Questions & Answers

You must have  a passport that is valid for  at least six months  after date of travel and your passport must have at least two blank  pages (per country visited )to allow for visa stamps In addition  ,if  a father or mother  is NOT traveling with his or her children  then a letter of accord needs to be signed by the father or mother  and  certified by the police .If the traveler does not get the letter ,please be advised that you  are doing so at your own risk

You must have  a passport that is valid for  at least six months  after date of travel and your passport must have at least two blank  pages (per country visited )to allow for visa stamps In addition  ,if  a father or mother  is NOT traveling with his or her children  then a letter of accord needs to be signed by the father or mother  and  certified by the police .If the traveler does not get the letter ,please be advised that you  are doing so at your own risk

A visa is required for all foreign people visiting Madagascar .Visas may obtained from Madagascar Consulate or upon arrival at the international Madagascar airport .You must present your return ticket or travel itinerary in order to obtain your visa

  We are here to help you on what vaccinations and medications you should have before you depart on your holiday but it is important to talk to your personal physician or travel clinic you go .You can also visitthe center for disease control or www.passporthealthusa.com  for more confirmation

Vaccinations: the center for disease control (CDC) recommends the following vaccines .See your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for them effect

-Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)

-Hepatitis B if you might be exposed to blood (for example  health- care workers)have sexual contact  with the local population ,stay longer  than 6 months ,or be exposed through medical treatment

-Rabies, if you come into direct contact with wild domestic animal

-Typhoid, particularly if you are visiting developing countries

-Booster dose for tetanus –diphtheria measles and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for  adults as needed

AIDS we recommend the normal precautions

  We advise you that you only the water that comes from water bottle, which is ready available .Make certain that all water bottle you drink are from the closed. Do not drink bottle appear to have been opened before

Bilharzia is a disease caused by the tiny parasites (small snails) present in lakes, river .There is no prophylactic available against Bilharzia, which treated by drugs or injection .The condition can be hostile so it’s better not to swim in the river or stream where the water stagnant.

Malaria is always a concern when traveling in Madagascar .As most camps are inaccessible ,the chances of contracting malaria are slim ,but preventive measures strongly advised .Expert opinion differs about the best approach to preventing malaria ,so seek advice of  a trusted physician .

It’s important to accept in mind that malaria may be contracted despite tablets, especially in areas where chloroquine resistance has been reported .One of the best ways to avoid bitten by mosquitoes is to use insect repellent substantially and often .especially from dusk forwards .Additional measures to help prevent contact with mosquitoes include covering up at sundown, sleep under the mosquitoes net and wear long sleeve clothing and long trousers in the evening.

 

Dietary :If you have any dietary requirement ,please make sure we know  well in advance before you come on tour  with us so we can let all  the hotel and lodges know  .Very specialized may not available in Madagascar

Medical service: Any necessary personal medical supplies must be brought if you are asthmatic, diabetic, ects .If medical assistance is given, doctors and hospitals require immediate payment .We also recommend bringing a spare pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses if used .Please advise us if you have specific health restrictions. The main town and cities have normal chemist facilities (pharmacies) and doctors with internationally recognized degrees. It is highly advisable to obtain travel medical insurance prior to travel.

Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination card is essential  to enter Madagascar  if you have to any country that has Yellow Fever

  The currency is Ariary ,the code is MGA. Although the government changed the currency from the Malagasy Franc (FMG) to the several years ago.ATMs are available in large cities, including inside the international terminal at Antananarivo airport .Some high-end establishments catering to tourists accept credit cards, but most shops and restaurants are cash only.

Some establishments accept international credit cards are VISA which the most accepted. MasterCard cards not accepted for purchases but accepted in some ATMs for cash removals only .American Express is accepted in only select hotel .In addition ,some ATMs are accessible in Antananarivo .Cash is also accepted in all hotels ,restaurants and  shops .we recommend bringing small denominations of cash  for purchases of curios, drink and any small extras on site .

Please note :USD dollar bills smaller in denomination than USD 100 may attract a less favorable rate of exchange and notes older than 2001are not accepted by hotels, banks others .The reason for this is there were a huge amount of imitation .For Euro also it’s better to bring big notes

Please avoid using traveler’s checks and personal as gratuities .Guides and staff may find them very hard to cash as they can only be processed through bank accounts

The Electrical current is 220 volts AC United State uses 110volts AC most European countries use 220volts AC Madagascar plugs are generally 2pinned .You’ll need to take an electrical current conversion adapter with you

Please not that military uniform is banned in Africa countries.

Suggested packing list

1. -sandals


2. -good walking shoes


3. -swim suit


4. -sun hat


5. -camera equipment and extra memory cards your charger


6. –binoculars/telescope for birder if it’s necessary


7. -sunscreen


8. -good quality sun glasses


9. -warm Anorak or Parka


10. -Pull Over or sweatshirt


11. If you wear contact lenses we recommend a pair of glasses in case you get irritation with dust


12. Tissues “wet one “


13. Travel pack laundry detergent


14. Visas ,ticket ,passport money


15. Waterproof /dustproof/cover for your camera


16. Personal toiletries (basic amenities supplied by most establishment )

  Before you leave home make sure you have travel insurance –and make sure you know exactly what it cover .If you are planning  to  indulge in  some of Madagascar ‘s wonderful  adventure activities ,check that you will be covered in unlikely event accident  .All travelers should  take out a fully  comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover travel cancellation fees  ,lost or damage to baggage and personal possessions

  Luggage that goes missing on scheduled flights is beyond and often the airline concerned too .The airport controls passengers luggage from when it is checked in until it is put board the aircraft

Please pack a small bag with your essentials including any life sustaining medication, which can be carried with you as hand luggage

  Personal expenditure, insurance, drink, other specified, gratuities, airport tax and visa fees are generally exclude

YES please ensure that all your onward flight are reconfirmed at least 72hours prior to flying .Listed below are some helpful phone number

Note: The code in parentheses is the city code .If you are phoning locally inside the country simply dial the number

Air Madagascar               Antananarivo                           +261(0)20 22 510 00

Air France                       Antananarivo                           +261(0)20 23 230 16

South Africa Airways       Johannesburg                          +261(0)11 978 2888

There are duty free shops in major cities and the international airport of Antananarivo .Please note that you will have to present a passport and your traveling itinerary  in order to make purchases .Also duty free shops only  accept payments with VISA cards or cash in Euros or US dollar

Soavadia!!!!