Hi there, I’m planning a 22-day trip to Madagascar this July.

And I could really use some advice 😊

Here’s what I’m sure about: Spending a few days in Nosy Be so my daughter can complete her Open Water certification—so I’m thinking 4 or 5 days there. I think Diego Suarez, Montagne d’Ambre, and Ankarana would suit what we like to do and have the advantage of being close to Nosy Be.

Now, the parts I’m unsure about, especially because of travel times:

My daughters really want to see whales. Is it possible around Nosy Be, or is Sainte Marie *the* must-visit spot? And what’s the weather like at that time of year? If we choose Sainte Marie, maybe do the Pangalanes Canal? Or is the route from Diego to Sainte Marie via the Vanilla Road a must-do?

Another option could be exploring the east with the Tsiribihina River and the Avenue of the Baobabs in Morondava.

Thanks in advance for your tips!

Hi, I traveled to Madagascar from May 16 to June 3 with a group (10 people), accompanied by our guide/driver Adrien and his two sons (or "Adrien and Co," already mentioned in previous posts on this forum). We were absolutely satisfied with the services provided. While other guides we contacted only offered ready-made itineraries with no flexibility, Adrien crafted a highly varied program for us, blending hikes, landscapes, crafts, and interactions with locals. It was an intense but well-optimized schedule that met all our wishes. The accommodations—sometimes very rustic, sometimes very comfortable—were all very clean. We were on a half-board plan, and our lunches were at small, typical restaurants recommended by Adrien. Adrien and his sons were super friendly, helpful, and always in a good mood (even when both vehicles got flat tires 10 minutes apart, for example!). We had plenty of breaks every day, and every special request was accommodated! We got a great rate: 1300 € per person. On top of that, we added tips for the drivers, pirogue guides, and cooks, as well as our lunches and any personal expenses. We were lucky with the lemurs—we saw a lot of them! At no point did we feel unsafe. Day-by-day details on my Polarstep: https://www.polarsteps.com/moietlechatTraveller/25173082-madagascar-2027

Trip details: Day 1: Flight from Réunion to Madagascar – night at IVATO HOTEL Day 2: Antsirabe - Miandrivazo 220 km, about 7 hours

Day 3: Descent of the Tsiribihina in a traditional pirogue, village encounters, swim in the waterfall, bivouac. Lunch in the pirogue. Day 4: Descent of the Tsiribihina in a traditional pirogue, visit to a village and school, bivouac; lunch in the pirogue. Day 5: Tsarahotana - Bekopaka End of the river descent. At 9 AM, 4x4, 45 km, 3 hours, ferry across the Tsiribihina. Day 6: Visits to Parc Grand Tsingy de Benahara (sporty level) and Petit Tsingy (for all walkers) Day 7: Bekopaka - Belo/Tsiribihina. Nighttime visit to Kirindy Reserve 135 km, 6 hours Day 8: Kirindy Reserve, daytime visit in the morning – drive to Morondava 100 km, 5 hours on a sandy track; "Baobabs Amoureux" and sunset at the "Avenue of the Baobabs" Day 9: Morondava - Belo sur Mer by motorized pirogue, 3 hours Day 10: Belo sur Mer, visit to a fishing village, pirogue ride through the mangroves, meal on the beach Day 11: Belo sur Mer - Morondava - Miandrivazo 3 hours by motorized pirogue, then 280 km, 7 hours by minibus Day 12: Miandrivazo - Antsirabe – Ambositra; crafts 310 km, 9 hours by minibus Day 13: Ambositra - Antoetra, 45 km, 3 hours / Arrival in the Zafimaniry region via a difficult track. Start of hike to Sakaevo; 9 km; overnight with a local family. Day 14: Loop hike: Sakaevo, Faliarivo, Ambohimiadana, Sakaevo, picnic at a waterfall, several possible routes. 2nd night with a local family. Day 15: Return hike, then track from Sakaevo to Antoetra. Day 16: Drive from Antsirabe to the outskirts of Antananarivo (about 4 hours) – nighttime visit to Andasibe National Park (mouse lemurs and more) Day 17: Daytime visit to Andasibe National Park, observation hike, many lemur species including the indri indri Day 18: Visit to the old town, return to the airport. Don’t hesitate to give him a call.

If anyone has stayed at this eco-lodge, I’d love to get some info. Thanks

Has anyone been to this base camp in the Diego area towards the west coast (Mozambique Channel)? The trip starts from Diego Suarez by 4x4 and boat, with a visit to Nosy Hara and a few nearby islands. Possible big-game fishing and diving. Thanks in advance if anyone has info!

Hello, After asking questions on the site, here’s a little feedback on our trip in March and April. Marseille/Antananarivo flight with Ethiopian Airlines was great both ways. I’d recommend it. Domestic flights with Madagascar Airlines were just as smooth. We had to change our plans because I was the victim of a snatch-theft attempt at Ivato... patellar fracture... so I ended up with a brace and more rest than hikes. This let us spend more time in the same areas and make some connections. We loved Tulear. Stayed with Alain—excellent value for money. Mangily, where we stayed for 15 days. Hotel Bella Dona due to my little handicap. The pool replaced sea swims. Mangily gets a bad rap for being very touristy. True, you get approached a lot on the beach—you have to play along and buy some trinkets, but after that, you get royal peace and lots of exchanges with locals. The village and its lively street are nice too. Don’t hesitate to eat with fishermen or at local bars. Anakao, a big favorite. Just the journey there is worth it. Watching dozens of pirogues set off between 5 and 6 AM is a magical moment. Stayed at Peter Pan’s place. Lots of chats with Dario since we were the only guests. Planned a 4-day Antananarivo–Soniara–Ivango road trip with a driver. Cut to 2 days because the boat to Sainte Marie was moved up due to weather. I don’t remember the company’s name, but it wasn’t great for safety—plus, we brought back fleas. Visited Andasibe Park along the way. Quick tip: go in the morning. A little over 2 weeks on Sainte Marie at Hôtel Mantis Soanambo—total luxury negotiated at a price that defied all competition because it was low season. Meals were at little local eateries nearby. We chose not to sleep on Île aux Nattes but went there several times during the day (crossing: 4000 ariary for 2). You have to take a pirogue tour—it’s like stepping into a postcard. Sainte Marie is a special place. A tropical island that feels like the Caribbean ones we’ve lived on. No security issues at all. We rented a scooter because we found tuk-tuk prices a bit steep. You can leave the scooter with helmet and keys and come back 4 hours later. More amazing encounters here too. Last part of our trip in Ampefy, a beautiful volcanic region with a very welcoming population. Stayed with a friend of our driver. Hotels in Ivato are plentiful and vary a lot in quality. Les 12 Collines is a bit out of the way but only 21 € per night. La Chato... very expensive for what you get. I tried to keep it short. Madagascar is a wonderful island with so many facets. Always so many emotions when I think back on this trip. The extreme poverty... don’t hesitate to buy food for the kids on the beach, for example. It doesn’t cost much, but it means a lot to them. The kindness of the people and, above all, those SMILES. We’re hooked—we’re going back in November for 6 months... because yes, you can buy a 3-month visa at the airport (a question I’d asked), and you can extend it for another 3 months... if you apply in time at a police station. We didn’t take Malarone either. We’d brought some, but there were few mosquitoes, and "Insect Écran" worked really well.

Hello, Our trip is taking shape. We’re leaving on February 28th. We’ll start by flying to Tulear, then make our way up to Tana at a relaxed pace before catching another flight to Diego Suarez. We’d love to end our stay on Sainte Marie Island. Is there a way to make the trip by land? By sea? Just to clarify, we’re not pressed for time. Thanks!

Hi everyone, I’m heading to Île aux Nattes in a few weeks and I’d like to know if euros are accepted in the island’s restaurants. At the hotel where I’ll be staying, they take card payments, but for activities, I can’t find any reliable info. Could anyone tell me the approximate cost in euros and/or ariary for a week (food outside the hotel) on the island for two people?

Also, has anyone ever exchanged money at the Paris Magenta exchange bureau? Thanks!

Hi

Are there any boat connections between Mananara and Sambava in September 2026?

Thanks for your replies

Hi! Recently, the domestic-flight terminal at Ivato has been moved to the old "international" airport, complete with its own scanner. On October 13th, I checked my luggage (which I had inspected before leaving my hotel in Tana) for a flight to Sambava. It wasn’t until I arrived at my accommodation in Antalaha and opened it that I discovered it had been searched (normal before boarding a plane), but to my surprise, the case containing my GPS fishfinder had been opened—likely mistaken for a laptop due to the scanner’s open access to all kinds of theft—and three SD cards were stolen. Luckily, two of the SD cards had their micro SDs inserted into the device, so I still had the Navionics micro card (300 €) essential for fishing. Of course, I’m not asking for compensation, just urging caution with checked luggage on "domestic" flights. (This is a copy-paste of my post on *Le Routard*.)

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a private transfer from Tana to Mananjary from May 16 to 20, 2026.

Do you have a contact, please?

Best regards,

Jary

Hello, I’m continuing the Antalaha–Maroantsetra discussion but for some info in the other direction, specifically about hiking from Maroantsetra to Antalaha.

In mid-December, I plan to take it easy from Tamatave to Antalaha. I’m thinking of making a few stops, like Nosy Atafana—has anyone snorkeled there? Is it nice? Can you find bush taxis on the Soniera–Ivongo / Maroantsetra stretch?

After that, I’m considering walking from Maroantsetra to Antalaha and figuring things out as I go, since the path seems well-used, so I’m not planning on a guide. Good idea or totally foolish? Should I bring a tent and some camping gear, or, as I’ve read multiple times, are there several villages with lodging and food options along the way? Any spots worth stopping at or nothing special to see?

In Antalaha, I saw the recommendation for Villa Malaza in the previous discussion, so I’m keeping that in mind. If there’s space, I’ll plan to stay there. In Antalaha itself, are there any places to visit, things to see, or activities you’d recommend?

Thanks in advance to everyone for any tips—they’ll be really helpful!

Hi, is it possible to find out? How can I stay for 3 consecutive months in Madagascar, based on a fixed-date flight ticket? In short, how do I get a visa stamped at the airport??

Does anyone know if there’s maritime transport from the southern tip of Africa to a port in MADAGASCAR?

CHEAPER THAN A FLIGHT, see you soon, fellow traveler!!

Hi there, We’re thinking of doing the train journey from Fianarantsoa to Manakara again. Is the train still running? After that, we’re planning to go from Manakara to Fort Dauphin by 4x4. Thanks for any tips you can share!

Hello, After over 40 years of traveling, I’ve never used a driver-guide before. Given my age, this time I’d like to avoid being squeezed into a bush taxi. I’ve never rented a 4x4 but usually go for sedans. So, for my upcoming trip to Madagascar, I decided to hire a 4x4 with a driver. I contacted about ten agencies and guides listed in the GR, LP, and travel forums. The quotes I got for 20 days range from 6000 € to 1300 €, with or without fuel included. Most ask for either a full bank transfer upfront or a mobile wallet payment (30%, etc.) from France. Personally, I’d prefer to see the vehicle and the driver before making any payment. Also, I’d rather pay at the end of my trip. Is it possible to find a provider in Tana upon arrival for around 50 or 60 € per day, including fuel, with short notice, some flexibility in my itinerary, and without being forced to accept the dictates of agencies or drivers recommended on certain forums? Thanks for your replies.

hi, does anyone have any recent info on the condition of this RN6 route? roadworks? maintenance? and of course, about the two river crossings at Gué between Ambanja and Ambilobe on the Ifatsy and Mahavavy rivers (at the entrance to Ambilobe) condition of the ferries, possible start of work on the bridges (with the addition of Bailey bridges) any info after the rainy season, meaning after April 2025 thanks

hi there

I’ll be in Antalaha in October and need to get to Maroantsetra. I’ve heard it’s possible by boat, but I can’t find any info about it. So I’m wondering if I’ll have to arrange something with local fishing boats or something else, and whether it’s a risky trip since the sea can get rough on Madagascar’s east coast. Has anyone done this before, or just know anything about it? What do you think?

Hi everyone, My friend and I are heading to Madagascar in March, and we were wondering if it’s possible to bring some cash and top up once we’re there (specifically in Tana). Is it worth exchanging money if euros are accepted everywhere? Thanks for your always super helpful tips on VF!

Hi there, How do you get from Tamatave or Foulpointe to Sainte Marie Island? We’re heading to Madagascar from July 16 to 29, 2025. How many days should we stay to explore the area? What’s there to do in Tamatave, Foulpointe, or Sainte Marie Island? What should we visit? Thanks everyone!

hi, I'm thinking of going to Madagascar at the end of the year. Can you recommend a decent hotel in Diego? Thanks in advance for your reply. alex

Hi, I’m taking the Cotisse bus soon to go to Antsohihy, so the route is Tana-Majunga with a stop at Antanambaza. How long does it take to get to Antanambaza? Should I leave at 6:30 PM or 7:00 AM? Considering I’ll probably need to find a hotel while waiting for a *taxi be* to Antsohihy, I’d rather not arrive in the middle of the night. And since I’m asking—does anyone have a hotel recommendation in Antanambaza? Also, can you find a seat on a *taxi be* mid-route?

Thanks! !

Hi everyone, We’re heading to Madagascar for a month at the end of June with the family. Our itinerary takes us to the East: Tana, Andasibe, Pangalanes, Tamatave, Mahambo, Sainte Marie; then up North to Sambava, Vohemar, and finishing in Diego Suarez. One question that’s been on our minds a lot is about money and payments. We’ve seen some discussions on this forum, but they didn’t answer all our questions.

We have two Visa credit cards from two different banks. The banks are aware of our trip and shouldn’t block the cards. One card is from the Caisse d’Épargne, which has international options that avoid fees. We’ll likely use this card as our primary, and the second one will be a backup (since the fees are higher for that one).

We’ve heard that few shops and hotels accept card payments—is that accurate?

Several hotels seem to accept wire transfers to a Euro account, as some have asked for a deposit that way. The exchange rate offered is often poor, though (e.g., 1 € = 4,500 Ar)—is this negotiable?

Of course, we’ll bring some Euros in cash to exchange, but we don’t want to carry too much money on us. If we exchange Euros at a bank, is the wait long?

Once the cash runs out, we’ll need to withdraw from ATMs, but we’ve heard it can be a challenge—ATMs max out at 400,000 Ar, and the wait at the counter can be very long if we need more. Have you observed the same?

Is there also a way to pay using smartphone apps? Someone mentioned TapTap Send or Sendwave, and I’ve also seen the Orange Money app. Is one or more of these options reliable and widely used? I imagine this could be useful for many payments and help avoid burning through the cash we withdraw too quickly.

Are we missing any other practical solutions?

Thanks for your help! Julien

I'm heading to Nosy Be (Madagascar) this coming October. This is my very first visit to this part of the Indian Ocean. I'd like to know if it's better to bring my bank card and withdraw cash from ATMs there, or if it would be preferable to bring cash in euros or dollars and exchange it for the local currency upon arrival. Thanks! /D

Hi there, I’m looking for info on whether it’s feasible to travel the Pangalanes Canal by boat from Toamasina to Manakara. I know the canal is poorly maintained with some sections that aren’t navigable. This is my 5th trip to Madagascar. Thanks for any tips!

Hi everyone, Everything’s in the title: what are the options for getting from M. to M.? By *boutre* (traditional sailboat), I know, if you’re not in a hurry. Is there a coastal track between Mahajanga and the Tsingy? Meaning, can you reach Bekopaka by track without going back through Tana? Thanks.

Hi everyone! I’ve put together an itinerary for Madagascar and would love to get your feedback if you can help—thanks!

December 6–9: Antananarivo 3 nights, sightseeing Andasibe-Mantadia National Park Rova of Antananarivo (Ambohimanga Fort) Lemurs’ Park

December 9–11: Fianarantsoa, 2 nights Ranomafana National Park

Ambalavao, December 11–13, 2 nights Andringitra National Park

December 13–15: Ranohira or Ilakaka, 2 nights Monkey Canyon visit Isalo National Park

December 15–18: Tulear, 3 nights Reniala Reserve visit Beach time, possible diving Antsokay Arboretum Ifaty Forest

December 18–19: Full day—take a flight to the capital and stay overnight Then on December 19, take the bus to Morondava

December 19–23: Morondava, 4 nights Kirindy Mitea National Park Avenue of the Baobabs Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

12:30-hour bus ride from Morondava to the capital

Antananarivo, December 23–24 11:30-hour trip from the capital to Mahajanga

Mahajanga/Majunga, December 24–27, 3 nights Ankarafantsika National Park visit

Ambanja District, 3 nights December 27–30 Tsaratanana Nature Reserve visit Maromokotro trek

Nosy Be Island, December 30–January 7, 2026, 8 nights diving, beach time, relaxation, walks, hiking, snorkeling

Antsiranana, January 7–11, 4 nights Ambavanibe Bay visit Montagne d’Ambre National Park

Return to the capital for a flight home or a 28-hour bus ride

1 or 2 nights in Antananarivo depending on the return trip

January 13: Departure for France Arrival in Paris, France the next day

Hi everyone, I’m heading to Madagascar in December 2025 and I’d like to know the one-way fare without checked baggage—just cabin luggage—from Tamatave/Toamasina to Saint-Denis on Réunion Island, please. Also, how many days a week are there connections, and how long does the trip take? Thanks!

I’d also like to know about the route between Réunion Island and Mauritius: where does it depart from, how much does it cost, and on which days are there connections? Thanks in advance!

Best regards,

Hi, Can you tell me if it's possible to exchange money in cities other than the capital or some domestic airports, and should I prioritize banks or exchange shops? Thanks in advance

Hi there, Could you recommend any reputable local agencies for a driver with a vehicle to travel along the RN7 from Tana to Tulear with stops? Or alternatively, a driver you’ve personally "hired" for your trip? Thanks! Xavier

It’s been 15 years since I last went to Sainte-Marie. I used to stay at the Hôtel Les Baleines—it was pretty basic, but I get the feeling things have improved since then. If anyone has good recommendations for hotels, rentals, scooters, or tuk-tuks, I’m all ears!

hey everyone, I’m planning a trip in July: I’d like to take a minibus from Tana to Mahajanga, then continue on to Antsohihy and Narinda Bay, take time to explore the area (Nosy Lava), and then head back down to Mahajanga if possible by boutre or, if not, by the track if it exists. Just to clarify, I’ve got a bike and all the time in the world. Has anyone done this or have any info? Thanks in advance!!