Madagascar

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May 19, 2013 9:43 AM
JerryMUC

last reply
May 21, 2013 12:21 PM
rorygemwriter

1 replies
30 views
location: Madagascar

Ambositra to Morondava

Comming from Ranomafana I intend to travel onwards to Morondava. Is there a reasonable transport from Ambositra on RN34? Or do I have to return to Antsirabe and go on RN34/RN36?

Which way does the Postbus from Fiana to Toliara take? Do you think they would pick me up in Ambositra or Antsirabe, if I make a reservation when I pass through Fiana soem days before?

The most comfortable way would certainly be to travel by Transport Première Class on their Tana - Morondava connection. I inquired by email but they did not answer.

So what is your recommendation for my trip (in June)?

Kind regards, Gerald

May 19, 2013 1:46 AM
prishy80

last reply
May 19, 2013 1:46 AM
prishy80

0 replies
60 views
location: Madagascar

5-6 week trip to Madagascar

Hi there,

I am planning on going to Madagascar for my honeymoon in August and am looking for some help with my proposed trip.

We are flying out around 7th August and my plan is essentially to head straight up to Nosy Be for a week on the beach (it is the honeymoon after all). I would organise this before we go. After that I would basically have 4-5 weeks left and a rough itinerary would be to headed up to Deigo Suraez before heading down to Sambava then to Antalaha and trekking through to Maroantsetra (either direct or via Cap Est). Then spending a couple of days there before either flying back to Tana or if we have enough time then maybe trying to make it down the RN5 and go back to Tana overland (which seems difficult but do-able)- does anyone know if it is easy to hire cars and drivers in Maroantsetra to drive south?

I have been asking a few operators and they have balked ... more »

May 17, 2013 7:53 PM
mtmildredb

last reply
May 18, 2013 8:13 AM
rorygemwriter

1 replies
98 views
location: Madagascar

itinerary

recommended itinerary for a month-long stay in Madagascar?

May 16, 2013 7:30 AM
mmueller12

last reply
May 19, 2013 1:37 AM
prishy80

2 replies
143 views
location: Madagascar

2 or 3 good spots to stay?

Hello - my husband and I are planning to have 2 weeks in Madagascar in August or September. We are BIG hikers and are very active. We are hoping to do challenging hikes, night hikes, see lots of wildlife (especially lemurs, of course), snorkel, etc.

I was looking at the Masoala Lodge on the north end, and it looks beautiful, but I'm not sure of the price. We don't like big hotels, so I'm looking for smaller places, probably out of town, quiet and very close to nature. I'd like to split our time between 2 or 3 places and we'll use public transportation to travel between them. Any suggestions?

Thank you in advance!
Melissa

May 15, 2013 6:26 PM
mtmildredb

last reply
May 18, 2013 8:22 AM
rorygemwriter

3 replies
148 views
location: Madagascar

backpacking gear madagascar

what backpacking gear should I bring with me? I'm afraid I'll be lugging around a bunch of stuff I won't use. I definitely bringing a tent, and a sleeping bag. What else?

Any help, comments would be appreciated,

Millie Carson

May 9, 2013 2:06 AM
kaathrin1

last reply
May 13, 2013 12:33 PM
kaathrin1

3 replies
260 views
location: Madagascar

backpacking by public transport - too dangerous?

dear travelers,

we are a couple planning to go on a journey trough madagascar for 3 weeks in december. we are used to individual traveling, speak fluently french and are just a bit doubtful concerning security. is it too dangerous to go by "taxi brousse"? we've heard that violence has increased since 2009 and are concerned about possible attacks.

it's hard to estimate only from the things you read in guides, so we hoped we would find someone that has recently travelled across the island and can tell us about the current situation.

thank's in advance, regards,

kathrin and moritz

May 4, 2013 7:03 AM
idlysambar

last reply
May 5, 2013 9:24 AM
idlysambar

2 replies
140 views
location: Madagascar

Tana to Antsirabe

The LP Guide mentions (Page 42) that the fare for the taxi-brousse from Tana to Antsirabe is 17,000 Ar. This is incorrect. The fare is only 8,000 Ar (as of April 2013). When you reach the Fasanny Karana taxi-brousse station in Tana, they will show you photocopies of the LP guide and ask you for 20,000 Ar. Don't fall for it. Pay only 8,000 Ar.

May 2, 2013 6:40 AM
yaelgar

last reply
May 2, 2013 6:40 AM
yaelgar

0 replies
86 views
location: Madagascar

travel palns

We are a family of 4 (children 13,15) traveling to Madagascar in August for a month. We have rented a 4X4 and we are used to traveling and camping a lot.
We are planning to go to Morondava and surroundings, and to the east (northern part) maybe up to Ile Saint Marie.
We are wondering whether to reach Isalo also and whether to drive all the way to the north to Antisarana (Nosy Be does not seem attractive to us) or whether it's too far for our schedule.
I would be happy to here from people that have been there what is more attractive.

Apr 29, 2013 8:06 AM
willpan39

last reply
Apr 30, 2013 1:14 AM
rorygemwriter

2 replies
304 views
location: Madagascar

Is it safe to go from Toliara to Ranohire by car at night?

My flight arrives at Toliara at 5:00 p.m. in mid- August. In order to catch the next day's tour to PN de I' Isalo, we'll drive to Ranohire for 5 hours in the evening. But some people suggest that it is not safe to drive along this way at night. Is it unsafe? If yes, how unsafe? robbery? road safety?Please let me know!

Apr 27, 2013 6:38 PM
cazmantis

last reply
May 7, 2013 7:33 PM
rashaja

3 replies
432 views
location: Madagascar

Overland from Antananarivo to NosyBe?

Hi all,

I just wondered if anyone has one overland from Antananarive to NosyBe and if so how long did it take approximately? I am booked on an AirMad flight but they cancelled my flight on Saturday and bumped me to a Monday flight which really isn't great for me - I wondered if I might be able to arrive in NosyBe by Sunday if I go overland. Any insight appreciated?

Thanks,

Caz

Apr 24, 2013 3:32 PM
bernardoclausi

last reply
Apr 25, 2013 5:20 PM
bernardoclausi

2 replies
265 views
location: Madagascar

info on time travel and advices

hello everybody that uses the thorn tree, i'm pretending to make a 2 week travel to madagascar in late august early september and wanna ask a couple of questions to you that already travelled there.

do the birds are in a good activity at this time ? as im from south america (25 degrees south) in my region at this time the birds are already pumping heavy for spring mating (singing a lot), anyway, if you say its too early i could change for a week later ...

im pretending to arrive and go straight to andasibe and stay there for three nights... later i was pretending to go to ranomafana but i'm right now thinking to skip it and leaving it for maybe other trip to the south and west, as in this first trip i'm pretending to go to the north. so do you think ranomafana is unmissable ?

as i have a limited time after andasibe i'm pretending to fly straight to sambava (from tana) to ... more »

Apr 24, 2013 5:27 AM
tatia

last reply
Apr 24, 2013 10:08 PM
tatia

3 replies
507 views
location: Madagascar

Few questions about first trip to Madagascar

Hello there,

I'm planning to travel to Madagascar and I have few questions:
1. I go either in June, either in September and I was wandering which is the best time to visit Madagascar, June or September?
2. I'm women, and I have been traveled in many countries alone, actually most of the Middle east countries, but this is my first trip to Africa (I don't include north Africa), so my another question is , how safe is to travel in Madagascar as a solo women?
3. I'm planing to spend there about 11-12 days, Is it enough for explore the country?
4. What is the daily cost of living? I try not to spend much when I travel, I stay in hostels and use public transport as well..

if someone can help me with those questions, I'd be grateful

Thanks advance

Apr 24, 2013 12:24 AM
jrb_1983

last reply
Apr 24, 2013 11:47 AM
rorygemwriter

1 replies
88 views
location: Madagascar

Ceolacanths

Just wrote this on ceolacanths, if anyone is interested:

http://www.policymic.com/articles/37403/this-new-genome-shows-how-all-land-vertebrates-evolved-including-ourselves

Thanks,
Jonathan

Apr 22, 2013 7:58 AM
Mindless2

last reply
Apr 25, 2013 5:59 PM
Mindless2

5 replies
472 views
location: Madagascar

ATM's Visa, Mastercard and Bank Cards????????

Hi,
Can you use Bank Cards (debit Cards) to withdraw money from the ATMs in Madagascar or only Visa and Mastercard???
Can anyone tell me the availability of ATMs in Tana, Antsirabe and Tulear???

Thanks for the help!!
T

Apr 21, 2013 3:42 PM
Dan_Brown

last reply
Apr 25, 2013 11:46 AM
Dan_Brown

3 replies
454 views
location: Madagascar

Ideas on an area to focus on & a viable itinerary using public transport?

Hi,

I plan to spend roughly 3 weeks in Madagascar at the start of July and then 4 nights in Mauritius on the way home.

Can you please suggest which area would be best to focus on in this time for a solo traveller who is interested in scenery, wildlife, culture, adventure activities, photography, snorkelling etc. I plan on mainly using public transport as I'm flying with Air Mauritius so I won't be able to get the discounted AirMad flights. (I could possibly use 1 domestic flight if this would help things drastically)

I have to admit that I'm a bit overwhelmed when looking at all the different places to make an itinerary so any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I don't usually like to go on tours as I feel very restricted although I could do this if it was deemed necessary in some places.
I also don't speak French although I have travelled over a large amoun... more »

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