Tsimanampetsotsa National Park
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
Madagascar is safe to visit in our opinion, especially on a guided tour. This is certainly the case for most of the parks and reserves, including Tsimanampetsotsa National Park. As anywhere in the world, crime mostly occurs in cities and towns, so normal safety precautions should be taken when visiting urban centers independently. Read ‘Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions’ below for more information.
For current information about the safety situation in Madagascar, read the government travel advisories (see the ‘Governments’ Travel Advice for Madagascar’ link below).
Malaria & Vaccinations
Visitors to Madagascar should get advice from their doctor or travel clinic regarding vaccinations and antimalarial drugs. Aside from taking antimalarials, a good mosquito repellent (those with DEET are most effective) is essential. It is also recommended to wear long sleeves, trousers and socks in the evenings when mosquitoes are most active, to reduce the risk of getting bitten.
Wildlife Viewing
There are no dangerous mammals in Madagascar. There are some beautiful snakes in Tsimanampetsotsa, but none are venomous. Spiders and scorpions are present, but bites or stings are very rare. When camping in the park, do not walk around barefoot at night and check your shoes before putting them on. For more information, please read the ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ below.