MileHacker Logo
What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Madagascar

Dry Season Attire May-October

Antananarivo's dry season offers cooler, less humid conditions. Daytime lightweight, breathable clothing works well. Evenings can turn quite chilly, notably in July and August.

Packing for Comfort

Rainy Season Attire November-April

The warm, rainy season brings higher temperatures and significant rainfall. Opt for quick-drying clothing and waterproof outer layers to handle downpours.

Staying Dry

Footwear & Modesty

Comfort for City

Comfortable Walking shoes are needed for Antananarivo's hilly, uneven streets.

Ideal for daily exploration.

Hiking & Outdoors

Sturdy Hiking boots for national park visits and trekking outside the city.

Protective and durable.

Cultural Attire

Madagascar maintains a conservative culture. Dressing modestly shows respect. Cover shoulders and knees, especially at religious sites.

Respect local customs.

Essential Documents

Travel Papers

Have both physical and digital copies.

  • Original passport & visa documentation (photocopies/digital backups).
  • Travel insurance policy information (number, emergency contacts, coverage summary).
  • International Driving Permit (if driving).
  • Vaccination records (Yellow Fever certificate), doctor's notes for prescriptions.
  • Printed and digital copies of flight, hotel, and tour reservations.
  • Emergency contact info (local numbers, embassy, family/friends, bank/credit card).
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs for potential discounts.
  • Keep documents in a secure, accessible travel wallet.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Madagascar uses 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and E plugs. An adapter is needed. Local SIM cards are easy to purchase.

Stay Powered & Connected

Photography & Apps

A camera with good zoom is useful for wildlife. Offline maps and translation apps are invaluable for navigation and communication.

Capture & Communicate

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Use services like Google Drive or Dropbox for photos and documents.

Physical Backups

Bring an External hard drive or USB flash drive.

Device Security

Keep devices password-protected and enable remote wipe features.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal First Aid Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit for common travel ailments and minor injuries.

Kit Essentials

Medications & Protection

Bring a sufficient supply of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Sun and insect protection are needed given the climate.

Stay Protected

Specific Health Needs

Altitude Considerations

  • Antananarivo's altitude (~1,280m) typically causes no significant altitude sickness.
  • If sensitive or traveling higher, consider bringing Altitude remedies.
  • Stay hydrated to aid adjustment.

Motion Sickness

  • Madagascar's winding roads mean motion sickness medication can be useful for long journeys.
  • This applies to taxi-brousse or private car trips outside the city.
  • Consult your doctor about over-the-counter or prescription options.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

For city walks or nature excursions, a daypack and hydration are .

Wildlife Viewing

For spotting lemurs or birds, optics enhance the experience significantly.

General Travel Gear

General items contribute to comfort and readiness during your trip.

  • Daypack for excursions.
  • Small first aid kit.
  • Headlamp for power outages.
  • Reusable shopping bag.

Rent vs. Buy Gear

Consider Bringing

  • Critical comfort items: your favorite hiking shoes.
  • Personal safety items: specific insect repellent, water filter.
  • Specialized medical supplies you rely on.
  • Electronics: camera, portable chargers.

Consider Renting Local

  • Full camping setups.
  • Snorkeling gear for coastal areas (quality varies).
  • 4x4 vehicles (often with driver).
  • Local guides for specific activities.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

These items help improve comfort during travel and add layers of personal security.

Travel Smart

Reusable & Local Specifics

Embrace sustainability and prepare for local refinements to enhance your visit.

Sustainable & Practical

Items Difficult to Buy Locally

High-Quality Sunscreen

Bring your preferred brands.

Specific Insect Repellents

DEET-based options may be scarce.

Specialized Medications

Prescription or specific OTCs.

Electronics Accessories

Specific chargers or cables.

Personal Hygiene Essentials

Preferred Brands

  • Bring specific brands of toiletries you prefer.
  • Feminine hygiene products may be hard to find.
  • Contact lens solution if applicable.

General Considerations

  • Travel-sized hand soap or body wash.
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste.
  • Small comb or brush.

Packing Smart

Pack light to navigate crowded areas and public transport more easily. Consider a versatile backpack instead of heavy luggage.

Roll clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes for organization.