To ensure a pleasant experience in Madagascar, choosing the right rental vehicle is essential. Depending on your itinerary and the types of roads you will take, it is crucial to select a suitable vehicle. Note that over 60% of roads in Madagascar are not spared from potholes. The island has a wide variety of terrains, ranging from easy-to-access roads to more winding and difficult paths. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice.
If you are planning your first solo trip to Madagascar and wish to explore the country, renting a car is a great option. While it may come with an additional cost, it also ensures greater security. You avoid the hassle of searching for transport and dealing with the constraints of public transport. No more chasing tickets, waiting in long queues, or managing small change for every journey. You will also have peace of mind regarding your itinerary ;no stress about choosing the right route or vehicle. Additionally, if you opt for a car with a driver, they can also serve as your guide, providing you with a double benefit.
When the austral winter settles on the southwest coast of Madagascar, a particular excitement sweeps over the Vezo villages. For these sea nomads, fishing becomes a race against time. For four months, they must catch enough fish to survive the rainy season, when the ocean becomes impassable and drying the fish is impossible.
Looking for a timeless escape along Madagascar’s wild coast? Head to Saint-Augustin and Sarodrano, two hidden gems located just 30 km south of Tuléar. The journey itself is an adventure, with access via the RN7 for 12 km, followed by an 18 km dirt track. A single bush taxi makes the trip daily, leaving Tuléar at 2:30 PM and returning the next morning, making an overnight stay unavoidable. Renting a taxi for the day is a more flexible option, but for the more adventurous, a 4x4 via the Anakao ferry and the coastal track towards Fort-Dauphin promises an even more thrilling experience.
Sainte-Marie, though less famous than Nosy Be for diving, offers exceptional sites accessible to all levels, particularly around Île aux Nattes. Several dive clubs operate here, but not all guarantee the same level of professionalism. Here are our favourite spots for an unforgettable underwater experience.
Sainte-Marie, a small island 58 km long and 5 km wide, offers various transport options for visitors wishing to explore it.
Stretching for approximately 700 km along the eastern coast of Madagascar, the Pangalanes Canal is a beauty, a national treasure. Between peaceful lakes and narrow passages, it links Tamatave (Toamasina) to Farafangana, offering a striking spectacle. It was the French who, in the late 1940s, undertook to connect this succession of estuaries to create a north-south waterway, safer than the often rough and dangerous Indian Ocean.
Masonjoany, also known as Santalina Madagascariensis, is an iconic sandalwood of Madagascar, highly valued for its cosmetic and ritual properties. Although sandalwood is native to regions such as India, Nepal, and Australia, it has found a favourable climate in Madagascar, particularly in the western part of the island.
Camping is one of the best ways to connect with nature while escaping the hustle and bustle of city life. However, it is important to be mindful of heavy rains during the wet season, which lasts from late November to early May.
Travelling around Madagascar by car is a true adventure, offering both discovery and adrenaline. With a road network of approximately 30,000 km, less than 20% of which is paved, getting around the island requires preparation and patience. Outside the main roads, routes are often riddled with potholes, while secondary tracks, sometimes extremely rugged, become impassable during the rainy season (November to April).
Dear traveler , did you know that Vivy Travel Madagascar doesn’t just organize tailor-made trips to Madagascar? We’re also deeply committed to preserving our rich natural and cultural heritage. Every experience we create is designed not only to offer you unforgettable memories, but also to promote sustainable conservation and respect for our environment and culture. Immerse yourself in an authentic adventure where every step you take contributes to preserving the beauty and diversity of Madagascar for future generations.
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