2 Weeks in Madagascar

What You Should Know Before Going On A Madagascar Tour

Is Madagascar Safe?

Madagascar, overall, is safe for travelers but certain precautions should be taken into consideration when visiting here. Madagascar is a developing country and also very poor. Due to this, when visiting major cities, you will see lots of people asking for money. Although this is not necessarily a safety concern, it is something that should be noted.

You should also be careful when wearing or displaying valuable items. There are thieves who target tourists. Always be mindful of your belongings when traveling through busy streets. It should also be noted that when you are taking a guided tour, these issues are always taken into consideration which alleviates the stress of safety.   

Madagascar Luxury Tours

Contrary to popular expectations, there are multiple opportunities for both premium tours and luxury tours in Madagascar.

One way to see the rugged, undeveloped landscapes of Madagascar without sacrificing any comfort is by cruise. Free of concerns about running, bugs, and having to unpack multiple times,  a cruise is a great way to explore the island in its entirety.

There are also several tours which stay in high-end, exclusive hotels, with every modern comfort and fantastic views. On these sorts of trips, you are not only guaranteed amazing lodging and meals -- you will also have the chance to fully experience Madagascar. For example, you may go scuba diving in the aqua waters of the Mozambique Channel or the Indian Ocean, or take a river cruise up the Pangalanes Canal.

Volunteering in Madagascar 

Madagascar is one of the 12 poorest countries in the world, and first time visitors are usually shocked by this and the country’s environmental conditions. As has become a trend over the years for those visiting Africa, many tourists have questions about giving toys to children in Madagascar. If you are motivated to give back, there are a couple ways you can do so.

Firstly, in regards to giving directly to children, there are pros and cons. While it is one good way to make sure that your gifts reach their target, it is better to think about the long term impact of your gift. Giving colored pens, pencils, and paper is a good way of still giving a “toy”, but inspiring creativity and potentially helping a child in school. Basic goods we take for granted, such as clean socks and simple bulk T-shirts,  will also be greatly appreciated.

There are also several charitable organizations you can donate to that will distribute money in the local community. Some examples of these include the Access Madagascar Initiative, Blue Ventures, and Conservation International.

Madagascar Tours and Safaris

Tours of Madagascar usually have a strong emphasis on its unique and mystifying wildlife which delights tourists and ecologists alike. Madagascar’s points of interest include Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, Isalo National Park, spiny forests, Ranomafana National Park, and scouting lemurs in Anja Reserve. Madagascar has such a rich and diverse terrain making no destination boring.