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Is Madagascar safe? An honest guide for visitors
Short answer
Most visits to Madagascar are trouble-free, especially on the well-travelled RN7 route with a driver-guide. The real risks are petty theft in Antananarivo and larger towns, robberies on some remote roads at night, poor road safety, and health issues such as malaria. Check your government's travel advice before you go.
The real risks
Petty theft in towns
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in Antananarivo, around Analakely market and in crowds. Keep phones and cameras out of sight and carry only what you need.
Night travel
There have been robberies on some remote roads after dark, and roads are unlit and full of people, carts and zebu. Never drive at night; plan to arrive before dark.
Walking after dark in Tana
The capital is not safe to walk at night. Use your hotel's taxi or a trusted driver.
Unlicensed guides and agencies
Book drivers through licensed agencies with good reviews, and use official park guides at the national parks.
Road safety
Long, winding and potholed roads with trucks. Wear seatbelts where fitted and agree rest stops with your driver.
Cyclones and floods
From December to March, cyclones and heavy rain can cut roads and cancel flights. Follow local warnings and keep spare days.
Areas and times to take care
Antananarivo needs the most care: the crowded streets around Analakely market by day and almost anywhere on foot at night. Toliara and other larger towns also see petty theft. Rural parks and lodges along the RN7 are generally calm, but avoid walking away from lodges alone after dark. For remote regions, follow your government's current advice.
Getting around safely
A car with a driver-guide from a licensed agency is by far the safest way to travel. Taxi-brousse minibuses are cheap but crowded, slow and have a poor safety record. In Tana, use hotel taxis. Domestic flights (Madagascar Airlines) are often rescheduled, so reconfirm the day before. Avoid all road travel at night.
Solo and women travellers
Women do travel alone in Madagascar, usually with a driver-guide, which makes things much easier. Expect attention and curiosity, dress modestly in towns and villages, avoid walking alone after dark, and choose agencies and guides with strong reviews. Lodges along the RN7 are used to independent travellers.
Health, water and heat
Do not drink tap water; use bottled or treated water. Malaria is present in many areas, especially on the coasts, so ask a travel clinic about prevention, and use repellent and nets. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be needed if you arrive from certain countries. Medical care outside Antananarivo is very limited; travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential. Highland nights are cold in July and August, and leeches are common in wet rainforest.
Official travel advice
Check your government's advice before you travel — it is updated when things change.
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Common questions
Is Madagascar safe for tourists?
Most visits are trouble-free. Watch for petty theft in Antananarivo and towns, never travel by road at night and use a licensed driver-guide.
Is it safe to walk in Antananarivo?
By day in the centre, with care around Analakely market. After dark, use a hotel taxi rather than walking.
Do I need malaria tablets for Madagascar?
Malaria is present in many areas, especially the coasts. Ask a travel clinic about prevention for your route before you go.