Travel Tips for Madagascar

Visa Requirements - Visas are required for all visitors to Madagascar and are valid for a stay of 30 days. Visas can be obtained at the airport upon arrival for a fee. Visa fees accepted in U.S. Dollars or Euros only.

Water - Unfortunately, water for consumption while traveling internationally is not always as reliable as your water at home. It is imperative that we all pay close attention to our own personal hygiene and staying healthy before and throughout the river expedition. Please be religious about washing your hands throughout the trip, especially before and after eating and using the toilet. Tap water and water served from unknown sources before and after the trip is not to be trusted. Stick with bottled water only! You may choose to bring your own water purification system or tablets. However, there will always be plenty of clean water available throughout the river portion of the expedition.

Immuzinations - Remember, there are specific travel vaccinations you’ll want before you arrive in Madagascar. If you haven’t already, please contact your local travel clinic, department of health or the Center for Disease Control www.cdc.com for a complete list of necessary vaccinations for Madagascar. This is a malaria endemic zone. Available are a variety of prophylactics, each with differing side effects. Please ask your physician or the travel clinic, which is the best course for you.

Shopping- Madagascar offers spectacular shopping opportunities, mostly in the form of outdoor markets full of individual vendors with small booths. Don’t forget to explore these markets for a variety of handicrafts and souvenirs. Plan on your bags weighing in a bit more on your return home!

Money - The national currency of Madagascar is the Malagasy Franc (FMG). In addition to a currency exchange at the airport upon arrival, there are a variety of banks in Antananarivo where you will be able to change money as well as ATM’s. Please note that you will always receive a better rate for cash than traveler’s checks and sometimes bills with small tears or rips in them may be rejected. You will need Francs or sometimes dollars for any craft goods, beverages or food bought in or around Tana. Tipping is not usually practiced because in most cases, service charges are included.

Beverages - Hydration is always of the utmost importance for us on all river expeditions. Especially due to the high temperatures and physical exertion necessary throughout the trip. In addition to water, we provide a modest amount beer, cocktails and juice mix. If you plan on consuming a larger amount of alcoholic beverages, specific sodas or juices, please let your trip leader know in order to find everything you need before the trip or find them in Duty free on your way to the destination.