Passport:

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.

Do I need visa?

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.

What are the health necessities? What shots do I need ?

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 visit the center for disease control or http://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

1. Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
2. 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
3. Rabies, if you come into direct contact with wild domestic animal
4. Typhoid, particularly if you are visiting developing countries
5. Booster dose for tetanus
6. Diphtheria measles and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults as needed
7. AIDS we recommend the normal precautions

Water:

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:

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:

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.

Money and bank:

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.

What is electric current?

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.

What should I pack?

Please not that military uniform is banned in Africa countries.
Suggested packing list:
01- sandals
02- good walking shoes
03- swim suit
04- sun hat
05- camera equipment and extra memory cards your charger
06- binoculars/telescope for birder if it’s necessary
07- sunscreen
08- good quality sun glasses
09- 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 )

Do I need Travel insurance?

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 travellers should take out a fully comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover travel cancellation fees ,lost or damage to baggage and personal possessions.

What happens if my baggage gets lost?

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.

What is not included in my itinerary?

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

Should I confirm my flight?

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

Do you have duty free shop?

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

Soava dia !!!