Travel guide · Madagascar
Madagascar: what to see and when to go
Madagascar is the world's fourth-largest island, cut off from Africa for millions of years, so most of its plants and animals live nowhere else: lemurs, chameleons and six species of baobab. Distances are long and roads slow, so it suits travellers who want wild nature and are happy to follow a route rather than spend a week on a beach.
What to see and do in Madagascar
Avenue of the Baobabs
Giant baobabs lining a dirt road near Morondava, at their best at sunset.
Andasibe-Mantadia
Rainforest a few hours from Antananarivo, where the indri, the largest lemur, sings at dawn.
Tsingy de Bemaraha
A UNESCO forest of razor-sharp limestone pinnacles crossed by rope bridges and ladders.
Isalo National Park
Sandstone canyons, natural pools and ring-tailed lemurs in the south.
Nosy Be
The island for beaches and snorkelling, with whale sharks from about October to December.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Apr – Nov.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 12 hr, 15 min | ≈ €580 · See flights |
| New York | 18 hr, 30 min | ≈ €730 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 23 hr, 30 min | ≈ €840 · See flights |
| Dubai | 7 hr | ≈ €410 · See flights |
| Singapore | 9 hr | ≈ €510 · See flights |
| Sydney | 13 hr, 30 min | ≈ €610 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €820 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- Madagascar
- Currency
- Malagasy Ariary
- Good for
- nature · wild
- How long to stay
- 10–16 days
- Where to stay
- Antananarivo for the first and last night, then one route: east to Andasibe, west to Morondava and the Tsingy, or south along the RN7 to Isalo. Finish on Nosy Be for the beach.Find a place to stay in Madagascar
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Madagascar, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €580 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in Madagascar (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
- CarPick it up at the airport (opens in a new tab)
- Travel insuranceMedical, luggage and cancellation (opens in a new tab)
- Internet on arrivalData eSIM, no roaming bills (opens in a new tab)
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Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in Madagascar and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Apr – Nov. Average highs range from 20° in June to 27° in November.
How many days do you need in Madagascar?
10 to 16 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in Madagascar cost?
Accommodation runs at around €80 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €820 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 12 hr, 15 min.
Where should you stay in Madagascar?
Antananarivo for the first and last night, then one route: east to Andasibe, west to Morondava and the Tsingy, or south along the RN7 to Isalo. Finish on Nosy Be for the beach.
