Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CAMPING
StrangelyinMadagascarthereisatotallydifferentattitudetocamping.It
is viewed as suspicious behaviour by many rural communities. Where possible avoid
it. However, you need to carry a sleeping bag and mat anyway, so a poncho or tent
willallowyoutheflexibility tocampoutshouldyouneedto,orjusttakeamozzienet
if in the dry season. Best advice: try not to be too obvious or you will attract a lot of
unwanted attention.
SECURITY
AsaruleMadagascarisaverysafeplace,butonabikeyouareexposed.
Your best defence is learning some of the language, using humour and keeping some
small denomination notes handy. Note that outside the four or five main towns you
will not find banks that know what a credit card is, so you will have to carry cash -
thoughyourcostswillbelow.Spreaditaround,hidesomeinyourbikeetc.Havepho-
tocopies of documentation on you, as well as originals. Leave details in Tana, and in-
form your national consulate or someone of an approximate return date. If in trouble,
don't raise your voice, and negotiate calmly with the head man, be patient, and keep
smiling.
NAVIGATION
Even the best maps available in Madagascar are inaccurate. Rely on
local knowledge when navigating the minor roads. If you are travelling cross country,
good compass work and the ability to read the terrain is essential. Again local know-
ledge and the ability to stay calm when lost, are essential.
BikinginMadagascarisbreathtakingineverysenseoftheword.It'snoteasy,butyou
don't go to Madagascar to be pampered! I can promise you will see the country at its
best, and the desert sunrises are worth the journey alone. Go for it!
Hiking in the south is fascinating from a cultural perspective but you will need to carry
a lot of water. Conversely, if hiking in the east you will get very wet but never be short of
a drink! Read the advice on
Click Here
on the cultural aspects of travelling off the beaten
path safely and enjoyably.
Climbing
The centre for rock-climbing is Andringitra (
Click Here
)
. There is also a rock-
climbing centre based in Antsiranana (
Click Here
). Those interested in tree-climbing
should see
Click Here
and
Click Here
.
Mountain biking
Madagascar is becoming increasingly popular for travelling using your
own muscle-power. The advantages are obvious: bad roads and broken-down vehicles do
not delay you, con-men will not overcharge you and - most important - by passing slowly
through Madagascar's small villages and communities you will experience the Malagasy
