Madagascar

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Jun 18, 2013 10:26 PM
prishy80

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 5:28 AM
marogisa

5 replies
108 views
location: Madagascar

Changing Money

Hello everyone!

I've just got a quick question if anyone can help? I was wondering if it is difficult to change British Pounds in Madagascar? Everything I read seems to be wanting to use Euros... but I don't necessarily want to change into lots of euros then again to the local currency...

Many thanks

Prash

Jun 18, 2013 2:38 AM
jc3

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 4:48 AM
rorygemwriter

1 replies
50 views
location: Madagascar

Kenya & Madagascar with emphasis on coastal beaches

I working on an itinerary to fly into and out of NBO in June and spend the next 30 days at coastal beach resorts in Kenya & Madagascar. It looks like Kenya Air from NBO is the best choice for getting to & from TNR, but I'm unsure as to where and how to proceed beyond that. I'm mainly interested in mid-range places and travel options without much drama.

Any suggestions?

Jun 16, 2013 11:52 PM
leafsfan85

last reply
Jun 17, 2013 3:00 PM
nasoowas

3 replies
134 views
location: Madagascar

Independent travel / flights

Hi all,

I know some of the independent travel stuff is covered in previous threads, but I couldn't find the answer to my question. I am planning to head to Mada around Aug. 20 for 30 days with my girlfriend. We were going to book something organized, but several people have mentioned that independent travel is quite possible, and we could hire a driver/guide when necessary.

Firstly, I am wondering if this general sentiment is the same for most. The worst thing that could happen is we arrive in Tana and in 30 days see only a few things (much less than we would have with the tour) due to not having things booked in advance. Will we always be able to find (reasonably priced) accommodation?

Secondly, I am wondering about the domestic flights. Is it at all possible to book these the day of (or perhaps a day or 2 before)? And if so, are the prices that much higher? Just wondering ... more »

Jun 16, 2013 6:46 PM
brainless

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 4:58 AM
rorygemwriter

4 replies
152 views
location: Madagascar

Questions in trip planning

We are working with various tour operators to organize a 2-week private tour in Madagascar. Some questions came up and we would be grateful if some one can help us with these questions.
1. We are working with some tour operators from http://www.go2mada.com/membres.html (Groupement des Operateurs Tourisme de Madagascar). I understand no one should promote service from any business. My question is what kind of organization this is? Can anyone just become a member of the group? Are member of this particular group generally reliable? Does anyone have any bad experience with any of them?
2. Some tour operators say they would provide an English speaking driver guide, but some say drivers are not allowed to explain things to tourists and if we need an English speaking tour guide, we have to pay extra to hire a separate guide. How does this normally work in Madagascar? What are the regulati... more »

Jun 13, 2013 12:55 PM
cosmopolidanu

last reply
Jun 18, 2013 3:00 PM
leafsfan85

8 replies
283 views
location: Madagascar

reliable low-budget traveling around...

Hello there!

Me and my bf are going to Madagascar for 3 weeks in September. We are planning to visit Tsingy, Berenty and Andringitra National Parks.
We don't want to go on a organised tour - it's expensive and you have to follow the general itinerary - but we have heard/read that moving around Madagascar other way is not easy...
So...
Does anybody know of any reliable and cheap companies where we could rent a car (and driver) or maybe travel agencies that could partly organise our (low-budget!) trip?
Would it be a problem to find a driver & guide in Morondava to take us for 3-4 days trip to Tsingy (=shall we book in advance, or is it not necessary)..?
Is it better to get back to Tana from Tsingy (=Morondava) and then go to Berenty/Andrigintra, or can we go directly from Morondava? If so, how to do??

Anyway, any other information or advice about traveling to these 3 dest... more »

Jun 12, 2013 2:05 PM
travelbugged

last reply
Jun 17, 2013 3:16 PM
nasoowas

2 replies
169 views
location: Madagascar

Madagascan beaches

Hello

I'm planning a trip to Madagascar for Sept/Oct this year and will do a tour for a couple of weeks, probably ending up in Anakao before flying back to Tana.

I'm thinking of having a few days on a beach after the tour ends, while I have the option of visiting beautiful Indian Ocean beaches. I've been lucky to visit quite a few picture postcard beaches on my travels over the years and would love to visit another. I don't usually go on beach holidays or go to touristy resorts but love walking along a gorgeous beach amongst beautiful scenery.

Do you think Anakao will satisfy my craving for a white sand beach with clear turquoise water or would a trip to Nosy Be/ Nosy Iranja/Ile Sainte Marie be worth doing for a few days while I'm in Madagascar and if so which? I would probably have 2 full days and a day either side to allow for flights. Or alternatively I could go home vi... more »

Jun 12, 2013 3:27 AM
marogisa

last reply
Jun 12, 2013 3:27 AM
marogisa

0 replies
54 views
location: Madagascar

IMPORTANT for people with booked flights to Maroantsetra

If you have booked tickets to Maroantsetra, it is essential that you contact Air Madagascar or its agents to confirm the status of your booking.

The runway at Maroantsetra has been damaged, and the normal ATR machines are unable to land. At present, Maroantsetra is being served only by small Twin Otter aircraft, which can carry a maximum of 19 passengers and a limited amount of luggage.

As currently repair work has not been started, it isn’t clear how long the problem will continue. Even if your booking is for some time ahead, you should make sure that Air Mad have a phone number where they can contact you at any time.
You should also expect extended journey times. At present, the practice seems to be to fly a larger aircraft to Sambava, Antalaha or Tamatave and then fly passengers for Maroantsetra from there with the Twin Otter.

Jun 12, 2013 12:50 AM
chiarapple

last reply
Jun 16, 2013 1:16 AM
rorygemwriter

4 replies
225 views
location: Madagascar

Risks in Madagascar?

My husband and I will have our honey-moon next july, from the 7th to the 21st, traveling around the south of Madagascar. Recently we became aware that there were several problems also for tourists due to the political issue before the elections.
We are evaluating if it is the case to change our destination and if there is any concrete risk in traveling just with a local guide across Madagascar.
can someone give us some suggestions?

thanks a lot!
Chiara

Jun 10, 2013 9:45 AM
hguo

last reply
Jun 11, 2013 3:35 PM
hguo

2 replies
164 views
location: Madagascar

Best Way to Travel from Tana to Toliara

Hello! I am traveling with a few friends in Madagascar this August and am wondering what is the best way to travel from Tana to Toliara. We originally wanted to travel by air, but this method seems very expensive, approximately $600 round trip. Is this flight cost normal? If so, what is the best alternative and how long will it take?

Thanks!

Jun 10, 2013 2:29 AM
nailuj

last reply
Jun 13, 2013 4:37 AM
nailuj

4 replies
169 views
location: Madagascar

Madagascar Family Trip July / August 23 days

Hi,

I am going with my wife and 3 kids (14, 14, 12 y.o) mid July to Madagascar for 23 days.

I am very late for planning, so I feel a bit of a rush....! We love nature, having sharing experiences with local people and travel independently, we are use to this kind of more off the beaten track travelling.

I see also that transportion is not so easy and distances are large, so I would like to ask for your advice on itinerary, special places, and way of transport starting in Tana and spending last 5-6 day around St Marie Island as final active relax. We are on a mid budget level , already flight took a large bite!

I'd really appreciate your help.

Jun 9, 2013 9:53 AM
carharias

last reply
Jun 9, 2013 9:53 AM
carharias

0 replies
59 views
location: Madagascar

Monambato - Palamarium

Hello,

I am trying to organize a trip to the Palmarium reserve and I'm hoping someone can help me regarding logistics.

I am coming from Antananarivo, so I am thinking I would save some time (and maybe some cash) to take a boat from Monambato to Palmarium (1 hour) rather than go all the way up to Tamatave and take the longer boat ride down.

My questions are:

Is there a taxi brousse that goes to Monambato from Tana? If not, what would my options be?

Can I organize a boat to the Palmarium on my own from Monambato/Tamatave? The Palmarium offered a transfer price of 100.000Ar each way - Being that I am a single traveller, I am assuming they will putting me on a boat with others. Is this price good or should I try and sort things out then I get to either of these ports?

I look forward to any helpful information

Cheers,
Tom more »

Jun 9, 2013 5:46 AM
ladypau

last reply
Jun 17, 2013 3:23 PM
nasoowas

1 replies
87 views
location: Madagascar

looking for a budget, fun beach town

Hi,
I have three weeks left in Madagascar and would like to stay at a nice beach town. I'm travelling on my own so I'm looking for a place where I could meet other backpackers. I'm in a very tight budget too.
Thanks!

Jun 7, 2013 11:11 AM
stema

last reply
Jun 7, 2013 11:11 AM
stema

0 replies
75 views
location: Madagascar

tour Madagascar

I have 7 weeks to pass in Madagascar.
3 weeks up North from Antananarivo and another 4 weeks southwards.
I plan to use on route taxi brousse or buses as much as possible.
My interest are mostly nature, culture and a fair deal of relaxation somewhere in between; slow tourism.
Any interesting itinaries are most welcome.
Thank You!
Marc

Jun 6, 2013 11:12 PM
marogisa

last reply
Jun 6, 2013 11:12 PM
marogisa

0 replies
66 views
location: Madagascar

At long last: An ATM in Maroantsetra !!

Good news for visitors to Maroantsetra and Masoala National Park!

The refurbishment of the Bank of Africa offices in Maroantsetra is complete, and the rumours are true: they have indeed installed an ATM!

The bad news is, it isn’t yet operational – but the bank staff insist it will be working within a week.

I’ll post again once I hear that it is, and let people know what cards it accepts.

This will be a huge advantage for everyone – even for people who want to change cash instead of making withdrawals with a card. As local people who’ve been forced to queue for ages to withdraw money from their account switch to using bank cards in the ATM, the length of time you have to queue in the bank to change cash should be radically reduced

Jun 6, 2013 2:24 AM
andrevm

last reply
Jun 6, 2013 12:00 PM
andrevm

2 replies
166 views
location: Madagascar

Train Madagascar

Are the trains working in june 2013, namely betewen:

- Moramanga and tamatave (toamisina TCE);

- Moramanga and Ambatondrazaka (MLA)

Thanks,

AndréVM

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