Madagascar with Kids: Our Tips for an Epic Adventure

Last Updated on January 28, 2026

15 years ago, Alberto and I traveled all over Madagascar on our honeymoon, and the Red Island completely blew us away. Wild and rugged, it was the most unspoiled and pristine country we’d been to. Now that we’re living in Cape Town, we decided it’s time to return and show our daughter one of our favorite countries in the world. But we were admittedly a little nervous. Would it be the same? Is the magic still there? 

As it turned out, we had nothing to worry about. Madagascar honestly hasn’t changed too much in the last decade, in the best way possible. It’s held onto its raw, rugged soul: the roads are still an adventure in themselves, the Baobabs stand tall against the same unpolluted starry skies, and the pace of life is still dictated by the sun. 

Madagascar is the rawest, most rewarding adventure you can give a child, but it definitely comes with its challenges with political instability and poor infrastructure. Planning a trip here can be tricky for independent travelers. With that in mind, I’ve written this article to share our experience with families who are looking for an epic adventure with their little ones.

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Our Guide to Madagascar with Kids

The Honest Truth of Traveling Madagascar with Kids

Is Madagascar suitable for families? Yes, but with a major caveat. To be brutally honest, Madagascar is a masterclass in patience for little ones (and us!). The Malagasy philosophy of “mora mora” (slowly, slowly) is how things usually work in the country. Lunch can sometimes take 90 minutes to arrive, or find yourself roasting on a riverbank at Bekopaka for three hours because the car ferry simply won’t leave until it’s full. It is gritty, dusty, and demanding.

It is also wildly unpredictable. We actually traveled Madagascar during the recent military coup (when major protests took place and the President was ousted). While we were incredibly lucky and weren’t affected, we had friends who were tear-gassed and caught in the riots, and some were stranded in Nosy Be for days because domestic flights were suddenly canceled due to curfews. Infrastructure here hangs by a thread, and political or logistical shifts can upend your itinerary in seconds. 

I only recommend Madagascar for seasoned traveling families who come with a flexible schedule and an open mind. If you can look past the logistics, the rewards are unmatched. For animal-loving kids, this island is nothing short of magical – with wild lemurs roaming freely in ancient forests, fossas hunting for prey in the bush, and chameleons crossing the roads. The wildlife here is so distinctive and accessible that the entire trip is a real-life biology lesson. If you can handle the chaos, your kids will leave not just with resilience, but with memories of an unreal natural world.

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Is it Safe to Travel Madagascar with Kids?

Understandably, safety is the number one question we get, especially regarding the political instability and the military coup of October 2025. We were hesitant too, but we stayed outside the center of the capital and transferred directly from the international airport to a domestic flight, and didn’t have any issues at all. 

In reality, the protests were heavily concentrated in the capital, Antananarivo (Tana), and around government administrative centers. The tourist regions — specifically Western Madagascar (Morondava) and the North (Nosy Be) where we went — remained peaceful. We never felt unsafe in the countryside.  

In terms of general safety, Madagascar has always been one of the safest countries in Africa to visit. Violent crime against tourists is rare, but petty theft exists. The biggest danger is actually the roads (which are in poor condition) and medical access. In remote areas like the Tsingy de Bemaraha, you are days away from a hospital. You must be vigilant about health and safety rules.

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Which Ages Would Enjoy it Most?

Madagascar is a place to go for adventure, not a resort holiday. I honestly wouldn’t recommend visiting with a baby or toddler especially if you need access to formula milk, supplements or medical stuff that might not be easily available there.

Preschoolers who aren’t used to long road trips might struggle with the dusty roads of Western Madagascar – the drives between Morondava and the Tsingy are long (8+ hours), bumpy, and hot. However, if you stick to the Nosy Be archipelago, toddlers will be in heaven. The water is warm, shallow, and calm, and the lemurs in the sanctuary parks are gentle enough for a 3-year-old to marvel at.

The real sweet spot, we found, is for children aged 8 to 14. At this age, they have the patience for the travel days and stamina for the hikes, and can understand the uniqueness of the animals. Our 10-year-old daughter felt like Indiana Jones crossing the suspension bridges in the Tsingy de Bemaraha. She loved seeing lemurs in the wild, and having them jump on her shoulders at Lemuria Land. 

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Can You Travel Madagascar Independently?

Yes it’s absolutely possible. For the first half of our trip (in Western Madagascar), we hired a driver and 4×4 from our friends at Remote River Expeditions, whom we traveled with on our honeymoon 15 years ago. Gary, the owner, is a genuinely great guy who lives in Morondava and truly cares about Madagascar. Most people hire a guide too, but we didn’t feel it was necessary. Our driver Flori was amazing – he spoke some English and he was fun and positive, always making sure we felt comfortable and that we were enjoying the trip. 

We booked all the lodges ourselves but choices are limited and the good ones can be very expensive – for instance we wanted to stay at Akiba Lodge as it was the nearest lodge to the Avenue du Baobabs but the rustic hut with no a/c or fan cost us US$300/night. We also met a few backpackers who were traveling on their own – they stayed mainly in Morondava and booked day trips to see the Avenue du Baobab etc. You can save a lot of money that way but you might not see or experience as much. 

For the second half of our trip, we spent a week on the island of Nosy Be. We didn’t hire any guide or driver – we just hired tuktuks (easily available outside our hotel) to explore the island. We also booked day trips to neighboring islands through MadaAssist, an online tour operator that finds the best prices for tours and lets you book through WhatsApp. We had an amazing time on Nosy Sakatia and Nosy Komba through the tours we booked on MadaAssist.

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Things to Do in Madagascar with Kids

Madagascar is a playground for nature lovers. It blends Jurassic Park landscapes with Caribbean-style beaches. Here are our absolute favorite experiences.

Watch the Sunset at the Avenue of the Baobabs (Morondava)

This is the bucket-list item and an absolute highlight for our family. The Avenue du Baobab is a public dirt road lined with massive Adansonia grandidieri trees that look like roots sticking into the sky. It feels like an event – where hundreds of people gather to see the sun splash its golden rays across the baobabs. There’s an open-air bar right at the start of the avenue (the only change we’ve seen at this spot), where you can get ice-cold beer and warm samosas. 

Pro Tip: It gets crowded at sunset. Some people go at sunrise (we didn’t as our daughter would kill us haha!) Our guide told us that if you get here at 5:30 am, it’s cool, quiet, and you can run down the dirt road without dodging jeeps. 

Cross the Suspension Bridge in Tsingy de Bemaraha

Located a grueling but scenic drive from Morondava, the “Stone Forest” is unlike anywhere else on earth. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a vast “stone forest” of razor-sharp limestone pinnacles, formed by millions of years of groundwater erosion into a labyrinth of grey needles. It is an absolute must-visit because nowhere else on Earth offers this specific blend of adrenaline and biology (you may have heard of the Kunming Stone Forest in China but we’ve visited and it cannot be compared to the Tsingy). Tsingy de Bemaraha is made up of the Petit Tsingy, a small area that can be seen in half a day, and the Grand Tsingy.

Kids and adults both alike will enjoy climbing the rock pinnacles – though the little ones might need some help. There’s no minimum age requirement but I wouldn’t recommend bringing kids under 6 years old. That said, your entrance fee includes a local guide who will make sure your child is climbing safely. Our daughter loved the clip-on hike and her favorite part was crossing the swaying suspension bridge over a jagged abyss!

Pro Tip: The “Grand Tsingy” hike involves wearing a harness and clipping into cables (Via Ferrata).  If your kids are too small for the Grand Tsingy, the “Petit Tsingy” circuit is fantastic. It’s an easy 1-2 hour scramble where you still see the rock formations and even Sifaka lemurs without needing a harness. I highly recommend one of these Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park tours.

Look for Fosas and Lemurs in Kirindy Reserve

To break down the long drive between Morondava and the Tsingy de Bemaraha, we stayed a night in the Kirindy Forest. It is one of the only places to spot the Fosa (remember the villain in the Madagascar movie?) and there are a lot of wild lemurs that live here. We started with an amazing night walk where the forest came alive with the glowing eyes of the nocturnal Grey Mouse Lemur. 

The next morning, we did a morning hike and our guide spotted a family of Brown Lemurs high in the trees and suggested we pour some of our water into an empty giant snail shell on the ground. To our absolute amazement, the entire family cautiously descended, eyes wide and curious, to drink right in front of us. It was a moment of pure joy, and it made the dusty, bumpy journey to the West completely worth it.

Swim with Giant Turtles on Nosy Sakatia

After the dust of the west, we flew to the north and took a day trip to the island of Nosy Sakatia, just off the coast of Nosy Be. The seagrass beds here attract giant Green Sea Turtles. We aren’t talking about one or two turtles.

We are talking about massive, ancient creatures grazing in water that is only waist-deep. Our daughter put on her masks and floated right next to them. The turtles are entirely unfazed by humans. It was a magical, silent moment of connection with nature that beat any aquarium visit. If you dream of snorkeling through crystal-clear waters and swimming with giant turtles, consider booking the Nosy Sakatia Cruise for an unforgettable adventure.

Walk the Sandbar at Nosy Iranja

A major highlight of our time in Northern Madagascar was spending a day on the castaway island of Nosy Iranja. Often voted one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Nosy Iranja is actually two islands connected by a dazzling 1.5km strip of white sand that disappears at high tide. If you’re exploring northern Madagascar, be sure to take a day tour to the stunning Nosy Iranja.

The water is a color of blue that looks Photoshopped. We hiked up to the old lighthouse designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, the tower guy) for a panoramic view. Kaleya spent hours chasing crabs on the sandbar and playing in the gentle waves.

Smell the Ylang-Ylang and See Lemurs on Nosy Be

You can’t visit Nosy Be without understanding why it’s called “The Scented Isle,” and the best place to do this is at the sprawling ylang-ylang plantations right next to Lemuria Land. The two experiences are perfectly combined. First, you walk through the twisted, manicured trees of the plantation amidst a heavy, sweet floral scent. We visited the old distillery, which looks like a steampunk museum with its copper vats and wood-fired boilers, to see how they extract the essential oils that end up in high-end French perfumes (like Chanel No. 5!).

Right next to the distillery is Lemuria Land, which was a huge hit with Kaleya. The animals are thriving in a protected, semi-wild environment, and many aren’t afraid to get up close. The local guide at Lemuria brought some bananas with us, and that got the Black Lemur so excited it stood perched on Kaleya’s shoulders to eat the bananas. We saw everything from ancient Giant Tortoises (some over 150 years old!) to Panther Chameleons here. 

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When to Travel Madagascar with Kids

Choosing when to visit Madagascar is really important as the seasons determine whether the roads are accessible or not. January-March is the cyclone season and best avoided as high winds and torrential rains make certain roads impassable, flights are frequently canceled, and the risk of disease (like Malaria) spikes with the standing water. The Tsingy de Bemaraha is physically closed from November to April because it is literally unreachable.

May to October is the best time to travel to Madagascar as it’s dry season and the days are sunny and warm (around 25°C–30°C), which is perfect for hiking with kids. However, the Highlands (Antananarivo) get chilly in the evenings, so you will need fleeces and long pants for the start of the trip.We traveled in October, and the weather was already very hot. The mosquito population was manageable (though we still took precautions), and the wildlife viewing was at its peak.

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How Long to Travel Madagascar with Kids?

If there is one piece of advice I can give you, it is this: you need time to see this country. Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world — roughly the size of France, but without the modern highways to match. Looking at a map is deceptive: a 200km distance that might take two hours elsewhere can take eight hours here. Roads often deteriorate into potholed obstacle courses, bridges might be out, or you might get stuck behind a slow-moving zebu cart on a mountain pass. 

I recommend a minimum of 14 Days. Don’t try to fit everything in! To truly enjoy the rhythm of the country without spending your entire vacation inside a car, you need to slow down and focus on specific regions rather than trying to sprint across the whole map. You need to accept that travel days are long and exhausting.

The national motto is “mora mora,” which translates to “slowly, slowly.” You cannot rush Madagascar. A scheduled 4-hour drive can turn into 8 hours if a ferry engine stalls or the road has washed away. Domestic flights are notoriously often delayed or rescheduled at the last minute – never book an international flight home on the same day as a domestic connection.

Search for flights to Madagascar here ✈️

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Our 2-Week Madagascar Itinerary

For this trip, I think we did really well planning our itinerary – we moved at the perfect pace and didn’t feel too rushed or too relaxed. We focused on two main areas in Madagascar since we were traveling with our daughter. On our first trip, we definitely packed in a lot more and explored more of the country (also because we had three weeks there). Besides the Morondava area, we also explored Isalo National Park (highly recommended if you have time), Ifaty and Fort Dauphin. 

The Avenue du Baobabs and Tsingy de Bemaraha were our favorite parts, so we knew we wanted to return and see it again with Kaleya. And since we missed Nosy Be on our last trip, we included it in our itinerary and it turned out to be better than I’d expected! 

Here’s a summary of our Madagascar itinerary; I will be writing a detailed article on it next!

• Day 1: Arrive in Tana (Ivato Airport). Stay near the airport.
• Day 2: Explore Tana and Lemur Park.
• Day 3: Fly to Morondava. Long drive to Bekopaka (Tsingy). Cross two rivers by ferry.
• Day 4: Hike the Petit Tsingy and explore the Manambolo Gorge by canoe.
• Day 5: Hike the Grand Tsingy (for older kids) and relax.
• Day 6: Drive to Kirindy Reserve. Night Walk.
• Day 7: Morning Hike. Drive back to Morondava. Sunset at the Avenue of the Baobabs.
• Day 8: Explore the markets of Morondava and enjoy seafood.
• Day 9: Fly Morondava -> Tana -> Nosy Be.
• Days 10-11: Base yourself in Nosy Be. Take day trips to Nosy Sakatia, Nosy Iranja and Lokobe Reserve. 
• Days 12-13: Relax on Nosy Komba and swim alongside whalesharks. 
• Day 14: Fly Nosy Be -> Tana -> Home.

Here’s a map of my 2-Week Madagascar itinerary. Click to see it on Google Maps.

How to use this map: Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. To open a larger version in a new tab, click on the top right corner of the map. Star the map to save it to your own Google Maps.

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Getting Around Madagascar with Kids

By Car (Private Driver)

It’s highly advised not to drive yourself as the roads are really crazy. It’s often MORE expensive to hire a guide alone than with a driver included. For the first half of our trip, we hired a 4×4 with a driver from Remote River Expeditions (who also brought us around 15 years ago) who picked us up in Morondava. Our driver Flori was the best! Besides being so fun and energetic, he was also really good at his job. He helped another driver with engine problems and brought us to the best restaurants. 

By Plane

Domestic flights on Air Madagascar are the only way to hop between regions (e.g., West to North). Flying to Morondava from Antanarivo saved us 10-16 hours of driving. On our first trip there, we drove (stopping at places along the way of course) but it was brutal. 

But domestic flights in Madagascar aren’t cheap – we paid 223 euros per person for Antanarivo-Morondava return flights and 323 euros for Antanarivo-Nosy Be return flights. And Air Madagascar is notorious for delays and cancellations. Always book flexible international tickets to make sure you don’t miss your flight home.

Search for flights to Madagascar here ✈️

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Do You Need to Speak French to Travel Madagascar?

English is spoken in the high-end hotels in Nosy Be, but once you hit the road in Morondava or the villages, it is non-existent. Locals speak Malagasy, but French is the administrative language. We learned a few basic words in Malagasy and it went a long way: “Salama” (Hello in Malagasy), “Misaotra” (Thank you), and “Bonjour.” If you don’t speak French, download the Google Translate French dictionary for offline use. 

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Where We Stayed in Madagascar with Kids

Accommodation in Madagascar can be limited and they are either ultra basic or very high-end. If you’re looking for comfort, be prepared to spend quite a lot. We made it a point to book lodges with swimming pools as we know how hot it can get (and no matter how hard the travel day is, all is forgotten once you get into the pool!), so we ended up around $200-300/night at some lodges. 

Note that many of them don’t even take online bookings, so you need to email them. Luckily they all accept credit card payments on arrival. Nosy Be is the exception, where you can easily find comfortable hotels with good prices.

Morondava – Palissandre Côte Ouest

After coming back to Morondava on the dusty road trip through the tsingy, we were so glad we splurged on this hotel! It’s the best spot in town with individual bungalows right on the beach and two fantastic pools, and a great restaurant. Check rates here.

Tsingy (Bekopaka) – Soleil des Tsingy

Perched on a hill overlooking the Manambolo River, this hotel is also one of our favorites. The views at sunset are unbeatable and the pool is seriously MUCH needed after a sweaty day of hiking in the tsingy. They have big family rooms that are spacious and comfortable, with enough beds for a family of 4. Check rates here.

Kirindy – Akiba Lodge Marofandilia 

I’d first say we do not recommend this lodge as it’s way overpriced – we paid US$300/night for a very simple, rustic hut in the forest with no A/C or fan. Dinner, breakfast and a night walk was included. I understand that it’s a community-based project and it’s fully run by the villagers from Marofandilia, but I think they’ve crossed the line with the price. I would suggest booking Relais du Kirindy (which was full when we booked) instead as it has a pool and good food (we had lunch there twice).

Nosy Be – Loharano Lodge

After spending a week in Western Madagascar, we had a bit of a culture shock checking into this place, where Italian and French were spoken and most people seemed to be tourists on summer vacation. That said, the beach resort is new, affordable and beautifully designed with three tiered pools and a great restaurant. We were very happy with our room (right in front of the pool) and the food there, but didn’t quite like the location (a 20-minute drive from Hell-ville). Check rates here.

Nosy Komba – Manja Kely Lodge 

With beautiful, spacious wooden bungalows perched on the hills of Nosy Komba, this lodge is a huge contrast to Loharano. We only saw one other family when we stayed there; it was calm, quiet and stunning. There are no roads in Nosy Komba, so the only way to get here is by boat. We felt isolated here but we only stayed 2 nights, perfect to unwind in between snorkeling and diving trips. Check rates here.

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What to Eat in Madagascar with Kids

If you are worried that your children will go hungry because of foreign food, let me put your mind at ease: Malagasy food is surprisingly kid-friendly. Because the island’s culture is a unique blend of Southeast Asian and French influences, the cuisine feels surprisingly familiar. Malagsy food is not spicy and is often made up of seafood or meat and rice.

Malagasy Staples

• Vary: In Madagascar, rice (Vary) is eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Zebu: You will see Zebu cattle everywhere. It’s just beef, served as a steak or in a stew. A must-try is Zebu au Coco or Zebu à la Vanille — the vanilla adds a savory, aromatic richness that is delicious.
• Mine Sao: It is a Chinese-influenced stir-fried noodle dish with veggies and usually chicken or beef. It tastes exactly like a mild Chow Mein and is a guaranteed hit with children.
• Mofo: Keep an eye out for street stalls selling Mofo, which translates to “bread.” Mofo Baolina are sweet, fried dough balls (basically doughnuts) that make for an excellent road trip snack.
• Tropical Fruit: The fruit here is explosive in flavor. The small bananas are sweeter than candy, and the mangoes and pineapples are incredible.
• Fresh Juice: In lodges, the fresh juices (papaya, passion fruit) are amazing, but always ask for it without ice to avoid tummy troubles from the tap water.

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How to Keep Your Kids Healthy in Madagascar

Madagascar isn’t a destination where you can just pop into a pharmacy if your child spikes a fever. When you are deep in the Tsingy, you are hours away from a hospital with modern equipment. This means you need to be your own doctor and prepared for everything. 

Malaria is a problem in many parts, while Bilharzia (parasitic worms) is common in fresh water, meaning you can’t just let kids jump into every inviting lagoon or waterfall. The country sees seasonal outbreaks of the bubonic plague (though tourists are rarely affected, it is a reality of the healthcare landscape here). 

Here are the major things you need to manage:

• Malaria: Malaria is prevalent across the entire island, but the risk is significantly higher in the humid coastal regions like Nosy Be, Morondava, and the rainforests. The high-altitude capital of Tana has a lower risk. We did not take Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil) but we did bring a pack with us as an antidote just in case. We made sure to wear long sleeves and pants at dusk when the mosquitoes are most active and also sleep with mosquito nets.
• Hygiene: We’re not overly cautious, we drink only bottled water but we still brushed our teeth with tap water. Make sure to carry a fully stocked medical kit from home including pediatric rehydration salts and diarrhea medication. Dehydration hits kids fast in this heat, so having those salts on hand is a lifesaver.
• The Fierce Tropical Sun: On boat days to places like Nosy Iranja, the reflection off the white sand and turquoise water acts like a mirror. Sunscreen isn’t always enough; we highly recommend long-sleeved UV rash guards and wide-brimmed hats. 
• Medical Kit Essentials: In our standard medical kit that we bring on every trip, we pack liquid children’s paracetamol, antihistamines (for allergies), antiseptic cream for cuts (the coral can be sharp) and band-aid.

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How to Get Travel Insurance for Kids

We never, ever travel without comprehensive health insurance. For our digital nomad lifestyle, we’ve found SafetyWing to be the perfect fit. We’ve used it for years now. Their Nomad Insurance plan provides solid coverage and is specifically designed for people on the move. The biggest selling point for us is their family policy: one child under 10 per adult (up to two children per family) is included on your insurance for free. It’s a huge saving and gives us invaluable peace of mind.

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How to Stay Connected in Madagascar 

The biggest change we noticed in Madagascar was that Wi-Fi now works quite well in most hotels. They can be often slow (especially in the Tsingy) though so don’t expect to do video calls. 

I recommend buying an eSIM card before your trip. eSIMs are honestly the best thing invented – you no longer need to go to a physical store to buy a SIM and install it in your phone. I use Airalo, which offers affordable plans for Madagascar – I bought my 3GB Madacom eSIM for $18. You can get 1GB for just $7 or 10GB for $45. 

Check out Airalo’s eSIMs for Madagascar 📲

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Cost of Travel in Madagascar with Children

There is a common misconception that Madagascar is a budget destination similar to mainland East Africa. While street food and market shopping are incredibly cheap, it is always expensive to travel around a country that is remote and has poor infrastructure.

Here is a realistic breakdown of what we spent:

• Accommodation ($80 – $250+ USD per night):
  • Budget: You can find basic family rooms for $30-50, but with kids, we recommend spending a bit more for air-conditioning and mosquito nets that actually work.
  • Mid-Range: A comfortable family bungalow (usually a double bed + two singles) in places like Loharano Lodge averages $100-150 per night.
  • Luxury: If you want AC, a pool, and hot water 24/7, expect to pay $200+ per night. Search for accommodations in Madagascar here.

• Domestic Flights ($150-200 each way):
  This is the killer, as domestic flights are monopolised by Air Madagascar and airfares aren’t cheap. Expect to spend around $200-300 return for flights from Antanarivo to other parts of the country. Search for flights to Madagascar here.
• Food & Drink (The Saving Grace):
  Food is incredibly affordable and delicious (mostly French-Malagasy fusion).
  • Lunch: A plate of “Mine Sao” (fried noodles) or a zebu steak at a local eatery costs $4-6.
  • Dinner: A full family dinner at a nice lodge with drinks will rarely exceed $30-40 total.
  • Drinks: A large bottle of Eau Vive water is $1; a THB beer is $1.50.
• Activities & Fees:
  • Park Fees: National Parks charge entrance fees (roughly $10-15 per adult, less for kids) plus a mandatory guide fee (approx $10-20 depending on the circuit length).
  • The Ferries: Don’t forget small cash for the river crossings (approx $5-10 per crossing).
  • Tipping: Tipping is expected everywhere. Keep a pocket full of small notes (1,000 – 2,000 Ar) for porters, boat captains, and guides.
  • Guided Tours: Parks are best with a guide, often included in the entrance fee. I recommend checking GetYourGuide or Viator early to confirm availability for your dates, as popular tours tend to book up quickly.

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What to Pack for a Madagascar Family Trip

• Headlamps: Electricity cuts are common. Every family member needs a light.
• Power bank: To charge iPads/phones during long drives.
• Motion sickness pills: For the bumpy roads and the boat to Nosy Iranja.
• Quick-dry clothing: It’s humid. Cotton takes days to dry.
• Sturdy hiking shoes and sandals: Keens or Tevas are perfect for the Tsingy and wet landings on beaches.
• School supplies: If you want to give back, bring pens/notebooks to give to the village headman or school teacher. Do not give candy or money to begging children as it encourages them to skip school.

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Practical Tips for Traveling Madagascar with Kids

• Cash is King: Most places besides high-end hotels only accept cash. ATMs are rare outside big cities. Carry plenty of Euros or Dollars to exchange, or withdraw large bricks of Ariary in Tana. 
• The “Mora Mora” Mindset: Service in restaurants can be slow (1+ hour for food). Order before the kids are starving. Bring card games (Uno was our savior) for the wait times.
• Prepare for Poverty: Madagascar is one of the poorest nations on earth. You will see poverty. We had open conversations with our kids beforehand so they weren’t shocked. The local kids are incredibly friendly and will want to play — encourage your kids to join them!!

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Enjoy Your Trip to Madagascar Family Trip!

It’s not easy to travel in Madagascar, but it truly is one of the most unique and special countries in the world. There is just nowhere else on Earth like Madagascar with its one-of-a-kind lemurs roaming freely, interesting mix of African culture with Southeast Asian roots, and the rugged baobab-studded landscapes. Watching the sunset turn the Baobabs into silhouettes or hearing the call of the Indri lemur in the morning mist will be core memories for your children. It is wild, beautiful, and totally worth the effort. Veloma!

If you have any questions or want extra tips to perfect your itinerary, just drop a comment below. I’m always happy to help! You can also check out more of my articles on traveling around Africa to make your trip planning even easier:

• 12 Interesting Facts about Madagascar
• Life Along the Tsiribihina River, Madagascar
• Climbing Madagascar’s Stone Forest – Tsingy de Bemaraha
• Our 2-Week Garden Route Itinerary
• Living in Cape Town as a Digital Nomad Family
• The Best Destinations for Safari with Kids
• The Perfect 2-Week South Africa Itinerary
• 2-Week Egypt Itinerary
• Kenya with Kids

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