Welcome service
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by our local representative. They will hold a ‘welcome board’ with your name on it. We have provided local contact details in the confirmed program if you have any problems.
Luggage
Please limit baggage to two items per person and always use soft bags rather than suitcases. In specific cases i.e. for internal flights, luggage may be limited to 15kg per person.
Food & water
Food varies from destination to destination. Please remember that we try to use lodges/hotels that use local products. Do not be afraid to try Local products it is part of the experience! We recommend to drink only bottled water which can be bought throughout Madagascar.
Communications
International telephone communications are available from the major cities but more difficult from some remote areas. Mobile network coverage is reasonable throughout Madagascar, though you may have to walk a short distance to reach an area of coverage. All drivers/guides have mobile phones for emergency use.
Local time
Madagascar is three hours (+3) ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Daylight Hours Sunrise is around 05:30 hours and sunset at about 18:30 hours. This varies slightly, depending on the location within Madagascar and the time of year.
Electricity
Electricity is available at most lodges and hotels in Madagascar. Some of the rural hotels only have generator to charge camera, but please speak to your guide or reception about this. It may be useful to bring a car charger.
The electricity supply in Madagascar is 220 volts/AC50Hz. Plug sockets are 2 round pin sockets (European).
Local currency
Malagasy currency is Ariary. As it is “non convertible” it is better to change according to one’s need. We recommend you to make change upon arrival, as it is more difficult to change money whilst on tour. There are ATM machines available in the major towns and VISA credit cards are accepted. All ATMs will only dispense Ariary. There are very few places where credit cards can be used so please only use it as an absolute emergency. Please do not take travelers cheques as you will not be able to change these in Madagascar. There are money changing facilities available at the major banks in Antananarivo or at the airport on your arrival. You will be able to change money at most main towns and cities. The most accepted foreign currency is EURO, although US Dollar is also accepted. If you are carrying USD, please take bills dated 2004 or later as earlier dated bills can be very difficult to change and may not be accepted (as well as torn and dirty bills – the crisper the better!).
Visas
A valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity on arrival is mandatory. Tourist visas are required by all nationalities visiting Madagascar. We recommend that visas are obtained prior to departure, but please note that visas can be obtained at Antananarivo International Airport on your arrival.
Security
Clients should take the usual precautions when travelling abroad in unfamiliar surroundings and we recommend that clients would take a taxi rather than walk at night. Please use your common sense and do not draw attention to cameras, video equipment, jewellery, etc. Do not flaunt money and always use safes when provided at hotels/lodges. If in doubt please ask your guide.
Health & medical
Always seek medical advice before travelling; please consult your GP or Doctor who will be able to advise you on required vaccinations and anti-malarial prophylaxis.
Please bring any personal medication required. Anti-malaria tablets and mosquito repellents are essential. Travel from some countries requires a Yellow Fever inoculation and certificate. Drink bottled or boiled water only. Medical services, especially in rural areas, are basic so it is essential you have appropriate travel insurance with adequate medical cover, air repatriation with a 24-hours contact telephone number for emergencies. Securing the necessary travel insurance for your trip is your own responsibility.