Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
surface, dirt or paved, regardless of the car. Prices also decrease with long-term
rentals of 10 days or so. This is negotiable, but a 10-day 4WD rental typically
ranges from Ar130,000 to Ar200,000 per day. Also, the renter is responsible for
paying to return the vehicle to where it began, which involves both a daily rental
fee plus fuel. Finally, make sure you clarify whether or not extras, such as toll
roads and ferry crossings, are included as they can add up quickly.
WHAT ABOUT FOOD & LODGING FOR THE DRIVER?
The renter is not responsible. Usually your hotel will provide food and board
free of charge for the driver (they have special driver rooms for this purpose).
HOW CAN I PAY?
If you go through an agency, you may be able to pay by card or bank transfer.
Otherwise you'll have to pay cash: 50% up front, the remaining half at the end
of the trip.
Hitching
Hitching is never entirely safe in any country in the world, and we don't recommend it.
Travellers who do decide to hitch should understand that they are taking a small but poten-
tially serious risk. People who do choose to hitch will be safer if they travel in pairs and let
someone know where they are planning to go.
Traffic between towns and cities is thin, and most passing vehicles are likely to be taxis-
brousses or trucks, which are often full. If you do find a ride, you will likely have to pay
about the equivalent of the taxi-brousse fare.
Along well-travelled routes or around popular tourist destinations, you can sometimes
find lifts with privately rented 4WDs.
Local Transport
CHARETTE
In rural parts of Madagascar, the
charette
, a wooden cart drawn by a pair of zebu cattle, is
the most common form of transport. Fares are entirely negotiable.
POUSSE-POUSSE
Thecolourful
pousse-pousse
(rickshaw)isapopularwaytogetaroundinsomecities.Fares
vary between Ar500 and Ar2000 for a ride, depending on distance. When it's raining and
at night, prices increase.
