Useful Information and Links Madagascar

Visas and Arrival

Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival into Madagascar. Payment of USD$35 is required in cash, along with a passport sized photo.

Money and ATMs

Malagasy currency is the Ariary. Euros are also widely accepted by hotels and tour operators (and may be preferred!) ATMs are found in major centres and tourist areas now.  Credit card acceptance is on the increase with hotels, restaurants and tour operators, but don’t rely on this.  Cash is still king in Madagascar…

Transport

Air Madagascar has reliable and punctual flights that crisscross the country.  The schedules are highly variable but available online. I was able to easily book flights in advance with Jetabroad, www.jetabroad.com.au. A few key flights can get you to the regional hubs of Madagascar to explore onwards from there by tour or taxi-brousse.

Road transport times are very slow because of the extremely poor condition of Malagasy roads (average speed 30km/h!).  You can get anywhere in the country with the plentiful local minibuses (taxi-brousse).  I hired a private car and driver (see below) for 3 days to explore the Central Highlands (from Antananarivo to Ranomafana).

Where I Stayed

Antanarivo: Les Trois Metis Boutique Guest House and restaurant www.les-trois-metis.com

Morondava: Chez Maggie Hotel www.chezmaggie.com (also organizes tours to Tsingy de Bemaraha NP)

Andasibe:  Hotel Feon’ny Ala, Tel: (+261 20) 5683202 –basic bungalows bordering the forest, 300m walk downhill from RN2 -Andasibe road junction

Ranomafana: Le Grenat Hotel, Ranomafana Village

Diego Suarez: Le Jardin Exotique (+261 20)8221933

Ankarana Reserve, Mamousina Village: Chez Aurelien Bungalows (accommodation & meals)

Nosy Be: Coucher du Soleil Bungalows, Ambatoloaka,Tel: (+261 20)8692842; email: coucherdusoleil@moov.mg

Favourite Places to Eat:

Antananarivo: Les Trois Metis Guesthouse www.les-trois-metis.com (French cuisine)

Diego Suarez: La Rosticceria, 47 Rue Colbert (Italian Trattoria)

Nosy Be: Baobab Kafe, Ambatoloaka Beach Road (seafood, snacks, burgers and internet café)

Other links:

Private Car and Driver from Antananarivo:  Mr Tantely RAZAFIMAHARATRA  tantelyrazafimahatratra@gmail.com;  tel: 033 01 484 96 (arranged through guesthouse in Anatanarivo)

Madagascar National Parks website: www.parcs-madagascar.com

Scuba Diving Nosy Be: Tropical Diving (attached to the Coco Plage Hotel, Ambatoloaka) https://www.tropical-diving.com ; Tel: 032 07 12790

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