Madagascar Travel Advice

This odd-looking lemur can be found mainly on east coast of Madagascar. While it won’t win any beauty contests, it can lay claim to being the largest nocturnal primate in the world. Its unique way of finding food makes the aye aye similar to the woodpecker. Authorities clamp down hard on sex tourism, especially with underage girls. Considering the risks you would be foolish to succumb to temptation. Avoid leaving them on the beach while you go swimming and never leave swimsuits or washing to dry outside your room near a public area.

For most, lemurs and a verse of “I like to Move It, Move It! ” from King Julien, the ring-tailed lemur star of Madagascar, the movie. IMPACT Madagascar is a non-profit and most of our funding is used to support ongoing and new projects that improve the natural features of Madagascar and the lives of its people. Like most volunteer programs, IMPACT Madagascar requires that volunteer participants contribute a payment for their time here. Please see our Volunteer Costs section below to see a breakdown of costs and what is/is not included in those costs. We’ve picked out key lemur species – from dancing sifakas to gremlin-like aye-ayes – and explored which forests, reserves and parks they inhabit…

Madagascar Hiking Advice

With its unique species and beautiful vistas, Madagascar is photography at its best. The chance for creating a stunning portfolio of images is unparalleled. Capture a dancing lemur making a dazzling leap, a colorful chameleon as its tongue shoots out to snag an insect meal, or portraits of the Malagasy people. Spend a final morning at leisure on Nosy Komba before transferring back to the mainland. This inviting shop offers a wide selection of artisanal products and Malagasy handicrafts, from woodcarvings and raffia bags to massage oils and chocolate. Transfer to the Toliara airport and fly back to Antananarivo.

It is highly recommended that you avoid walking at night in urban areas. Instances of petty crime often occur in crowded areas and airports. Foreigners are often targeted for these types of crime so take precautions when walking in street markets and urban areas. In April 2011, the European Commission imposed flight restrictions on two of Air Madagascar’s aircraft due to safety concerns – despite Air Madagascar having no fatal accidents since 1981.

Governments’ Travel Advice

Most of the fieldwork will take the weather into consideration and field sites will be visited during the time of year that makes the most sense. “It’s better to base yourself in one region. That way you get to see things properly rather than just spending your time traveling.” “Don’t try and see it all. The logistics aren’t and it’s better to base yourself in one region. That way you get to see things properly, rather than just spending your time traveling.” Most of the population of Madagascar lack clean water for life, as well as a lack of drinking water.

Despite this loss, hundreds of species of plants and trees thrive all over the island, from huge, ancient baobab trees to thorny cacti and resplendent ferns. With such a unique ecosystem and environment, going on holiday to Madagascar at different times of the year offers a variety of challenges and benefits. September to November is considered one of the best times to visit, as these months sit right in between the cool, dry winter and the hot, rainy season. This time is also considered the best time to view birdlife. July to August offers cooler temperatures and the best chances for whale watching on the coast. January to March is cyclone season, but this is also the best time to see flowering orchids.

Stay Connected

Research your destination, including local laws, customs, and culture. Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver’s license at all times. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave. Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Madagascar, so your behaviors are important.

Enjoy the day to explore the lodge and its stunning surroundings at your leisure. Or borrow equipment from the lodge for a self-guided snorkeling or fishing excursion in the shallows. Visit a fishing village on lush Nosy Mamoko, and canoe up a river lined with mangrove trees.

Is It Safe To Visit Madagascar?

Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination. Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

• But if you’ve got time and patience, you will be rewarded with one of the most biodiverse destinations in the world.
• Christopher is a British travel writer and has contributed to various Fodor’s guidebooks and a range of travel magazines.
• Stroll along Nosy Kisimany’s white-sand beaches and pick a peaceful spot for a picnic lunch.
• Madagascar can be done pretty cheaply if traveling on a budget, but you will have to be traveling very rough and taking local transport.

This means a hot grill, fresh food being cooked up freshly; missing the lunchtime rush could mean that you end up with something that didn’t sell a few hours ago and has been sitting around for a while. Go easy on local food and don’t try everything all at one time straight away. In general, the best thing to do in Madagascar is probably to get your own driver. Public transport exists, but it’s not all that, and it’s not always safe. Alternatively, a tour will be able to take you around hassle-free. The bush taxi/taxi-brousse we mentioned earlier isn’t just a taxi service, it forms the skeleton of much public transport around the island nation.

Medical Facilities In Madagascar

Your stomach will obviously be accustomed to food from home so be very careful, particularly at the beginning of your trip. Rice, noodles and pasta should be available in most towns and villages, and remember to thoroughly boil any water before using it to cook food. It sounds obvious to say that you should thoroughly clean your hands after going to the toilet.

Thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners our track record is exemplary. Hike through lush cloud forest in search of endemic and rare species of lemurs and chameleons. At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy to navigate travel information section dedicated to Madagascar. Leave a copy with a trusted friend or relative who is not travelling with you.

Top 5 National Parks For Children

Remote areas can be particularly dangerous in Madagascar as ‘zebu bandits’ patrol the hills and mountains. These bandits are a particular problem in central areas of the country. If you do go for a walk with a local who is aware of the safe areas in the region, never have any valuables on display. Even the decision to wear a humble watch can lead to a dangerous encounter. If you are preparing food in your own accommodation, try to stick to basics which will not upset your stomach.

Even the smallest of rural villages will have tiny street stalls which grill skewers of meat on demand. However, a certain degree of caution and common sense should still be utilised and you should certainly stay away from food that has not been freshly cooked, including samosas and spring rolls. Madagascar is generally considered to be a very safe place to visit. For example, Madagascar is a malarial region, particularly in coastal areas, so it is important to try and prevent insect bites by wearing long sleeves and carrying repellent. It is also advisable to take anti-malarial tablets before you visit.

Travelling With Children

Tourists are advised to remain vigilant and take all possible precaution measures in order to minimize the risk of getting stolen from. You shouldn’t travel at night time, which is when it’s much riskier. When it comes to things to do, of course, you could go on adventures to try and find those lemurs. There’s also kayaking, kitesurfing, camping and even visiting community and conservation projects throughout the country, which could be a real education experience. Not a lot of tour companies will even accept children under 8 years of age because of the conditions of the country.

Madagascar is a safe country to travel if you stay on the alert and follow specific rules. For example, do not walk around the cities of the country after sunset, avoid beggars and strangers, keep personal belongings with you, and do not shine with a lot of jewelry and cash. Madagascar is a huge island and flying within the country could save you a lot of time. There is a decent network of domestic flights, connecting almost all major cities and towns.