A little more
Madagascar.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to Madagascar: what to know before you go

Madagascar, the world's fourth-largest island, lies in the Indian Ocean off south-east Africa and is home to wildlife found nowhere else, from lemurs to chameleons and baobab trees. It suits nature lovers and adventurous travellers who are prepared for long, slow journeys on rough roads in exchange for some of the world's most unusual landscapes.

Where to go

• Avenue of the Baobabs. Near Morondava on the west coast, a dirt road is lined with towering Grandidier's baobabs.
• Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. A few hours east of Antananarivo, this rainforest is home to the indri, the largest living lemur, whose eerie call carries for kilometres in the morning.
• Tsingy de Bemaraha. A UNESCO World Heritage Site in the west where limestone has eroded into a forest of razor-sharp pinnacles.
• Isalo National Park. A sandstone massif in the south-west with canyons, natural swimming pools and grasslands.

Best time to visit

The dry season from April to November is the best time to visit: roads are more passable, and western parks such as Tsingy de Bemaraha are open. September to November is particularly good for wildlife, with lemurs active and babies born.

Staying online in Madagascar

Mobile coverage is reasonable in Antananarivo, larger towns and along some main roads, and 4G is available in the capital and tourist hubs like Nosy Be. Large parts of the island, including many national parks, the west coast tracks and the far south, have weak or no coverage. Hotels and lodges in tourist areas usually have Wi-Fi, but it can be slow and depends on power supply. Download offline maps and guides before you travel. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land in Antananarivo.