You have planned to travel to Madagascar and you need help to arrange everything?
It’s true that it’s not easy to organize trips to a country that you’re not used to going to for the first time. But don’t worry we’re here to help you. Organizing trips to Madagascar is our specialty.
In this guide we give you some tips and tricks necessary to prepare your trip to Madagascar.How to prepare for your trip to Madagascar? Call on specialists like Vivy Travel Madagascar to advise you on your future trip to Madagascar
Here are some steps to follow:
Find out in advance:
We now live in an era where all information is available on the internet. Do your research on the different tourist sites in Madagascar and choose the ones that interest you the most, (park, beach, national reserve) to already have an idea of what awaits you. You can consult travel guides such as Bradt, Lonely Planet, Routard,…, and also consult travel blogs and tourism sites such as « Madagascar Tourism » for example, to get information on the different regions of Madagascar and the activities that take place there.
Make your bookings in advance:
Book your flight and accommodation in advance. The rates of the tourist companies in Madagascar vary according to the season: high season, low season, mid season, the rate may increase or decrease depending on the season of your reservation. You can use online travel sites to simulate flight rates or inquire directly with local operators such as Vivy Travel to find the best prices for your flight and accommodation.
Get vaccinated :
Get your vaccinations and visa. Consult your doctor to find out which vaccinations are recommended for your trip and consider applying for a visa if necessary. Some recommended vaccinations:
- DTPoqPolio, renewable every 15 years, if the primary vaccination was well conducted;
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B, probable lifetime immunity if complete primary immunization performed before age 20;
- Typhoid fever: the vaccine is strongly recommended (renewable every 3 years);
- Yellow fever: required only if a trip to continental black Africa is planned before or after your stay;
- For long stays, and in particular for those in areas far from Tana (Institut Pasteur), it’s preferable to plan to be vaccinated against rabies: 3 injections spaced over 1 month. In case of bite, this gives a respite to make a recall (2 doses). This often avoids the injection of an anti-rabies serum. Many dogs and animals stray or not. Also beware of possible lemur bites (which are very rare, just don’t disturb them in their natural habitat)
- Anti-malarial treatment essential.
- And recently all Covid-19-related travel restrictions have been lifted for all travellers to Madagascar.
Be comfortable :
Pack your suitcase according to the length and destination of your trip. Make sure you have everything you need, including appropriate clothing, travel equipment and basic medications. Local operators will usually advise you in advance when you make your reservation about the appropriate clothing and equipment for your trip.
Register for travel insurance:
Coming to Madagascar is a bit risky especially if you are traveling for the first time. It’s strongly advised to register for travel insurance that covers medical expenses and cancellation fees. This will protect you in case of unexpected problems.
Prepare your travel budget:
Prepare your budget and carry enough money to cover your travel expenses. You can use credit or debit cards, but you should also carry cash for everyday expenses.
Learn some notions in Malagasy or French:
Learn some of the most common words in Madagascar and get an idea of the customs and basic rules to avoid misunderstandings. The second most common language spoken in Madagascar is French. Malagasy people are very friendly and welcoming so don’t be surprised if you hear « Bonjour Vazaha », Salama e! Manakory e! on your way to greet you.
Preserve what’s important :
Make a copy of your important documents (passport, plane ticket, etc.) and leave them with someone you trust. This will help you in case your original documents are lost or stolen.
Note that it’s very important to always be accompanied by an experienced tour guide or driver when traveling in Madagascar, for your safety.
