Madagascar's highlights with a bird's eye view

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.

Currency 
Local currency: Ariary 
Symbol: Ar 
ISO code: MGA 
Central bank: Central Bank of Madagascar 
Subunit: Iraimbilanja 
Banknotes: Notes are in denominations of Ar20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200 and 100. 
Coins: Coins are in denominations of Ar50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1, and 2, 1 Iraimbilanja. 

Banking 
Card Transactions: 
ATMs: Yes, mostly in and around the capital 
Mastercard: Yes, mostly in and around the major cities 
Visa: Yes, mostly in and around the major cities 
American Express: Yes, mostly in and around the major cities 
Diner’s Club: Yes, mostly in and around the major cities 
 
Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 08:00 –11:00 and 16:00 
Weekends: No
Public Holidays: No  
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

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 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% 

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.  

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 
 

Wifi available at: 
Internet cafes: Yes 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: No 
Cafes: No 
Shopping malls: No 
Public parks: No 
Libraries: No 

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.