Budget
How much does a trip to Madagascar cost?
The capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo—nicknamed Tana—surprises visitors with its vibrant energy, rich heritage, and bustling markets. Nestled among rolling hills, surrounded by nature reserves, and offering a fusion of culinary delights, a week is enough to soak in its one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
Here’s an overview of the budget for a trip to Madagascar.
The Corsair Flight to Madagascar
Set off to discover Madagascar with complete peace of mind thanks to a Paris–Antananarivo flight starting from around €700 per person, round trip (all taxes included).
By choosing the Business or Premium Class, you’ll enjoy maximum comfort: spacious seats, personalized service, and a travel experience designed to turn your flight hours into a true moment of relaxation.
For two travelers, plan a total budget of about €1,400 (all taxes included)—an excellent opportunity to experience the Malagasy adventure in the best possible conditions, right from the moment you arrive.
Getting Around
In Antananarivo, traffic can be quite dense, but transportation options remain easily accessible.
City taxis, costing between €2 and €5 per ride, are a convenient way to move from one neighborhood to another without any hassle.
To explore the surroundings, car rental costs around €40 per day. It’s an ideal solution for enjoying comfort and freedom, while avoiding the stress of local driving thanks to the chauffeur services often included.
Over the course of a week, plan for a budget of around €70 for two people, combining city rides and short excursions.
Accommodation
Madagascar offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget — from the thrifty traveler to those seeking premium comfort.
Budget Stay
For travelers on a tighter budget, you’ll find plenty of guesthouses and small family-run hotels in Antananarivo and other major cities. Prices start at around €15 to €25 per night for a simple yet comfortable room.
Choose central and secure neighborhoods like Antaninarenina or Isoraka, which make it easy to get around while staying close to restaurants and shops.
Comfortable Stay
With a slightly higher budget of €40 to €70 per night, you can enjoy 3-star hotels offering greater comfort: spacious rooms, air conditioning, and sometimes even a small swimming pool.
In a city like Antananarivo, it’s best to opt for hotels in the Ambatobe or Ivandry districts, known for being quieter and safer, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. In the provinces, look for establishments with a power generator and hot water — two essentials in Madagascar.
Luxury Stay
For a truly luxurious experience, expect to pay €120 or more per night in 4- or 5-star hotels. These establishments often feature pools, spas, lush gardens, and top-quality service.
In a warm country like Madagascar, especially along the coasts (Nosy Be, Ifaty, Sainte-Marie…), having a pool is a real plus after a day of exploring. High-end seaside resorts are perfect for combining comfort, safety, and relaxation.
Corsair’s advice:
Always choose accommodations with good reviews from other travelers.
Check the proximity to restaurants and shops for greater convenience.
During the hot season, a pool is a definite advantage — even in mid-range hotels.
Meals and Local Flavors
Malagasy cuisine is generous and full of character—an unmissable experience during any trip to Madagascar. For travelers on a budget, local markets and neighborhood snacks are excellent options. At the Analakely Market in the heart of Antananarivo, you can enjoy, for just a few euros, zebu skewers, crispy samosas, or the famous koba, a traditional dessert made with rice, peanuts, and honey. In small local eateries, you’ll often find vary amin’anana, rice cooked with greens, or mokary, a grilled rice cake perfect for a quick snack. For under ten euros per person, you can savor a simple, authentic meal while soaking up the lively atmosphere of the capital.
For a more comfortable stay, several traditional restaurants offer the chance to taste the country’s signature dishes in a pleasant and friendly setting. At Chez Mariette, an institution in Antananarivo, you can indulge in ravitoto, a slow-cooked pork stew with pounded cassava leaves, or romazava, a fragrant broth made with meat and vegetables. La Varangue, with its refined atmosphere, serves a creative blend of Creole and Malagasy cuisine—perfect for combining culinary discovery with a quality dining experience. In these establishments, a meal costs between twelve and twenty euros per person, an affordable budget to enjoy hearty and traditional dishes.
For a more upscale experience, Madagascar also offers gourmet restaurants known for their elegance and creativity. Le Carré, famous for its fusion cuisine, skillfully blends local flavors with international influences. Le Glacier, a landmark in Antananarivo, features a varied menu in a lively setting—ideal for a sophisticated dinner or a romantic evening. At these venues, prices start around twenty-five euros per person, but the culinary experience, ambiance, and refinement of the dishes fully justify the expense.
By combining street food, traditional meals, and a few gourmet experiences, two people should plan to spend between thirty and sixty euros per day on food—roughly 210 € to 420 € for a week. This allows you to fully enjoy the rich diversity of Malagasy flavors while tailoring your expenses to your preferences, whether you’re traveling on a budget, in comfort, or in luxury.
Activities and Discoveries
A trip to Madagascar is, above all, an immersion into a rich culture and breathtaking landscapes. In Antananarivo, your journey begins at the Rova of Manjakamiadana, also known as the Queen’s Palace, perched atop the city and offering stunning views over the capital. Entry costs around €4 per person, with guided tours available at a small extra fee. The Tsimbazaza Botanical and Zoological Park is another worthwhile stop to understand the country’s unique biodiversity, with admission at €5 per person. About twenty kilometers from the city, the Lemurs’ Park allows visitors to see several lemur species in a lush green setting for around €10 per person. Both the Avenue of Independence and the Analakely Market can be explored free of charge, offering total immersion in Malagasy daily life. For a more peaceful stroll, Lake Anosy, surrounded by jacaranda trees, provides a quintessential Antananarivo panorama and requires no entrance fee.
Beyond the capital, the country reveals its most beautiful natural treasures. On the northern coast, Nosy Be remains a must-see destination, with Andilana Beach considered one of the finest in the country—free to access and perfect for enjoying turquoise waters. On the eastern coast, Sainte-Marie Island charms visitors with its lagoons and the chance to spot humpback whales between June and September—an excursion averaging €50 per person when organized with a local guide. Further south, near Tuléar, the Ifaty beaches invite relaxation and water activities such as snorkeling and diving, starting at €20 per person, depending on equipment and duration. These coastal getaways perfectly complement a cultural trip with moments of seaside relaxation and exploration.
For a one-week stay, it’s reasonable to plan a leisure budget of between €150 and €200 for two people, covering entrance fees, guided visits, and a few excursions such as whale watching or snorkeling trips.
A trip to Madagascar—whether focused on cultural discovery, nature exploration, or seaside relaxation—remains both accessible and flexible. The country offers the perfect balance of authenticity, escape, and unforgettable experiences, all adaptable to a variety of budgets.
Overall Estimated Budget for a Trip to Madagascar
A round-trip flight costs around €700 per person, or €1,400 for two, depending on the season and ticket availability. On site, getting around in and around the capital will cost approximately €70 for two for the week, combining city taxis and a few car rentals for excursions.
Accommodation varies depending on the desired level of comfort. For a budget-friendly stay, you can stay in guesthouses or simple hotels for around €120 per week for two. For a comfortable stay in a three-star hotel or with a few extra amenities, plan for around €280 for two. Finally, for a high-end stay in a 4- or 5-star hotel with a pool and premium services, expect to spend around €800 for two for the week.
For activities and sightseeing, plan a budget of around €150 to €200 for two, including entry to the Rova of Manjakamiadana (€4 per person), Tsimbazaza Park (€5 per person), Lemurs’ Park (€10 per person), as well as some seaside excursions like snorkeling or whale watching (€20 to €50 per person depending on the activity).
Combining these different expenses, the total budget for a one-week trip to Madagascar for two people is approximately between €1,740 and €2,970, depending on the chosen level of accommodation comfort, the number of paid activities, and the travel season. This budget allows you to fully enjoy the country, from cultural discoveries and nature excursions to relaxing moments on the beaches.
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