Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
for trips involving hire of a 4x4 or boat. Conversely, one person can squeeze into any
taxi-
brousse
.
Solo travellers should consider avoiding the usual tourist routes where the local people
will be less friendly and the prices higher. The real rewards come when you travel off the
beatentrack;hereyou'llmeetgenuinelyhospitable locals still leadingtraditional lives.For
more on solo female and solo male travel, see
Click Here
-
Click Here
.
Family travel
It is becoming more practical to travel in Madagascar with children. For
specific advice on this refer to
Click Here
.
Disabledtravel
Withcarefulplanningandhelpfromalocaltouroperator,evenwheelchair
users can see something of the landscape and wildlife. See box on
Click Here
.
Working holidays and volunteering
There is a growing interest in paying to be a volun-
teer in a scientific or community project in Madagascar. This is an excellent way of 'giv-
ing something back' while enjoying a learning experience which will stay with you much
longer than the normal holiday memories. There are also some opportunities of working as
a volunteer for local charities or NGOs. These volunteers still need to pay for their air fare
and basic living costs, and are sometimes only accepted if they have a particular skill.
AKANY AVOKO THROUGH THE EYES OF A VOLUNTEER
Peter Jourdier
Akany Avoko was originally set up as a refuge for young girls 'who would otherwise
beinprison,awaitingtrialtoprovetheirinnocenceagainstallegationsofpettycrime'.
That was 40 years ago. Now most of the children either have no family or are separ-
ated from what family they have by poverty or domestic problems. Despite this, it is
an amazingly happy place. At the moment the centre is near full capacity with about
140 children up to 18 years old.
The thought of bio-gas loos and outdoor showers did not excite me too much, but
when I arrived I was pleasantly surprised. The place was clean, bright and everyone
was incredibly friendly.
It took a while for me to get used to the life. They get up extremely early and go
to bed at around 18.00 when the sun goes down, but I soon found my feet and saw
that there were plenty of things I could do to help. Before going out to Madagascar
I had been sent rather a worrying email saying 'we are thrilled to read you have car-
pentryskills,thereismuchtodointhewayoffixingandmakingitemsaroundAkany
Avoko'...andtherewas.Manyofthewindowshadwarpedsomuchthattheycouldn't
shut,furnitureneededtobemade,doorsrepaired,leakingpipesfixed.Ihaddonesome
