- Most wildlife lives nowhere else on Earth, so plan around lemurs, chameleons and baobabs
- British visitors need a visa, available online or on arrival
- Roads are slow, so allow two to three weeks or focus on one region
- Avoid January to March, the main cyclone season
- Airports
- Antananarivo Ivato (TNR), Nosy Be Fascene (NOS)
- Flight time
- about 14h from London to Antananarivo, usually with one stop
- Best time to go
- April-November for dry weather; September-November for baby lemurs and warm days
- Currency
- Malagasy ariary (MGA)
Madagascar split from Africa around 160 million years ago, and most of its plants and animals evolved nowhere else. Hearing the eerie call of the indri lemur in Andasibe, walking among the giant baobabs at sunset near Morondava or scrambling through the limestone pinnacles of Tsingy is unforgettable. Add white-sand beaches around Nosy Be and Île Sainte-Marie and it is one of the world's great adventure destinations.
For UK travellers, Madagascar is three hours ahead in winter and two hours in summer. Cars drive on the right, and sockets take European type C and E plugs. French and Malagasy are the main languages. Travel here is slow and roads are poor, so it rewards patience and a good local operator. This guide is part of our Africa section.
Entry requirements
British passport holders need a tourist visa. It is usually easiest to apply online for an eVisa before travel, though visas on arrival have also been available at Antananarivo, with the fee depending on the length of stay. Your passport should be valid for at least six months with blank pages, and you may be asked for an onward ticket.
The political situation has been unsettled since the protests and change of government in late 2025, so avoid demonstrations and keep an eye on local news. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Where to go in Madagascar
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
About four hours' drive east of Antananarivo, this rainforest park is home to the indri, the largest living lemur, as well as chameleons and frogs. Night walks reveal mouse lemurs and leaf-tailed geckos.
Ranomafana and the RN7
The classic southern route along Route Nationale 7 passes the misty rainforest of Ranomafana, with golden bamboo lemurs, and the highland town of Fianarantsoa, known for its old town and nearby vineyards.
Isalo National Park
A sandstone massif with canyons, natural swimming pools and ring-tailed lemurs. Hiking here is a highlight of any trip south.
Morondava and the Avenue of the Baobabs
The famous Avenue of the Baobabs is best at sunset. Further north, the Tsingy de Bemaraha is a UNESCO site of razor-sharp limestone pinnacles with suspension bridges and via ferrata, reachable in the dry season only.
Nosy Be
The island off the north-west coast is Madagascar's main beach resort, with diving, snorkelling, whale sharks from about September to December and boat trips to Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely.
Île Sainte-Marie
A long, lush island off the east coast, famous for humpback whale-watching from July to September and a pirate cemetery.
Best time to visit Madagascar
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| April-June | End of the rains, green landscapes, pleasant temperatures |
| July-August | Dry and cooler, especially in the highlands; whale season begins |
| September-November | Warm and dry, lemurs with babies; often the best all-round time |
| December-March | Hot and wet, with cyclones; many roads become impassable |
Plan one region in depth rather than trying to see the whole island – a short internal flight can save two days of driving.
Getting to Madagascar from the UK
There are no direct flights from the UK. Common routes are via Paris with Air France, via Nairobi with Kenya Airways, via Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines, via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, or via Mauritius and Réunion. Expect about 14 to 16 hours in total. Some flights also reach Nosy Be directly from Europe or via the Indian Ocean islands.
Getting around
Most visitors hire a car with a driver, which is the most practical way to travel; self-drive is not recommended. Domestic flights with Madagascar Airlines save time but schedules change often, so leave a buffer before your international flight. Taxi-brousse minibuses are very cheap but slow and crowded. Many parks require local guides, which are included in most tours.
Money and costs
The ariary is the local currency; it is not readily available outside Madagascar, so exchange euros or pounds on arrival or use ATMs in towns. Cards are accepted only in larger hotels, so carry cash. A mid-range trip with a driver and guide costs around £100-200 per person per day, while budget travel can be much cheaper. Park entry and guide fees are payable locally. Tipping guides and drivers is customary.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I need in Madagascar?
Two weeks covers the RN7 route or a combination of Andasibe and Nosy Be. Three weeks or more lets you add the west and the Tsingy.
Is Madagascar safe for tourists?
Most visits pass without incident, but petty theft is common in Antananarivo and travelling at night on roads is not advised. Use a reputable operator and avoid political gatherings.
Where can I see lemurs in Madagascar?
Andasibe, Ranomafana, Isalo and the Anja Community Reserve are among the easiest places, with lemurs seen on most visits.
Do I need malaria tablets for Madagascar?
Malaria is present in most coastal and lowland areas, so antimalarials are usually recommended. Speak to a travel clinic before you go.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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