Practical Information - Madagascar - page 165

or cotton mix trousers are much more suitable. At any time of year you will need a light
shower-proof jacket, and during the wet season, or if spending time in the rainforest, ap-
propriate raingear and perhaps a small umbrella. A light cotton jacket is always useful for
breezy evenings by the coast. Don't forget a sunhat.
For footwear, trainers and sandals are usually all you need. Sports sandals which strap
securely to the feet are better than flip-flops. Hiking boots are necessary for Marojejy and
may be required in places like Ankarana, Andringitra and Isalo but are not necessary for
the main tourist circuits.
Give some thought to beachwear if you enjoy snorkelling. You may need an old pair of
trainersorsomedivingbootiestoprotectyourfeetfromcoralandseaurchins,andaT-shirt
and shorts to wear while in the water to prevent sunburn.
TOILETRIES Although you can buy just about everything in Madagascar, imported
goods can be very expensive.
Bring moist wipes for freshening up, and antibacterial hand gel. When used regularly,
especially after shaking hands or handling money, this is a real help in preventing travel-
ler's diarrhoea. Some toilet articles have several uses: dental floss is excellent for repairs
as well as for teeth, and a nail brush gets clothes clean too.
Don't take up valuable space with a bath towel; almost all hotels provide towels. If you
want to bring your own, then pack a sarong (or buy a lamba on arrival). It is more absorb-
ent than you'd think, very lightweight, incredibly fast-drying (which can be really useful),
and more multi-purpose than a towel: you can lie on it on the beach, sleep under it, use it
for shade, hang it up for a bit of privacy to change behind, or wear it like a skirt.
PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES
Repellents With malaria on the increase, it is vital to be properly protected (see Click
Here ) . DEET-based repellents are recommended but need to be at least 20% concentration
(ideally 50%) to be effective and can damage synthetic fabrics and plastics. For hotel
rooms,pyrethrumcoilswhichburnslowlyareavailablecheaplyalloverMadagascar.They
really do work. Plug-in repellents which work in a similar way are also effective.
Mosquitonets Mostupper-andmid-rangehotelseitherhaveeffectivescreeningorprovide
mosquito nets, but if you are staying in budget hotels you should consider bringing one.
Mosthotelsdonothaveanythingtohanganetfrom,soafree-standingnetismorepractic-
al(thoughalotmoreexpensive).Acoupleofbungeecordswithhookedendscanbeuseful
for rigging up a normal net.
BACKPACKINGEQUIPMENT Basic camping gear gives you the freedom to travel ad-
venturously and can add a considerable degree of comfort to overland journeys.