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Madagascar is an island country, separated from Australia some 165 million years ago, offering- visitors idyllic beaches and never-before-seen exotic wildlife. Apart from mammals, there are also numerous birds and lizard species all over Madagascar, especially in the rainforests of Atsinanana.
Tourism is currently the primary source of economic growth. Visitors can explore the parks, beaches, and historical sites, often with knowledgeable guides.
Travel Safety Tips for Madagascar
- Found only in Madagascarlemurs can be seen all over the country. It’s likely you will spot a few during your stay, but be cautious and don’t fall victim to their sleuthing! Keep your windows locked, otherwise, you might find yourself missing a few things.
- Be prepared for mixed weather, depending where you goi Madagascar is ecologically diverse with climates that vary from region to region. For example, southwest Madagascar is pretty dry with rare showers, the highlands are always cooler while the east coast often bears the brunt of the weather during the rainy season.
- Use weather applications that provide updates about thunderstorms and cyclones.
- We understand the need to capture everything on camera. The memories you make with a camera are just as important as the ones you make without one. However, sometimes focusing on taking good photographs means you miss being in the moment and savouring the experiences. Enjoy the beautiful nature, soak it all in, spend time with the wildlife and observe them.
- Madagascar has quite a few tourist-centred marketplaces. With the help of your tour guide, look for local shops that sell traditional and locally manufactured authentic products such as baskets. We understand the need for souvenirs but ensure that you don’t exceed any legal limits.
- Avoid participating in political protests, gatherings, and demonstrations. Most of you are aware of how quickly these situations escalate to violence. Avoid visiting Toliara and Fianarantsoa alone. If you want to visit these regions, hire an experienced guide.
- Ask your safari tour operator to assign you an English-speaking guide. The majority of Madagascar’s population speaks either French or Malagasy, which certainly puts a restriction on conversations. Your guide will be the most trusted person by your side so of course it’s ideal to have a guide who speaks your language as a go-between. Although, if you have taken French in school or speak it passively, it’s time to get a refresher before arriving in Madagascar and converse with the locals when there!
- Avoid travelling alone in a vehicle. Hire a tour guide to drive you around the country. Avoid going out at night alone and walking around alone at night.
- Store your valuables and equipment safely in the hotel safe. Do not flaunt wealth i.e. flashy jewellery or designer clothes. On a safari, you need to wear neutral colours. Carry some cash because cards aren’t widely accepted in Madagascar and the locals prefer cash transactions. Also, although you have to carry the original travel documents, carry a copy and lock it up in the hotel safe along with your valuables.
- Learn a little about the Madagascar culture before you get on the flight. For example, taking a photo of a tomb can be offensive in Madagascar. In addition, photographers should ask their subjects whether or not they would like to be photographed.
- Although not everyone needs to get vaccinated against yellow fever, people travelling from countries with yellow fever need to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Also, if a person has spent more than 12 hours in transit at the airport of a country at risk of yellow fever, they too need to present the vaccination certificate.
Additionally, if you want some tips on how to conduct yourself on a wildlife safari, refer to our top tips on what not to do on an African safari.