Flight to Madagascar: Plane tickets to Madagascar

Madagascar in a few words

Before diving into the key information for your trip to Madagascar, let’s start with a brief introduction. Madagascar, an island located in the Indian Ocean about 400 km off the coast of East Africa, is the fourth largest island in the world. With an area of 587,041 km², it is home to around 28 million people. The official language is Malagasy, although French is also widely spoken. The island is renowned for its unique biodiversity, with 90% of its flora and fauna being endemic — including lemurs and baobabs. Madagascar also has a rich culture and a history shaped by both African and Asian influences.

Practical information

Required documents:

A passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
For stays under three months, an entry and residence visa is required.
A printed copy of your electronic ticket. Without this document, you may be denied entry by Malagasy authorities.
A return or onward ticket.
Proof of accommodation (hotel name, rental address, etc.)

Since January 1, 2016, a tourism tax of €10 must be paid by all foreign nationals entering Madagascar.

Information regarding customs and immigration formalities is provided for reference only. Corsair cannot be held responsible if you are not compliant with the authorities' requirements.

To prepare for your trip, we recommend visiting the website of the Madagascar Tourism Office.

Good to know

No vaccinations are required for your trip to Madagascar.

Once there

Store hours

In Madagascar, opening and closing times vary depending on the type of business and the region. Shops and supermarkets generally open between 8:00 am and 9:00 am and close between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm, Monday to Saturday. Local markets are often open daily from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Banks operate from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm on weekdays, with shorter hours on Saturdays. Restaurants and cafés have more flexible schedules, typically opening early and closing late. Artisan shops usually open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, though this may vary.

Transportation

On the island, visitors can use various means of transportation. Bush taxis — shared minibuses — are common for intercity travel. In large cities, low-cost urban taxis are widely available. Rickshaws (pousse-pousse), pulled by hand, are popular for short distances. Roads can be in poor condition, so renting a car — especially a 4x4 — is recommended for off-the-beaten-path journeys.

Safety

The country’s social, political, and economic context can occasionally lead to security concerns. Without giving in to alarmism, it's wise to follow some basic precautions for a smooth trip.

Avoid displaying signs of wealth.
Do not carry all your cash with you while moving around.
If you need to travel at night, always take a taxi, even for short distances. Avoid going out on foot after dark.
To protect against mosquitoes and the risk of malaria and chikungunya, bring preventive medication and repellent, and keep your arms and legs covered.

We also recommend visiting the France Diplomatie website for more information.

Services

Banks and administrative offices are open from 8:00 am to 11:00 am and from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

Holidays and celebrations

January 1st: New Year's Day
March 29th: Uprising Day
May 1st: Labor Day
May 25th: African Unity Organization Day (OAU)
June 26th: Independence Day
August 15th: Assumption Day
November 1st: All Saints’ Day
December 25th: Christmas

Not to be missed

Upon arriving in Tananarive (Antananarivo), the capital of Madagascar, you’ll be struck by the city’s energy and its spread across 18 hills. Explore the Upper Town and discover its traditional architecture and the old districts of Faravohitra or Andohla, while enjoying breathtaking viewpoints. The Zoma market is also a vibrant gathering place where everything is sold—from fruits and vegetables to meats, spices, clothing, and fabrics.

Parks and gardens
In the heart of the city, stroll through the Ambohijatovo Garden, a green oasis in Antananarivo. The Tsimbazaza Zoological and Botanical Park, which spans 27 hectares, is a must-see for its vast collection of endemic plants and animals, including the famous lemurs. The park also includes a zoo, an arboretum, and museums of paleontology and ethnology. You’ll be amazed by a reconstructed skeleton of an elephant bird over 3 meters tall! The Independence Park, with its green spaces and historic monuments, is a popular spot to relax. Finally, the Antaninarenina Garden, with its shaded paths and fountains, is the perfect escape right in the city center.

Monuments
The capital of Madagascar is rich in historic and cultural landmarks. The Queen’s Palace, a symbol of Madagascar’s royal heritage, is a must-visit, featuring a wooden palace, royal tombs, and a temple. Perched on the city’s highest hill, it also offers magnificent views. The Andohalo Cathedral, with its neo-Gothic architecture, is an important place of worship and a testament to Christian influence. The war memorial at Lake Anosy honors Malagasy soldiers who died during the world wars. Lastly, the Ambohitsorohitra Palace, a former presidential residence, is a majestic example of Malagasy architecture. From the hilltops of the capital, you can admire the old colonial houses painted in a rainbow of colors.

Must-See Attractions

Museum

Established in 2013, the Madagascar Photography Museum is a true window into the past. Featuring digitized photographs taken on the island between 1860 and 1960, the museum showcases Madagascar’s photographic heritage and encourages the Malagasy people to reconnect with their history.

Across the island of Madagascar

Madagascar offers a wealth of must-see attractions that captivate visitors with their natural beauty and cultural richness. Isalo National Park, known for its dramatic rock formations and deep canyons, is a hiker’s paradise. Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, famed for its salt lakes and baobab trees, offers truly unique landscapes. These iconic trees can grow up to 30 meters tall and 5 meters wide. Visit the Avenue of the Baobabs in the Menabe region to witness these giants, some over 800 years old and affectionately called "renala," meaning "mother of the forest" in Malagasy.

Dreaming of paradise beaches? Head to Nosy Be, an island with a tropical climate. Diving enthusiasts will be thrilled, while others can relax under the sun on soft white sands. On the east coast, Sainte-Marie Island offers a prime location to observe humpback whales, who use its calm waters as a birthing ground.

In the island’s central region lies the farming town of Ambositra. There, you can spot zebu cattle and shop for souvenirs handcrafted by local artisans.

Blue Penny Museum et autres vues de l Ile Maurice

Gastronomy

From Land and Sea
Malagasy cuisine beautifully combines ingredients from both land and sea. Spices, pepper, and vanilla have made the island world-renowned.

Local Specialties
Romazava is the national dish, made with zebu meat and “brèdes mafana” — a type of tangy spinach.
Another iconic dish is Ravitoto, prepared with pounded cassava leaves and pork.
Just like neighboring islands Réunion and Mauritius, Malagasy people love Achard — a traditional dish made from fruits and vegetables pickled in vinegar.
Unsurprisingly, rice is a staple and served with nearly every meal in Madagascar.

Beverages
Soursop, passion fruit, mango, lychee, and tamarind juices are common across the island. Adventurous drinkers may try ranon’ampango — a traditional beverage made by adding water to the crusty bottom of a rice pot.

Culture

Music and Dance
The whole country seems to sing and dance: from birth to death, and even beyond, life is filled with songs, rhythms, and chants. Music and dance are essential ways to connect with the spirits of the ancestors.

"Mora-Mora – Living in the Present"
This saying encapsulates the Malagasy philosophy of life; it's a way of living that everyone is expected to follow, emphasizing calmness and patience in daily life.

Taboos and Prohibitions
Known as "fady", these cultural taboos are deeply rooted in Malagasy traditions and are closely tied to the veneration of ancestors.

Climate

Two main seasons
On the island of Madagascar, there are two distinct seasons: the dry season, which lasts from April to October, and the rainy season, from November to March. During the dry season, temperatures can reach up to 30°C.

Travel to Madagascar with Corsair

For a trip to Madagascar, choose Corsair airline. Specializing in long-haul flights, the airline offers flights to Madagascar from Paris-Orly and 22 cities across France thanks to its Train + Air service.

Corsair offers turnkey travel with its Train + Air package. This service allows you to depart directly by TGV from your city, reach the Massy TGV station, and then take a short shuttle ride to Orly Airport. From your train departure to your flight, only one ticket is needed with Corsair.