Madagascar Tours & Guided Trips in 2026

Madagascar has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season runs from November to April, with the heaviest rainfall occurring during the months of January and February. The dry season is from May to October, and there tends to be barely any rainfall during this time period. The average annual temperature tends to float around 29°C (84.2°F) all year round, with highs of 32°C (89.6°F) and lows of 25°C (77°F).

The best time to visit Madagascar tends to be during the dry season, which runs from May to October. These months offer more pleasant weather, making it a great time to explore the country’s unique landscapes and wildlife. While the wet season (November to April) can make some areas inaccessible, the landscapes almost look their best at this time, so it’s an ideal time to come if you’re looking to enjoy some photography.

Tipping isn’t expected in Madagascar, though it is very much appreciated and is an important source of income for those within the tourism industry. The usual ballpark figure is around 10% for good service in restaurants and other hospitality venues. If the service is exceptional, then go for 15-20% instead. You can use this guideline for staff on your tour if you'd like to show appreciation: * CEO: USD $25 per person, per week * Driver: USD $2-3 per person, per day * Local guides: USD $1-3 per person, per couple of hours * Supply crew: USD $1 per person, per day * Hotel porters: USD $1 per person, per day

Internet access in Madagascar is steadily improving, though it still has a way to go. You can expect ok Wi-Fi and internet access in the capital Antananarivo and in other major towns. However, in rural areas, expect access to be limited or even non-existent.

Yes — you’ll find ATMs in Madagascar, especially in major towns and cities like Antananarivo. Most accept Visa cards, but it's a good idea to check with your bank before you travel to avoid any issues with your cards and to see if you’ll be charged withdrawal fees. If you’re heading out into rural areas, it’s a good idea to carry cash with you, as ATMs are much harder to find.

Even though same-sex relations are technically legal in Madagascar for those aged 21 and over, the reality is that it’s not the most LGBTQ+ friendly place in the world. Attitudes here are still fairly conservative here, so it pays to be discreet here — particularly in rural areas. As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment. While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our [LGBTQ+ travel page](https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/lgbtq-travel/).

The official language of Madagascar is Malagasy, which is spoken by the majority of the population within Madagascar. There are various different dialects too depending on where you are on the island. French is also widely spoken, and English is spoken by some of the population too — particularly in areas frequented by tourists.

No — the tap water here isn’t safe to drink. We’d recommend only drinking bottled water wherever you are within the country, which is cheap and readily available for purchase. Please note however that all drinks provided on our tours are safe to drink (including drinks with ice), as well as the water in most hotels and restaurants visited on tour. If in doubt, please ask your CEO for further info.

Madagascar is generally pretty safe, and most visits here are trouble-free. That being said, petty crime and tourist scams do exist here, and you should be careful at night, particularly in towns and cities. Take a taxi if you’re moving about after dark. G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our [travel safety page](https://www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/). ### Rwanda