Madagascar Magic

Tour and Travel Contacts:

Get these guys to tailor-make your holiday if you are not keen on the DIY thing:

• 180 Degree Adventures: MTB trips through Madagascar - Tel (+27-82) 553 2054
• Air MAdagascar: Best flight option; major discounts on internal flights - Tel (+27-11) 289 8222
• Animal Tracks: Also IslandVentures; offers Reunion options too - Tel (+27-11) 454 0543
• Falcon Africa Safaris: Will design your unforgettable adventure - Tel (+27-11) 886 1981
• Kayak Africa: SA Operator running kayak safaris in the Masoala peninsula - Tel (+27-21) 689 8123
• Madagaskar Adventures: Tailor-made itineraries to suit individuals - Tel (+27-11) 728 7384
• OrTour: Local Operator in Tana - speak to Michel Rakotoasimbola - Tel (032) 07 704 64
• Unusual Destinations: Madagascar plus a whole lot more - Tel (+27-11) 706 1991

Accommodation Contacts and Costs:

• Chez Suzie (Ifaty): Authentic, clean bungalows with friendly lemur (R25pp) - ask for Suzie in village
• Gite de la Tsiribihina Guesthouse (Miandrivazo): Room - sleeps four (R25pp) - Tel (+) 404 12
• Hotel Dera (Andraikiba): Camping R25pp and Bungalows for two at R85 - Tel (030) 44 860 70
• Hotel Melody Beach (St. Augustine): Clean, spacious room for 4 (R19pp) - Tel (09) 94 418 70
• Hotel les Bouganvilliers (Morondava): Damp pit of a room (R25pp); good bungalows - Tel (+) 95 521 63
• MTB Excursions (Antsirabe): Cycle Hire (full day) at R40 - Tel (032) 02 217 90
• Motel Gina (Taolarano): Bungalows (from R65) and good service - Tel (09) 21 266

Important Information:

• Crime: A refreshing lack of violent crime - pickpocketing is probably a worst-case scenario
• Exchange Rate: Constantly varies, work on approximately 900 Malagasy Franc to the Rand
• Health requirements: Yellow fever and cholera vaccinations might be required
• Language: Malagasy is the official language, but most people speak French
• Malagasy Consulate: Contact them on (011) 442 3322
• Place Names: Many Malagasy towns and cities have both French and local names - may be confusing
• Transport: Air Madagascar serves an excellent network of 40 destinations with daily, affordable flights

Copyright © 2002 Jacques Marais. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the permission of the author is prohibited.