How much is the Madagascar visa in 2026? +
Since February 2026, rates tripled for the 15-day visa (from $10 to $35). 30-day visa: $40. 60-day visa: $45. 90-day visa also available. eVisa via official portal evisamada.gov.mg, 72h processing, or visa on arrival at Ivato airport (Antananarivo), same price. Passport valid 6 months past return, 1 blank page.
How many days do you need in Madagascar? +
Minimum 12-14 days. The big island is huge (1,600 km north-south) and tracks are slow (40 km/h average). 2 weeks allow the RN7 to Tuléar + Morondava baobabs. 3 weeks add Nosy Be or Tsingy de Bemaraha. Plan an extra week to combine with Réunion.
When to go to Madagascar? +
April to November, dry season. Optimal peak: May to October (dry and cool, 18-28 °C by altitude). To avoid: December to March, rainy season and cyclones on east coast and north. The south (Tuléar, Ifaty) stays dry year-round. Humpback whales at Sainte-Marie: June to September.
What's the state of roads in Madagascar? +
Bad to very bad off the main axes. The RN7 (Tana-Tuléar) is paved but slow (3 days). All other tracks are laterite, sometimes impassable in rainy season. 4x4 essential for Tsingy de Bemaraha, Morondava (baobabs), Ankarafantsika. Plan for 40 km/h real average speed.
Is malaria a risk in Madagascar? +
Yes, Madagascar is zone 3 (high risk year-round except highlands above 1,500 m). Antimalarial recommended (Malarone or doxycycline by profile), start 24-48h before departure. DEET 50% repellents mandatory at night. Impregnated mosquito nets provided in 90% of lodges.
Should you take Tsaradia domestic flights? +
Recommended for trips under 2 weeks to save time. Tsaradia (Air Madagascar subsidiary) serves Nosy Be, Tuléar, Sainte-Marie, Diego-Suarez. €100-200 per segment, book 2 months ahead. Frequent cancellations and delays: plan a 1-day buffer between 2 flights.
How many lemur species can you see? +
Madagascar has 110 lemur species, all endemic. The most accessible: Andasibe's Indri (largest, powerful call), Ring-tailed (Maki Catta) at Berenty and Isalo, Crowned sifaka at Ankarafantsika, nocturnal Aye-aye (rare). A 2-week trip lets you see 8-12 species with a good guide.
Is French really spoken everywhere? +
Yes in cities, hotels, restaurants, agencies and with guides. More rarely deep in the bush where only Malagasy is used. French is official language alongside Malagasy, colonial heritage. One of the most accessible African destinations for French speakers, no language barrier to organise.
