Why visit
Madagascar split from the continents 88 million years ago and kept its own cast: lemurs, baobab avenues, and the limestone needles of Tsingy de Bemaraha. Distances are huge and roads are slow, so itineraries need discipline.
Country - Africa
Madagascar
natureadventurebeach
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Madagascar works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Antananarivo as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Madagascar.
At a glance
Location
-20.0°, 47.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
587,041 km²
226,658 mi²
Country population
30.3 million
52/km²
Subregion
Eastern Africa
Currency
Malagasy ariary (Ar)
MGA
Dial
+261
Languages
French, Malagasy
Demonym
Malagasy
Internet
.mg
UN
Member state
ISO code
MG / MDG
Where in the world
-20.0° - 47.0°
Madagascar
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Madagascar separated from mainland Africa ~160 million years ago: ~90% of its wildlife exists nowhere else.
- The island hosts all of the world's lemurs: more than 100 species, all endemic.
- The Avenue of the Baobabs is one of Africa's most photographed landscapes: the trees can live 2,500+ years.
Traveler notes
- The Avenue of the Baobabs at sunset is the national postcard
- Andasibe is the easiest park for indri, the largest lemur
- Internal flights save days; the RN7 road trip south is the classic route
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Antananarivo, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Verify swim safety, ocean conditions, and water-quality reports by month.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Madagascar
What is the capital of Madagascar?
Antananarivo is the capital of Madagascar.
What currency does Madagascar use?
Madagascar uses the Malagasy ariary (Ar), ISO code MGA.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar?
The primary languages are French and Malagasy.
Is Madagascar landlocked?
No, Madagascar has a coastline.
What is the international calling code for Madagascar?
The calling code is +261.
When is the best time to visit Madagascar?
Apr–Nov. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other Africa destinations
Eritrea
Eritrea's capital Asmara is a UNESCO-listed time capsule of Italian modernist architecture, and the Dahlak Archipelago holds nearly untouched Red Sea reefs. Independent travel is tightly controlled and permits are required outside Asmara.
Eswatini
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) packs rhino tracking in Hlane, the Malolotja highlands, and a living monarchy's ceremonial calendar into one of Africa's smallest countries. It slots neatly into a South Africa road trip.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a rare destination where culture travel still feels like discovery. Rock-hewn churches at Lalibela, the Danakil Depression, the Simien mountains, and a food scene centered on injera and coffee ceremonies.
Gabon
Gabon keeps almost 90 percent of its land under forest and made 13 national parks in one stroke in 2002. Loango is the famous one: forest elephants and buffalo walking ocean beaches, plus surfing hippos in the right season.
Gambia
The Gambia is a river with a country around it, and West Africa's easiest first stop. Atlantic beach resorts near Banjul, river trips past Kunta Kinteh Island, and more than 500 recorded bird species in a country smaller than Connecticut.
Ghana
Ghana is West Africa's most accessible introduction: the slave forts of Cape Coast and Elmina, Kakum's canopy walkway, Ashanti culture around Kumasi, and Accra's music and food scene.