Madagascar Holiday Costs

Combining powder-white warm sands, rainbow-coloured coral reefs and unique whale-watching scenes with a host of rich and endemic wildlife, and astoundingly beautiful and rugged landscapes would bring you to Madagascar- the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean. Considerably off-the-beaten-track when compared to its Indian Ocean counterparts like Mauritius or Zanzibar, the Madagascar Archipelago offers all the makings of a paradisical beachside holiday without some of the usual drawbacks- overtourism, monotony, and nothing to do beyond tanning and snorkelling (although these are an option).

While the plenty shores of the main and surrounding islands cater perfectly to beach-bums and surfers, the mainland is home to a variety of national parks and mountainous terrains that make it a dream for wildlife enthusiasts- around 60 species of lemur, 285 bird species, and other iconic wildlife found nowhere else on earth. Catering to couples, families, and nature-lovers, Madagascar is truly a one-of-a-holiday destination that promises a memorable once-in-a-lifetime adventure. What does a holiday in Madagascar cost? Below we'll break down what a Madagascar adventure could look like, and the costs associated with it:

Types Of Holidays in Madagascar & Their Cost

Madagascar Holidays: What Are Your Options?

Madagascar provides a variety of diverse and truly enriching experiences, accommodations and for travellers. The cost of a Madagascar holiday will vary on factors such as your choice of accommodation and level of luxury, whether you want a private experience or a group experience, and seasonality. Where you choose to go will also significantly impact your travel costs, as more remote destinations often come with higher expenses due to the added time, effort, and logistics required for access.

More remote holiday destinations in Madagascar often require charter flights and the combination of several destinations will also have an impact, as will the type of holiday you embark on.

• Fly-in Holidays & Charters: Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo (often called “Tana”), serves as the primary gateway for international arrivals, with Ivato International Airport providing easy access to the rest of the island. From here, guests can connect to regional airports and airstrips or opt for private charters, which are a fantastic way to reach Madagascar's remote national parks, pristine beaches, and breathtaking nature reserves. Given the island's vast and diverse landscapes, flying is often the most efficient way to experience multiple regions on a single trip.
• Classic Safaris: A staple holiday sojourn typically comprises being escorted through parks such as Montagne d’Ambre, Andasibe-Mantadia, and Ranomafana National Parks by an experienced guide. This is usually an inclusive experience with your accommodation and will entail sharing a vehicle with other guests if you are a couple or small group, unless you opt to book a private vehicle (subject to availability).

How Much Does a Holiday Cost in Madagascar?

A holiday in Madagascar typically ranges from $500 to $4,500 per person per night based on double occupancy, depending on the season, location, and level of luxury. Entry-level options start around $500, while high-end stays on remote islands or exclusive lodges can exceed $4,000. Costs vary with accommodation, internal travel (like charter flights), and activities such as national park safaris, beach getaways, or cultural excursions. The below table breaks down costs for Madagascar holidays calculated per person per night sharing in both low and high season:

* Please note: all costings in this blog are to be considered guidelines and based on an average per person per night sharing rate.

Madagascar Accommodation & Associated Costs

Madagascar accommodation spans a delightful range, from rustic eco-lodges nestled in lush rainforests to luxurious beachfront hotels, resorts, and lodges that offer unparalleled comfort with breathtaking views of the ocean. For those seeking a slightly more authentic stay, Madagascar's range of charming guesthouses and oceanfront bungalows with thatched roofs provide the perfect Malagasy dwelling.

Madagascar Accommodations Prices

4 Star Comfort		4 Star Mid Range		5 Star Luxury
Low	High	Low	High	Low	High
€350.00 pps*	€400.00 pps*	€520.00 pps*	€600.00 pps*	€600.00 pps*	€800.00 pps*

* Please note: the above table contains pricing guidelines based on per person per night sharing basis during both high and low season.

How Does The Time Of Year Affect The Cost Of A Madagascar Holiday?

The best time to visit Madagascar ultimately depends on what you want to experience. The time of year can impact the cost of a Madagascar holiday. High season, from July to September, brings the best weather for beach escapes and wildlife sightings like whale watching, but also comes with higher prices and greater demand. Low season, from January to March, sees heavy rains and potential travel disruptions, but offers lower rates and fewer crowds. Shoulder months like April to June and October strike a balance between good value and rewarding wildlife experiences, including baby lemurs and active fossas.

If you're interested in rare wildlife sightings, October is a prime time to visit, as Madagascar's elusive fossa is active during its mating season, and baby lemurs can be seen in the forests. However, the low season from January to March is best avoided due to the heavy rains and cyclones, which can disrupt travel plans. That said, those willing to visit during this time can benefit from fewer crowds and lower rates.

Additional Costs to consider

It's important to note that ‘all-inclusive' may not be as comprehensive as you first expect. In Africa, and on holidays, that can mean a range of things and it's always worth clarifying what is not included. One of the first things to do is consult our blog on  visa free African countries for US citizens as that may tick off one of the boxes regarding associated costs already. What possible additional costs could you come across? Have a look at our list below:

• International flights / getting to the country – as a rule of thumb, consider this excluded
• Getting from place to place – internal transfers may be included with some accommodations; however, some others may be at your own cost. Charter flights are popular in Madagascar, but road transfers are available to several destinations.
• Vaccinations – certain destinations require vaccinations prior to arrival. These are excluded and you will need to contact your healthcare professional to ensure the requirements are met.
• Tipping is always optional but highly recommended. It's always worth carrying cash during your travels as it's the easiest way to go about this. Consult our tipping guide for more information.
• Personal and travel insurance
• Additional activities – anything beyond the standard inclusions at your accommodation, such as guided rainforest hikes, night walks to spot nocturnal wildlife, whale watching excursions, lemur trekking, or cultural village visits, may incur extra costs depending on the lodge and region.
• The exchange rate – international card payments will likely incur a small fee for paying in a different currency. Madagascar's national currency is the Malagasy Ariary, but other currencies, such as the US dollar and Euros, are widely accepted.

Should you wish to plan your next great adventure to Madagascar with the help and guidance of one of our Africa Safari Experts, get in touch and they will be able to advise you on all the above and ensure each of your transfers is organised ahead of time and occurs as seamlessly as possible.

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