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The Glossary
Madagascar Traveler Advice
| Accommodation (2) | Food (1) | Itineraries (4) |
| Shopping (1) | Transportation (4) | Warnings (10) |
On beggars (Warnings)
You might find it uncomfortable to walk in Madagascar’s city streets as there are many beggars around. Do not push these beggars away. Instead, respect them as you might respect any local. Do not...Read full tip...
Keep an eye on your belongings (Warnings)
Be mindful of your belongings especially when in public markets and in public transportations as there are many pickpockets around. Madagascar might be poverty-stricken, but it is fairly safe to travel...Read full tip...
Be AIDS-proof (Warnings)
Always avoid unprotected sex. Although HIV is not an epidemic in Madagascar compared to its other African neighbors, it pays to be extra careful as AIDS cases here are rising especially among tourists. ...Read full tip...
Stay Malaria-free (Warnings)
Be sure to take your immunizations first, especially against malaria, before going on a trip to Madagascar. Malaria is prevalent across the country especially in safari parks and in forested areas. If...Read full tip...
Observe a “fady” (Warnings)
Ask your guide or research first about the local “fady” of your destination before heading there. A “fady” is a taboo locals observe and it differs from one place to another. You...Read full tip...
Bloodthirsty native sports (Warnings)
Tribal riots and the brutal killing of animals are considered national sports in Madagascar, especially in the more remote areas. If you happen to be on a safari and encounter a pack of local hunters...Read full tip...
Lemur-watching (Itineraries)
Lemur-watching in Madagascar is one of tourists’ top favorite activities here as lemurs are only found in the country and nowhere else on Earth. A lemur is a koala-looking primate and Madagascar...Read full tip...
How to save on transportation (Transportation)
Since airplane trips to Madagascar are very expensive, you can save a great deal in local transportation through renting a minivan, a sedan or a four-wheel drive vehicle and then sharing the space and...Read full tip...
Taxi-brousses are not always a good option (Transportation)
Taxi-brousses might be the cheapest available transport in Madagascar, but take note that these vehicles does not always come in the form of minivans as most guidebooks would tell you. In some more remote...Read full tip...
How to survive a taxi-brousse ride (Transportation)
Just in case your taxi-brousse comes in the form of a truck (especially in the more remote areas like Tana), socialize with people in the truck so you might not feel nauseated because of the bumpy ride...Read full tip...
Where to change money (Warnings)
The first thing you should do upon arriving in Madagascar is to immediately change your money in the airport at Antananarivo as this is one of your few chances to do so. You’ll have problems changing...Read full tip...
What languages to speak (Warnings)
Knowing a little French will help you converse with the local Malagasy. Take note, though, that not all locals, especially from rural areas, know how to speak French even if it’s their second tongue...Read full tip...
Punctual taxi drivers (Transportation)
You won’t have problems hiring the services of a local driver since the Malagasy are generally known to be very punctual. Expect them to be there if you tell them what time they should pick you...Read full tip...
Always smile even if you're mad (Warnings)
Since the Malagasy are friendly, cheerful people, they don’t know how to appease angry people. They panic when they see someone angry, so it’s better to always smile even if you are irritated...Read full tip...