Travelling Madagascar With Kids

October 20, 2026

Travel advisory: Since October 2025 Madagascar has been governed by a transitional administration, and elections are not expected before 2027. The US State Department’s Level 2 rating calls for increased caution, and it sets Level 3 (reconsider travel) on six areas, among them the RN34 between Miandrivazo and Malaimbandy and the Menabe region south of Morondava. The UK FCDO does not advise against travel, but it reports armed highway robbery at night, attacks on isolated beaches and violent demonstrations, and it recommends avoiding taxi-brousse. Kidnappings are reported in the capital and nearby towns, often in daylight. With children, keep to daylight, hire a driver-guide or recognised operator, and keep every day short. Read gov.uk and travel.state.gov , and check entry rules before you fly, particularly if you connect through Nairobi.

Most family time in Madagascar goes on watching animals, and the best outings are short, guided and close to roads. Plan one activity a day, pack for heat and rain, and expect long drives between regions. The list below runs from the gentlest outing to the ones that suit older children.

Easiest first day: Lemurs’ Park

Lemurs’ Park is about 22 to 25 km from Antananarivo on the RN1 toward Ampefy. A naturalist guide takes each group along a stone-step trail for up to about 1.5 hours, passing seven lemur species. The route ends at an open-air vivarium with chameleons, tortoises and lizards, and there is a terrace and restaurant. The park opens daily from 08:00, with last reception at 16:00. The ticket is 75,000 Ar for an adult and 30,000 Ar for ages 5 to 12, payable in cash only. Tell children beforehand that the lemurs are watched, not touched or fed.

Forest walks for school-age children

At Analamazaotra National Park in Andasibe, MNP grades the Indri 1 and Anivokely circuits as easy, at about 2 hours each. Guides are compulsory. Foreign children pay 25,000 Ar, and the guide costs extra. The indri’s call is the highlight, and leeches and rain are likely from November to April. The park is 140 km from Tana, a drive of 3.5 to 5 hours, so plan an overnight stay and avoid a same-day return.

Anja Community Reserve, 13 km south of Ambalavao on the RN7, is run by the local association Anja Miray. Its 30 ha shelter about 300 ring-tailed lemurs, and the short trail takes 1 to 2 hours with a required guide. Fee reports vary from about 7,000 to 25,000 Ar plus the guide, so confirm at the gate. Feeding is prohibited, which makes it a good place to practise quiet manners.

Reptiles close up

The Peyrieras reserve at Marozevo, about 2 hours from Tana on the RN2, shows chameleons and geckos at close range on a guided visit. Hours and fees are unconfirmed, so ask first. Croc Farm sits at Ivato by the airport and combines a crocodile breeding farm with a garden of Nile crocodiles. Reported hours are 9:00 to 17:00 and reported fees run from 10,000 to 25,000 Ar, so check both. Stay on the path and take no part in any feeding.

For older children who swim

Nosy Tanihely, a marine park off Nosy Be, suits confident swimmers who can snorkel. Expect turtles and reef fish. A park ticket and an online reservation apply, and operators usually handle both. Ask the boat crew about sea conditions before anyone gets in. On Nosy Be, robberies have been reported on isolated beaches, so stay at hotel beaches.

Family checklist

Malaria is present everywhere except Antananarivo, so talk to a doctor early about prophylaxis for each child.
Drink bottled or treated water only.
Rabies is present and treatment is limited, so keep children away from stray animals.
Carry ariary in cash, and bring small notes for tickets.
Park fees are reported to rise from 1 November 2026, so check the current rate before you go.

For ready-made family outings, browse Madagascar family tours .