If you seek a vacation to experience unique biodiversity, try Madagascar. The beautiful island remains wild and largely untamed on your Madagascar trip.

In other words, you will experience biodiversity at the most natural level at the fourth largest island in the world. However, to enjoy the peak fun, there are few things you should know ahead of your Madagascar trip.

Here are the basics:

Safety Concerns

Madagascar has recorded a series of social unrest. Most of these situations are politically-influenced.

Luckily, since 2019, the beautiful island has recorded lesser political instability and violence. Nevertheless, be careful of areas and demonstrations that might lead to protests.

Some of the said areas include:

• Ambohijatovo
• Analakely
• Antananarivo
• Antaninarenina
• Fianarantsoa provinces
• Lac Anosy
• Military barracks
• Southern districts of Toliara

If you must go to the listed area, engage the services of professional guides.

About crime, Madagascar records a few criminal cases, unlike other regions in Africa. Nevertheless, be careful about how you display expensive and shiny items like jewelry.

Travel Requirements

Like most African countries, you can get visas at the airport. However, we will advise that you get it in your country ahead of your Madagascar trip – say 3weeks. Why?

Though unlikely, the operators could deny your entry into the country for various reasons. So, avoid such unpleasant experiences by getting your visa before traveling.

Either way, ensure that your passport has at least 6months of validity before your Madagascar  trip. Also, note that ATMs and credit card payments are rare around here.

In other words, bring enough money when coming. About that, you can expect to spend about $570 per week. That amount covers food and transport.

Also, convert your dollars (or other foreign currencies) on the black market. That way, you’ll get more value from your cash.

Health & Wellness On Your Madagascar Trip

Before your Madagascar trip, ensure you get the standard vaccination. Above all, prepare for mosquitoes; they live on the island in abundance.

Furthermore, it’s best to come with medicine to combat malaria or mosquito repellants. Else, you will buy the local Malaron.

Malaron is Madagascar’s answer to combating malaria. Unfortunately, the medicine can induce side effects such as diarrhea.

Furthermore, be extra vigilant about your routine wellness practices. Here is what we mean:

• Drink only bottled water and not tap.
• Wash your hand with an antibacterial soap.
• Avoid peeled fruits and ice cubes.
• Lastly, ditch meat from street vendors.

The People In Madagascar Trip

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. As such, average citizens live in unsavory conditions.

If you visit places like Avenue de L’independence area, know that the region is brimming with annoying merchants and beggars. And they would swarm to you.

That said, you might continually repeat “no.”

Nevertheless, the people can be quite friendly. If you could tip when you receive excellent service, that would be great.

Another thing is the language. Madagascar was once a French colony. So, the official language is french. Even at that, the tour guides understand English.

Be Wary Of The Lemurs

In particular, be wary of the ring-tailed lemurs. You will find them at reserves.

Perhaps you ask why. Well, these lemurs are thieves. Funny, huh?

The ring-tailed lemurs have grown familiar to tourists and their treats. Worse: they know when you take naps.

So, when you sleep, the lemurs come and steal your valuables. To avoid such incidents, always lock your windows.

We bet you never heard that lemurs steal. More exciting experiences await you in Madagascar. Come and see!