Madagascar is often referred to as a “Mora Mora” country, which means “cheap” in Malagasy. The nickname reflects not only the peaceful pace of life in the country, but also the very affordable cost of living. If you are willing to stay in small, modest Malagasy lodges or camps, eat in gargotes and travel only by taxi-brousse, you can live in Madagascar for a very reasonable cost. However, if you want a certain level of comfort, or if you plan to visit Madagascar by renting cars and private tour guides, you’ll need to budget a lot more. In this article, we give you a budget guide to living in Madagascar so that you can enjoy all that this country has to offer without breaking the bank.
The rates of hotels in Madagascar :
Need accommodation in Madagascar? Whether you’re traveling on a tight budget or looking for a luxurious stay, Madagascar has accommodation options for every taste and budget. From as little as €6 per night in a double room, you can discover this fascinating country with ease. If you prefer a more comfortable option, you can choose a mid-range or high-end hotel, ranging from €11 to €45 per night, or enjoy a luxurious stay in one of the many high-end hotels, ranging from €150 to over US$3,000 per night. With such a variety of accommodation options, you are sure to find the perfect place to spend your vacation in Madagascar.
The foods in Madagascar :
Food prices in Madagascar are also very minimal, which is great for travelers wishing to save on their food budget. The cheapest dishes are available for up to 10,000 Ar (about €2.50), while cheap options cost between 10,000 and 20,000 Ar (about €2.50 to 5). If you are interested in restaurants with more upscale options, you can expect to pay between 20,000 and 40,000 Ar (about 5 to 10 €) for a meal or dish per person. For gourmets looking for more luxurious dining experiences, there are fancy restaurants where prices start at 40,000 Ar (about €10) and increase with the sophistication of the cuisine.
Transportation Fares:
Transportation in Madagascar offers different types of services with varying rates. For long distances, bush cabs are an economical option, but it is preferable to travel with Cotisse for more comfort and safety. Cotisse offer different types of transportation with fares to suit all budgets, ranging from Premium class with leather seats, tablets and unlimited Wi-Fi to Lite class with good value for money. Fares vary depending on the destination, for example 30,000 Ar for Ambatondrazaka, 20,000 to 25,000 Ar for Antsirabe, 120,000 to 190,000 Ar for Diego and 50,000 to 150,000 Ar for Majunga.
For transportation within the city, cabs are a convenient option with fares ranging from 7000 Ar to 30000 Ar depending on the distance and time. To reach the airport of Tana, authorized cabs usually charge around 50 000 to 80 000 Ar.
Car rental is expensive, but if you have a small budget, you can rent a “special” cab by the hour or by the day for about 100,000 to 150,000 Ar per day, depending on the place. With an agency, count more between 150 000 and 200 000 Ar per day, with a driver-guide, and between 200 000 and 300 000 Ar for a 4×4 car. Be sure to check what is included in the price.
For longer distances, domestic flights are also an option. Tsaradia, a subsidiary of Air Madagascar, offers flights between major cities for about €260 one way, and up to €320 in season for destinations such as Nosy Be, Morondava or Diego-Suarez from Tana.
Park and reserve entrances:
If you plan to visit the parks and reserves, you must take into account the entrance fees and local guide fees. Park entrance fees range from 45000 to 65000 Ar per day per person, depending on the park you visit. However, entrance fees are not the only expense you will have to make. It is also essential to take a local guide with you on your visit, which is usually mandatory. Local guides are knowledgeable about the parks and reserves, allowing you to experience the local wildlife in the most efficient and organized way possible. Guide fees range from 70,000 Ar to 170,000 Ar depending on the itinerary and the size of the group. The fee is usually set for one person to a group of 4 people. Although entry and guide fees may seem high, they are essential to ensure your safety and to protect the parks and reserves from damage. In addition, this small contribution helps support nature conservation in Madagascar.
