Evolution has occurred more or less in isolation on this remote island – located 400 kilometres off Africa’s east coast – with the result that much of its indigenous wildlife is found nowhere else on earth. Madagascar’s menagerie of weird and wonderful creatures includes the world’s biggest and smallest chameleons and over 70 species of lemur – long-tailed primates endemic to the island. The Madagascan landscape is no less compelling than the resident wildlife, with terrain ranging from lush jungles and palm-fringed beaches to the knife-edged karst tsingys of the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park’s ‘stone forests’. Madagascar is an otherworldly paradise where visitors are offered a unique glimpse into a fantastical one-of-a-kind world.
Banking and Currency
Currency
The official currency of Madagascar since 2005 is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA), which has been reintroduced to replace the Malagasy franc. One Ariary (Ar) is divided into 5 iraimbilanja, which turns it to one of the two circulating currencies with a non decimal division in the world.
There are banknotes of 20,000 MGA , 10,000 MGA, 5,000 MGA, 2,000 MGA, 1,000 MGA, 500 MGA, 200 MGA and 100 MGA. There are even coins from 1 up to 50 Ar. The one of 50 Ar is very beautiful and has baobabs carved on it.
Banking
Banks are normally open from 08h00 to 12h00 and 14h00 to 15h30 weekdays.
Credit cards (the most useful credit card is VISA CARD) are only accepted in large hotels, restaurants and some shops, mainly in Antananarivo. In the other big cities, you can get cash from Automatic Cash Machines (ATM) only with VISA CARDS. There’s now also an ATM at the airport in Antananarivo. Don’t rely on ATM machines only; they are often out of order. Keep some cash in Euro for emergencies.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Air Madagascar
International Airports: Ivato International Airport
Road:
Tar roads: No
Gravel roads: No
Valid International Drivers License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
Uber available: No
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes/No
Local city bus networks: Yes/No
Rail:
Railway system: Yes
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, only if well-cooked and peeled
Ice: No
Meat: Yes, only if well-cooked
Street food: No
Local cuisine:
Madagascar's cuisine blends African, Asian, and European influences. Staples include rice, zebu meat, and seafood, seasoned with local spices. Notable dishes are Romazava (beef stew) and Mofo Anana (bread with greens). For dessert, Koba is a mix of peanuts, bananas, and honey.
Drinks:
Ranovola - Burnt rice water
Three Horses Beer
Malagasy Wine
Litchel - An aperitif made from lychees.
Rhum arrangé - Homemade flavoured rums
Tipping: 5%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: The average annual precipitation varies from 1,000 to 1,500 mm.
Average temperature: The average annual temperatures vary between 23°C and 27°C along the coast and between 16°C and 19°C in the central mountains.
Summer:
Average in highs: 27°C
Average in lows: 17°C
Winter:
Average in highs: 21°C
Average in lows: 11°C
Best time to visit:
April to October are generally the best months to visit Madagascar. This dry, cool season is when days are bright and usually warm to very warm and nights mild, perfect for either lazy leisure seeking or a thrilling outdoor adventure.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Wifi available at:
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: No
Cafes: No
Shopping malls: No
Public parks: No
Libraries: No
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: C and E
Voltage (V): 220 V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 Hz
*A Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
