The below information is provided to inform people of what to expect if they participate in this tour and to advise participants on how to prepare for the tour. We try to provide accurate information but conditions and travel requirements can change over time.

Entering Madagascar

Persons entering Madagascar require a valid passport with an expiration date more than 6 months after their planned departure from the country. Citizens of most countries including the US, Canada, UK, and the European Untion require a visa to enter Madagascar for stays longer than 15 days. For shorter stays an administrative fee of €10 is charged at the airport.

Time Zone

Madagascar is in East Africa Time zone. It is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time or 30:30 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Immunizations & Health

Please contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding health issues and immunization requirements when traveling in Madagascar.

All travlers should be up to date with routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, variccla (chickenpox), and polio vaccines along with yearly flu shot. Yellow fever immunization is required for visitors who have visited a country with yellow fever risk within 6 months of arrival in Madagascar. See your travel doctor for specific recommendations at least 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Medical Facilities

Medical facilities are available in urban areas but not in more remote areas. Private clincis and centers offer specialized services but can be expensive for travelers.

Insurance

We recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance, which will reimburse you for any non-refundable payments you would otherwise lose if you must cancel your participation in the tour for some unforeseen reason. Trip cancellation insurance must normally be purchased within a short time after you register for the tour. Travel medical insurance is advisable, especially for those with chronic or known medical conditions.

Altitude

Coastal areas are low elevation, with highlands reaching 5900 ft in the central interior.

Climate

The best time for birding Madagascar from October-December. The hot-wet season is from November to April. The cool dry season is from May to October. The best plan is to bird the arid southwest in October and the rest of the country in early to mid-November when birds are most active.

Pace

The pace of birding tours in Madagascar varies from easy to moderate. Tours usually require a reasonable amount of walking, which can be somewhat strenuous in the highlands. Some easy bushwhacking is typical in Ranomafana National Park.

Birding is best in early morning and late afternoon, so some days begin shortly after first light around 6:00-6:30 am. Breakfasts may be earlier, around 5:00-6:00 am. We may stay out after dark looking for nightjars and owls on some nights before dinner. Because we awake early, participants typically retire to their rooms immediately after we complete dinner and checklists for the day.

Accommodations

We stay in moderately priced hotels with comfortable accommodations when available. Some lodges are more rustic in remote areas. Lesser visited very remote areas require tent camping. These are noted on tour itineraries when applicable.

WiFi

WiFi is available in some hotels but not others. When available, it may only be accessible in common areas and not in the rooms. Some hotels offer fast internet access, but others can be slow.

Food

Madagascar food is a blend of southeast Asian, African, and European cuisine. Rice is the foundation of most meals. Meat can be beef, chicken, or fish.

Transportation

Land transport generally requires 4x4 vehicles. Primary roads are generally in good condition but more remote roads can be very rough and slow going. Some roads become impassable in rainy season.

Registration & Payment

Please refer to the REGISTRATION menu for registration procedure. Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended as payments may be partially or wholly non-refundable. See the POLICIES menu for our refund policy.

Additional Information

General information about the tour, including where to meet the group and contact information, will be sent by email or US mail prior to departure. Checklists will be provided at the beginning of the tour. Additional information about our policies can be found on the REGISTRATION menu above. Please feel free to call us at 206-650-3425 or email us with any questions you may have.

Information last updated November, 2025.

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFO
(Not on Menu Above)

• Country Map
• Accommodations
• Photos from Past Tours
• Travel Information

BIRDING LOCALES

• Andohahela National Park
• Berenty Reserve
• Fort Dauphin