Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If you can, bring some rice (the main staple) too - you can generally buy it by the meas-
ure (about 300g) in markets and village shops.
HOTELS & BUNGALOWS
Hotels in Madagascar come in many guises, from simple
pensions
to luxury resorts.
Bungalows are stand-alone structures; they are often wooden and popular in seaside loca-
tions and scenic areas. Bungalows can be anything from very basic to plush and elegant.
Hot water is rare in budget accommodation, hit and miss in midrange places but reliable
in top-end places.
Air-con is only really necessary in summer months (December to March) in the high-
lands; elsewhere, it'll very much depend on how much breeze the hotel gets at night.
Hot water and a decent blanket or two are luxuries worth paying for if you're staying
in the highlands, especially in winter since hotels don't have central heating, and cheaper
places are notorious for draughts.
All but the most basic hotels provide mosquito nets in coastal areas; they are not com-
monplace in Antanana-rivo (Tana) or the highlands, where mosquitoes are less of a prob-
lem.
ACCOMMODATION PRICE RANGES
Simple room, often with shared facilities,
normally with fan and mosquito net (where
needed).
Budget € <Ar35,000
A notch above budget in terms of decor;
rooms are generally ensuite (but hot water
does not always work). Air-con may be
available.
Midrange €€ Ar35,000-70,000
All mod cons, good hotel facilities (pool,
wi-fietc).Pricesquotedineurosinmostup-
market establishments.
Top end €€€ >Ar70,000
Activities
Madagascar is an excellent destination for sporting activities. Climbing, diving, trekking
and canoeing/kayaking are all in plentiful supply.
