-Ivongo. From Andasiba, you should be able to get a pickup with the Cotisse bus company that goes from Tana to Toamasina and stops in Andasibe to pick up tourists. I would talk to your guesthouse/hotel in Andasibe to see if they can arrange it for you. Should be pretty straight simple!

Hi Johnny thanks for this itinerary. I am going with a friend in Madagascar too in October, we stay 2 weeks, and we plan to follow more or less your itinerary. I have a few questions though: as far as I understand, you rented the car with the driver until Ile Sainte Marie and then you arranged the trip back to Tana yourself? About the driver, as we also plan to contact GMT+3, is the food and accommodation included in the price? When it comes to Morondava instead, is there anything special to see there or you used it as a starting point for the Tsingy National Park? Thanks a lot!

Hi again, morondava had a really nice beach which was seemingly devoid of tourists. Morondava js also where the baobabs are which are kf course amazing. You will see the avenue of the baobabs twice if you go to the tsingy since you have to pass through it to get to the Tsingy. Enjoy!

Thank you! 🙂 another question, How did you go from Soanierana Ivongo back to Tana? Does the taxi brousse take one day or it stops overnight somewhere else? How did you arrange it? Giuseppe

Hi again! So with the ferry from Ile Sainte Marie to Soanierana Ivongo, it includes a taxi brousse style transfer to Toamasina. From Toamasina, you can either take taxi brousse to Tana, or they now have the Cotisse shuttles which are a much more luxurious and comfortable van style transport. It is more expensive obviously, but worth it imo.

Thanks Johnny for the answer! So for what I understand it seems like you took a normal taxi brousse and not a cotisse? After you arrive to Toamasina, is it easy to find a taxi brousse (or Cotisse, whatever) that take us to Tana on the same day without driving overnight? Because you made it, but I read about many people who slept in Toamasina and then took a taxi brousse the next day. Last, could you please tell us what company for ferry/transport to Toamasina you took? Thanks 🙂

Hi Again, yes plenty of people sleep in Toamasina before taking the bus the next day. We had a flight the next day so this wasn’t an option. So from where we were dropped off as part of the ferry shuttle, across the street was a taxi brousse station where I negotiated renting out the entire van to take my friend and I back to Tana. This was like 250k MGA at the time but this was before they had the cotisse. Nowadays, I would just reserve a cotisse beforehand and they run multiple times a day between the two cities. As for ferry companies, you can read about all that on my Ile Sainte Marie post !

Dear Johnny, thanks for this itinerary! I am going to Madagascar in October with a friend and planning to rent a car with driver. I also bumped into GMT+3 online and I just now realized that you also booked through them. My question is, the price you paid (40eur/day) includes also accommodations and food for the driver? Only the gas isn’t included? Also, as far as I understood you had your driver until Ile Sainte Marie? Then from Ile Sainte Marie back to Tana you arranged it yourself with public transports? We’re actually planning to follow your same itinerary, just a bit shorter as we stay only two weeks. Thanks for your help!

Hi Giuseppe, I can pretty much answer yes to all your questions! Nowadays, they have the cotisse bus which is a more high end bus service from Tana to Toamasina so you can arrange that eawsily on the way back from ISM. Enjoy hte trip!

Hi Johnny, Great reading through all your stuff on here. Me and a couple of mates are heading to Madagascar for 1 month also in September. Out of interest is there anything on your trip you felt you missed out on speaking to other travelers and locals, anything you would skip if you had to do it again? Let me know cheers matey!

Hey Tristan, that’s a tough question! I thought my itinerary was pretty solid all throughout. obviously if I had more time I would add things to the itinerary like a visit to the very north (Diego Suarez). If I had like 4 or 5 more days, I would probably do the drive from Morondava to Tulear along the coast. Then make my way up the RN7 back to Tana stopping at the national parks. My driver said the drive along the western coast is very beautiful but the roads are very bad and takes a lot of time. Also, I would consider doing the hike up the Andrigintra mountains if I had few more days (instead of just passing it by).

If I HAD to skip something, I would probably skip Ranomafana National Park as I’ve seen cooler rainforests and I think Andasibe was enough for me to get the gist of it. Hope that helps!

Great write up and this is very helpful! I am trying to decide between Ile Sainte Marie and Nosy Be as a beach destination after doing the main RN7. Do you have any opinions for or against either option? THanks!

Hi Anthony! I never visited Nosy Be so can’t speak to it exactly. I chose Ile Sainte Marie mainly because it was a cheaper destination and had more of a rustic, chiled out vibe. Nosy Be is more for the resorts. You can’t go wrong as far as natural beauty in either place so it just depends on the vibe you’re seeking. Also from what i hear, the diving in Nosy Be is better, which I wouldn’t be surprised of as the diving i Did around ISM was not that great.

Hello Johnny,

Your travel journeys are so amazing. I came across your blog while trying to decided between Mozambique and Madagascar for a short five day break next month.

I think I am leaning more towards Madagascar.

Having read your blog on Madagascar I can see that five days is not sufficient but I was wondering if you could suggest which place (favorite) I should go to in the short time frame I have.

Secondly, is Madagascar an affordable destination.

I would appreciate your feedback

Hi there! Yes Madagascar is a very affordable destination. It is probably one of the cheapest countries you can visit. With 5 days, you rea`lly won’t have much time to explore the island. I would dio either of the following:

1. Fly to Morondava and do a 3 day 2 night tour of the Tsingy Stone Forest and stop by the Baobabs on the way back. 2. Visit Andasibe National Park which is nearby to Antananarivo

You can’t go wrong with either option!

Thanks for the great post. I will be traveling to Madagascar this August. I am staying for a few months, but my mother and grandmother are coming with me, and they will only be staying for a week (which I am now thinking isn’t an adequate amount of time). I think renting a driver will be the best way to get the most out of our time and I also like the suggestion about visiting the western region since our time is limited.

I am curious about the transportation system. You had Serge for 3 weeks of the trip. Would he just get his own accommodations for the nights or did you cover the cost of the accommodations for him?

Hi Gaby! It’s funny, I asked myself the same question about that. “Where does the driver stay?? Does he sleep in the car??”. Turns out the answer is definitely no. He will stay in very modest hotels for locals and sometimes the places you stay in will accommodate the driver as well. It is all included in the per day price they quote you.

In 2014, Serge said he normally pays 10000-15000 Ariary per night at these hotels. Local restaurants have food for 3000-5000 Ariary so he will be sorted. Have fun on your trip!

How much did you pay when using Serge? Is he affordable? Trying to get the best price!

Hi Amy! I paid gmt+3 €40/day for serge. They are a travel agency in Madagascar and contract out their drivers so I don’t know how much serge actually gets from that price. This was 3 years ago so keep that in mind it’s probably more now.

Also gas isn’t included in the price but that is standard through the country.

Thanks for your reply! He is charging a little more, which I expect that is normal. What is the best itinerary you recommend for someone going for 1 week? Also, how much cash should one bring for 1 week? Thanks!

You could do a 1 week trip to the west which you can see the Baobabs and Tsingy National Park. This was my favorite part of the country. Unfortunately, one week isn’t much time since getting around is so tough. Alternatively, you could do Andasibe for a few nights, and then fly to Ile Sainte Marie for a few nights of beach if you’re into that. Almost all places in Madagascar don’t accept credit card, and I’d imagine that hasn’t changed in the last few years. I think a thousand euros per person should be good. Note that there are ATMs all over the island.

Johnny, thank you so much for all your replies! They are super helpful. A few more questions-

– Do you have a page that talks about Andasibe? I asked about Tsingy and unfortunately, the roads are bad due to a cyclone that happened this year so we are unable to visit it 🙁

– Did you fly in Madagascar? How were the flights? Reliable?

– Would you recommend Serge? What was your experience with him like? How did you communicate with him besides email when getting there? Also, how much should one tip a private driver?

Thanks again!

Ah bummer! Yes It is rainy season right now and roads don’t usually clear up until May or June. I didn’t fly in Madagascar and there is just Air Mada that does the domestic flights. It’s not the best from what I’ve heard (could be different now). Serge was great. He has been literally everywhere in teh country and knows everything. He didn’t speak much English when I had him 3 years ago but I can speak enoguh French to converse with him. I think we tipped him about 200k Ariary between two people for 3 weeks of driving.

Also, be sure to read the Guide to Madagascar post I made, will probably be very helpful for you!

Did you pay in advance (full amount) with the company gmt*3 or did you pay them in person?

I paid Serge upfront. I don’t think GMT+3 had credit card processing systems when i went but perhaps they have that functionality now. Would be comfortable with either option actually.

Hey Johnny! I just found your site and it seems really helpful. I’m going to southern Africa for 6 weeks before heading up to Kilimanjaro this August/September. I’m starting in South Africa, but I’m interested in going to Madagascar for a little while. I’m primarily interested in Tsingy and the Northern Coast (which I saw wasn’t on your itinerary). I’m travelling alone and slightly intimidated by the difficulties of traveling in Madagascar. How did you set up your driver ahead of time? Do you think it’s safe for a solo female to travel this way in Madagascar? Any tips are greatly appreciated!!

Hi Emily, super jealous of your upcoming trip! I didn’t go to the north coast but my driver always raved about how the beaches in Diego Suarez were his favorite. I got my driver beforehand by emailing some tour operators. You can read about it Here .

Also, I think being a solo female is no problem either. I saw a bunch of solo female travelers along the way. I wouldn’t recommend trying to get around with the taxi brousse system. You need a lot more time and patience for that!

Thanks so much for your response! I’ll send an email to the GMT+3 and see what I can get set up!

Awesome. Enjoy your trip!!

Hi Jonny, This has been so helpful. I am desperate to get to Madagascar but unfortunately I have only 2 weeks there. I really would like to dive, I have never done it before so wandered if there was a place to learn at Ile Sainte Marie as this is the place I have been more geared towards. Saying that I am trying very much so to do this trip on a budget! Any recommendations? Also did you travel and find places to stay along the way or did you book in advance to stay? Any help would be hugely appreciated seen as a few travel agents seem to have very limited knowledge of the country Cheers

Hi Louise, there are definitely places to learn how to dive. I did my diving at Princess Bora resort and they were fantastic. You can read all about it on my Ile Sainte Marie Post. There are also plenty of cheap accommodations and where I stayed on Ile Aux Nattes was simply paradise.

As for booking everyhting in advance, you definitely don’t need to do it but since you’re only going for 2 weeks, I would recommend it as it’ll give you more time to enjoy things!

Dear Johnny, how was the weather in Ile Sainte Maire in september? I am planning to go there in the end of august -.september.

Hi Filip, I went during the end of September and the weather was as you’d expect from a tropical destination during the dry season. Mostly sunny, but sometimes there would be a short storm, and there was one day where it was mostly cloudy. August/Sep is firmly int he dry season so I don’t think you need to worry about any prolonged periods of storms (that’s more Dec-Mar)!

Thank you for your reply. Mostly, I am interested in temperatures. I have read that the temperatures that time in Ile Sainte Maire in the end of August – early september are around 24.

Ah OK, ya the temperatures are most certainly warmer than 24. Maybe that is in the middle of the night but I can assure the temperature is well into the 30s for the day. And it’s humid, so add few more degrees for real feel temperatures!

I’ve wanted to visit Madagaskar since I wantched the movie. I hope I’ll get a chance soon. Thank you for sharing this useful post.

Yes and you definitely should! It’s a wonderful country and you will see plenty of King Julien’s around 🙂

Top luxury hotels in Madagascar

Carlton Madagascar

Constance Tsarabanjina - All Inclusive

Madagascar prices guide. how much does a trip to madagascar cost the estimated travel expenses for food, public transport, attractions entrance and accommodation..

Currency in Madagascar is Malagasy Ariary

If you are travelling alone to madagascar, depending on your expectations, you will pay for an overnight stay from 24 usd (106,000 mga) for a hostel to 137 usd (599,000 mga) for a luxury hotel., the other daily costs you have to pay when travelling to madagascar are:.

• Food 6.20 USD (27,000 MGA)
• Meals in restaurants 2.80 USD (12,000 MGA)
• Bottled water 0.61 USD (2,600 MGA)
• Local transportation 0.92 USD (4,000 MGA)
• Entrance tickets 19 USD (82,000 MGA)
• Alcoholic beverages 2.30 USD (10,000 MGA)

As you can see - a stay for a few days in Madagascar can cost 146 USD (638,000 MGA) or 696 USD (3,036,000 MGA) , depending on whether you are a frugal tourist or you are planning to spend a luxurious holiday in Madagascar.

How much Malagasy Ariary should I have for one week in Madagascar?

If you want to spend a week in Madagascar the cost of your stay will be:

• 341 USD (1,490,000 MGA) - a cheap stay for 7 days in Madagascar
• 469 USD (2,048,000 MGA) - a budget travel for 7 days in Madagascar
• 647 USD (2,823,000 MGA) for a one week of comfortable stay in Madagascar
• 1,600 USD (7,084,000 MGA) for a week of luxury holidays in Madagascar

How much money do I need per day to stay in Madagascar?

If you are travelling alone to Madagascar, 49 USD a day should be enough. If you choose a hotel for your stay in Madagascar, the price will rise to 67 USD. A couple will have to pay around 120 USD for one day in Madagascar. A family with two children should have 200 USD for one day stay in Madagascar.

How to visit Madagascar on a low budget? How to travel Madagascar cheaply? How to save money while travelling in Madagascar?

In order not to exceed reasonable expenses during a trip to Madagascar, which we estimate at 67 USD (292,000 MGA) for a one day, you must comply with the following rules:

• Choose to stay in a hostel (24 USD (106,000 MGA) ) or in a cheap hotel (39 USD (168,000 MGA) ).
• Use public transport. The price for a one-way ticket is 0.23 USD (1,000 MGA) and for a monthly pass 7.30 USD (31,000 MGA) .
• Make your own breakfast and own dinner. Daily shopping cost in the shop is around 6.20 USD (27,000 MGA) in Madagascar.
• Choose restaurants outside the city centre and close to tourist attractions. Meal in a cheap restaurant cost around 2.70 USD (12,000 MGA) in Madagascar. McMeal at McDonalds (or equivalent meal in other fastfood restaurant) costs approximately 4.60 USD (20,000 MGA) .

Car-related costs are mainly fuel, road tolls and parking fees. Of course, the price depends on the purpose of the journey and energy efficiency of a vehicle.

In Madagascar, you will pay for the fuel accordingly:

• Petrol price in Madagascar is around: 1.30 USD (5,500 MGA)
• Diesel fuel price in Madagascar is around: 1.20 USD (5,200 MGA)
• 1kg sausage: 13 USD (57,000 MGA)
• 0,5 kg bread: 1.00 USD (4,300 MGA)
• 10 eggs: 2.10 USD (9,100 MGA)
• 1kg cheese: 8.70 USD (38,000 MGA)
• 1 liter milk: 1.00 USD (4,500 MGA)
• 1 kg apples: 1.40 USD (6,000 MGA)
• Bottle of local beer (0,5 liter): 1.10 USD (5,000 MGA)

On warmer days, we recommend walking in parks in Madagascar. Below is a list of the largest and most interesting parks in Madagascar. Parks in Madagascar:

Book the best hotels in madagascar - in partnership with booking.com, compare hotel rates in madagascar and save up to 80%.

Princesse Bora Lodge & Spa

Antsanitia Resort

Les 3 Métis

Sunny Garden

Radisson Hotel Tamboho Waterfront Antananarivo

Royal Beach Hôtel

Compare travel cost and expenses in specific cities in madagascar 2024.

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How Much Would A Trip Cost To Madagascar

How much would a trip cost to Madagascar?

Introduction.

Madagascar, the fourth-largest island in the world, is a fascinating travel destination known for its unique biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Planning a trip to this island nation requires careful consideration of various factors, including travel expenses. In this article, we will explore the costs associated with a trip to Madagascar, providing you with relevant information, expert perspectives, and insightful analysis to help you make informed decisions.

Background and Relevant Data

Madagascar is located off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean and offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring dense rainforests and pristine beaches to encountering lemurs and other endemic wildlife species. To understand the cost dynamics of a trip to Madagascar, we need to consider factors such as accommodation, transportation, food, activities, and duration of stay.

Accommodation: The cost of accommodation in Madagascar varies depending on the type and location. There are options available to suit different budgets, ranging from budget guesthouses and campsites to mid-range hotels and luxury resorts. On average, you can expect to spend between $20 and $150 per night, depending on your preferences.

Transportation: Getting to Madagascar usually involves flying into the capital city, Antananarivo. The cost of flights can vary widely depending on your departure location, season, and the airline you choose. On average, a round-trip ticket from Europe or the United States can cost between $800 and $1500. Once in Madagascar, domestic flights and local transportation options like taxis or rented cars are available, adding to the overall travel expenses.

Food: The cost of food in Madagascar varies depending on your dining preferences. Eating at local restaurants and trying street food can be quite affordable, with meals ranging from $3 to $10 per person. However, if you prefer fine dining options, the prices can go up to $30 or more per meal.

Activities: Madagascar offers a plethora of activities to suit different interests, such as wildlife tours, hiking, snorkeling, and cultural experiences. The costs of these activities vary, ranging from guided tours that can cost around $50 to $100 per day, to entrance fees for national parks, which can range from $10 to $30 per person.

Duration of Stay: The duration of your stay in Madagascar will naturally impact the overall cost of your trip. A longer stay allows you to explore more of the country, experience different regions, and engage in multiple activities. However, it’s essential to balance your desired experiences with your budgetary constraints.

Expert Perspectives

According to travel experts, Madagascar offers excellent value for money, especially considering the unique experiences it offers. Douglas Rogers, a travel journalist, explains, “Madagascar is a magical destination that combines breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary wildlife. While costs can vary, it is still possible to explore this enchanting island on a moderate budget.”

However, it’s crucial to plan and research your trip in advance to ensure you make the most of your budget. As Jennifer Fernandez, a travel consultant, suggests, “Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons, such as April to June or September to November, as prices tend to be lower, and the weather is still pleasant. Additionally, booking accommodations and activities well in advance can help secure better deals.”

Insights and Analysis

When considering the cost of a trip to Madagascar, it’s important to keep in mind that this investment is more than just monetary. The memories, experiences, and connections you make during your journey are invaluable. Exploring the unique flora and fauna of Madagascar, encountering lemurs in their natural habitat, and discovering the country’s rich cultural heritage are experiences that cannot be quantified solely in financial terms.

While it is essential to plan and budget appropriately, it is equally important to remain open to unexpected opportunities and allow yourself to embrace the spirit of adventure. Budgeting for a trip to Madagascar should strike a balance between ensuring financial stability and allowing room for spontaneous exploration.

Additional Information

1. visa requirements.

Most visitors to Madagascar need a visa to enter the country. The cost of the visa varies depending on your nationality, with prices ranging from $30 to $100. It’s advisable to check the latest visa requirements and fees before traveling.

2. Health Precautions

Before traveling to Madagascar, it’s recommended to consult your doctor or a travel health specialist to receive appropriate vaccinations and medications based on your specific needs. Malaria, dengue fever, and other tropical diseases are prevalent in certain regions of the country.

3. Currency Exchange

The local currency in Madagascar is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). It’s advisable to exchange some currency upon arrival, as credit cards might not be widely accepted in all areas. ATMs are available in major cities, but it’s essential to carry cash when visiting more remote areas.

4. Language and Communication

The official languages of Madagascar are Malagasy and French. While some locals may speak English, especially in tourist areas, it’s helpful to learn a few basic phrases in Malagasy to facilitate communication and show cultural respect.

Leonore Burns

Leonore M. Burns is an accomplished writer and researcher with a keen interest in Madagascar. She has spent the majority of her career exploring the island's unique culture and its diverse wildlife, from the lemurs to the fossa.

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Cost of living in Madagascar – Travel Guide to Madagascar

Generally speaking, life in Madagascar is still very affordable compared to other destinations . This article about cost of living in Madagascar will give you a small overview of what to expect during your trip and help you prepare your budget to live in Madagascar.

Cost of living in Madagascar: the cost of food

In almost all of Madagascar, the choice of restaurants is very large , from the small gargote located almost at every street corner, especially in the capital and the big cities of Madagascar, to the great gourmet restaurants and high-end restaurants.

On average, it is necessary to count about 40 dollars per day per person to have copious meals. This amount is more than enough . It includes drinks and other small necessities such as cigarettes or other personal expenses.

It is important to know that even at 1 or 2 dollars, it is possible to find food in small gargotes also known as “ hotely ” (rudimentary places that serve typical Malagasy food). For the more chic restaurants, the price of the dish can vary between 10 and 20 dollars.

Cost of living in Madagascar : the cost of accommodation

In Madagascar, the choice of accommodation is also very large . Everyone can adapt his accommodation according to his budget. In the city, the rooms cost more than in the bush. The prices of a room with sanitary facilities can vary between 20 to 40 dollars per day in the city against about 10 dollars per day in the bush.

For a room of great comfort, it is generally necessary to count a little more . In the establishments of a certain standing or on the tourist sites like Sainte-Marie or Nosy Be, the prices of a room can go up to 100 or even 200 dollars per day for certain places.

Cost of living in Madagascar : the cost of transport

To visit the island, it is possible to choose different ways of transportation . For the more adventurous, a bush cab is the most ideal form of transportation. It is also the cheapest mode of transport that exists in Madagascar .

Rates depend on the destination, but on average, prices range from 3  to 25 dollars. To travel faster through the country without the constraints of the bush cab, the plane is the best mode of transport to choose. The plane is moreover ideal for a long distance trip , the only drawback is the price which remains much more expensive.

For city visits, the cab is another very practical way, but since cab drivers apply their own rates, you have to know how to bargain so as not to pay too much. A short trip in the city costs on average between 2 and 5 dollars. For longer trips, the cost can go up to 6 to 10 dollars.

It is also possible to rent cars from car rental companies in Madagascar. A mini bus with driver costs about 45 dollars per day, excluding fuel. A light car costs between 35 and 40 dollars per day and a 4 X 4 car costs between 65 and 85 dollars a day, excluding fuel .

In summary :

To sum up, you need at least 20 dollars per day as a budget to live in Madagascar (excluding hotel prices – accommodation and transport) if you want to live in the big cities. On the other hand 10 dollars per day is enough for you in the countryside.

Free Travel Budget Calculator To Help You Set A Trip Budget

By Jessie Festa. This budget calculator for travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Looking for a free travel budget calculator to help you set a trip budget and stick to it?

Then you’re in the right place!

If you’re dreaming about your next vacation but feel overwhelmed by the financial planning it entails, don’t fret; I’ve got a solution that can help you manage your trip expenses in just a few clicks.

Welcome to my free Travel Budget Calculator – a simple yet powerful tool that takes the guesswork out of budgeting for your vacation, ensuring that you’re financially prepared for every part of your journey.

With escalating costs and numerous variables to consider, planning a budget for travel can often seem like navigating through a maze; however, my travel calculator simplifies this process, helping you create a comprehensive budget tailored to your unique travel needs.

And, that’s not all. Along with the free budget calculator for travel, I’ll also be sharing advice on how to properly create a trip budget as well as save money on travel.

Quick tip: Flights are often the most expensive aspect of your trip. Luckily, there are platforms that can help you easily find flight deals and error fares like Going (formerly Scott’s Cheat Flights) and FareDrop . In terms of accommodation, search Hostelworld for hostels (many of which have private rooms), consider housesitting through Trusted Housesitter s , book a vacation rental with a kitchen to save money on food through VRBO , or stay on free couches through Couchsurfing . And when it comes to car rentals, Discover Cars can help you quickly compare your options and save up to 70%! These are just a few of the many ways to score the best deals on travel. Keep reading for more!

Free Budget Travel & Planning Resources

But first, before we map out how to budget your trip, I invite you to grab access to my free  Ultimate Travel Planning Kit  — which includes 40+ travel resources — from printables to quizzes to itineraries — all meant to help you explore the world beyond the guidebook!

Some highlights of the kit include:

• Trip budgeting calculators for road trips, backpacking, cruising & more
• Free “Where Should You Travel Next?” personality quiz
• Pre-plotted Google Maps for 45+ destinations
• Printable travel journal with writing prompts
• Packing lists for different types of trips

Once you’ve grabbed your copy , keep reading for tips on creating a travel budget as well as the vacation calculator.

Why Use A Travel Budget Calculator?

While travel is incredibly fulfilling, trip expenses can certainly add an element of stress. From airfare and accommodation to meals, sightseeing, shopping, and miscellaneous costs, managing finances effectively can become a daunting task.

That’s where the role of a travel budget calculator becomes crucial. While there are many reasons to use a budget calculator for travel, here are some of the main benefits:

1. Stress-free travel planning

First and foremost, a vacation budget calculator can dramatically ease your planning process. Instead of manually listing out and totaling all possible vacation expenses, the calculator does the heavy lifting for you. It’s an efficient tool that streamlines the entire budgeting process, helping you plan your trip without getting lost in a sea of numbers.

2. Customized trip budgeting

Not all travelers are the same, and neither are their budgets. For instance, creating a solo travel budget will look different than creating a budget for a luxury trip. By accounting for your unique needs and spending habits, it helps you make informed financial decisions that fit your travel aspirations.

3. Avoid spending surprises

Unanticipated costs can be a traveler’s worst nightmare. My trip budget calculator helps you avoid unpleasant financial surprises on your trip. By considering a comprehensive set of potential costs, it provides you with a realistic budget that takes into account everything from essential travel expenses to leisure activities and even potential emergency costs.

4. Financial control

By providing a clear financial roadmap for your journey, a vacation budget calculator enables greater financial control. You can track your expenditures, identify areas where you might be overspending, and adjust your budget accordingly.

5. Facilitates travel savings

When you have a clear understanding of your travel expenses, it becomes easier to identify areas where you can save money. A travel budget calculator can help pinpoint these opportunities, whether it’s choosing more budget-friendly accommodation, opting for public transport over taxis, or prioritizing your must-do activities.

Factors To Consider When Planning A Travel Budget

When it comes to travel budgeting, knowing what to include in your calculations can make all the difference. Here are some key factors that the below holiday budget calculator takes into account, providing you with an accurate and realistic travel budget:

1. Transportation

Transportation costs are often one of the largest expenses. Consider all forms of transportation you will need: flights, trains, buses, taxis, car rentals, or even ferries. Don’t forget to account for transportation to and from airports or train stations.

For instance, I know personally that taxis to and from JFK add up to about $200, which is a pretty solid dent in my travel spending.

2. Accommodation

Lodging costs can vary greatly depending on location, time of year, and the level of luxury you prefer. From budget hostels to luxury resorts, your accommodation choice plays a big role in your travel budget.

3. Food & Drink

Consider both dining out and grocery costs. Remember, touristy areas often have higher prices for meals, and don’t forget to include a budget for trying local delicacies or more upscale dining experiences if that’s your preference. Additionally, keep in mind that alcohol can increase your bill considerably.

4. Activities & Sightseeing

Whether it’s museum entrance fees, guided tours, or adventure activities, these trip costs can add up quickly. Research the costs of the attractions you want to visit and add them to your budget. If it makes sense, consider weaving in some free experiences.

5. Local Transportation

Consider the costs of getting around your destination. This might include public transportation, taxis, or the cost of gas or car rental for a road trip .

6. Shopping & Souvenirs

Whether it’s a postcard, a t-shirt, or local crafts, make sure you have a budget set aside for souvenirs and shopping if it makes sense for you.

7. Emergency Funds

It’s always a good idea to have some money set aside for unexpected costs. This could include anything from a sudden health issue to a lost passport or unplanned extra nights.

8. Travel Insurance

While it’s an added expense, travel insurance can save you a significant amount of money in the event of trip cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies. Personally, I recommend SafetyWing , which is budget-friendly while still providing robust coverage.

9. Tips & Gratuities

In many cultures, tipping is customary, and not accounting for it can lead to awkward situations. Research the tipping etiquette for your destination and include it in your budget. You might also download an app like Global Tipping to help.

10. Connectivity

Depending on your destination, you may need to consider the cost of local SIM cards or portable Wi-Fi devices to stay connected. Luckily, buying a SIM card in your destination is typically budget-friendly, as is buying an eSIM from a company like Airalo .

Free Travel Budget Calculator (With Instructions)

Now let’s go over the vacation cost calculator itself and how to use it.

Step 1. Enter your intentended budget. Start by entering your intended trip budget at the top – as in, the total budget you plan to spend – and then your expenses in the following rows.

Pro tip: when creating your trip budget, I recommend considering what aspects of travel are most important to you as well as your unique travel style. For instance, if you’re like me and think experiences are what make travel special, you might allot more of your budget to the Activities category.

Step 2. Pay attention to travel category instructions. You’ll also want to note which categories ask you for your total spend, like Flights, and which ask you for your per day spend, like Food and Lodging.

Step 3. Adjust for how many people you’re traveling with. Finally, make sure to note how many travelers you’re calculating for, which will change the “per day per person” totals. If you only want to calculate the trip budget for yourself, enter “1” as the number of travelers.

Step 4. Calculate your vacation budget. Once you hit “Calculate,” the calculator will tally up your expenses and let you know if you’re over or under your budget – and by how much. You’ll also get a pie chart visually showing you where you’re spending the most money.

Step 5. Adjust your budget. With this information, you’ll be able to see exactly where you may be overspending as well as where you have some wiggle room. Adjust accordingly.

Instructional notes:

• If there is a category where you’re spending $0, please put “0” in the line field. Otherwise, you may receive an error.
• This holiday cost calculator looks at your per person, per day costs.
• If you’d prefer to calculate by your total spend for each category – or if you’d like this calculator on its own standalone page to bookmark for later – please grab access to my free Travel Resource Library here . The library also includes other types of vacation spending money calculators for road trips, cruises, backpacking trips, and more!

Travel Budget Calculator

How to save money on travel.

One thing that makes sticking with a trip budget easier is knowing how to lessen your travel costs. A few important tips:

1. Choose your destination wisely

Calculating travel expenses typically begins with choosing your travel destination - which is one of the most important factors in your travel budget. Different locations have varying costs of living, affecting the price of accommodations, food, and activities. Research typical costs in your chosen destination to establish a baseline for your budget.

2. Consider your travel dates

Before you calculate vacation costs, realize that the time of year can also significantly impact the cost of your trip. Off-peak or shoulder seasons often offer reduced costs for flights and accommodations, while the high season can be much more expensive.

3. Use tools to find flight deals

Along with following flight deal accounts on social media - like @TheFlightDeal on Twitter - you can use platforms like Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) and FareDrop to find low fares and error fares to save big.

4. Book accommodation beyond hotels

For instance, you can snag free accommodation through CouchSurfing , where you'll sleep on local couches, and TrustedHousesitters . Just note that with the latter you'll be expected to do something in return, such as housesit or pet sit.

Additionally, hostels offer affordable accommodation, and many even feature private rooms. You can peruse the Hostelworld website to quickly find great options.

5. Travel like a local

While a vacation mindset tends to lead to overspending, living in your destination like a local means being more savvy with your finances by taking public transportation, eating at non-touristy restaurants, or even cooking your own meals if you book a place with its own kitchen through a site like VRBO . This can really help you keep food costs down.

6. Get savvy with travel credit cards

First off, you'll definitely want to get a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. From there, you'll also want to consider whether you want a card with no annual fee, or if an annual fee makes sense for the additional travel perks - such as miles and points that you can redeem for free travel.

These strategies can bring your totals in the vacation budget calculator down quite a bit.

7. Book early

In general, booking airline tickets and hotels in advance can significantly affect your spending. You'll typically pay a lot more when leaving these big expenses until last minute.

8. Compare your rental car options

9. Research airport transfers

Instead of simply arriving at the airport and hopping into a taxi, do your research to see what is the best option for getting to your hotel. While typically public transportation is the most budget-friendly, it's wise to factor in how long the trip will take and if you'll need to switch bus/train lines. In some cases, it'll make more sense to take a car or book an airport transfer even if it costs a bit more.

Final Thoughts On Using A Travel Budget Calculator

Using a calculator to budget for travel can help you create an intentional budget and stick with it.

That being said, it's important to remember that the goal is not just to save money, but to make the most of your trip within your financial means.

Travel can be enjoyed at any budget level, so focus on creating memorable experiences rather than feeling obligated to do everything.

At the very least, you'll learn skills for keeping your total cost down so you can better plan ahead for your next trip!

Have you ever used a travel budget calculator?

Enjoyed this budget calculator travel guide? Pin it for later!

Boeing execs were using the company's private jets for personal trips more than we thought

• Boeing execs used an additional $545,520 for personal travel expenses in 2021 and 2022.
• The Wall Street Journal first reported Boeing had improperly classified personal trips on private jets as business travel.
• The IRS said in February it was beginning to audit corporate jet usage.

Boeing's execs have been using the company's private jets for personal travel — and it's more than we thought.

Top Boeing executives used an additional $545,520 for personal jet travel in 2021 and 2022 than was initially reported, according to an amended SEC filing .

The Wall Street Journal reports Boeing made the revisions after an investigation last year into the use of private jets by its top executives.

Related stories

The Journal found that, in some cases, personal trips had been improperly classified as business travel.

"Following a review commenced by the company in 2023, we found certain items, primarily aircraft, and ground transportation costs … were not previously classified as perquisites by the Company but should have been classified as such in accordance with SEC rules and guidance," the company said in its proxy statement .

The revised stats for Boeing's outgoing CEO, Dave Calhoun, amounted to an additional $142,315 in personal travel in 2021 and 2022.

That said, Boeing wrote in the filing that its CEO "is required to use company aircraft for all business and personal travel for security reasons."

The other execs whose travel was revised in the filing include CFO Brian West, former president and CEO of commercial airplanes Stanley Deal, and president and CEO of Boeing defense, space, and security Theodore Colbert.

Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Calhoun recently said he would step down at the end of 2024 after he faced significant scrutiny following the Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 door blowout in January.

The Journal notes there are tax implications when company jets are taken for personal travel and that the IRS said it will begin auditing corporate jet usage this year.

The Journal's 2023 investigation found that Boeing's fleet of private jets had made around 400 trips to or from airports near Calhoun's two homes in New Hampshire and South Carolina since roughly 2020 after Boeing moved its headquarters from Chicago to Arlington, VA., in 2022, and attempted to get staff to return to the office.

Watch: While Delta's business is 'extremely robust,' the airline's marketing chief stays focused on the data

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Peter Dutton’s office billed taxpayers almost $6,000 for staff to travel with him when he attended Gina Rinehart party

Exclusive : Opposition leader travelled at own expense to lavish party, but documents reveal two staff also made the trip to Perth

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Peter Dutton’s office claimed nearly $6,000 in public expenses for staff and security to travel to Perth with the opposition leader when he attended Gina Rinehart’s lavish birthday party.

Dutton’s office has said he travelled at his own expense to the party for Australia’s richest woman , which included a horseriding performance, multiple large cakes and onstage pyrotechnics. But travel information obtained under freedom of information shows members of Dutton’s team – which his office said included a staffer and a security detail – claimed travel from Melbourne to Perth and back again on 29 February, the night of the party on the banks of the Swan River.

It was reported in March that Dutton attended Rinehart’s party after the end of a parliamentary sitting week, before appearing in Melbourne the next morning to campaign for the Dunkley byelection. The Australian Financial Review reported Dutton was spotted flying from Canberra to Melbourne, then travelling on to Perth before returning to Melbourne that same evening – potentially joining Rinehart’s party for as little as an hour.

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Dutton was criticised at the time by 2GB host Ben Fordham for choosing to fly to Perth instead of spending more time campaigning in Dunkley, calling the opposition leader’s decision “a bad call” and suggested he should have “brushed” the party to campaign more in the crucial byelection.

“Peter Dutton spent more time on the aeroplane than he did at the party, which sounds like a waste of time to me,” Fordham said.

Labor’s Jodie Belyea won the byelection against Liberal challenger Nathan Conroy by a 53-47 margin.

The Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA), the government body which manages parliamentarians’ work expenses, released information under FoI on Thursday to show Dutton’s office claimed flights between Melbourne and Perth on the day of – and the day after – Rinehart’s party. All were classified as having been claimed by “personal staff”, rather than Dutton himself. Guardian Australia understands that any claim for Dutton himself would have been recorded and classified differently on the documents.

IPEA records show staff from Dutton’s office claimed a Melbourne to Perth flight on 29 February, the day of the party, costing $2,221.63. The same day, staff also claimed a Perth to Melbourne air fare, at $2,680.80.

The following day, 1 March, was another staff claim for a Perth to Melbourne air fare at $1,028.93.

In total, the three air fare claims between Melbourne and Perth came in at $5,931.36.

Guardian Australia contacted Dutton’s office for clarification on the claims. A spokesperson responded that the opposition leader travelled with one staff member and his security detail, which they said was appropriate and within travel rules.

Dutton is typically accompanied in public by a security detail, as are other senior politicians like prime minister Anthony Albanese and deputy PM Richard Marles.

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Dutton’s spokesperson also referred back to his remarks in March, at the time of the initial reporting on his Perth trip.

“The air fares were at my expense, there was no accommodation. I flew back on the redeye so that I could be back into Melbourne at 4.30 the next morning,” Dutton said at the time.

“My security detail operates exactly the same as the governor general and the prime minister.”

The lavish celebration for Rinehart, according to her company’s websites, included “a horse show backed by the fantastic Aussie music, The Man from Snowy River, with riders … carrying large Australian and company flags”.

The Perth lord mayor, Basil Zempilas, told 6PR radio he attended the event, calling the horseback show “an incredible sight”, and saying the pop star Guy Sebastian had sung the national anthem.

Last year Dutton was flown to another Rinehart party at Hancock Prospecting’s Pilbara mine by another billionaire rich-lister , where he praised the mining magnate and her family as “pioneers” who had “given so much to this country”.

• Peter Dutton
• Gina Rinehart
• Australian politics
• Western Australia
• Liberal party

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Small Business Trends

10 tax deductions for travel expenses (2023 tax year).

Tax season can be stressful, especially if you’re unaware of the tax deductions available to you. If you’ve traveled for work throughout the year, there are a number of deductions for travel expenses that can help reduce your taxable income in 2024 and save you money.

Read on for 10 tax deductions for travel expenses in the 2023 tax year.

Are business travel expenses tax deductible?

Business travel expenses incurred while away from your home and principal place of business are tax deductible. These expenses may include transportation costs, baggage fees, car rentals, taxis, shuttles, lodging, tips, and fees.

It is important to keep receipts and records of the actual expenses for tax purposes and deduct the actual cost.

What kinds of travel expenses are tax deductible?

To deduct business travel expenses, they must meet certain criteria set by the IRS.

The following are the primary requirements that a travel expense must meet in order to be eligible for a tax deduction:

• Ordinary and necessary expenses: The expense must be common and accepted in the trade or business and be helpful and appropriate for the business.
• Directly related to trade or business: The expense must be directly related to the trade or business and not of a personal nature.
• Away from home overnight: The expense must have been incurred while away from both the taxpayer’s home and the location of their main place of business (tax home) overnight.
• Proper documentation: The taxpayer must keep proper documentation, such as receipts and records, of the expenses incurred.

Eligible Business Travel Tax Deductions

Business travel expenses can quickly add up. Fortunately, many of these expenses are tax deductible for businesses and business owners.

Here is an overview of the types of business travel expenses that are eligible for tax deductions in the United States:

Accommodation Expenses

Accommodation expenses can be claimed as tax deductions on business trips. This includes lodging at hotels, rental costs of vacation homes, and other lodgings while traveling.

Meal Expenses

Food and beverage expenses incurred on a business trip may be deducted from taxes. This includes meals while traveling and meals during meetings with clients or contractors.

Transportation Expenses

Deducting business travel expenses incurred while on a business trip may also be claimed.

This includes flights, train tickets, car rentals, gas for personal vehicles used for the business trip, toll fees, parking fees, taxi rides to and from the airport or train station, and more.

Expenses of operating and maintaining a car

Expenses of operating and maintaining a car used for business travel may also be claimed as tax deductions.

This includes fuel, insurance, registration costs, actual costs of repairs, and maintenance fees. Fees paid to hire a chauffeur or driver may also be deducted.

Operating and maintaining house-trailers

Operating and maintaining house trailers for business travel may be eligible for tax deductions, provided that the use of such trailers is considered “ordinary” and “necessary” for your business.

This includes any costs associated with renting or owning a trailer, such as fuel costs, repair and maintenance fees, insurance, and registration charges.

Internet and phone expenses

Internet and phone expenses associated with business travel can also be claimed as tax deductions. This includes the cost of any internet service, such as Wi-Fi or data plans, and phone services, such as roaming charges or international calls.

Any communication devices purchased for business use, such as smartphones and laptops, may also be eligible for tax deductions.

Computer rental fees

Rental fees for computers and other computing devices used during business travel may also be deducted from taxes. This includes any applicable charges for purchasing, leasing, or renting a computer, as well as the related costs of connecting to the Internet and other digital services.

All such expenses must be necessary for the success of the business trip in order to qualify for a tax deduction.

Travel supplies

Travel supplies, such as suitcases and other bags, are also eligible for tax deductions when used for business travel. Any costs associated with keeping the items protected, such as locks and tracking devices, can also be claimed as tax deductions.

Other necessary supplies, such as office equipment or reference materials, may also be eligible for deductions.

Conference fees and events

Conference fees and events related to business travel may also be eligible for tax deductions. This includes fees associated with attending a conference, such as registration, accommodation, and meals.

Any costs related to the organization of business events, such as venue hire and catering, may also be claimed as tax deductions.

Cleaning and laundry expenses

Business travel expenses associated with cleaning and laundry may also be claimed as tax deductions. This includes a portion of the cost of hotel and motel services, such as cleaning fees charged for laundering clothing, as well as any other reasonable expenses related to keeping clean clothes while traveling away from home.

Ineligible Travel Expenses Deductions

When it comes to business expenses and taxes, not all travel expenses are created equal. Some expenses are considered “Ineligible Travel Expenses Deductions” and cannot be claimed as deductions on your income taxes.

Here is a list of common travel expenses that cannot be deducted, with a brief explanation of each:

• Personal Vacations: Expenses incurred during a personal vacation are not deductible, even if you conduct some business while on the trip. In addition, expenses related to personal pleasure or recreation activities are also not eligible for deductions.
• Gifts: Gifts purchased for business reasons during travel are not deductible, even if the gifts are intended to benefit the business in some way.
• Commuting: The cost of commuting between your home and regular place of business is not considered a deductible expense.
• Meals: Meals consumed while traveling on business can only be partially deducted, with certain limits on the amount.
• Lodging: The cost of lodging is a deductible expense, but only if it is deemed reasonable and necessary for the business trip.
• Entertainment: Entertainment expenses, such as tickets to a show or sporting event, are not deductible, even if they are associated with a business trip.

How to Deduct Travel Expenses

To deduct travel expenses from income taxes, the expenses must be considered ordinary and necessary for the operation of the business. This means the expenses must be common and accepted business activities in your industry, and they must be helpful, appropriate, and for business purposes.

In order to claim travel expenses as a deduction, they must be itemized on Form 2106 for employees or Schedule C for self-employed individuals.

How much can you deduct for travel expenses?

While on a business trip, the full cost of transportation to your destination, whether it’s by plane, train, or bus, is eligible for deduction.

Similarly, if you rent a car for transportation to and around your destination, the cost of the rental is also deductible. For food expenses incurred during a business trip, only 50% of the cost is eligible for a write-off.

How do you prove your tax deductions for travel expenses?

To prove your tax deductions for travel expenses, you should maintain accurate records such as receipts, invoices, and any other supporting documentation that shows the amount and purpose of the expenses.

Some of the documentation you may need to provide include receipts for transportation, lodging, and meals, a detailed itinerary or schedule of the trip, an explanation of the bona fide business purpose of the trip, or proof of payment for all expenses.

What are the penalties for deducting a disallowed business expense?

Deducting a disallowed business expense can result in accuracy-related penalties of 20% of the underpayment, interest charges, re-assessment of the tax return, and in severe cases, fines and imprisonment for tax fraud. To avoid these penalties, it’s important to understand expense deduction rules and keep accurate records.

Can you deduct travel expenses when you bring family or friends on a business trip?

It is not usually possible to deduct the expenses of taking family or friends on a business trip. However, if these individuals provided value to the company, it may be possible. It’s advisable to speak with an accountant or financial expert before claiming any deductions related to bringing family and friends on a business trip.

Can you deduct business-related expenses incurred while on vacation?

Expenses incurred while on a personal vacation are not deductible, even if some business is conducted during the trip. To be eligible for a deduction, the primary purpose of the trip must be for business and the expenses must be directly related to conducting that business.

Can you claim a travel expenses tax deduction for employees?

Employers can deduct employee travel expenses if they are ordinary, necessary, and adequately documented. The expenses must also be reported as taxable income on the employee’s W-2.

What are the limits on deducting the cost of meals during business travel?

The IRS permits a 50% deduction of meal and hotel expenses for business travelers that are reasonable and not lavish. If no meal expenses are incurred, $5.00 daily can be deducted for incidental expenses. The federal meals and incidental expense per diem rate is what determines the standard meal allowance.

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The world's first doggy jet service will cost you $6K for a one-way ticket

Dogs will soon be able to experience their own “ fur st” class flight with the launch of the world’s first jet charter company specifically designed for man’s best friend. 

BARK, the dog toy company that coordinates the popular treat subscription BarkBox, is partnering with a jet charter service to take away the challenges of long-distance traveling with dogs, according to a press release. BARK Air, as the company calls it, offers the “white glove experience typical of a human’s first-class experience and redirected all that pampering to pooches.”

Taking dogs on airplanes is, typically, a stressful endeavor with different airlines having different policies for pet travel. For example, American Airlines allows small dogs in a carrier to be placed under the seat in front, but larger dogs are put in the cargo space, which has been found to be stressful for the pet. For United Airlines , pets can fly in the cabin if there’s enough space, but they must fit in a carrier under the seat in front.

“We are excited to take the insights we’ve learned over years to create an experience that is truly dog-first, which is drastically different from just accepting dogs – from the ground to the skies,” said Matt Meeker, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at BARK, in a statement. 

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However, you’ll need to pay a hefty fee for the dog-friendly flight. For now, a ticket for just one dog and one human will run you at least $6,000 one way. 

The first BARK Air flights will take off on May 23, and so far, there are only two flight routes available, both from New York’s Westchester County Airport. From New York to London’s Stansted Airport, it’ll cost $8,000 one-way and to Los Angeles’s Van Nuys Airport will cost $6,000 one-way. Tickets are available for purchase on April 11.

Not only does BARK Air allow dogs, it also focuses on the furry friends by treating them like VIPs, the press release said. BARK Air passengers can skip TSA checkpoints and screenings and instead experience a simple check-in process where they can meet the other dogs on the flight and the humans are served a meal cooked by on-site chefs. 

When boarding, a BARK Air concierge is on-hand to ensure the dogs are socializing and adjusting to the environment well. 

Each flight will undergo “Dogs Fly First” flight prep that includes “calming pheromones, music, and colors that pups prefer.” To make the flying experience easier and more enjoyable, dogs have access to various aids such as calming treats, noise-canceling ear muffs, and calming jackets.

During takeoff and descent, dogs are given a beverage of their choice to help their ears adjust to cabin pressurization. Of course, there will be plenty of treats on the flight.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

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The high cost of the youth sports arms race

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• Daniel Ackerman
• Meghna Chakrabarti

Youth sports are supposed to be about fun and team spirit.

But now, kids are training year-round and joining expensive travel leagues earlier.

It’s costing families, and kids too.

Today, On Point: The high cost of the youth sports arms race.

Jennifer Howell, former soccer player.

Tom Farrey, executive director of the Aspen Institute’s Sports and Society Program. Founder of Project Play . Author of " Game On: The All-American Race to Make Champions of Our Children ."

Also Featured

Oluwatoyosi Owoeye, director of the Translational Sports Injury Prevention Lab at St. Louis University.

Linda Flanagan, author of " Take Back the Game: How Money and Mania are ruining Kids’ Sports—and Why It Matters ."

This program aired on April 12, 2024.

• What's being done to stop adults' misbehavior at youth soccer games
• How Youth Sports Affect America's Kids : 1A
• Soccer is a popular youth sport. Why does the pro game still fall short in the U.S.?
• Kids can't all be star athletes. Here's how schools can welcome more students to play

Daniel Ackerman Producer Daniel Ackerman is a producer primarily working across WBUR's national shows.

Meghna Chakrabarti Host, On Point Meghna Chakrabarti is the host of On Point.

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