Madagascar National Park Fees & Availability 2026

Madagascar National Park Fees at a Glance

As of January 2026, Madagascar National Parks (MNP) charges international visitors 45,000–55,000 Ariary per person per day for park entry, with guide fees ranging from 20,000–40,000 Ariary depending on the circuit or duration. Payment is cash-only in Ariary at the park gate; credit cards and foreign currency are not accepted. Unlike many African destinations, Madagascar's national parks are largely car-free—visitors explore on foot with a mandatory certified MNP guide.

Quick Fee Summary for Major Parks (2026)

Park	Adult Entry (Ariary/day)	Child under 12 (Ariary/day)	Standard Guide Fee (Ariary)
Andasibe-Mantadia	45,000	25,000	25,000–40,000 (by circuit)
Ranomafana	45,000	25,000	20,000–35,000 (by duration)
Isalo	45,000	25,000	30,000 (Canyon des Singes/La Piscine)
Tsingy de Bemaraha	55,000	30,000	35,000–50,000 (by duration) + 5,000 helmet fee
Montagne d'Ambre	45,000	25,000	25,000–35,000 (by circuit)
Marojejy	45,000	25,000	30,000–45,000 (multi-day trek)
Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve	10,000	10,000	15,000–20,000 (boat guide)

Ariary-to-EUR conversion (July 2026): 1 EUR ≈ 4,000–4,200 Ariary. Confirm current rates before travel.

Entry Fees Explained

Park Entrance Fees

Madagascar National Parks charges a daily park entrance fee payable at the gate office upon arrival. As of January 2026, the standard rate for international adult visitors is 45,000 Ariary at most major parks, with Tsingy de Bemaraha charging a premium of 55,000 Ariary due to its geological complexity and safety infrastructure. Children under 12 are typically charged 25,000–30,000 Ariary. Malagasy nationals pay a significantly reduced rate (not published in international tariffs but historically 5,000–10,000 Ariary).

The entrance fee is valid for one calendar day only; if you spend multiple days in a park, you pay the daily rate for each day of entry. There is no multi-day or weekly pass discount.

Mandatory Guide Fees

All international visitors must hire a certified MNP guide—this requirement has been in force since 2010 and is non-negotiable. Guide fees are separate from park entry and are set by park authorities based on the circuit or duration of the walk, not per-person rates.

As of 2025–2026, guide fees have been formalized by circuit at several parks:

• Andasibe-Mantadia: 25,000 Ariary for the Indri Trail (short walk); 40,000 Ariary for the full Mantadia circuit.
• Isalo: 30,000 Ariary for the Canyon des Singes and La Piscine Natural Pool circuit (group of up to four).
• Tsingy de Bemaraha: 35,000–50,000 Ariary depending on circuit length; compulsory helmet fee of 5,000 Ariary per person per day (introduced 2024, in effect 2026).
• Night walks (all parks): Additional 20,000–25,000 Ariary per guide.

For parks without published circuit fees, expect to pay roughly 20,000–35,000 Ariary per half-day and 30,000–50,000 Ariary for a full day, for a group of up to four people. Guides are assigned by the park office at the gate; you cannot pre-book a specific guide online.

Additional Fees

Porter services: If you are undertaking a multi-day trek (e.g., Marojejy or Tsingy circuit), porter fees are typically around 12,000–15,000 Ariary per day per porter.

Helmet & safety equipment: Tsingy de Bemaraha charges a compulsory 5,000 Ariary helmet fee per person per day; helmets are provided by the park and included in this fee.

Community reserves: Community-managed reserves near national parks (e.g., Anja Community Reserve near Ambalavao) charge separately from MNP, typically 8,000–12,000 Ariary per person, with fees going directly to local villages.

How and Where to Pay

Payment Methods & Currency

Cash only in Ariary. All park fees must be paid in Malagasy Ariary at the park gate office. Credit cards, US dollars, EUR, and traveller's cheques are not accepted. Bring exact change where possible—smaller park offices often cannot break large denomination notes (e.g., 50,000 or 100,000 Ariary bills).

ATMs are available in major towns (Antananarivo, Antalaha, Isalo village) but can be unreliable; withdraw cash in advance of your park visit.

Point of Payment

All park entry fees and guide fees are paid directly at the park gate office upon arrival. There is no online booking system for day tickets or guide fees as of 2026. Arrive early in the day (gates typically open 06:00–07:00) to secure a guide before peak hours, especially during high season (July–August, December–January).

Receipt & Documentation

The park office will issue a receipt (bon de paiement) showing entry and guide fees paid. Keep this receipt for your records and in case of dispute. The receipt is not typically needed for exit, but it provides proof of payment if questioned.

Park Availability & Seasonal Considerations

Year-Round Access

All major Madagascar national parks are open year-round. There are no seasonal closures, though some parks may experience reduced accessibility during the rainy season (November–March) due to muddy trails and occasional flash floods in specific areas (e.g., Tsingy de Bemaraha).

Best Visiting Seasons

• Dry season (April–October): Ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting. Trails are in good condition, and endemic lemur species are more active. This is peak tourism season; expect more visitors and fully booked accommodations.
• Rainy season (November–March): Lush vegetation, migratory birds, and fewer tourists. Some trails may be muddy or temporarily impassable after heavy rain; confirm trail conditions at the park office before committing to a multi-day trek.

Permit & Advance Booking

No advance permits or reservations are required for day visits to most parks. Walk-ins are accepted at the gate. However, for multi-day treks (Marojejy, Tsingy de Bemaraha full circuit), it is advisable to inform your accommodation or a local tour operator in advance so they can alert the park office and arrange porter logistics.

Research-specific permits (for scientists and researchers) require advance application through the MNP head office in Antananarivo; standard tourism visits do not.

Budget Breakdown for a Multi-Park Itinerary

For a typical three-park itinerary covering Andasibe-Mantadia, Ranomafana, and Isalo National Parks over 5–6 days:

• Entry fees: 135,000 Ariary (45,000 × 3 parks)
• Guide fees: 75,000–120,000 Ariary (depending on circuit selection and half-day vs. full-day walks)
• Porter fees (if applicable): 0 Ariary for day hikes; 30,000–45,000 Ariary per day if multi-day trekking
• Total park-specific costs: 210,000–255,000 Ariary (approximately €50–€62)

This estimate excludes accommodation, transport between parks, meals, and tips. See our full Madagascar safari cost guide for comprehensive budgeting by travel style.

Money-Saving Tips

• Visit during shoulder season (April–May, September–October): Fewer tourists mean more flexible guide availability and sometimes informal discounts on porter fees, though park entry fees are fixed.
• Group hikes: If you are traveling solo, ask the park office to pair you with other visitors to share a guide fee. A guide fee of 30,000 Ariary split among four people is 7,500 Ariary per person.
• Stay longer at one park: Multi-day treks have higher per-day guide costs but spread the fixed entry fee across more days. A three-day Marojejy trek costs 45,000 Ariary entry + ~120,000 Ariary guide fees total, versus three separate one-day visits at different parks (135,000 Ariary entry alone).
• Hire a local guide in the village: Some parks (e.g., Ranomafana) allow informal arrangements with village guides outside the formal MNP system for reduced fees, though this bypasses official certification. This is not recommended by SafariFind as it may violate park regulations.
• Bring exact change: Avoid overpaying due to inability to break large bills at remote park offices.

Comparing Madagascar to Regional Parks

Madagascar's park fees are significantly lower than those in neighboring East African countries. For comparison, South Africa's Kruger National Park charges R602 (USD ~33) per day for international visitors, while Tanzania's national parks charge USD 20–100+ per day depending on the park. Madagascar's 45,000 Ariary (€10–13) makes it one of Africa's most affordable safari destinations in terms of park entry, though the mandatory guide requirement adds cost.

Planning Your Visit

Use our Madagascar safari trip planner to structure your itinerary and budget. Before booking, confirm that you have:

• A valid Madagascar visa (if required by your nationality)
• Recommended vaccinations (yellow fever, hepatitis A/B, typhoid)
• Sufficient cash in Ariary (withdraw from ATMs in major towns before heading to remote parks)
• Comfortable hiking boots, sun protection, and a light rain jacket

You can compare pre-arranged Madagascar safari packages on SafariFind, which typically include park fees, guides, and logistics in a bundled price.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last checked July 2026 — park fees, guide rates, and seasonal accessibility are subject to change. Always confirm current rates and trail conditions with the Madagascar National Parks office or your accommodation before travelling. This article is informational and does not constitute legal or official travel advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Madagascar national parks cost for international visitors in 2026?

Park entry fees range from 45,000 Ariary per day (€10–13) at most parks to 55,000 Ariary at Tsingy de Bemaraha. Mandatory certified guide fees are separate and range from 20,000–50,000 Ariary depending on the circuit or duration. Payment is cash-only in Ariary at the park gate.

Do I have to hire a guide in Madagascar national parks?

Yes, hiring a certified MNP guide is mandatory for all international visitors. This requirement has been in place since 2010 and is non-negotiable. Guides are assigned by the park office at the gate; you cannot pre-book a specific guide online.

Can I pay by credit card or foreign currency at Madagascar parks?

No. All park fees must be paid in cash in Malagasy Ariary only. Credit cards, US dollars, EUR, and traveller's cheques are not accepted at park gates. Withdraw cash from ATMs in major towns (Antananarivo, Antalaha, Isalo village) before heading to remote parks.

What is included in the park entry fee vs. the guide fee?

The park entry fee (45,000–55,000 Ariary) covers access to the park and its trails for one day. The guide fee (20,000–50,000 Ariary) is charged separately and is mandatory; it covers the cost of hiring a certified MNP guide for your walk or trek. Additional fees may apply for porters, night walks, and safety equipment (e.g., helmets at Tsingy).

Can I book park tickets online or in advance?

No online booking system exists for Madagascar national park day tickets or guide fees as of 2026. All payments are made in cash at the park gate office upon arrival. For multi-day treks, inform your accommodation in advance so they can alert the park office and arrange logistics.

Are there discounts for children or group visits?

Children under 12 typically pay a reduced entry fee of 25,000–30,000 Ariary (roughly 50% of the adult rate). For group hikes, if you are traveling solo, ask the park office to pair you with other visitors to share a guide fee, reducing the per-person cost.

What is the best season to visit Madagascar parks to avoid crowds?

The dry season (April–October) offers the best hiking conditions but attracts peak tourism. The shoulder seasons of April–May and September–October have fewer tourists while maintaining good trail conditions. The rainy season (November–March) is lush and quiet but some trails may be muddy or temporarily impassable.

Do I need a permit to visit Madagascar national parks?

No permit is required for standard tourism day visits to Madagascar national parks. You simply pay the entry fee and guide fee at the gate. Research-specific permits (for scientists) require advance application through the MNP office in Antananarivo.

Are Madagascar parks open year-round?

Yes, all major Madagascar national parks are open year-round. There are no seasonal closures, though accessibility may be reduced during the rainy season (November–March) due to muddy trails or flash floods in specific areas. Confirm trail conditions at the park office before committing to a multi-day trek.

How much should I budget for a multi-park itinerary?

For a three-park itinerary (Andasibe, Ranomafana, Isalo) over 5–6 days, budget 210,000–255,000 Ariary (€50–€62) in park entry and guide fees. This excludes accommodation, transport, meals, and tips. See our Madagascar safari cost guide for full budgeting by travel style.

What is the difference between Madagascar park fees and other African countries?

Madagascar's park fees (45,000 Ariary ≈ €10–13 per day) are significantly lower than neighboring countries. For example, South Africa's Kruger National Park charges R602 (USD ~33) per day for international visitors, and Tanzania's parks charge USD 20–100+ per day. However, Madagascar's mandatory guide requirement adds additional cost.

What currencies and payment methods are accepted at Madagascar parks?

Only Malagasy Ariary in cash is accepted. No credit cards, digital payments, traveller's cheques, or foreign currency are accepted at park gates. Bring exact change where possible, as smaller park offices often cannot break large denomination notes.