Visas
Visas can be obtained in advance from the relevant Madagascar Embassy in your country of origin; costs vary from country to country. They are also easily available on arrival although payment should be in hard currency; US$ or EU€ (Approx €56.00 Euro/84.00US$).
A passport valid for at least 6 months with 2 free pages is also essential.
Flights
The main international carriers to Madagascar are Air Madagascar and Air France with flights from Europe (mainly from Paris). There are also flights from South Africa to Antananarivo and Fort Dauphin on SA Air Link and Air Madagascar. Mauritius can also be a useful hub also with regular flights from Tana.
Money
Although the official unit of currency in Madagascar is the relatively new Ariary, the populace still cling to their old unit the FMG (Franc Malagasy). This can be a little confusing as prices are often given in FMG, while notes are denominated in Ariary! 5 FMG is equal to 1 Ariary and the exchange rate is approximately US$1 = 1800Airiary or 9,000FMG
Euro or US$ are the recommended currencies for changing into Ariary. Please note that Mastercard, Maestro and American Express are very hard to use, so MCC recommends that you bring a VISA credit/debit card or budget to cover your entire trip with cash and travelling cheques.
Health
Madagascar is a Malarial Area, so Malarial prevention medications and also a good insect repellent are strongly recommended. Please do consult your physician or specialist travel clinic before departure. Yellow Fever certificates are required by those arriving from a yellow fever endemic country (such as Kenya or Tanzania).
Please note that medical facilities in the country are basic and you should enquire and make MCC aware of any pre-existing medical conditions.
We insist that all clients travelling with MCC have full medical insurance, including emergency evacuation cover.
Language
As a former French colony the French language is widely spoken in the larger towns and cities throughout Madagascar. However, English was added as an official language in 2007 and is slowing becoming more widely spoken. In rural areas it is common for only Malagasy to be spoken but our MCC staff will always be there to help you translate and explain situations and events in fluent English.
Transport
The main way to travel internally in Madagascar is by plane and then 4x4 vehicle. Access to all MCC camps is by 4x4 vehicle only - the definition of ‘off the beaten track’! Around Antananarivo and other areas with paved roads we also use minibuses as well as 4x4’s.
Accommodation
Although MCC is the only operator providing Luxury Tented Camping in Madagascar, there are a growing number of luxury hotels in Tana and in the north of Madagascar : Domaine de Fontenay, Tsara Komba Lodge, Anjajavy, Nosy Iranja and Tsarabanjina. Non luxury 2/3 star hotel accommodation is available throughout Madagascar and is generally clean and comfortable.
What to bring
It is recommended that you bring a wide range of clothing, for both hot and cold weather. Between May and September it can get quite cool at night, particularly in Tana. October through April is hot and also the rainy season in many areas of Madagascar.
A good sturdy pair of walking boots is a must, even if you do not wish to do long hikes, as they will protect your feet in the spiny forests.
We also recommend that you aim to be self sufficient in terms of photographic equipment etc. Although there is electricity in camp and at all hotels for charging camera batteries etc the plug used is the 2-pin French variety.
Security
As with any developing country petty crime does exist, particularly in the large urban areas, this is generally limited to snatch theft and is opportunistic. We recommend that clients leave valuables in their hotel safe and do not wear easy to remove jewellery in markets or busy places. Incidents of violent crime against tourists are rare and in general Madagascar is a country in which visitors rightly feel very safe.
Daily life in Madagascar (GMT +3)
Madagascar is predominantly a rural country with most of the population involved in farming and livestock. The pace of life is slow and relaxed, the people are friendly and it is a great country to both visit and live in. As in many developing countries things don’t always go exactly according to plan, that’s part of the charm. The best maintained vehicles still get flat tyres, unexpected rain can flood roads and flights can be delayed. If you relax and enjoy the goings on around you, including any unforeseen problems, you will have a fantastic holiday and see some of the most interesting and beautiful wildlife and culture on the planet.
