Packing list for Madagascar, travel insurance for Madagascar, and taking your belongings

What to take with you to Madagascar: spotlighted

Featured items:

• Documents: a passport with at least 6 months validity and copies of your passport.
• Money: bring enough Ariary, because paying with your card can be difficult!
• Care: coral-friendly, strong sunscreen and aftersun.
• Outdoor and conveniences: sunglasses in combination with a cap/hat. Buff for protection against sun, wind and dust.
• Protection: backpack rain cover and a light raincoat for unexpected showers and (impregnated )mosquito net.
• Clothing: from rainforest to desert, you can encounter all conditions. In general, lightweight clothing with warm layers is the most convenient. Also think of clothing that protects against mosquitoes. Swimwear for the beach and hotel days.
• Shoes: good walking shoes (possibly waterproof for the rainforest) and sandals for relaxed beach days or when you just want to give your feet some air.
• Medicines and travel kit: a small first aid kit with plasters, painkillers, stomach and intestinal remedies, ORS (dehydration is a thing) and mosquito repellent. Hand disinfectant for those moments when running water is a luxury.
• Technology and equipment: world plug with type C & E, power bank and flashlight for power outages.

What are some other options for packing as well?

• Reusable water bottle with filter.
• Quick-drying travel towel.
• International driving license, when you want to rent a car.
• Books or an e-reader for long journeys.
• Mini binoculars or monocular, because you don't want to miss the lemurs.
• Dress according to the dress code and climate: in more remote areas and even on some beaches (often shoulders covered and fairly conservative).

Are there mosquitoes in Madagascar?

• Mosquitoes in Madagascar are not only annoying, they can also transmit malaria and dengue.
• The moquitoes are everywhere and pose a significant risk to local public health, with one of the highest malaria rates in the world.
• Wear mosquito repellent like your life depends on it – because it might.
• Mosquitoes are most active around sunrise and sunset. There are fewer mosquitoes in the cooler months (June-August).

Are there sandflies in Madagascar?

• Sand flies are not a big problem in Madagascar.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Madagascar?

• In Madagascar it is important to protect yourself well and it is not easy to find good mosquito repellents for this.
• Pack your own favorite mosquito repellent substance.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Madagascar, or take it with you to Madagascar?

• Cannabis has been used in Madagascar for thousands of years and is still popular among the local population.
• Despite this, possession and use of cannabis is illegal and can lead to severe penalties. Not the souvenir you want to take home.
• Medical cannabis is also not allowed, and taking a joint or weed with you is definitely not allowed.