Click here for FAQ

Getting around
Air Madagascar serves 29 domestic airports and landing strips around the island. Because distances are large and the road network is modest, internal flights are often the best option. 
The routes from Antananarivo to Tulear on the southwest coast and from Diego Suarez to Ankify on the northwest coast make excellent overland trips. 
 
When to go
Before considering a tailor-made package, bear in mind that Madagascar has very specific seasons that impact on when and where you should travel. With Monsoon time from December through to March the best time to travel to Madagascar is generally February to December. Madagascar has two seasons: a hot, rainy season from November to April, and a dry season with cooler temperatures from May to October. There is, however, great variation in climate owing to elevation and position relative to dominant winds. The east coast has a subequatorial climate and, being most directly exposed to the trade winds, has the heaviest rainfall, averaging as much as 3.5 metres annually. Because rain clouds discharge much of their moisture east of the highest elevations on the island, the central highlands are appreciably drier and, owing to the altitude, also cooler. The dry season in the highlands is pleasant and sunny, although somewhat chilly, especially in the mornings. During this time, the blue skies of the central highlands are considered by many to be among the clearest and most beautiful in the world. The west coast is drier than either the east coast or the central highlands because the trade winds lose their humidity by the time they reach this region. The south-west and the extreme south are semi-desert; as little as one-third of a metre of rain falls annually at Toliara. 

We offer a personal service to all clients which includes planning of tours, advice as to where to go and the reservations of lodges and land transport. 

Contact us or further information or to help you plan your ultimate island getaway.
Climate is an important consideration. Madagascar’s climate is diverse, ranging from humid and tropical in the eastern region to semi-arid in the south. The hot western lowlands have summer rains only (December – March) and parts of the central highlands are almost temperate. Some places become inaccessible during the rainy season. Cyclones often occur from late January to February. Generally, wildlife viewing is most rewarding from the end August through November. 

Group or individual travel? 
We run a number of scheduled, small group tours each year, including specialist birding and wildlife tours. We arrange tours for private groups, too. 
We specialise in individual, inclusive, customised itineraries. We offer the widest range of destination in Madagascar and can advise which are suitable for your party and dates of travel. 

Visas
All visitors need visas. You can obtain a one-month tourist visa on arrival at Ivato International Airport. Alternatively, Malagasy embassies or consulates issue one- and three-month visas. Further information is available from http://www.madagascar-consulate.org/visainfo.html

Currency
There are about 3700 Ariary to the pound sterling and 2100 to the US dollar. Few hotels/restaurants accept credit cards. Travelers should only use authorised Bureau de Change or ATMs which accept visa cards. 

Money matters 
Few hotels accept credit cards. Mastercard cannot be used at all in Madagascar. Take cash and travellers cheques in US$ or euros. You can exchange hard currency at the airport, at Malagasy banks and certain hotels. Malagasy money may not be taken out of the country and can only be exchanged back into hard currency with difficulty.

Power Supply 
220V. European plugs for small appliances.

Health
This is a malarial region. Avoid insect bites by wearing long sleeves and trousers and using effective insect repellant, particularly at dusk. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended. 
Cholera is present. Never drink unpurified water. Bottled mineral water is readily available throughout the country. Avoid ice cream and yoghurt. 
Consult your doctor or travel health clinic for advice and preventive measures. 

What to pack

• Comfortable, light, casual clothing 
• Something warm to wear at night in winter, in the desert or the highlands 
• Comfortable walking shoes with a good grip 
• Effective insect repellent 
• Protective clothing and lotion for the tropical sun 
• Rain wear 
• Personal toiletries and any personal medication 
• Headache tablets, something for digestive upsets, disinfectant 
• Antisceptic wipes 
• Torch / flashlight with spare batteries 
• Film and spare camera battery 
• Strap-on water-bottle for day hikes 
• Money belt for valuables 
• Do not take expensive or expensive-looking jewellery to Madagascar 

Time
GMT + 3 

Customs Allowance
500 cigarettes and 1 litre of alcohol. 

Language
Malagasy is the first language. French is the official business language. English is increasingly used in the main tourist areas, but our agents and many of the local reserve guides speak English. If you speak no French, we suggest you take a French phrase book. You can obtain a Malagasy tape and phrase book from Bradt Publications.