FAQ's

Madagascar can be visited all year round, but the dry season is the ideal time to travel there. It extends from May to early November, with the best time to visit Madagascar being between September and October, just after the high season.

If we were to advise against a period, it would be between mid-January and the end of February. This is the cyclone season, making it less suitable for enjoying the wonders of Madagascar.

However, Madagascar is a large island, often referred to as the Great Archipelago, and there is always a place where the season is favorable for a stay. We will be able to provide you with the right advice.

We could give you thousands of tips to make your trip to Madagascar as pleasant as possible! After all, it’s part of our job…

Let’s start by talking about the “fady,” which are particularly important in Malagasy culture. In broad terms, “fady” are prohibitions and taboos, and they’re no joke! “Fady” often concern access to certain places and sacred sites, behavior or dress code on these sites, and dietary customs… they are countless and specific to a region, community, village, or family. Therefore, it is crucial to get informed once you’re there to avoid making a mistake.

Here’s one for fun: in the Tsyngy region, you must not point your finger any old way; it should be bent before using it to point at someone or something!

These few tips on the “fady” are especially important if you choose to travel on a self-guided tour. If you are accompanied by a guide, they will make sure to warn you in case of an imminent “fady”…

For more detailed information, don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Madagascar is undeniably an island to discover. Its incredible landscapes and the art of always staying cool contribute significantly to its charm. Generally, violence and brutality are not part of Malagasy customs. Foreigners, or “vazaha,” are warmly welcomed with smiles and the hospitality often depicted when referring to the Malagasy people. As everywhere, a few precautions should be taken, especially around certain areas of the main cities after nightfall.

The Malagasy road network evolves, or rather deteriorates, year by year, although many improvements are still needed. The main routes of the Great Island are somewhat paved (Tana – Tuléar, Tana – Morondava, Tana – Diego Suarez, and Tana – Tamatave). You will also travel on tracks to discover Madagascar. Driving on these is slower than on paved roads, but it’s better for appreciating and absorbing the beauty of the landscapes.

Due to the condition of the roads, distances in Madagascar are often measured in hours rather than kilometers.

To overcome the weaknesses of the road network, domestic flights often offer a good alternative and a significant time-saving for the most hurried travelers.

Consider a self-drive tour in Madagascar and check out our information on car rentals in Madagascar. 

Malagasy cuisine can be more varied and surprising than expected!

Meals are primarily composed of rice, which is served at every meal and forms the basis of the Malagasy diet (similar to bread for the French). It is usually accompanied by romazava (a flavorful meat broth), brèdes (simmered green leafy vegetables), or ravitoto (a stew made with pork and pounded cassava leaves), which are considered national dishes of Madagascar.

Among the specialties, you will also find plenty of fish and seafood, especially along the coasts. Shrimp, squid, crabs, lobsters, sea cicadas, mussels, sea urchins, and even oysters will be available.

Fresh fruits are not to be missed and are delicious. Depending on the season, you can enjoy kumquats, pineapples, mangoes, lychees, guavas, grenadillas (or passion fruits), soursops, and persimmons for a healthy dose of vitamins.

Vanilla, another local specialty, is widely used in cooking. You must try a dish of meat or fish flavored with vanilla. In European countries, vanilla is mostly associated with sweet flavors, but on our island, it is used in all kinds of dishes.

Street food is worth exploring: impressive varieties of rice, skewers, fritters, grilled cassava, and other cakes will introduce you to even more typical Malagasy flavors.

For wine lovers, Madagascar produces some original and interesting wines, especially in the Fianarantsoa region. You will find red, white, rosé, and grey wines. While not all are excellent, you might be pleasantly surprised by a bottle. Our recommendations include lazan’ny betsileo, clos malaza, and manamisoa.

No mandatory vaccinations are needed, but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if coming from a high-risk yellow fever area. Malaria prevention measures are highly recommended.

Madagascar has two official languages Malagasy (local language) and French. 

The currency in Madagascar is the Ariary (MGA). You can find money changers at the airport. At the airport you can convert various currencies such as USD (United States Dollar), EUR (Euro), JPY (Japanese Yen), and CNY (Chinese Yuan) or others into Ariary.