---
title: "Madagascar: Trip Preparation & Destination Information"
description: Traveling to Madagascar? Check out our trip prep page for tips to help you prepare for your trip.
image: https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/brent-ninaber-7uvHtSn5a90-unsplash%20copy.jpg
---

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# Madagascar: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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![Madagascar: Trip Preparation & Destination Information](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/brent-ninaber-7uvHtSn5a90-unsplash%20copy.jpg)

### About Madagascar

- [Overview](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/madagascar#overview)
- [Packing List](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/madagascar#packing)
- [Language ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/madagascar#language)
- [Weather](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/madagascar#weather)
- [Fun Facts](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/madagascar#funfacts)
- [Tipping](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/madagascar#tipping)
- [FAQ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/madagascar#faq)
- [Luggage Restrictions](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/madagascar#full-image-title)
- [Other](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/madagascar#other-if-needed)

#### Overview

Madagascar is one of the most unique places on Earth, as more than 80% of the world’s plants and wildlife are found only on this island. Madagascar is also home to 18 different ethnic groups originating from mainland Africa to as far as Indonesia, each having its own language, customs, and culture. All of this combines to make a trip through any part of Madagascar an adventure of a lifetime, where you’ll encounter lemurs, chameleons, local culture, and aging French colonial architecture. 

 

**Established:** 1540

**Currency: **Malagasy ariary

**Area: **592,800 square kilometers (228,900 sq mi)

**Time Zone: **East Africa Time (GMT+3)

**Emergency Number:** 117

**Outlet: **Types C/E

![Chameleon Madagascar](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/pierre-bamin-JENl7UuZwxE-unsplash%20copy.jpg)

![Ring Tailed Lemur in Tree](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/dusan-veverkolog-T-MvND5iGcQ-unsplash%20copy.jpg)

#### Packing List

**Active Shoes** - Great for long days on your feet and comfort on those trails.

**Hat & Sunglasses** - Keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face.

**Swimsuit** - Beach day!

**Protect Your Tummy** - Pack some Pepto Bismol and Imodium. Dramamine can be really helpful if you're prone to motion sickness!

**Sunblock with SPF** - Nothing ruins a vacation like a bad sunburn. Remember to pack sunblock with SPF to protect your skin while outside.

**Day Pack** - For carrying cameras, snacks, sunscreen, water, etc.

**Hand Sanitizer** - Need I say more?

**Bug Spray** - Use bug spray with DEET or Picaridin to avoid bug bites and stay healthy during your trip.

**Reusable Water Bottle** - Staying hydrated is a recipe for success. You will have access to clean water for refilling throughout your stay.

**Portable Chargers** - Great for charging batteries while on the go.

**Travel Adapter** - A universal plug is your best option.

**Ear Plugs** - Light sleeper? Nice to have in case of a snoring roommate.

**Towel** - Quick dry is our go-to.

**Packing Cubes** - We'll be moving in and out of hotels frequently and these will keep you organized.

**Laundry Soap** - Single packets are perfect for sink washes when you're running low on clean clothes.

**Local Currency** - Make sure to get some local currency. On average, you'll lose around 15% at the airport if you use the currency exchange. While many places do accept cards, small local restaurants tend to be cash only.

**Call Your Bank ** - Your bank may suspend your card if they suspect unusual activity. Give them a call to let them know when and where you'll be traveling.

**Always pack extra underwear!**

#### Speak the Language

The official languages of Madagascar are Malagasy and French

 

- **Manahoana?** Hello!
- **Salama!** Hi!
- **Fahasalamana?** How are you?
- **Tonga soa!** Welcome!
- **Veloma!** Bye!
- **Misaotra!** Thanks!
- **Azafady!** Please/sorry!
- **Iza no anaranao?** What is your name? 
- **______ no anarako, ary ****ianao? **My name is _____, and yours?
- **Mandrapihaona!** See you later!

 

**Google Translate:** Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click [**here**](https://translate.google.com/) 

![Madagascar](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/sandy-ravaloniaina-EOcA25sHj2s-unsplash%20copy.jpg)

#### Weather

[ANTANANARIVO WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/n18d8847d51/antananarivo/?unit=us)

#### Fun Facts

- The most famous and most popular Malagasy king is Andrianampoinimerina whose name means "The one who will always stay in the Merinas' hearts." Andrianampoinimerina was the last king who resided in Ambohimanga.
- The first people to settle in the region came from the Malay archipelago about 2,500 years ago.
- Malagasy is the official and most commonly spoken language in Madagascar. French is also an official language and an important language in business. French is taught in some schools, while English and Italian are also spoken in tourist areas.
- Madagascar is the world's largest vanilla exporting country, producing about half of the world's vanilla crops. Vanilla is the second most expensive spice after saffron, due to the labor intensity of growing these plants. 
- About 80% - 90% of Madagascar's flora and fauna are only found on the island and nowhere else in the world!

#### Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

| **Guides** |  | USD $7-10 per person/per day |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Drivers** |  | USD $3-4 per person/per day |
| **Restaurants**  |  | USD 10% of total bill |

 

#### FAQ

**Where can I find information on travel safety? **Check out the US Department of State's [website](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Madagascar.html) for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling.

 

**Is the water safe to drink? **In general, the water in Antananarivo is not safe to drink and should be avoided. Water filters and sanitizers are recommended. Disposable water bottles are available to purchase in most places, though we would encourage sustainable options where possible.

 

**Do I need a Visa? **For Visa information, click [here. ](https://www.us-madagascar-embassy.org/visa-consular-services)Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

**What about vaccines?** For vaccination information, click [here. ](https://www.passporthealthusa.com/destination-advice/madagascar/)

 

**Do you recommend travel insurance? **While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, [worldnomads.com](https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance?affiliate=trvtrip&subld=banner&affiliateTrackingld=db44277c07544303b92d043564508276&utm_source=trvtrip&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Affiliate&utm_content=banner) or from a provider of your choice.

 

**How much should I pack?** As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please take a look at our luggage restrictions below.

 

**What does public transportation look like?  **In Madagascar, public transport mainly consists of bush taxis and taxi-bes

 

**What about Wifi? **Service is getting better countrywide, however, we suggest picking up a local sim card.

 

Kindly note that the overall infrastructure in Madagascar Island may be limited or basic. Restroom facilities might not be available during transfers. In case of necessity, your Guide will recommend a roadside stop. Please be aware that the duration of transfers may vary due to route conditions.

#### Luggage Restrictions

![Luggage Restrictions purple](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Luggage%20Restrictions%20purple%20(2).jpg)

![Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1](https://trovatrip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png?width=390&height=929&name=Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png)

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