You will fly to the capital city of Antananarivo (called Tana by locals) serviced by Ivato Airport (TNR). The main gateway cities are Paris, Istanbul, and Addis Ababa but you can check routes from your departure city on FlightsFrom here- https://www.flightsfrom.com/.
In 2024, the visa fees for stays in Madagascar remain consistent. For durations of 15 days or less, only border control formalities are necessitated, incurring a fee of €10.
Facilitate your visa application process by utilizing the official website: evisamada-mg.com.
Additionally, tourists have the option to obtain their visa upon arrival at the airport.
For stays lasting 16 to 30 days, the fee is $37 or €35. For durations spanning 31 to 60 days, the applicable fee is $45 or €40.
For the most up-to date conversion rate click here or download the app- https://www.xe.com/.
In Madagascar, the most commonly accepted credit cards are Visa and Mastercard. These cards can be used at major hotels, restaurants, and some larger businesses, particularly in tourist areas and larger cities such as Antananarivo, Nosy Be, and Antsirabe. However, it is important to note that many smaller establishments, rural areas, and local markets may not accept credit cards, so it is advisable to carry cash for such transactions.
Here are some tips for using credit cards in Madagascar:
1. Visa and Mastercard: These are the most widely accepted cards. It is less common to find establishments that accept American Express or other credit cards.
2. ATMs: ATMs are available in larger towns and cities, and they usually accept international Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards. Be aware of potential withdrawal limits and fees.
3. Inform Your Bank: Before traveling, inform your bank about your trip to Madagascar to avoid your card being blocked for suspicious activity.
4. Cash: Carry a sufficient amount of cash, especially when traveling to remote areas. The local currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA), and it's useful to have smaller denominations for everyday purchases.
5. Credit Card Security: Keep an eye on your card during transactions to avoid fraud. If possible, use cards equipped with chip technology for added security.
There are no required vaccinations to enter Madagascar. Malaria can be in issue in the rainy season
October is a great time to visit, but malaria is present year-round in Madagascar, particularly in rural and coastal areas. While the risk may vary depending on the region, it is generally advisable to take preventative measures.
Malarone (Atovaquone-Proguanil) is indeed one of the recommended options for malaria prevention. It is effective, well-tolerated, and requires only a short course (you start one or two days before entering the area and continue for seven days after leaving). Other options include Doxycycline and Mefloquine, but Malarone tends to have fewer side effects.
It’s important to consult your healthcare provider before traveling, as they can advise you on the best option based on your medical history and specific travel itinerary.
In addition to medication, I recommend using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing in the evenings, and sleeping under a mosquito net to further reduce your risk.
Madagascar has two plug types, types C and E. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type E is the plug which has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin. Madagascar operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.
To purchase an adapter/converter for your trip and see other travel accessories click here Travel Accessories
Before your trip, a Happy Ambassador will reach out to you about tipping our local guides. Plan to budget at least $100-$150. Happy Ambassadors are already compensated, the tip money will go to local guides.
In October in Madagascar, the average air temperature ranges from 87 °F during the day to 72°F at night. It’s a sub-tropical climate, so mostly hot and humid. Pack lightweight loose clothes in natural fabrics. Be sure to bring good walking shoes for touring and hiking, shorts, tshirts, sundresses, a pair of tights/jeans/joggers, a light jacket, swimwear and coverup, beach shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
We stay at 4 star properties throughout the trip.
Fresh seafood is a highlight of a visit to Madagascar, but meat is also available, as are excellent fresh vegetables and tropical fruits. Rice is the most common staple, with manioc available in the rural areas. The national dish is romazava, a meat and vegetable casserole, with banane flambe—peeled banana with white rum poured over it and set alight. Another favorite traditional dish is ravitoto, a pork stew made with manioc leaves and spiced with ginger. The beverage that goes with the meal is ranonapango—a drink made by burning rice and adding water to it.
Fresh baguettes and excellent coffee are available in most towns. Choose restaurants carefully, and stay out of those that appear less than sanitary. Antananarivo has a wide variety of international restaurants, among them several specializing in French, Indian or Chinese cuisines. The Hotel Colbert has an excellent French pastry shop. In season, NovemberFebruary, fruit is abundant: Lychees are the specialty of the east and mangoes of the west. The locally produced mango chutney and rum are quite good. Ranovola, a watery rice drink, is unique and worth a try. Red, white, rose and sparkling wines are produced in Fianarantsoa. In the north, trembo (fermented coconut juice) is popular.
Your airport transfers are included in the package.
Madagascar is a relatively safe place, but there is petty crime. As in other travel destinations, be aware of your surroundings and do not venture out alone at night.
For more information, please visit the State Department website here.
Travel Accessories to consider for your trip.
https://youcantstealmyhappy.com/travel-accessories/
Madagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island, is full of oddities and rarities. If you’re partial to lizards, for example, you’re in luck: You’ll find more than half the world’s species of chameleons there. You’ll also find more than some 70 species of lemur, a family of wide-eyed, long-tailed primates that are exclusive to this one island. Madagascar’s biodiversity also embraces some 220 endemic frog species, while more than half of the 210 breeding birds occur nowhere else in the world. And every year scientists discover new species of plants and animals in its deserts and forests.
While Madagascar is a nature lover’s dream, it’s still one of the poorest countries in the world— three-quarters of its 17 million people live on less than US$1 a day. Though warm, wet and fertile, the island produces barely enough to feed itself—one in 10 children there is chronically malnourished.
Politically, the situation in the country has improved since 2001, when a disputed election threw Madagascar into chaos. President Marc Ravalomanana is opening up the country to foreign investment and trying to stamp out corruption and bad governance after years of mismanagement. Plus, the 2005 animated film Madagascar generated a lot of worldwide interest in this country off Africa’s southeastern coast.
So there is hope for Madagascar, especially in the area of ecotourism. It has an exceptional variety of landscapes, from coral isles and virgin coastlines to baobab forests and craters. All of Africa has one variety of baobab tree, for example, and Madagascar has seven, as well as 19,000 species of plants—a world record.
However, Madagascar continues to face ongoing problems—flooding in early 2005, regular cyclones (in 2004, cyclones destroyed an estimated 120,000 structures, left 240,000 people homeless, and killed and injured scores more) and drought conditions in some areas. The country is also constrained by lack of infrastructure (there are only about 3,700 miles of constructed roads in a country the size of France). So although tourists are heading there in ever-increasing numbers, Madagascar still has a long way to go before it ranks as a top tourist destination.
Scientists believe the chunk of land that became Madagascar broke from Africa around 160 million years ago, together with the present-day Indian subcontinent, and it has been isolated from all other landmasses for at least 60 million years.
The island remained uninhabited by humans until around 2,000-2,500 years ago. It is not clear who first inhabited it, but oral tradition suggests that originally it was home to a group of pygmies known as the Vazimbas.
The island’s first settlers were Melanesians, who arrived in the sixth century. In succeeding centuries, Madagascar became an important link in the spice trade between Europe and Asia. African, Arab and European merchants visited the island, mixing with the descendants of Madagascar’s original Southeast Asian settlers.
In time, the island’s population split into more than a dozen tribes, the most powerful of which was the Merina,who ruled the central highlands. European and American pirates were a force in the early 17th century—they made the island a haven for those who plundered the merchant ships ferrying goods between Europe and Asia.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that Madagascar was united into one country by the king of the Merina. His administration ruled until 1883, when the French invaded the country and turned it into a protectorate. In the following decades, the French suppressed a number of uprisings by
the Malagasy, and Madagascar did not gain independence until 1960. Following the departure of the French, the island was controlled by a series of autocratic rulers who plundered the country and ruined its economy. The first free elections were not held until the 1990s.
In 2002, self-made millionaire Marc Ravalomanana swept into office as president after a disputed election with former incumbent Didier Ratsiraka. Ratsiraka was eventually forced out after eight months of demonstrations by supporters of Ravalomanana, whose dairy and oilproducts business is the largest non-foreign-owned company on the island.
Ravalomanana is trying to strengthen the economy, by introducing free-market reforms, as well as diversifying diplomatic ties away from former colonial master France.
A high plateau separates the rain forests of Madagascar’s eastern coast from the savannah and dry forest of the western plains. At its extremes, the northern tip of the island is tropical and humid, while some parts of the arid southwest receive only 2 in/5 cm of rain a year.
Outside the capital Antananarivo (almost always abbreviated as Tana) and the central plateau region, Madagascar is sparsely populated, with approximately 17 million people living in small, scattered villages. In general, clans descended from Indonesian and Malay settlers inhabit the highlands, and those of African stock live in the western coastal regions.
There are no required vaccinations to enter Madagascar. Malaria can be in issue in the rainy seasonOctober is a great time to visit, but malaria is present year-round in Madagascar, particularly in rural and coastal areas. While the risk may vary depending on the region, it is generally advisable to take preventative measures.Malarone (Atovaquone-Proguanil) is indeed one of the recommended options for malaria prevention. It is effective, well-tolerated, and requires only a short course (you start one or two days before entering the area and continue for seven days after leaving). Other options include Doxycycline and Mefloquine, but Malarone tends to have fewer side effects.It’s important to consult your healthcare provider before traveling, as they can advise you on the best option based on your medical history and specific travel itinerary.In addition to medication, I recommend using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing in the evenings, and sleeping under a mosquito net to further reduce your risk.ELECTRICAL PLUGSMadagascar has two plug types, types C and E. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type E is the plug which has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin. Madagascar operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.To purchase an adapter/converter for your trip and see other travel accessories click here TIPPINGBefore your trip, a Happy Ambassador will reach out to you about tipping our local guides. Plan to budget at least $100-$150. Happy Ambassadors are already compensated, the tip money will go to local guides.WEATHER & WHAT TO WEARIn October in Madagascar, the average air temperature ranges from 87 °F during the day to 72°F at night. It’s a sub-tropical climate, so mostly hot and humid. Pack lightweight loose clothes in natural fabrics. Be sure to bring good walking shoes for touring and hiking, shorts, tshirts, sundresses, a pair of tights/jeans/joggers, a light jacket, swimwear and coverup, beach shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.ACCOMMODATIONSWe stay at 4 star properties throughout the trip.DININGFresh seafood is a highlight of a visit to Madagascar, but meat is also available, as are excellent fresh vegetables and tropical fruits. Rice is the most common staple, with manioc available in the rural areas. The national dish is romazava, a meat and vegetable casserole, with banane flambe—peeled banana with white rum poured over it and set alight. Another favorite traditional dish is ravitoto, a pork stew made with manioc leaves and spiced with ginger. The beverage that goes with the meal is ranonapango—a drink made by burning rice and adding water to it.Fresh baguettes and excellent coffee are available in most towns. Choose restaurants carefully, and stay out of those that appear less than sanitary. Antananarivo has a wide variety of international restaurants, among them several specializing in French, Indian or Chinese cuisines. The Hotel Colbert has an excellent French pastry shop. In season, NovemberFebruary, fruit is abundant: Lychees are the specialty of the east and mangoes of the west. The locally produced mango chutney and rum are quite good. Ranovola, a watery rice drink, is unique and worth a try. Red, white, rose and sparkling wines are produced in Fianarantsoa. In the north, trembo (fermented coconut juice) is popular.TRANSPORTATION & SECURITYYour airport transfers are included in the package.Madagascar is a relatively safe place, but there is petty crime. As in other travel destinations, be aware of your surroundings and do not venture out alone at night.For more information, please visit the State Department website INTRO, HISTORY & GEOGRAPHYMadagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island, is full of oddities and rarities. If you’re partial to lizards, for example, you’re in luck: You’ll find more than half the world’s species of chameleons there. You’ll also find more than some 70 species of lemur, a family of wide-eyed, long-tailed primates that are exclusive to this one island. Madagascar’s biodiversity also embraces some 220 endemic frog species, while more than half of the 210 breeding birds occur nowhere else in the world. And every year scientists discover new species of plants and animals in its deserts and forests.While Madagascar is a nature lover’s dream, it’s still one of the poorest countries in the world— three-quarters of its 17 million people live on less than US$1 a day. Though warm, wet and fertile, the island produces barely enough to feed itself—one in 10 children there is chronically malnourished. Politically, the situation in the country has improved since 2001, when a disputed election threw Madagascar into chaos. President Marc Ravalomanana is opening up the country to foreign investment and trying to stamp out corruption and bad governance after years of mismanagement. Plus, the 2005 animated film Madagascar generated a lot of worldwide interest in this country off Africa’s southeastern coast. So there is hope for Madagascar, especially in the area of ecotourism. It has an exceptional variety of landscapes, from coral isles and virgin coastlines to baobab forests and craters. All of Africa has one variety of baobab tree, for example, and Madagascar has seven, as well as 19,000 species of plants—a world record. However, Madagascar continues to face ongoing problems—flooding in early 2005, regular cyclones (in 2004, cyclones destroyed an estimated 120,000 structures, left 240,000 people homeless, and killed and injured scores more) and drought conditions in some areas. The country is also constrained by lack of infrastructure (there are only about 3,700 miles of constructed roads in a country the size of France). So although tourists are heading there in ever-increasing numbers, Madagascar still has a long way to go before it ranks as a top tourist destination.Scientists believe the chunk of land that became Madagascar broke from Africa around 160 million years ago, together with the present-day Indian subcontinent, and it has been isolated from all other landmasses for at least 60 million years.The island remained uninhabited by humans until around 2,000-2,500 years ago. It is not clear who first inhabited it, but oral tradition suggests that originally it was home to a group of pygmies known as the Vazimbas.The island’s first settlers were Melanesians, who arrived in the sixth century. In succeeding centuries, Madagascar became an important link in the spice trade between Europe and Asia. African, Arab and European merchants visited the island, mixing with the descendants of Madagascar’s original Southeast Asian settlers. In time, the island’s population split into more than a dozen tribes, the most powerful of which was the Merina,who ruled the central highlands. European and American pirates were a force in the early 17th century—they made the island a haven for those who plundered the merchant ships ferrying goods between Europe and Asia. It wasn’t until the 19th century that Madagascar was united into one country by the king of the Merina. His administration ruled until 1883, when the French invaded the country and turned it into a protectorate. In the following decades, the French suppressed a number of uprisings by the Malagasy, and Madagascar did not gain independence until 1960. Following the departure of the French, the island was controlled by a series of autocratic rulers who plundered the country and ruined its economy. The first free elections were not held until the 1990s. In 2002, self-made millionaire Marc Ravalomanana swept into office as president after a disputed election with former incumbent Didier Ratsiraka. Ratsiraka was eventually forced out after eight months of demonstrations by supporters of Ravalomanana, whose dairy and oilproducts business is the largest non-foreign-owned company on the island. Ravalomanana is trying to strengthen the economy, by introducing free-market reforms, as well as diversifying diplomatic ties away from former colonial master France.A high plateau separates the rain forests of Madagascar’s eastern coast from the savannah and dry forest of the western plains. At its extremes, the northern tip of the island is tropical and humid, while some parts of the arid southwest receive only 2 in/5 cm of rain a year.Outside the capital Antananarivo (almost always abbreviated as Tana) and the central plateau region, Madagascar is sparsely populated, with approximately 17 million people living in small, scattered villages. In general, clans descended from Indonesian and Malay settlers inhabit the highlands, and those of African stock live in the western coastal regions.
Robert Hearn
My name is Robert, and I am one happy dude! Having travelled to 90 plus countries I discovered long ago that a smile is the same in every language. My brand, You Can’t Steal My Happy, was conceived in 2011 when I was visiting in the US Virgin Islands. While waiting to catch a ferry from St John to St. Thomas, I was treated to some island drama. A local had just been evicted from his home and he decided to let everyone know just how he felt about it. Using a black can of spray paint, he graffitied “You Can Steal My House, But You Can’t Steal My Happy” on the building. I certainly don’t condone this behavior, but his message struck me as very powerful. I decided at that moment, I would remind everyone that they have 100% control over their happy- no person, situation, or thing can steal it!
The images on my apparel will hopefully inspire you to get out in play in this world that I call my playground. If you are up for some adventure then join us on a life changing happy tour to one of our exciting destinations. I hope you will join the “You Can’t Steal My Happy” movement by showing the world your smile.
Madagascar 
