Antananarivo Madagascar Travel Guide
Save on your journey with smart planning.
Maximize your time in Antananarivo with these efficiency hacks.
Gain insights from local customs and avoid common tourist pitfalls.
Tailor your approach based on your travel companions.
Consider bringing a portable water filter or purification tablets to treat tap water, even if you mainly drink bottled. This gives a backup and helps cut plastic waste.
These resources and references greatly assist your journey.
Leverage technology to help your journey with essential apps and online tools.
Sometimes, a physical resource shows its worth, especially where internet access is limited.
Stay safe and informed with emergency contacts and medical facility details.
Search for local tourism accounts or travel bloggers specializing in Madagascar for up-to-date visual information and travel tips. Instagram and Facebook often feature recent updates.
A private clinic often recommended for foreigners due to generally higher standards of care.
Another well-regarded private clinic, often serving expatriates and tourists for various medical needs.
A public, larger hospital, where standards can vary; used mainly for serious emergencies or as a last resort.
Always keep a copy of your passport and visa separate from the originals. This speeds up replacement processes if documents go missing.
A well-organized pre-trip checklist makes your journey to Antananarivo smooth and stress-free.
Follow a chronological timeline to spread out your planning tasks.
Break down your preparations into manageable steps leading up to your departure.
Check your passport validity. Make sure it stays valid for at least six months beyond your departure date from Madagascar. Research visa requirements for your nationality. Apply for your visa if needed, allowing ample processing time.
Book international flights, especially for peak season (July-September) for better availability and fares. Research travel insurance options and purchase a comprehensive policy, such as from World Nomads, covering medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip disruptions.
Consult a travel health clinic or your doctor for vaccinations and to discuss malaria prophylaxis. Begin any necessary vaccination courses.
Book domestic flights (if applicable) for travel within Madagascar; confirm major accommodations in Antananarivo and other destinations. Arrange any specialized tours or guides, notably for national parks or unique cultural experiences.
Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you plan to drive in Madagascar (though a car with a driver is usually better). Start learning basic French or Malagasy phrases for your experience; Babbel is a great option for language practice.
Inform your bank and Credit card companies of your travel plans to prevent card blocking. Arrange for local currency exchange or plan for ATM withdrawals upon arrival.
Confirm all flight, hotel, and tour bookings. Gather all documents: original passport, visa, vaccination certificates, and print/digital copies of all reservations.
Purchase travel essentials: a Universal power adapter, high-quality insect repellent (with DEET or Picaridin), and a comprehensive first aid kit. Charge all electronics. Download offline maps and useful apps. Consider Eagle Creek for packing organizers.
Review your detailed itinerary and emergency contacts. Confirm airport transfers to and from Ivato International Airport.
Secure these before your journey for peace of mind.
Knowledge for your trip and peace of mind for your home.
Leaving your home in order before you go.
Always carry physical copies of your essential documents (passport, visa, flight tickets) separate from your digital copies. This offers a backup in case of tech issues.
These first steps upon arrival in Antananarivo make for a smooth transition.
Complete immigration and customs procedures at Ivato International Airport.
Obtain your visa on arrival (if applicable) and pay any required fees in local currency or major foreign currencies.
Exchange a small amount of currency at the airport or use an ATM for immediate needs. Purchase a local SIM card (e.g., Orange Madagascar) for immediate connectivity.
Arrange airport transfer: use your pre-booked hotel transfer or negotiate a fare with an official taxi. Confirm the price before you start your journey.
Get familiar with your accommodation's neighborhood. Ask hotel staff for local tips, safety advice, and directions to nearby points of interest.
Exchange more currency at official bureaus or banks in the city for better rates than at the airport. Purchase bottled water immediately upon leaving the airport.
Purchase souvenirs a few days before your departure for careful selection and packing.
If you plan to ship large items, inquire about costs and procedures well in advance with local postal services or international shipping companies.
Madagascar does not typically operate a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund system for tourists on goods purchased.
Therefore, this step is not usually applicable for your departure from Antananarivo.
Arrive at Ivato International Airport at least 3 hours before international flights due to potential check-in queues and security lines.
For domestic flights, arrive at least 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
Always check the latest travel advisories from your government for any updated entry requirements or safety alerts before and during your trip.
Final steps to finalize your trip and plan for your return.
Final financial checks before you depart.
Double-check your carry-on for all essential documents, medications, and valuables you'll need during transit.
Make sure your checked luggage adheres to airline weight and size restrictions to avoid unexpected fees.
