Madagascar-5-day-itinerary

Madagascar 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo (Tana)

  • Places to Go: Hotel and city exploration
  • Activities: Relax at the hotel, get familiar with the local currency (Ariary) and language (Malagasy)
  • Things to Know:
    • Visa requirements: Citizens of many countries can obtain a visa on arrival. Check with the Malagasy Embassy in your country for details.
    • Transportation: Airport transfer to hotel via taxi or private car
    • Safety: Be aware of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas
  • Accommodation: Hotel Madagascar (approximately 200,000 MGA / $60 USD per night)

Day 2: Antananarivo City Tour

  • Places to Go:
    • Royal Hill of Ambohimanga ( UNESCO World Heritage Site)
    • Upper and Lower Towns
    • Rova of Antananarivo (Royal Palace)
  • Activities: Guided tour, exploring the city’s history, culture, and architecture
  • Things to Know:
    • Transportation: Use taxi or private car for transportation around the city
    • Dress code: Respect local customs by dressing modestly when visiting temples and cultural sites
    • Photography: Be mindful of taking photos in sensitive areas or without permission
  • Accommodation: Same hotel as Day 1

Day 3: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

  • Places to Go: Lemur spotting at the national park
  • Activities: Guided hike, searching for various lemur species and other unique wildlife
  • Things to Know:
    • Transportation: Drive from Tana (approximately 2 hours) or take a domestic flight (approximately 30 minutes)
    • Safety: Be aware of your surroundings while hiking and stay with the guide
    • Tips: Bring binoculars, sunscreen, and insect repellent for an enjoyable experience
  • Accommodation: Hotel Andasibe (approximately 150,000 MGA / $45 USD per night)

Day 4: Ranomafana National Park

  • Places to Go: Exploration of the national park’s diverse ecosystems
  • Activities: Guided hike, spotting lemurs, and observing other wildlife
  • Things to Know:
    • Transportation: Drive from Andasibe (approximately 2 hours) or take a domestic flight (approximately 30 minutes)
    • Safety: Be aware of your surroundings while hiking and stay with the guide
    • Tips: Bring binoculars, sunscreen, and insect repellent for an enjoyable experience
  • Accommodation: Hotel Ranomafana (approximately 120,000 MGA / $35 USD per night)

Day 5: Return to Antananarivo

  • Places to Go: Last-minute shopping or exploration of Tana’s markets and streets
  • Activities: Relax at the hotel or visit any last-minute attractions
  • Things to Know:
    • Transportation: Airport transfer for departure
    • Visa requirements: Check with the Malagasy Embassy in your country for details on visa requirements for departure

Additional Tips:

  • Madagascar is a developing country, and infrastructure may be limited. Be patient and flexible.
  • Respect local customs, traditions, and wildlife.
  • Stay hydrated and protected from the sun by bringing sunscreen and insect repellent.
  • Don’t drink tap water or consume untreated ice.
  • Bring power adaptors for your electronic devices (Type C, D, E, F, G).
  • Madagascar has a relatively high cost of living. Budget accordingly.

Budget Breakdown:

  • Accommodation: approximately 500,000 MGA / $150 USD per person for the entire trip
  • Transportation: approximately 200,000 MGA / $60 USD per person for airport transfers and domestic flights
  • Food: approximately 300,000 MGA / $90 USD per person for meals and snacks
  • Activities: approximately 500,000 MGA / $150 USD per person for guided tours and entrance fees

Total estimated budget for the entire trip: approximately 1,500,000 MGA / $450 USD per person.