Grand tour of Madagascar in 45 days

Answer: A comprehensive Grand Tour covering Madagascar’s main regions ideally takes about 6 to 7 weeks (roughly 45 days), as in the example itinerary above. This allows you to travel without rushing and to fully enjoy each destination. However, you can certainly adapt the trip duration to your schedule. For example, a shorter tour of 3 or 4 weeks could focus on a few key regions rather than the whole country. Mada Tours Guide offers flexible, modular tours. Keep in mind that Madagascar is huge and road travel is slow; it’s wise not to cram too much into a short time. We’re happy to advise you on the minimum time needed based on the places you want to see most.

Answer: Generally, the dry season from April to October (which is the austral winter in Madagascar) is the best time for a Grand Tour. During this period, weather conditions are most pleasant across the country: very little rain, plenty of clear skies, and moderate temperatures. (Expect warm, but usually not oppressively hot, days on the coasts, and cooler nights in the highlands especially in June-July.) If whale watching in Sainte-Marie is on your list, plan for July, August, or September, which is the peak time to see humpback whales migrating and calving.

Answer: The cost of a 45-day trip can vary widely based on your preferences. Key factors include the number of travelers in your group, the level of accommodations you prefer (simple lodges vs. deluxe hotels), how many domestic flights you include (to cut down on driving time), any special activities (like diving, private excursions), and whether you have a dedicated guide/driver throughout.

As a ballpark figure, for an all-inclusive 6-week tour, you might budget around $4,100 to $5,850 per person (approximately, at current exchange rates). This would typically include accommodations, most meals (half-board or full-board), private road transport with driver, local guides and park fees, and possibly a couple of internal flights (depending on the package). International airfare to Madagascar is not included in this estimate. 

Answer: Yes, absolutely! The Grand Tour itinerary can be enjoyed by families with kids as well as older travelers, and we can customize the pace to make sure everyone is comfortable. The sample 45-day itinerary is actually designed with a family-friendly rhythm : notice that we avoid extremely long drives (most driving days are about 4 hours or less of road time) and include multiple nights in one spot to allow for rest (e.g. 4 nights on Nosy Be, 4 on Sainte-Marie, 3 in Isalo, etc.). There’s also some flexibility built in with free days to relax.

Answer: Packing smart is important, since you’ll encounter a variety of climates. Here’s a checklist of essential items and clothing:

• Lightweight warm-weather clothing: Pack breathable cotton or quick-dry garments for hot days on the coast (T-shirts, shorts, light pants, sundresses). It will be warm to hot in lowland areas and on beaches.
• Warmer layers: The highlands (like Antananarivo, Antsirabe) and some nights in June–August can be cool (as low as 50°F/10°C at night). Bring a light sweater or fleece, a windbreaker or light jacket, and long pants. Dressing in layers is key since temperatures can vary in one day.
• Good walking shoes: You’ll want comfortable sneakers or lightweight hiking shoes for walking in national parks (traction is important on trails and on the Tsingy!). Additionally, pack a pair of sandals or flip-flops for the beach and when relaxing at lodges. If you plan to do any longer treks, consider hiking boots, but for most travelers sturdy sneakers are sufficient.
• Swimwear & snorkel gear: Definitely bring a swimsuit (or two) for all the swimming opportunities. If you own a snorkel and mask and have space, bring them. Don’t worry if you can’t pack these; gear is usually available to rent on site.
• Sun protection: The Malagasy sun is strong, even during winter months. Pack a wide-brimmed hat or cap, polarized sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen (water-resistant is best). If you’re sensitive to sun, a lightweight long-sleeve shirt or rash guard for snorkeling is a good idea too.
• Bug protection: Mosquitoes and other insects are present, especially in the evenings and in rainforest/coastal areas. Bring a good tropical insect repellent (with DEET or picaridin) and consider also packing mosquito coils if you like to sit outdoors at night. It’s also wise to have long pants and socks for evenings, plus perhaps a light scarf to cover neck/shoulders from bites.
• Personal meds & first aid: Pack a basic travel first-aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic, motion sickness tablets (if you’re sensitive on curvy roads or boat rides), anti-diarrheal medication (just in case), pain relievers, and any prescription medications you need. It’s not easy to find specific medicines once you’re outside major cities, so best to bring them. Don’t forget personal toiletries (though hotels provide basics) and a small supply of tissues/toilet paper for road stops.
• Rain gear: In the dry season you won’t see much rain, but a light rain jacket or poncho is smart to have, especially if visiting rainforests like Ranomafana (which can have showers anytime). A compact travel umbrella can be useful too.
• Day pack & security: Bring a daypack or backpack for daily excursions to carry your water, camera, snacks, and sunscreen. A money belt or neck wallet is recommended for securing your passport, credit cards, and cash, as you’ll be on the move a lot. Hotels are generally secure, but it’s good practice to keep valuables on you or locked in your main bag.
• Miscellaneous: A headlamp or flashlight (very handy for night walks, finding your way to your bungalow after dark, or in case of the occasional power outage). Extra batteries or a portable charger, since some remote lodges run on limited generator hours. A camera or smartphone to capture those amazing landscapes (plus a dry bag or ziplocks to protect electronics from sand and rain). And perhaps some entertainment for downtime: a book, download movies on a tablet, a travel journal, or playing cards.

Answer: For a stay of this length in Madagascar, you’ll need a tourist visa. Madagascar offers visas on arrival at the international airport in Antananarivo. For visits up to 60 days, the visa currently costs about €40 (approximately $45) per person (payable in cash in euros or US dollars). The process at the airport is straightforward : you’ll fill out a form, pay the fee, and they’ll issue the visa sticker in your passport. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip and has some blank pages. It’s also a good idea to carry a printed copy of your return flight itinerary, as immigration officers may ask for it.

On the health side, there are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Madagascar (unless you are coming from a country with Yellow Fever, in which case proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is needed). That said, it’s strongly recommended to be up to date on routine vaccines such as tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap), polio, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), and hepatitis A. Many travelers also opt to get a typhoid vaccination and Hepatitis B if they haven’t already, for added protection.