Reisetipps

A little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to make your Madagascar Roadtrip smooth and safe.

• Before you hit the road, for all routes

Driving times are approximate and may vary depending on the exact location of your accommodation. Always check its location before setting off, as you may sometimes pass your accommodation before reaching the town or destination mentioned in your travel plan.

• Visa

Most travellers need a visa for Madagascar. The easiest and secure way is to buy your visa upon arrival. The current fees are 80,000 Ariary (approx. €35) for a 30-day visa and 100,000 Ariary (approx. €40) for a 60-day visa. You might find several e-visa websites online, but be aware: they could be scams, and even if you’ve paid online, you might still be asked to pay again at the airport.

• Yellow fever vaccination

This one only applies if you come from a country where yellow fever occurs. If that’s the case (age 1+), you’ll need proof of vaccination at the border. Just transited through such a country? Then you don’t need it. The good news: the vaccine protects you for life. Find the list of countries with a risk of virus transmission here.

• Stay connected

Before you start your roadtrip, make sure you get a SIM card and load it with sufficient data for internet and phone calls. Madagascar has three mobile network providers supporting the 4G network: Orange, Airtel and Telma. Telma has the best coverage.

• Use mobile money

Madagascar is a cash economy. A smart way to manage your money safely while travelling here is to use mobile money—it works much like a banking app you’re used to back home.

Here’s how it works: when you buy a local SIM card and load it with airtime and an internet bundle, you can activate mobile money in your settings. Once set up, you can load cash onto your phone at any Telecom kiosk, which are easy to find across the country. You can then pay for things like restaurant bills directly from your phone. Super handy and safe!

• Plan your drive wisely

The driving times we mention are just that: driving times. Always add extra time for fuel stops, lunch breaks, and unexpected delays. You’ll also notice that our times are longer than what Google Maps suggests. That’s on purpose. Google is often too optimistic in Madagascar, especially on smaller roads and in national parks. Our estimates reflect what you can realistically expect behind the wheel.

• Use smart navigation

Combine Google Maps with the Maps.me app. It’s a free app that allows you to use GPS offline.

• Essential tools on board

Your car comes with a roadmap of Madagascar. Handy when mobile coverage drops.

• Fuel up smart

When exiting a village, there is always a signpost indicating the distance to the next village and petrol station. Double-check this to make sure you don’t run out of gas. To be on the safe side, we recommend you always fuel up when you leave a village.

• Stay secure

Always lock your doors in cities and towns. Don’t leave valuables unattended in the car.

• Be prepared

Always carry cash, water and a charged mobile phone. Along the west coast, you can expect a few unofficial stop points where ‘toll’ is charged.

• Start early and no driving after dark

In Madagascar, it gets dark around 6 PM. Potholes are difficult to see in the dark, and approaching traffic uses blinding high beams. When you have a long travel day ahead, depart early (6-7 AM) to avoid ending up driving at dawn.