Madagascar

Mobile phone signal quality in urban areas of Madagascar is generally reliable, but it can be inconsistent or even unavailable in remote regions. To enhance your connectivity while in Madagascar, we recommend obtaining a local SIM card upon your arrival, which you can purchase at Ivato International Airport or in Antananarivo.

For optimal telecom services, consider the following providers based on your location:

• Antananarivo and major urban areas: Telma

• Rural areas: Airtel and Orange are recommended for better coverage.

The recommended time to visit Northern Madagascar is from March till the end of December, while the best time for the West Madagascar tour is from May till the end of November. The highest temperatures are typically from September to December, reaching around 33°C, and the lowest recorded temperatures occur from June to September, dropping to about 10°C.

Madagascar's climate is characterized by two main seasons. The wet season, from November to April, brings heavy rainfall and high humidity to the East Coast. The Central Highlands experience wet but cooler conditions with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The West Coast and South are relatively drier but still receive occasional rains. During this season, cyclones can affect the east coast, so be prepared for possible travel disruptions and ensure you have waterproof gear.

The dry season, from May to October, sees less rainfall but still humid conditions on the East Coast. The Central Highlands are dry and cooler, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The West Coast and South are very dry and warm, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). The dry season is the best time for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities. Nights can be chilly, especially in the highlands, so pack accordingly.

Madagascar's diverse climate means that you should prepare for varying weather conditions depending on the regions you plan to visit. Always pack layers to adjust to temperature changes and include rain gear to stay comfortable during unexpected downpours.

For our Northern Madagascar tour, you will be accommodated in hotels throughout your stay. For your comfort, twin-sharing rooms will be assigned, with roommates of the same gender, unless you are a couple or have made special arrangements in advance.

For our West Madagascar tour, you will also stay in hotels except for Days 5-6, when you embark on your Tsiribihina River adventure. During this time, you will be staying at campsites and sleeping in tents. This provides an incredibly authentic and adventurous experience, camping out in the wonderful nature.

It's important to acknowledge that accommodations in rural areas progressively become more basic. Remember, you've chosen to embark on an adventure with us for an authentic and unfiltered experience, not a luxury trip. Please consider this before expressing concerns. However, our guides are always ready to ensure you have a pleasant and comfortable experience as much as possible.

Wearing the right gear is essential to ensure you’re fully prepared and comfortable throughout your adventure. The unpredictable weather and diverse terrain demand proper attire, so we highly recommend following our curated packing list. After years of extensive reviews and firsthand experience, we’ve meticulously designed this list to be your ultimate guide for your journey to Madagascar.

Once your adventure is booked, we’ll send over the detailed packing list to help you get ready. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out via email or WhatsApp—we’re here to assist you every step of the way!

Certainly, for your upcoming expedition, it is advisable to include supplementary gear and electronic items. These essentials encompass a headlamp, which proves invaluable during your rural sojourn, particularly in accommodations such as tents at campsites or for nighttime activities. Additionally, consider packing power banks to ensure your electronic devices remain charged throughout your journey. A personal First Aid Kit is also strongly recommended, equipped with fundamental supplies like hand sanitizers, analgesics, anti-diarrheal medication, wound ointment, adhesive bandages, blister care solutions, and motion sickness tablets, should they be required.

For an enhanced level of comfort, contemplate the inclusion of personal comfort items like eye masks, microfiber towels, an inflatable travel pillow, and earplugs. These additions will contribute to a more comfortable and convenient overall experience during your expedition.

Lastly, if you have a penchant for culinary exploration, you may wish to bring along your preferred local snacks, spices, and instant food options to add a flavorful dimension to your mealtime experience.

For your convenience, we recommend two specific types of bags on our expedition:

1. Daypack Selection: We suggest opting for a 15-30 liter daypack, complete with a rain cover. This size is both practical for vehicle transport and exploration. Your daypack will be handy for carrying essential items like your passport, wallet, camera, water bottle, spare clothing, snacks, and more. It's advantageous to choose one with a water bladder compartment for easy hydration. Quality daypacks can be found from renowned brands, such as Fjallraven, our preferred outdoor brand.

2. Check-In Bag: For your check-in luggage, we recommend bringing hard-case luggage. If not, soft-case luggage is fine. Alternatively, a big backpack or duffel bag will do. The weight limit for check-in luggage to Madagascar is 23 kg, so please keep this in mind. Remember to carry all your electronics with you as part of your hand luggage. Additionally, we recommend having a set of clothing, including wet gear like your hardshell waterproof jacket and pants, in your hand luggage as a backup, in case your checked-in bag experiences delays or issues beyond our control.

Throughout the expedition, our dining experiences will vary. Some days will feature meals at small shops, cafes, or local town restaurants as we make pitstops along the journey. On other days, our dedicated Malagasy expedition guide and cook, will skillfully prepare a diverse array of cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Your palate will be tantalized with options ranging from traditional Malagasy dishes to international favorites.

Detailed information about Malagasy food can be provided, including typical dishes like rice, zebu meat, and local vegetables. For those with dietary preferences or restrictions, including halal, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, rest assured that we have you covered. However, it’s important to note that Madagascar has a diverse culinary culture, and while accommodating specific dietary needs is possible, the availability of certain ingredients might be limited.

To cater to your specific taste preferences, we recommend planning to bring your own spices or condiments to enhance your dining experience. Please provide prior notice of any dietary restrictions to ensure we can make the necessary arrangements.

While exploring the picturesque landscapes of Madagascar, we highly recommend that all participants take precautionary measures by boiling tap water before consumption rather than using it directly from the tap.

Fortunately, bottled water is easily available throughout the country. We suggest getting additional bottled water during your visits to supermarkets, as our provision includes only one 1.5-liter bottle per day. For more prolonged journeys, such as extended treks, where it may be difficult to get a consistent supply of bottled water, rest assured that we will supply boiled spring water for your convenience and safety.

If you wish to use drones in Madagascar, you must apply through the Agence Malgache de l'Aviation Civile (ACM). The application process requires submitting a detailed request that includes information about the drone, its intended use, and the areas where it will be flown. It’s recommended to apply well in advance of your planned drone activity to ensure ample time for processing and approval.

For local emergency contacts in Madagascar, please keep these important numbers in mind:

• Police (responsible for security within cities): Call 117 or visit the nearest police station.

• National gendarmerie (responsible for security outside cities): Call 199.

• Fire and rescue services: Call 117.

• Medical emergencies: Call 117 or go directly to a hospital.

We also highly advise you toregister with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SG) to ensure that you can be promptly notified and located in the event of a serious emergency. You can reach the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at (65) 6379 8000 or via email at mfa@mfa.gov.sg for further assistance and support.

Should an emergency arise, kindly inform our local expedition guide promptly. Subsequently, you can contact Scott, from our BE team, directly at +65 91150782. Scott will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.

The terrain for the 2.5-hour cycle from Antsirabe to Manandona is moderately challenging, featuring a mix of flat paths, gentle inclines, and some rocky areas. The cycle is guided by experienced local guides, and safety gear, including helmets and basic protective equipment, is provided. If you have specific requirements, it is recommended to bring your own personal protective gear.