Terms & Conditions for self-drive car rentals in Madagascar
Confirming a booking with Roadtrip Madagascar Sarl confirms that you have read, fully understand and accept the terms and conditions described below.
Other conditions apply when renting a car with our driver. Check these T&Cs here.
I. General & use of the Vehicle
1. “RTA” means Roadtrip Africa in Madagascar, “RTM” or the “Owner” means Roadtrip Madagascar Sarl;
“You” or the “Hirer” means the person(s) who have signed the Rental Agreement;
The “Rental Agreement” means the rental agreement made between You and the Owner;
“RTM Insurance” means the insurance policy of RTM;
“Vehicle” means the vehicle which is rented by you, as described in your online reservation form.
2. The Vehicle can only be driven by the Hirer who has signed the rental agreement and his authorized travel companions. In case the Hirer wishes to use the services from a driver-guide, then RTU arranges a driver and other terms & conditions apply. The hirer cannot arrange their own driver-guide.The Hirer shall bear any loss or damages arising from the Vehicle being used by an unauthorized driver.
3. The Hirer shall return the Vehicle on the agreed date, as specified in your online reservation form, before 7:00 PM, unless the Owner has specifically agreed otherwise. No refunds shall be given for early returns.
4. For your safety, Hirers are not permitted to drive in the dark, which is defined as the time before sunrise (approximately 6:30 AM) and after sunset (7:00 PM). If you wish to participate in a night game drive, you can join a guided safari in a vehicle provided by the lodge where you are staying.
5. The Hirer shall have a valid driver’s license (International Driver’s License). It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that he/she carries the driver’s license with him/her whilst driving.
6. The Hirer shall settle any fine or penalty from the traffic police.
7. The Vehicle is rented with a full fuel tank and shall be returned to the Owner with a full tank to prevent refuelling charges.
8. The Hirer must use fuel only at larger gas stations, such as Jovenna, Shell and Total. In some of the smaller gas stations, fuel can be mixed with other liquids or additives, which may seriously damage the Vehicle’s engine.
II. Restricted areas & recommendations
9. Off-limit areas for self-drive rentals:
(i) the RN5 north of Soanierana - Ivongo
(ii) the RN 12 north of Manakara to Fort Dauphin
(iii) the RN13 from Ihosy to Ambovombe.
(iv): Belo sur Mer. To reach Belo sur Mer, you have to cross a salt plain. The surface is dried out, but beneath, it's like quicksand, so you quickly get stuck if you don't know which track to follow. You can only visit Belo sur Mer when travelling with our driver or pisteur.
10. Our vehicles are equipped with car trackers. No compliance with this clause means a breach of contract, full liability and loss of security bond.
11. We allow our clients to self-drive the West Coast route from May until November, but note that backup support is challenging in this remote area. For less experienced and confident drivers, we strongly recommend going with a pisteur. This also applies to hirers travelling this route at the beginning (May) and the end of the season (November), when road conditions are more challenging. The pisteur steps in at Tulear to Morondava (or vice versa). RTM arranges the pisteur, and the costs are for the Hirer.
III. Maintenance
12. All vehicles are checked and serviced before being rented out, and you will receive the Vehicle in safe and roadworthy condition. The Hirer shall return the Vehicle in the same condition as it was provided at the start of the rental.
13. You are responsible for the Vehicle during the rental period, and you will use the Vehicle following good driving practices and compliance with all laws. Your vehicle maintenance includes checking engine oil and other lubricants, coolant water, and tire pressure. The Hirer shall cover the costs of the Vehicle’s maintenance during the rental period. Failure to maintain appropriate fluid levels may result in engine damage, for which damage the Hirer shall be liable.
14. If any dashboard warning lights illuminate, the Hirer should consult the car symbol checklist and, in case of doubt, contact the office in Madagascar.
15. Please note that we don’t do field repairs or send a replacement vehicle when there are problems with the A/C or your fridge. Wiring and piping are sensitive and suffer from bumpy roads and dust. Sadly, the knowledge and equipment (Frigo gas) to repair A/C or fridges are unavailable in the field. We understand it's unfortunate when your fridge stops working. In the rare case this happens, do let us know, and the office in the Netherlands will issue a refund for the fridge rental.
V. Mechanical breakdowns & repairs
16. In case of a breakdown, always contact the team in Madagascar. You can reach us 24/7, and our main goal is to get you on the road as fast as possible. Each problem is unique and requires a tailor-made solution. Usually, the best solution is to get the car repaired in the field. We will direct you to the nearest workshop or send a mechanic. Ensure that the office is always contacted for authorization before any repairs to the vehicle. It's not uncommon that mechanics in the field try to give you the wrong impression, stressing that many things need to be worked upon and overcharge as a result. Please do not pay the mechanics or even give them a tip. The Madagascar team handles all payments.
17. When a problem with your car can’t be solved within 24 hours, a replacement car will be provided. Time lost within those 24 hours is at your own expense. Roadtrip Africa cannot be liable for refunding park fees, activities, or hotels.
V. Accidents
18. In case of an accident, whether it is your fault or those of the third party, the Hirer shall always immediately notify RTM and take pictures of the damaged Vehicle and the other vehicle(s) involved in the accident and process and clear a police report.
19. In case of an incident involving one or more vehicle(s), details of these vehicle(s) and their driver(s) should be identified and reported, such as the driver’s ID, telephone number, number plate and insurance registration number.
20. After an accident, the Hirer should not leave the Vehicle unattended.
VI. Damages, waiver and Insurance
21. Subject to this clause, the Hirer is liable:
a. for the loss of or any damage to the hired Vehicle during the rental period;
b. for all third-party property damage of any person, which is caused or contributed to by the Hirer or an approved driver or which arises from the use of the Vehicle by the Hirer or an authorised driver;
c. for all third-party bodily injury, which is caused or contributed to by the Hirer or an approved driver or which arises from the use of the Vehicle by the Hirer or an authorised driver;
22. In the event of an unintended collision between the Vehicle and any other object (including another vehicle) during the rental period that results in damage to the Vehicle or to the property of any third party, RTM waives your liability under clause 21, provided:
a.RTM agrees that you and/or the approved driver were not at fault;
b. you have complied with the terms of the Rental Agreement;
23. In the event of theft of the Vehicle during the rental period, RTA waives your liability under clause 21, provided:
a. the car was parked at a secured, private compound and there are clear signs of a break-in ( such as a damaged garage door);
b. you have processed and cleared a police report;
c. You have provided RTA with any details of the incident that RTA requests
24. RTA will not waive your liability under clause 21 and the damages arising thereof will not be subject to coverage by the Insurance if any of the following events has occurred:
a. Driving in excess of speed limits.
b. Single vehicle incidents or rollovers.
c. Damage to the Vehicle is caused by lack of proper care/maintenance of the vehicle. For example, when you see the overheating symbol on the dashboard, you must stop driving immediately.
d. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
e. Driving on restricted roads/areas.
f. Water submersion or saltwater damage is caused
g. Wrong fuel use
25. An excess fee of a maximum of USD 250 applies, also known as the “deductible”, which is not covered and is the Hirer’s own risk
26. The following damages do not fall under the waiver subject to this paragraph and are NOT covered by the Insurance:
a. personal bodily injury and/or belongings of the Hirer or the approved driver. The Hirer is advised to obtain travel and medical insurance;
b. Tires: The vehicle is rented out with good quality tires, but having a flat tire can happen during the road trip, and repair is at the expense of the Hirer. If any of the tires are damaged beyond repair, the Hirer must replace it with a tire of the same dimension, type, and wear characteristics, and the cost is for the Hirer's account. Always call the office in Ivato for advice on which tire type is suitable.
c. Underbody coverage: damage to the underbody of the vehicle is considered a result of careless driving.
d. Windows.
e. Camp gear: damages to our tents and camp gear set are not covered by the insurance, and repair and/or replacement costs are forwarded to the hirer.
VIII. Liability
27. RTM and RTA shall not be liable for any loss and damage of personal belongings and bodily injury of the Hirer and its travel companions. The Hirer is advised to take out travel and medical insurance.
28. The Owner cannot accept liability or pay compensation for unforeseen circumstances beyond its control or its staff, including flight delays/cancellations or force majeure such as war or threat of war, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist acts, border closure, acts of government or other authorities, strikes, thefts, epidemics, road closures, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disaster, extreme weather conditions, fire, technical and/or mechanical problems to transport and all similar events beyond the Owners control.
29. RTA strives to maintain accurate and current information on its website. However, no claims or rights can be guaranteed or derived from our website's content. It is your responsibility to independently verify any information before relying on it.
IX. Security bond
30. A security bond of €500 is required through a reservation on your credit card. When the vehicle and camping equipment are returned in acceptable condition, the Credit card freeze will be released. Any losses or severe damages to the camping gear shall be charged to the Hirer at replacement value.
X. Payment details and cancellation policy
31. A non-refundable deposit of 10% of the total contract amount is required to confirm the booking. Payments are made to the Roadtrip Africa Euro bank account in the Netherlands. Deposits can be paid via credit card, bank transfer, or Ideal.