Madagascar Hotels and Accommodation

(Madagascar, MG, Africa)



Photo of hotel in the spa town of AntsirabeThere was a time when Madagascar had little to boast about in the way of tourist facilities, including decent hotels. Thankfully, this has changed enormously in recent years. Today, Madagascar's main towns and cities, including Antananarivo, Fort Dauphin, Nosy Be and Antsirabé, all offer a wide range of accommodation. Indeed, most mid-range and upmarket hotels provide accommodation that can compare fairly well to those found elsewhere in the world.

Outside of the country's principal towns, visitors may find their choice of hotels and guest houses more limited. However, most people are able to locate something that suits both their lodging needs and budget. For the ultimate in travel freedom, more and more visitors are opting to camp during their stay in Madagascar. Many hotels offer a camping facility in their own grounds. Safari-style camping sites in national parks are also becoming more common.


View of lodging in Antsirabe

Where to Stay

For many tourists, Antananarivo is usually a stop-off point, before heading out to explore the rest of Madagascar. Whilst you may not be spending any length of time here, it makes sense to opt for comfortable accommodation that will allow you to rejuvenate for the journey ahead.

For those with a generous budget and a taste for luxury, the Carlton Madagascar is a popular choice. This is also the country's only international hotel. Situated in the heart of the city, the Carlton is great if you are short on time to explore the capital. Other convenient city centre hotels include the Hotel Royal Palissandre, complete with spa facilities and splendid views of Antananarivo's markets, as well as the Tana Plaza and the Hotel de France.

Further hotel located in AntsirabeMore budget conscious visitors to Antananarivo can opt for mid-range lodging or simple backpacker-style hotels. The latter are relatively far and few between in Antananarivo, in which case, guest houses often make a good alternative.

The majority of guest houses combine a good degree of comfort and value for money, with a variety of rooms at different prices. Family run guest houses also tend to give a more homely feel than standard hotels, although if the accommodation rates seem very low, you may need to prepare yourself for fairly 'rustic' facilities.

Picture of lodging along the Avenue d'Independence, AntananarivoOutside of Madagascar's major towns and cities, lodges are usually good places to stay. These are generally found within a village, national park or nature reserve setting. What's on offer really does vary from lodge to lodge, but all provide a great opportunity to stay close to the wildlife action, surrounded by spectacular scenery. Most of this particular accommodation is in the form of bungalows, rather than hotels.

The Berenty Lodge offers wooden chalets amidst the desert scenery of the Berenty Private Nature Reserve, while the Vakona Forest Lodge nestles quietly within the lush forests of the Andasibe National Park. Others, such as the Anjajavy Lodge in the west of Madagascar, have unrivalled views of beautiful beaches as well as a variety of animal and birdlife. At the entrances to many of Madagascar's national parks, there's usually a small campground which can be used for a very modest fee.