Madagascar, the world's fourth-largest island, is a biodiversity hotspot like no other. Home to unique wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, stunning natural landscapes ranging from rainforests to limestone pinnacles, and vibrant Malagasy culture, this island nation offers adventures for every type of traveler.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Raffia Woven Basket
Handwoven baskets and bags made from raffia palm by Malagasy artisans, often decorated with geometric patterns in earth tones. Durable and lightweight souvenirs representing centuries of weaving tradition.
Price: $5-25
Where: Analakely Market, Nosy Komba artisan stalls
Madagascar Sapphire or Labradorite
Madagascar is one of the world's top gemstone producers, renowned for sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and labradorite. Purchase loose stones or set jewellery from licensed dealers in Antananarivo.
Price: $15-500+
Where: Rue Ambohibao gem shops, Analakely Market gem stalls
Rosewood or Palissandre Carving
Intricately carved statuettes, bowls, and frames from endemic Madagascar rosewood (palissandre). Note that rosewood exports may be restricted; verify legality and opt for ethically sourced certified pieces.
Price: $10-80
Where: Marché Artisanal de la Digue, Nosy Be craft markets
Bourbon Vanilla Pods
Madagascar produces over 80% of the world's vanilla. Plump, aromatic Bourbon vanilla pods from the Sava region make exceptional edible gifts. Also look for vanilla extract, essential oils, and spice sets.
Price: $3-20
Where: Analakely Market, Nosy Be spice stalls, hotel gift shops
Lambamena Silk Shawl
Traditional hand-woven silk shawls using a natural dye technique passed down through generations in the highlands. The lambamena (red silk) holds deep cultural significance as a burial shroud but smaller silk pieces are sold as beautiful wearable souvenirs.
Price: $20-60
Where: Antananarivo artisan cooperatives, Fianarantsoa weaving workshops
Antaimoro Paper Products
Handmade paper embedded with flower petals and leaves, crafted using a technique introduced by Arab traders. Used to make notebooks, lampshades, and cards unique to Madagascar.
Price: $3-15
Where: Ambalavao paper factory, craft markets nationwide
Nosy Komba Embroidered Tablecloth
Intricate hand-embroidered tablecloths and placemats crafted by Sakalava women on Nosy Komba island. Elaborate floral and wildlife patterns make them prized textile souvenirs.
Price: $15-50
Where: Nosy Komba village craft stalls
Chameleon or Lemur Figurine
Painted ceramic or clay figurines depicting Madagascar's iconic wildlife including lemurs, chameleons, and fossas. Colourful and lightweight, making ideal gifts.
Price: $3-12
Where: All tourist markets, hotel gift shops
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Analakely Market (Marché du Zoma)
Antananarivo's sprawling historic market covering multiple blocks and selling everything from fresh produce and spices to handicrafts and clothing. One of the largest markets in the Indian Ocean region.
Where: Avenue de l'Indépendance, Antananarivo
Hours: 6AM-6PM daily, best Friday-Saturday
Marché Artisanal de la Digue
Dedicated craft market selling woodcarvings, jewellery, embroidery, and traditional Malagasy art. More curated than Analakely, making it easier to find quality souvenirs without the overwhelming crowds.
Where: Digue area, Antananarivo
Hours: 8AM-5PM daily
Nosy Komba Village Market
Beachside craft market where Sakalava women display their famous embroidered tablecloths alongside carved wood, woven bags, and local vanilla. Accessible only by boat from Nosy Be.
Where: Ampangorina village, Nosy Komba Island
Hours: 9AM-4PM when boats arrive
Hell-Ville Market, Nosy Be
Lively market in Nosy Be's main town selling local spices, ylang-ylang products, seafood, and everyday goods. Authentic atmosphere with good prices on spices and local produce.
Where: Central Hell-Ville, Nosy Be
Hours: 7AM-5PM Monday-Saturday
Ambalavao Weekly Market
Madagascar's most famous zebu cattle market drawing Betsileo highlanders from surrounding villages. Hundreds of zebu change hands alongside traditional crafts and antaimoro paper products.
Where: Central Ambalavao, Haute Matsiatra Region
Hours: Wednesday market, 6AM-2PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Antaninarenina, Antananarivo
The upper town district of Antananarivo hosts gem and jewellery shops, French-influenced boutiques, and quality craft galleries. Safe and walkable with the city's best selection of certified gemstones.
Best for: Sapphires, jewellery, upscale gifts
Analakely, Antananarivo
The lower town commercial hub surrounding the main market, packed with vendors selling everything from mobile phone accessories to vanilla pods. Hectic but authentic, with the best prices if you bargain.
Best for: Bulk spices, everyday goods, budget shopping
Ambatoloaka, Nosy Be
The main tourist strip of Nosy Be lined with souvenir shops, dive operators, and restaurants. Good for beachwear, ylang-ylang perfumes, and lemur-themed gifts.
Best for: Ylang-ylang products, beach souvenirs, dive gear
Isoraka, Antananarivo
Quiet residential neighbourhood with specialist craft shops, bakeries, and a French-influenced supermarket. Less chaotic than Analakely and popular with expats and discerning visitors.
Best for: Quality crafts, imported goods, casual browsing
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
City Mall Antananarivo
Madagascar's largest modern shopping mall in the Ivandry district of Antananarivo, housing international and local brands, a supermarket, food court, and cinema. Air-conditioned and secure with ample parking.
Hours: 9AM-8PM Monday-Saturday, 10AM-6PM Sunday
Jumbo Score Hypermarket
Large hypermarket chain with branches in Antananarivo offering imported goods, local groceries, electronics, and clothing. The best place for stocking up on packaged food and international products at reasonable prices.
Hours: 8AM-8PM daily
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected at markets and craft stalls but not in supermarkets or fixed-price shops
Start at 50-60% of the asking price and settle around 70-75% — aggressive haggling offends Malagasy vendors
Learn a few Malagasy phrases like 'Mora kely' (a little cheaper please) to build rapport
Compare prices at multiple stalls before committing, especially for gemstones
Buying multiple items gives you much stronger bargaining leverage
Never bargain in anger or walk away rudely — a friendly attitude gets better prices
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Export of rosewood, ebony, and protected endemic timber is prohibited. Raw gemstones over a certain value require export permits. Lemur skins, shells of protected species, and certain orchids cannot be exported.
Tax Refund: No formal VAT refund scheme for tourists currently exists in Madagascar
Duty Free: Visitors can bring in 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 1 litre of spirits, and 2 litres of wine duty-free
Shipping: International shipping is unreliable from Madagascar. Use reputable freight agents in Antananarivo for larger purchases; carry valuable gems and jewellery in hand luggage with receipts