Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Car & Motorcycle
»Due to the often difficult driving conditions, most rental agencies make hiring a driver
compulsory with their vehicles.
»Of Madagascar's approximately 50,000km of roads, less than 20% are paved, and many
of those are riddled with potholes the size of an elephant.
»Routes in many areas are impassable or very difficult during the rainy season.
»The designation
route nationale
(RN) is sadly no guarantee of quality.
»Driving in Madagascar is on the right-hand side.
»Police checkpoints are frequent (mind the traffic spikes on the ground) - always slow
down and make sure you have your passport and the vehicle's documents handy.
»If you see a zebu on the road, slow right down as it can panic; also, there may be another
20 in the bushes that haven't yet crossed.
CAR HIRE
If you insist on driving yourself, note the following rules:
»You must have an International Driving License.
»You must be age 23 or over and have had your license for at least a year.
»Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory.
You'll find petrol stations of some kind in all cities and towns. Fuel shortages are frequent,
even in Tana, so stock up. For longer trips and travel in remote areas, take extra fuel with
you.
Spare parts and repairs of varying quality are available in most towns. Make sure to
check the spare tyre (and jack) of any car you rent before setting out.
CHARTER TAXI
An alternative to hiring a car and driver (difficult in areas where there is little tourism),
chartering a taxi or a taxi-brousse can be a good alternative, whether for one or several
days. Here are some tips to make the best of it:
»Enquire at the taxi-brousse stand or ask your hotel what the going rate for your journey is.
»Be sure to clarify such things as petrol and waiting time.
»Check that the vehicle is in decent shape before departing.
»For longer, multiday journeys, check that the driver has the vehicle's documents and a
special charter permit (indicated by a diagonal green stripe).
»Prepare a contract that you and the driver will sign stipulating insurance issues, the
agreed-upon fee (including whether or not petrol is included) and your itinerary.
MOTORCYCLE
»Motorcycles can be hired by the half day or full day at various places in Madagascar, in-
cluding Tuléar, Nosy Be and Ile Ste Marie.
»Chinese motorbikes are increasingly replacing the well-known Japanese brands.
