Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
• In a restaurant never hang your bag on the back of a chair or lay it by your feet (unless
you put your chair leg over the strap). When travelling in a taxi, put your bag on the
floor by your feet.
NOTES FOR TRAVELLERS WITH A DISABILITY
Gordon Rattray,
www.able-travel.com
Madagascar can be a physical challenge for any traveller, yet with some effort even
those less fleet of foot can also appreciate much of what this unique country has to
offer.
PLANNINGANDBOOKING
Asyet,noUKoperatorrunsspecialisedtripstoMad-
agascar for disabled people, and although many travel companies will listen to your
needs and try to create a suitable itinerary, independent travellers can just as easily
plan their trip by contacting local operators and establishments by email.
ACCOMMODATION
In general, it is not easy to find disabled-friendly accommod-
ation;onlytop-of-the-rangelodgesandhotelshave'accessible'rooms,andI'veyetto
hear of anywhere with grab-handles, roll-under sinks and a roll-in shower. Occasion-
allybathroomsarewheelchairaccessible,butwherethisisnotthecase,youshouldbe
prepared to be lifted, or do your ablutions in the bedroom. Many toilets in out-of-the-
way places are of the squat variety, so if this is a problem for you then ask your tour
organiser to have an easily transportable commode frame made, or do this yourself.
TRANSPORT
Regardless of how much help you need, there will always be assist-
ance at
airports
, although it is not guaranteed to be as slick or efficient as you may
be used to. This is especially true of smaller provincial terminals where, if you cannot
walk at all, you may need to be manhandled (without an aisle chair) to and from the
aircraft. But Air Mad are often very efficient in this respect (see box on
Click Here
).
ThereisnoeffectivelegislationinMadagascartofacilitatedisabledtravellers'jour-
neys by
public transport
, so if you cannot walk at all, then both of these options are
going to be difficult. You will need to ask for help from fellow passengers to lift you
to your seat, it will often be crowded and there will be no accessible toilet.
Most
hire cars
come with a driver. 4x4 vehicles are often higher than normal cars
which makes transfers more difficult and although drivers and guides are always will-
ing to help, they are not trained in this skill. You must therefore explain your needs
thoroughlyandalwaysstayincontrol.Distancesaregreatandroadsoftenbumpy,soif
youarepronetoskindamageyouneedtotakeextracare.Placeyourownpressure-re-
