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Madagascar Travel Preparations: Tips and Advice for a Memorable Trip

Reisevorbereitungen-1

E-Visa for 30 days (29 nights): 35€.

E-Visa for 60 days (59 nights): 40€.

Additionally, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date;

The official website to apply for your visa is :

https://evisamada-mg.com/fr/home


Please take note of this information for your preparation for Madagascar.

Safety on the Island

Safety is a topic that is often controversial among travelers. Unfortunately, there are various reports circulating on the internet, some of which are years old and constantly resurface. Overall, Madagascar is a safe country and the same rules of common sense apply here as in any other country:

  • Avoid walking alone at night in Antananarivo
  • Avoid wearing flashy jewelry
  • Be cautious of your surroundings and belongings

  • It is recommended to not wear openly
  • In some national parks, especially Isalo and during the Tsiribihina river cruise, night tours are generally no longer possible. However, there are explicit opportunities to do so in various parks.
  • The traffic and local, rather chaotic customs on the road are unfortunately not comparable to those in Germany and are, in my opinion, the only safety issue in Madagascar. To be on the safe side, it is highly recommended to hire a knowledgeable driver with a perfectly equipped car and completely avoid public transportation. If the use of public transportation cannot be avoided, it is
  • important to be cautious and vigilant at all times.

    • When planning a trip to Madagascar, it is advisable to thoroughly inform yourself about public transportation in Madagascar. We generally advise against self-driving in Madagascar. However, experienced African travelers have various options to rent a rental car. For more information on Madagascar, check out our Madagascar A-Z guide for details on safety in Madagascar.

    Medication and Vaccinations

    This topic also varies greatly among individual travelers. The safety-conscious traveler will prioritize clean and safe accommodations. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before traveling to Madagascar to ensure you have the necessary vaccinations and medications.

    Take everything from syringes to painkillers. The adventurer is more of the opinion “if something happens, I’ll react on the spot”. I can only share my personal experiences at this point. In individual cases, every medication should be clarified with the family doctor and his prescriptions strictly followed. For a detailed overview of preparation for Madagascar in terms of medications and vaccinations, visit the page of travel medicine experts. I cannot recommend malaria prophylaxis from my own experience, or only in rare cases, as about 30% of guests become ill after about a week due to the significant side effects. There are huge regions. In Madagascar, there is no risk of malaria throughout the year. However, due to climate differences in this vast country, the risk of contracting malaria can vary significantly. For example, the likelihood of contracting malaria in the highlands during winter is almost zero. It is sufficient to bring along a decent mosquito repellent and sleep under a well-tensioned mosquito net in the affected regions. Such nets are standard inventory in all hotels and do not need to be brought along separately. Many guests leave Madagascar without ever seeing a single mosquito. For added safety, you can consult with a healthcare professional before your trip. Consult a tropical medicine specialist.

    Photography Equipment

    A country with so many breathtaking natural wonders like Madagascar naturally attracts many enthusiastic hobby photographers. In this case, the entire trip is usually focused on the desired photo opportunities. It is important to carefully consider which parts of the photography equipment are essential. To avoid problems on site, it is advisable to bring everything necessary to Madagascar in advance. It will be difficult to find what you need on the island. To get a decent CF/SD card and other specific accessories like batteries on the island, you won’t be able to purchase them. For travelers who value high-quality photos, we recommend planning your Madagascar vacation for photographers in advance.

    Appropriate Clothing

    The clothing you bring to the island depends on the type of vacation, the season, and the destinations you have chosen for your stay on the island.

    In general, you should always be prepared for all possible weather conditions. During the rainy season, it is especially important to have enough waterproof clothing. Madagascar, being an island with 4 climate zones, has different requirements for clothing accordingly. As a small tip, I would recommend wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants in the humid regions of the island, as they can help protect against mosquitoes. Additionally, when hiking in the highlands such as the Andringitra Mountains, it is important to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures. In winter nights (June, July, and August), it can get quite cold

    • are essential for more challenging hikes or trekking tours
    • A travel journal, where you can jot down impressions and special experiences every evening, will bring joy for years after your trip
    • Hardshell suitcases are usually more useful than backpacks or duffel bags, a small backpack for day trips can also come in handy

    When preparing for a trip, it is important to… In Madagascar, travel adapters for electronic devices are not necessary. However, it is important to inquire at your bank about currency exchange, Visa cards, and ATMs in Madagascar. For assistance with money and payment, you can also find information in the section Money and Banks in Madagascar.

    Feel free to contact us for more information

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