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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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All sightseeing is dependent on the group size.
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There is am international departure tax of $15 applicable to all international flights departing from Antananarivo Airport. This fee must be paid in cash, but can be paid in local currency or US dollars
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Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Back to topAccordingly you should allow approx. £35 for gratuities for local staff.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: Malagasy Ariary.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: We recommend taking most of your money in GBP, US Dollars or Euro cash, which can be changed into Malagasy Ariary at Tana airport. We strongly recommend that you change the money needed for the tour on arrival at the airport, as it will be difficult to do it during the trip due to the remoteness of the areas we visit and the tight schedule of our trip. Your Tour Leader will be able to assist you and advise the approximate amount needed to cover your extra expenses.
Please note that US$100 bills are not accepted and credit cards are rarely accepted.
Where to Exchange: Limited to Antananarivo, Antsirabe and Fianarantsoa. Your tour leader will advise on arrival.
ATM Availability: Antananarivo only, but ATMs cannot be relied upon.
Credit Card Acceptance: Very limited in Antananarivo and not to be relied upon.
Travellers Cheques: You can take some travellers cheques in case of emergency if you wish to do so, though note that they are extremely difficult to exchange.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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| UK | Madagascar | |
|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £0.50 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £0.70 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £0.50 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £1.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £7.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £12.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | £7.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Madagascar. You should have at least two blank pages in your passport on arrival.
Back to topAn entry visa is required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA and CAN. citizens. It is possible to get a visa on arrival valid for 30 days. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A plus Polio and diptheria. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.
Yellow Fever: Please note that as your flight transits Kenya you will be required to have a Yellow Fever certificate for entry into Madagascar. If you cannot produce a certificate, you will be required to visit the Institut Pasteur in Antananarivo to be vaccinated.
Following the advice given by the Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, we strongly recommend the wearing long sleeved shirts and the liberal application of insect repellent as a precautionary measure to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. These precautions should be taken at all times as the mosquitoes are also active during daylight hours.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topThe climate is tropical, but very cold in the highlands (dropping as low as 5°C at night in July/August in Antananarivo). The dry season is March to October continuing into November in most areas. October and November (spring) are generally the best time for wildlife and birds, but lemurs can be viewed all year round. The east coast is prone to rain year round.
Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topLuggage: One kitbag/rucksack or strong holdall (luggage travels on the roof rack during the day) and a daypack. Total weight allowance 15kg/33lb maximum per person.
Back to topClothing should be lightweight, but a warm sweater or jacket is advisable as nights at altitude and under desert conditions can be cold, even in summer and especially in July to September. Rainwear is strongly recommended for walks in the rainforest and the occasional heavy shower. Don’t forget your swimming costume and a towel.
Back to topLightweight walking boots, plus trainers or sandals for relaxing/travelling.
Back to topBring a headtorch per person, spare batteries, water bottle, sunhat/ sunscreen and insect repellent. Make sure you have spare batteries and memory cards for your electronic devices, as both are difficult to obtain locally. Binoculars are very useful for wildlife walks in the rainforest and a 300mm lens is recommended for photography. You may also wish to bring snorkelling gear with you. Mosquito nets are not required as the accommodation provides screening where necessary.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topAlthough a few long drives are necessary to get to some of the national parks we visit, the scenery we see on the way more than make up for it. If you adopt a positive attitude and a flexible approach this will be a very rewarding adventure in a remarkable country!
Back to topArea: 594,180 sq km.
Population: 18,000,000
Language: French, Malagasy.
Religion: Christian, Muslim.
Local Time: GMT +3.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220V, 50Hz, two pin round plug
Back to topRecommended Maps: Freytag & Berndt 1:2,000,00 Madagascar.
Recommended Books: Bradt Guide: Madagascar, Dervla Murphy: Muddling through Madagascar, G. Durrell: The Aye-aye and I, D. Attenborough: Zoo Quest to Madagascar, I. Sinclair: Birds of the Indian Ocean Islands, I. Tattersall: The Primates of Madagascar.
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