Experience the breathtaking beauty and incredible biodiversity of Madagascar and the Seychelles on this 14-day all-inclusive retreat with Walker Wellness Retreats. Journey through Madagascar's unique ecosystems, where untouched rainforests, endemic wildlife, and stunning landscapes await. Then, unwind on the white-sand beaches of the Seychelles, an idyllic Indian Ocean archipelago known for its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and rare wildlife.
Madagascar, isolated from mainland Africa for over 165 million years, is a haven for unique biodiversity, making it a dream destination for nature enthusiasts. Explore Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, where guided treks reveal the enchanting world of lemurs, chameleons, exotic birds, and rare flora hidden within lush rainforests. Continue to Ranomafana National Park, renowned for its lush, mountainous terrain filled with rivers, waterfalls, and hot springs—ideal for nature walks and wildlife spotting.
Discover the otherworldly landscapes of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic limestone formations and deep canyons teeming with wildlife. Finally, unwind in the Nosy Be Archipelago, where pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life offer the perfect setting for swimming, snorkeling, and whale watching. Madagascar's unparalleled natural beauty guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Immerse yourself in Madagascar's rich cultural heritage with a visit to the capital city, Antananarivo. Explore bustling markets, historical landmarks, and traditional Malagasy crafts. Learn about the country's unique blend of African, Asian, and European influences, and taste the local cuisine at some of the city's best restaurants.
After your Madagascar adventure, escape to the Seychelles, where pristine beaches like Nosy Iranja and warm turquoise waters invite you to relax and unwind. Dive into the vibrant marine world with snorkeling and diving excursions, encountering tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful coral reefs.
Important Details:
Join us on this unforgettable journey through Madagascar's untouched wilderness and the Seychelles' tropical paradise. Secure your place today for an experience of a lifetime!
Amy Walker, MSW, LCSW, CCM
Licensed Clinical Social Worker | Owner, Walker Wellness Retreats
Amy Walker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Walker Wellness Retreats, which she launched in 2016 to combine her passions for travel, mental wellness, and creating transformative experiences. With a deep commitment to helping others, Amy leads 6–10 international retreats each year, providing all-inclusive experiences that foster connection, self-discovery, and personal growth. She loves showing people the world and creating meaningful, unforgettable travel experiences.
When she’s not guiding retreats, Amy works as an online mental health therapist, specializing in helping individuals and couples overcome barriers, improve communication, and build fulfilling relationships. Her approach integrates evidence-based techniques with compassionate, solution-focused support.
An avid traveler, Amy has visited over 80 countries and counting, with a personal goal to reach 100 countries and all seven continents. She enjoys international travel, wine tasting, whale watching, and spending time outdoors. She runs Walker Wellness Retreats alongside her husband, Brian Walker, ensuring each retreat is a seamless and enriching experience.
To learn more about Amy and the Walker Wellness Retreats team, visit our About Us page.
Packing List for Madagascar & Seychelles (July – August)
Visiting Madagascar and Seychelles during July and August means experiencing mild winter temperatures in Madagascar (cooler in the highlands, warmer on the coast) and a tropical climate in Seychelles with warm temperatures and occasional rain. Your packing should include items for diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests and beaches to wildlife excursions and city exploration.
Clothing
• Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton/linen) for warm days
• Long-sleeved shirts & pants for mosquito protection and cooler evenings
• Light sweater or jacket for cooler nights in Madagascar’s highlands
• Waterproof rain jacket or poncho (for unexpected showers)
• Swimsuits (multiple) for Seychelles’ beaches and Madagascar’s coastal areas
• Rash guard for sun protection while swimming or snorkeling
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for exploring rainforests and national parks
• Sandals/flip-flops for beach days
• Sun hat or cap for sun protection
• Sarong or light cover-up for beachwear or cultural sites
Accessories & Electronics
• Sunglasses (UV protection)
• Reef-safe sunscreen (high SPF)
• Insect repellent with DEET or a natural alternative
• Travel-sized first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, pain relievers, motion sickness pills)
• Personal medications & prescriptions
• Binoculars for wildlife spotting (lemurs, birds, marine life)
• Snorkeling gear (optional but useful for Seychelles)
• Dry bag for protecting valuables during boat trips
• Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated)
• Small backpack/daypack for excursions
• Power bank for charging devices on the go
• Universal travel adapter (Madagascar uses Type C, D, and E; Seychelles uses Type G)
Toiletries & Essentials
• Biodegradable shampoo & soap (eco-friendly for island environments)
• Moisturizer & lip balm (to counter sun and sea exposure)
• Hand sanitizer & wet wipes
• Travel laundry detergent (for quick washes)
• Deodorant & personal hygiene items
Documents & Money
• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Visa requirements (check entry rules for both countries)
• Travel insurance details
• Copies of important documents (passport, travel itinerary, emergency contacts)
• Credit/debit cards (notify your bank of travel)
• Some cash in local currency (Malagasy Ariary for Madagascar, Seychellois Rupee for Seychelles)
Optional Extras
• Travel journal or book for relaxing moments
• Underwater camera or waterproof phone case for capturing marine life
• Lightweight beach towel or quick-dry towel
• Motion sickness bands or medication (for boat trips)
• Small flashlight or headlamp (useful for remote areas in Madagascar)
This list ensures you’re well-prepared for an unforgettable adventure across Madagascar’s diverse landscapes and Seychelles’ tropical paradise!
Your Essential Guide to Traveling to Madagascar
Passport & Visa
Foreign visitors to Madagascar of most nationalities can obtain a tourist visa on arrival, provided they have at least one blank page in their passport reserved for the Immigration Authorities of Madagascar and return/onward flight tickets.
Travelers need a Visa to visit Madagascar for Business or Tourism for more than 15 days. Travelers do NOT need a visa if staying for 15 days or less but must pay 10 Euros as an administrative fee on arrival. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Madagascar if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area.
NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Visa Costs and Payment: Travelers need a Visa to visit Madagascar for Business or Tourism for more than 15 days. Travelers do NOT need a visa if staying for 15 days or less but must pay 10 Euros as an administrative fee on arrival. Visa fees can be paid in Euros, US Dollars, or Malagasy Ariary upon arrival. Please note that there are no ATMs before customs, so it's essential to bring the required cash with you.
Entry requirements
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Madagascar.
Passport and Legal Requirements: To comply with local laws, travelers must carry their passports at all times during their stay in Madagascar. Failure to do so may result in fines if stopped by the police.
Getting to Madagascar
Most international flights to Madagascar land at Ivato International Airport, which is 11 miles (17km) from the capital, Antananarivo. From this airport, flights to several local destinations are possible.
Photography Etiquette: While exploring Madagascar's captivating landscapes and vibrant culture, remember to be respectful when taking photographs. Always seek permission before photographing individuals, and refrain from intrusive or disrespectful behavior. Embrace the opportunity to capture the essence of Madagascar's beauty while honoring the privacy and dignity of its people.
Embrace the Adventure: Madagascar offers a unique and enriching travel experience characterized by its untamed wilderness and authentic charm. Unlike conventional tourist destinations, Madagascar presents travelers with an array of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. From encounters with lemurs to navigating rugged terrain, every moment in Madagascar is an adventure waiting to unfold. Embrace the unpredictability and raw beauty of this remarkable destination, and you'll be rewarded with unforgettable memories and experiences that defy expectations.
Currency Exchange: Ensure you exchange your currency for Malagasy Ariary before departing Madagascar, as the Ariary is a closed currency. Additionally, note that Ariary is only accepted within customs upon leaving the country. Plan ahead and exchange your currency accordingly to facilitate smooth transactions during your travels.
Electricity
The electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are generally of the two-pin variety.
Language
Malagasy is the official language, but French is used in business and government and is widely spoken in the main cities in Madagascar. A few people involved in the tourism industry might be able to speak some English, but it has yet to be widely spoken.
Health
Malaria is a risk throughout the year, and the risk of infection is highest in coastal areas; visitors should take appropriate measures to avoid contracting the disease. All travelers coming from a country with yellow fever risk are required to prove they have been vaccinated against the disease before entering Madagascar. Vaccinations are also recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and influenza, and those at risk of animal bites should also consider a rabies vaccination. Tap water should not be drunk unless it has been boiled or chemically treated.
Medical facilities are severely limited in Madagascar, and outside of the capital, medical care may be challenging to find. Limited French medications are available in Tana; however, it would be best to bring along a medical kit for private use. If you require specific prescription medications, it is best to bring them with you in their original packaging, along with a signed and dated letter from your doctor stating what they are and why they are needed. I would suggest that you have comprehensive medical insurance.
Safety
The political situation in Madagascar is unstable, especially in central Antananarivo and the Ambohijatovo, Lac Anosy, Antaninarenina, and Analakely areas. Violence is possible at any large gatherings and political or military installations. Travelers are advised to use an established agency, and solo travelers should continually monitor the local media. Precautions against opportunistic crime, especially in urban areas, should be taken. Pickpockets operate at the airport and in crowded places such as markets. Travelers should carry a photocopy of their passports at all times. At night, avoid walking around city centers and road travel outside urban areas as there have been occasional hold-ups on the main routes. The height of the cyclone season is from January to March and affects the coastal regions. Piracy is a significant concern in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, and there have been several attacks against private vessels and kidnappings.
Local customs
Do not photograph military or police establishments while in Madagascar. Visitors should always carry identification. In rural areas, locals may abide by a number of taboos called fady, which visitors should respect at all times.
Useful contacts
-Madagascar Tourism Website: www.madagascar-tourisme.com
-117 (Police)
- United States Embassy, Antananarivo: +261 2023 480 00.
In Conclusion, Madagascar may not offer the conventional 'bucket list' attractions found in other African countries, but its allure lies in its authenticity and untamed spirit. Embrace the challenges and embrace the adventure, for Madagascar promises a journey like no other—a beautiful mess of experiences waiting to be explored and cherished. Pack your sense of adventure and curiosity, and let Madagascar's magic unfold before you!
If you cancel your trip before the 90-day deadline, 25% of the total trip price is non-refundable, as are any airfare, train tickets, or ferry tickets purchased as part of your trip package due to the strict cancellation policy by foreign carriers (if applicable).
Trip cancellations requested after the final payment deadlines listed above are non-refundable, and guests are encouraged to file a claim with their travel insurance for reimbursement.
In the unlikely event Walker Wellness Retreats cancels the retreat, guests will be provided a full 100% refund of their booking.
Lastly, we partner with several third-party booking platforms that have separate deposit and cancellation policies. If you book through a third-party partner, please refer to their specific cancellation policies.
Questions about refunds or cancellations? Click here to view our payment and cancellation policy.
The deadline to book an international retreat is 30 days before the retreat begins; however, some exceptions can be made based on availability. Please email us at [email protected] to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.
Double occupancy includes a private bedroom and private bathroom for 2 people.
Helpful hints: If you have two people who would like to share a room, select 2 Double Occupancy packages. If you are traveling alone but want to be paired with another solo traveler, select 1 Double Occupancy package. If you are traveling alone and want your own room, select 1 Single Occupancy package below.
Solo occupancy includes a private bedroom and private bathroom for one person.
Helpful hints: If you are traveling alone but want to share a room with another traveler, select 1 Double Occupancy package above. If you are booking for two people who would like to share a room, choose 2 Double Occupancy packages above.
International airfare can be purchased by Walker Wellness Retreats. Contact us for a quote.
Travel insurance can be purchased by Walker Wellness Retreats. Contact us for a quote.
Extending hotel stay or upgrading hotel room.
Welcome to Madagascar!
Once you arrive at Antananarivo Airport (TNR), you do not need a visa if staying for 15 days or less, but must pay 10 Euros as an administrative fee on arrival. After you collect your bags, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Once you’ve checked in, the rest of the afternoon is yours to relax and settle in. Whether you choose to unwind in the comfort of your hotel or step out to explore the bustling streets of Antananarivo, the city invites you to discover its unique blend of history, culture, and vibrant local life.
7:00 PM: Meet your fellow travelers and retreat hosts during a Welcome Orientation in the hotel lobby. Delight in a group dinner, savoring the rich flavors of Malagasy cuisine and hospitality.
Overnight Stay:
Unwind at Relais des Plateaux, where modern comfort meets Malagasy charm, offering a serene retreat in the heart of Antananarivo—perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.