Mitsinjo Forest
Malaria & Safety
Madagascar Parks
Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Insight guide to Madagascar.
Safety
In our opinion Mitsinjo Forest is very safe to visit. In fact, all parks and reserves in Madagascar are considered safe destinations, especially if you are on an organized tour. When passing or visiting towns and cities, one should exercise the usual precautions as some petty crime does exist (as is the case all over the world). Read ‘Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions’ below for more information.
Please read the government travel advisories (see the ‘Safety & Security – Madagascar’ link below) for current information about safety in Madagascar.
Malaria & Vaccinations
It is recommended to visit your local travel clinic and make sure you are up to date on any vaccinations that are recommended before visiting the country. The main health concern in Madagascar is malaria, but antimalarials help to minimize the risk. Also make sure you use a good mosquito repellent (those containing DEET are most effective). Simply covering up in the evening with long sleeves, trousers and socks is an effective way to lower the risk of being bitten in the first place.
Wildlife Viewing
There are no large animals in Madagascar to worry about. There are spiders and scorpions, but bites are not common at all. Leeches are prevalent in all the rainforests, including Mitsinjo Forest. Because of this, wearing sandals or shorts is not recommended. The guides will remind you to tuck your trousers into your socks. The thing to remember is that leeches are annoying but totally harmless.
For more information, please read the ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ below.