Practical Information - Madagascar - page 164

Point Yacht Club PO Box 2224, Durban 4000; 031 301 4787; f 031 305 1234
Zululand Yacht Club PO Box 10387, Meer'en'see 3901; 035 788 0256; f 035 788
0254
Royal Cape Yacht Club PO Box 777, Cape Town 8000; 021 421 1354; f 021 421 6028
Many yachts sail from Natal to Madagascar. It takes six or seven days to sail to Anakao,
south of Toliara. Most stop en route at Europa Island, where a French garrison will advise
on the next stage. Experienced sailors and divers will want to reach the atoll of Bassas da
India which offers superb diving but has been responsible for the shipwreck of numerous
vessels.
Because of the increasing number of yachts visiting the northwest of Madagascar, I give
information for 'yachties' in the Nosy Be chapter.
EXPORTRESTRICTIONS The long-standing 100g limit on vanilla pods for passengers
departing Madagascar has been raised to 2kg. Other allowances are 400,000Ar in local
currency, 1kg of gemstones, 1kg of coffee, 1kg of pepper and, bizarrely, 1kg of onions -
onion-smugglers, you have been warned!
Certificates are required to take out of the country any precious woods, precious stones,
precious metals, or animal or vegetable material. If unsure, enquire at the mining, forestry,
veterinary and phytosanitary kiosks inside Antananarivo airport.
WHAT TO TAKE
LUGGAGE A soft bag or backpack is more practical than a hard suitcase (and you may
notbeallowedtotakeasuitcaseonaTwinOtterplane).Backpackers shouldconsiderbuy-
ing a rucksack with a zipped compartment to enclose the straps when using them on air-
lines. Or bring a lightweight rucksack bag, which protects the straps, gives added security,
and may also double as a rain cover.
CLOTHES Beforedecidingwhatclothestopack,takealookatthe Climate section( Click
Here ) . There is quite a difference between summer and winter temperatures, particularly in
the highlands and the south where it is distinctly cold at night between May and Septem-
ber. A fibre-pile jacket or a body-warmer is useful in addition to a light sweater. In June
and July a scarf can give much-needed extra warmth. At any time of the year it will be
hot during the day in low-lying areas, and very hot between October and March. Layers of
clothing - T-shirt, sweatshirt, light sweater - are warm and versatile, and take less room
thanaheavysweater.Don'tbringjeans,theyaretooheavyandtoohot.Lightweightcotton