The holiday season is putting a strain on family budgets. In Mahajanga, a short getaway now requires a minimum expenditure of one million Ariary for two people.
Spending three to five days on vacation in Mahajanga has become a real financial challenge. A minimum budget of one million Ariary is required for a three-to-five-day stay for two, under basic comfort conditions. However, the total cost varies depending on the type of trip and the choices made regarding accommodation and dining.
Travelers should expect to spend between 95,000 and 300,000 Ariary per day per person. This estimate includes budget or standard accommodation, meals at local or mid-range restaurants, and some activities. Meal expenses start at 10,000 Ariary per day per person.
This one-million-Ariary figure includes transport costs from the capital by bush taxi (taxi-brousse), which is 70,000 Ariary per person for a one-way trip.
For families traveling by car, fuel costs add to the budget, amounting to at least 800,000 Ariary for a round trip. “We spent 300,000 Ariary on fuel to get to Mahajanga and the same for the return. Our vehicle is fuel-efficient, as it is a small, light car. Daily expenses for activities, dining, and snacks range between 30,000 and 40,000 Ariary. It’s already huge for our family. We have to tighten our belts with our three children. The price of a skewer has risen to 500 Ariary. We order at least thirty each time, plus sides and drinks. We prepared for this trip for several months, but despite everything, prices remain very high,” says a mother.
For those unable to rent hotel rooms, guesthouses, or private villas, vacation homes offer rooms at affordable prices. Other facilities, such as schools, also make rooms available at a lower cost.
Regarding dining, some establishments offer typical Malagasy menus and dishes. In the evening, some families go to small eateries to eat ‘vary amin’anana’ or ‘composés’ to limit their expenses.
Large families sometimes prepare their own meals to save money, with some even bringing vegetables from the capital.
Despite these difficulties and rising prices, visitors continue to flock to Mahajanga. Its climate, safety, and diversity of tourist attractions reinforce its status as the top national tourist destination.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-23 06:08:45 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/mahajanga-les-vacances-necessitent-un.html