From the airport to the city centre Madagascar

The capital Tana is located 12 km from Ivato airport. But it takes between 30 min and 1h30 to reach the city center! To get there, there are several solutions: minibuses (taxi-be) reach the center for 400 to 800 Ar. They are white and red, easy to recognize, and take you to Antanimena, near Analakely. Last departures between 7 and 8 pm. Authorized cabs are parked in the parking lot just in front of the international arrivals exit. Count from 45 000 to 50 000 Ar at this day towards the center.

Public transport Madagascar

There is no bus or metro system in Madagascar. The typical public transport is called the taxi-brousse. It is picturesque, slow, dangerous, friendly, interesting and cheap. The taxi-brousse have theoretical departure times but they do not leave until they are full (no need to count the number of seats...). The most coveted seats are those next to the driver for more space, but first come first served, unless you know the owner of the vehicle of course. It is also possible to buy the two seats in front to ensure a minimum of living space.

Bike, scooters & co Madagascar

Motorcycle/Quad. Motorcycles or quads can be rented in all major cities and tourist sites. Around Tana, the interest is justified for escapades in the very beautiful hills of the Imerina. In the provinces, very pleasant trial/raids or day trips are possible: notably on the south-west and south-east tracks, along the Pangalanes canal, in the region of Diego, from Tuléar to cover the magnificent Vezo coast...

Be careful: respect the children, the villagers and the nature... Do not cross the villages in a hurry, slow down when you cross a cart or a shepherd with his zebus. The image of motorcyclists (and foreigners) will be more appreciated!

Rickshaws. The first rickshaws arrived with the Chinese workers who came to build the railroads of Madagascar, at the beginning of the last century. In Toliara, Antsirabe, Toamasina, Manakara and many other places, they still sometimes serve as cabs. The fare is usually fixed, do not negotiate for the principle, because the prices are very low and the drivers must support their families. Some "pushers" are also excellent guides, they know their city perfectly.

Note that two means of transportation have also developed: the cyclo-pousse and the tuk-tuk (motor tricycle). The latter is in the process of supplanting the rickshaw (especially in the north), as in Mahajanga where the latter has practically disappeared!

With a driver Madagascar

In Tana or in the big cities, we will rediscover the joys of driving a 4L or a 2CV. In most cases, the cars are in a more than critical state... but they still run.

The normal ride depends on the distance, the traffic jams and your ability to talk!

Always discuss the rates before you get on board.

By car Madagascar

Driving in Madagascar is not recommended, unless you have been living there for years. It will be easier to hire a driver, or even a driver-guide, an option widely recommended!

The state of the roads is generally very bad on the Big Island and can get even worse depending on the climate. Always allow for some margin when traveling by car.

Accessibility Madagascar

With very few exceptions, Madagascar is not an accessible destination. Specialized equipment is rare...

Tourist traps Madagascar

There are two points to bear in mind when getting around Mada, as is often the case when traveling. Don't hesitate to ask your hotel beforehand for the price of an average cab ride, so you're less likely to be "ripped off". You'll be less likely to be "ripped off". And beware of door-to-door salesmen, who may impose their services when you haven't even asked for them!