Le risque de se faire dépouiller par des "bandits" sur la route N7 en descendant dans le sud est-il bien réel ? Des témoignages parlent de raquette sur les taxis brousses ? Pour ceux et celles qui ont voyagés là bas, qu'avez vous à répondre ? Peut-on voyager seul sur l'île en toute sécurité ou bien doit-on se prémunir d'une arme par exemple. Enfin, ses personnes là sont-elles prêtent à tout! Comme vous tuez pour presque rien.
nous avons fait 5 semaines a mada l'année derniere par nos propres moyens du nord au sud et d'est en ouest et nous sommes encore vivant, le pays est vraiment tres sur et tu a plus de chance de te faire racketer a lyon que la bas, bien sur il ne faut pas s'afficher et arriver en territoire conquis et tout se passera bien, n'oubli pas que les prisons malgaches sont les pires du monde (un vol de zebu ; prison a vie )alors a mon avis ca calme . le plus grand risque en taxi brousse c'est la panne et le scratche, mais sache bien que si il ne se passe rien, tu n'auras aucun souvenir 🏴☠️ bonnes vacances
Le problème des bandits qui est bien réel à Madagascar affecte surtout les populations locales. Car ces bandits sont avant tout des pilleurs de bétails et de récoltes
Merci Nounours pour ton intervention mais jusqu'à présent, je ne mettais pas intéressé à cet aspect de la chose et c'est en lisant quelques articles et récit que l'idée ma traversée l'esprit et comme ont dit toujours, un homme averti en vaut deux! 😕 Ok! Je ferais avec et merci encore.
Nounours à écrit dans le post précédent qu'avec un vol de zébu on était passible de la perpétuité🏴☠️ mais comment fonctionne la justice là bas ? L'île est une démocratie....excusé moi je tousse..........😛 dirigé par un président..... mais il me semble que dans la majorité des régions, peuplée d'ethnies qui ont leurs propres lois je suppose, c'est plutôt donc les chefs de ces castes qui rendent la justice non?
a mada la corruption est encore reine, tu vera qu'a chaque village ton taxi brousse est stopé par les gendarmes pour demander soit disant les papiers du vehicule, il passent ensuite derriere pour faire semblant de verifier l'etat et recupere le petit billet a l'interieur du permis, apparement les chauffeurs ne sont pas proprietaire et le proprietaire a droit a un certain nombre de personnes et tout ce que le chauffeur prend en plus c'est pour sa pomme, pour cela et pour les pneus lisses et tout le reste il doit donc acheter le silence des gendarmes par un petit present. 3oo kms en taxi brousse : 1 journée de perdu alors profite du paysage, pour cela tu peut negocier d'etre devant pour le meme prix bien sur, surtout si tu est seul, ca marche si tu dit c'est ca ou je monte avec un autre et surtout ne culpabilise pas car tu est la pour visiter eux connaissent deja le pays.pour ce qui est de la prison essaie de ne pas y aller car tu est juger au bout de 2 ans et si tu n'as pas d'argent au bout de 6 mois tu est mort ( dommage si tu est innocent ) tu pourras voir celle de fiana par une rue qui la surplombe et finalement tu verra st paul est un 4 etoiles finalement 🙁
Bonjour 🙂
De mes voyages je retiens ceci.
Je parcours de long en large Madagascar du Nord au Sud et je ne me suis jamais fait agressé. Raquette par un policier ou un militaire pour une THB ou un petit billet de 10.000 Fmg tout au plus à un contrôle de route. Cela fait partie du jeu mais jamais de menace. Dans certaines régions en brousse il y a des voleurs de zébu et certainement des gens mal attentionnés comme en n'importe quelle région de France. Personnellement au cours de mes voyages j'ai trouvé une population accueillante, basée sur la tolérance, les traditions, une culture, le respect des anciens et de la Famille. Au moins eux ils n'abandonnent pas leur vieux .Je ne me suis jamais senti en danger.
La meilleure arme est le sourire 😏, le respect, la tolérance, bien plus efficaces qu'un pistolet.
Sur la bonne trentaine de pays que j'ai visité, Madagascar reste de très loin ma destination preférée, je vais loin en brousse à la rencontre d'une population acueillante et chaleureuse. Jamais je ne me suis senti en danger j'y vais partout en totale confiance.
Si tu es tellement méfiant et sur la défensive je te conseillerais d'aller plutôt en Tunisie dans un hôtel *** en République dominicaine parqué dans la "zona turistica" de Punta Cana ou tout simplement au club méd. aucun risque d'agression là bas, apart peut-être un très improbable crash d'avion.
Project a vivid image of what you seek into the landscape of your life. What greets you on your way will be the images of your own creation
Merci de ne pas sous estimer les dangers liés aux voyages en All Inclusive à Punta Cana, Djerba où ailleurs :
Les agressions des guides et des commerçants qui essaient, souvent avec succès, de vous arnaquer.
Les coups de soleils.
Le fait de revenir presque toujours aussi inculte qu'à son départ au sujet du pays visité.
Etc. 😏
Pour en revenir à Madagascar, je dois dire que je n'irai pas me promener seul, la nuit, dans certains quartiers de Tana (Idem à Paris). En dehors de ce petit détail, je partage l'avis général sur le fait qu'il s'agit d'une destination plutôt tranquille.
Mora-Mora
Barzaz
Quand le sage montre la Lune, l'imbécile regarde le doigt.
Je partage totalement ton analyse pleine d'humour concernant les voyages en troupeau.
Quand à Tana ou je ne reste jamais longtemps, je n'ai pas peur de me promener seul la nuit même dans le quartier derriere la gare routiére de Ambodivona.
Bonne journée, Claude
Project a vivid image of what you seek into the landscape of your life. What greets you on your way will be the images of your own creation
J'apprécie énormément ce forum car depuis que j'y viens, j'ai toujours rencontré des gens ouverts, calmes, courtois qui répondent sans agressivité et qui ne sont pas imbu de leurs personnes même en ayant une vie de voyage, enfin des vrais baroudeurs et de vrais seigneurs ! Je ne comprends donc pas ton agressivité envers moi ! Et la question que j’ai posée me semble tout à fait légitime. Moi je recherche l’expérience de gens qui connaissent et qui me parle uniquement Madagascar (et pas d’autre chose), et qui sont à même de me livrer leurs sentiments par rapport à leur vécu sur place car le vérité ne peut sortir que de là ! Voilà tout Acer.
Moi ce que je recherche dans mes voyages c’est de l’authenticité, hors du lieu touristique et tout ce que je peux dire par rapport aux différents pays que j’ai visités, c’est que la vigilance est une des règles à respecter. J’ai reçu quelques témoignages de personnes qui ont eux ou qui ont failli avoir des problèmes là bas et c’est bien d’en être informé.
Soit cool Acer et prépare plutôt ton prochain voyage 😉.
Je ne suis pas du tout une personne agressive et je suis parfaitement conscient que un tas de rumeurs circulent sur cette déstination. Le forum sert effectivement pour avoir des renseignements divers sur les pays qu'on s'apprète à visiter.
Ce qui m'avait fait réagir a ton message d'orgine était le fait que tu te demandais si tu devrais venir armé pour visiter Madagascar. D'ou ma "proposition" certes un peu ironique d'aller plutôt dans des structures ou tu n'as pas besoin d'être armé, des vigiles parfois armés se chargeront eux d'écarter les bandits, voleurs et goeux de ton passage.
Pour repondre donc plus calmement à ta demande, Madagascar est pour moi une destination authentique, sure, absolument passionnante surtout par les rencontres avec la population.
Mon voyage est déjà préparé et la destination sera justement Madagascar.
Bon voyage 😏
Project a vivid image of what you seek into the landscape of your life. What greets you on your way will be the images of your own creation
Voilà je préfère te lire comme ça car là, c'est cool! Moi je vais voyager à Madagascar durant plusieurs mois et souvent seul. Ma passion, c'est de filmer et photographier la nature sauvage et plus particulièrement, les serpent. Je vais amener un "matos" qui coûte très cher d'ou mon interrogation sur la sécurité. Au brésil par exemple, dans certaines régions, si ta pas une arme et que tu fais le photographe avec le matos que j'ai, tu as de grande chance d'avoir de gros problèmes. J'espère que tu passera un super voyage et que tu nous donnera de bons conseils. Moi je pense partir courant 2005, quand j'aurai bouclé mon itinéraire.
Bon c'est bien que ce malentendu soit terminé. J'ai vu dans ton profil que nous avons en fait beaucoup d'intèrets en commun, les pays tropicaux, la faune sauvage. (Mon premier voyage était pour voir les derniers fôrets primaires encore intactes et pour repertorier des batraciens dans le N/E de Madagascar). J'ai rencontré presque quotidiennement des serpents dans divers biotopes. Je pense que Madagascar sera un pays fascinant pour toi, car très riche en animaux endémiques à l'île. En général plus tu t'enfonces en brousse, plus le voyage et les rencontres deviennet passionnantes. Personellement je ne me suis jamais fait voler quoi que se soit et je ne connais personne à qui s'est arrivé.
Les chauffeurs de taxibrousse se font effectivement arrêter souvent pour 1001 raisons, état du véhicule, surcharge, etc. Problême qui trouve une solution immédiate avec par l'intermédiare de quelques billets échangés entre l'aide chauffeur et la policier. Pour toi en tant que Français il n'y a aucun incident à signaler et bien sûr aucune tentative de rackett, les policiers peuvent vérifier si ton visa est en régle et ça se limite à ma connaissance à ça.
Cordialement, Claude
Project a vivid image of what you seek into the landscape of your life. What greets you on your way will be the images of your own creation
acer un mec agressif ?
visiblement tu connais pas le personage car je l'ai trouver bien cool ce claude !!!! mais ce qu'il voulais dire c'est que ou que tu ailles il y a des risques plus ou moins grand mais ca ne sert a rien de se prendre la tete.bien sur l'irak ne dois pas etre tres securisante en ce moment.j'ai pas mal voyager et bien sur, j'ai eu mon lot de pickpocket, de voleur qui passent par la fenetre, de baston a 5 contre 1 et de lancer de cailloux
et ce n'est pour autant que je ne retournerais pas ;en italie, a tahiti, au vietnam et en thailand ou me sont arrive ses 'embrouilles'.comme partout fais gaffe a toi mais ne tombe pas dans la paranoia, en 1998 je faisait la route a velo entre ventiane et louang prabang qui etait repute pour etre la route des bandits, et bien apres un coup de flip quand j'ai vu des jeunes avec des fusils, ils nous on inviter dans leur vilage pour la nuit.
voila si ca peu te rassure
la vie est comme un livre, celui qui n'a pas voyagé n'en connais que la 1ere page.
Y'a Pas de problème et on a réglé ca par email et maintenant tout est ok! c'était juste de l'incompréhension. Claude doit être un gars super tout comme toi je pense, car en règle général, les "grands baroudeurs" ont une ouverture d'esprit au dessus de la moyenne et ils mérite bien entendu le respect donc pas polémiques🏴☠️. Ton CV est pas mal non plus et je pense que cela doit être dur de revenir dans la Loire après tous ses voyages. Moi j'ai du mal à chaque fois et de plus en plus.
Has anyone been to this base camp in the Diego area towards the west coast (Mozambique Channel)? The trip starts from Diego Suarez by 4x4 and boat,
with a visit to Nosy Hara and a few nearby islands.
Possible big-game fishing and diving.
Thanks in advance if anyone has info!
Hi everyone, I’m heading to Île aux Nattes in a few weeks and I’d like to know if euros are accepted in the island’s restaurants.
At the hotel where I’ll be staying, they take card payments, but for activities, I can’t find any reliable info.
Could anyone tell me the approximate cost in euros and/or ariary for a week (food outside the hotel) on the island for two people?
Also, has anyone ever exchanged money at the Paris Magenta exchange bureau?
Thanks!
Hello,
After asking questions on the site, here’s a little feedback on our trip in March and April.
Marseille/Antananarivo flight with Ethiopian Airlines was great both ways. I’d recommend it.
Domestic flights with Madagascar Airlines were just as smooth.
We had to change our plans because I was the victim of a snatch-theft attempt at Ivato... patellar fracture... so I ended up with a brace and more rest than hikes.
This let us spend more time in the same areas and make some connections.
We loved Tulear. Stayed with Alain—excellent value for money.
Mangily, where we stayed for 15 days. Hotel Bella Dona due to my little handicap. The pool replaced sea swims.
Mangily gets a bad rap for being very touristy. True, you get approached a lot on the beach—you have to play along and buy some trinkets, but after that, you get royal peace and lots of exchanges with locals. The village and its lively street are nice too. Don’t hesitate to eat with fishermen or at local bars.
Anakao, a big favorite. Just the journey there is worth it. Watching dozens of pirogues set off between 5 and 6 AM is a magical moment.
Stayed at Peter Pan’s place. Lots of chats with Dario since we were the only guests.
Planned a 4-day Antananarivo–Soniara–Ivango road trip with a driver.
Cut to 2 days because the boat to Sainte Marie was moved up due to weather. I don’t remember the company’s name, but it wasn’t great for safety—plus, we brought back fleas.
Visited Andasibe Park along the way. Quick tip: go in the morning.
A little over 2 weeks on Sainte Marie at Hôtel Mantis Soanambo—total luxury negotiated at a price that defied all competition because it was low season.
Meals were at little local eateries nearby.
We chose not to sleep on Île aux Nattes but went there several times during the day (crossing: 4000 ariary for 2).
You have to take a pirogue tour—it’s like stepping into a postcard.
Sainte Marie is a special place. A tropical island that feels like the Caribbean ones we’ve lived on. No security issues at all. We rented a scooter because we found tuk-tuk prices a bit steep. You can leave the scooter with helmet and keys and come back 4 hours later.
More amazing encounters here too.
Last part of our trip in Ampefy, a beautiful volcanic region with a very welcoming population.
Stayed with a friend of our driver.
Hotels in Ivato are plentiful and vary a lot in quality.
Les 12 Collines is a bit out of the way but only 21 € per night.
La Chato... very expensive for what you get.
I tried to keep it short.
Madagascar is a wonderful island with so many facets. Always so many emotions when I think back on this trip.
The extreme poverty... don’t hesitate to buy food for the kids on the beach, for example. It doesn’t cost much, but it means a lot to them.
The kindness of the people and, above all, those SMILES.
We’re hooked—we’re going back in November for 6 months... because yes, you can buy a 3-month visa at the airport (a question I’d asked), and you can extend it for another 3 months... if you apply in time at a police station.
We didn’t take Malarone either. We’d brought some, but there were few mosquitoes, and "Insect Écran" worked really well.
Hi everyone, we’re planning a trip to Réunion for 6 nights and Mauritius for 7 nights in March 2027. I’m starting to look into it now. We’re not hikers, so I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Should we book flights and small hotels separately, or go for a flight-and-stay package? We don’t want to blow our budget (around 2800 € per person). Thanks!
Gigi
Hello,
We’ll be on vacation in the Seychelles in July and will visit La Digue, Praslin, and then Mahé in that order. Our 21-year-old daughter will have to leave earlier than us while we’re still on Praslin.
We’re hesitating between the following options for her return:
Option 1:
- July 9: ferry from Praslin at 2:00 PM – arrives in Mahé at 3:15 PM.
- International flight departing at 7:30 PM.
- The connection is very tight, leaving a 1- to 2-hour safety margin in case the ferry is delayed.
Option 2:
- July 9: ferry from Praslin at 8:00 AM – arrives in Mahé at 9:15 AM.
- International flight departing at 7:30 PM.
- This is safer than Option 1, but it means she’d lose the whole day, spending it alone. We’d pay for a day pass giving her access to a hotel pool to kill time.
From experience, what do you think? Are significant ferry delays (2 hours or more) common, especially in July with the swell, making Option 1 too risky?
Or is even Option 2 too risky, and should our daughter take a ferry the day before (though that would mean missing a lot of time with us)?
Or should she take an Air Seychelles flight the same day instead of the ferry? Is that safer than the ferry? But it’s much more expensive…
I know no one can give me certainty on this, but I’d just love to hear your gut feeling from those who have experience with inter-island transfers in the Seychelles.
Thanks so much in advance!
Christophe
Hello,
Our trip is taking shape.
We’re leaving on February 28th. We’ll start by flying to Tulear, then make our way up to Tana at a relaxed pace before catching another flight to Diego Suarez.
We’d love to end our stay on Sainte Marie Island.
Is there a way to make the trip by land? By sea?
Just to clarify, we’re not pressed for time.
Thanks!
Hello everyone,
Thanks for this amazing forum—I’ve spent hours browsing through it.
I’m reaching out to ask for your help as we’re looking for a destination for our honeymoon.
We never travel outside Europe, so we’re total newbies, but we want to treat ourselves for this special occasion.
Dates: June 23 → July 8 (possibly until July 12)
Duration: 2 to 3 weeks
Budget: Not really an issue for this trip
Our plan:
- A seaside destination first and foremost, with beautiful beaches
- We’d like to do some hiking or at least go on walks with scenic viewpoints
- A relaxing trip with sunshine, lush greenery, and stunning landscapes
- A safe destination
Our thoughts so far:
- New Zealand: our dream, but it seems like the wrong time of year weather-wise ++
- Azores: ruled out due to unpredictable weather—what do you think?
- Mauritius/Reunion combo: vetoed by my future wife ^^
- Seychelles: seems like it could work, but I’ve read about a few downsides (no shops to buy food, snorkeling not always amazing, occasional weather/tide issues making swimming tricky)
Other options:
- French Polynesia: we’re really dreaming of it, but is 2 weeks too short for such a long trip?
- Hawaii: same question—too far?
- Sardinia?
Thanks so much for your help, and have a great weekend!
Every year, we love escaping the autumn season—I really can’t stand it—by heading somewhere sunny during the All Saints' holiday.
This year, we were thinking of Mauritius... We’d found a place to stay, but after digging deeper, I realized it’s 40% cheaper in July. And the flights with Emirates aren’t more expensive in the summer, even though it’s peak season for them, compared to October.
Yet, after checking a bunch of sites, I don’t get the impression the weather is bad there in July—maybe just a *tiny* bit less hot than in October, but nothing major...
So we’re tempted to go this summer after all.
This big price jump for All Saints' compared to summer is a mystery to me... Did I miss something?
If you’ve got any firsthand experience traveling to Mauritius in July or early August, I’d love to hear about it.
Hi! Recently, the domestic-flight terminal at Ivato has been moved to the old "international" airport, complete with its own scanner. On October 13th, I checked my luggage (which I had inspected before leaving my hotel in Tana) for a flight to Sambava. It wasn’t until I arrived at my accommodation in Antalaha and opened it that I discovered it had been searched (normal before boarding a plane), but to my surprise, the case containing my GPS fishfinder had been opened—likely mistaken for a laptop due to the scanner’s open access to all kinds of theft—and three SD cards were stolen. Luckily, two of the SD cards had their micro SDs inserted into the device, so I still had the Navionics micro card (300 €) essential for fishing. Of course, I’m not asking for compensation, just urging caution with checked luggage on "domestic" flights. (This is a copy-paste of my post on *Le Routard*.)
Hello,
I’m continuing the Antalaha–Maroantsetra discussion but for some info in the other direction, specifically about hiking from Maroantsetra to Antalaha.
In mid-December, I plan to take it easy from Tamatave to Antalaha. I’m thinking of making a few stops, like Nosy Atafana—has anyone snorkeled there? Is it nice? Can you find bush taxis on the Soniera–Ivongo / Maroantsetra stretch?
After that, I’m considering walking from Maroantsetra to Antalaha and figuring things out as I go, since the path seems well-used, so I’m not planning on a guide. Good idea or totally foolish? Should I bring a tent and some camping gear, or, as I’ve read multiple times, are there several villages with lodging and food options along the way? Any spots worth stopping at or nothing special to see?
In Antalaha, I saw the recommendation for Villa Malaza in the previous discussion, so I’m keeping that in mind. If there’s space, I’ll plan to stay there. In Antalaha itself, are there any places to visit, things to see, or activities you’d recommend?
Thanks in advance to everyone for any tips—they’ll be really helpful!
Well, I still feel a bit lonely about this destination—no requests for info, no travel journals, or trip reports since I last posted over a year ago. A little disheartening.
That said, I did cross paths with slightly more tourists this time. Not a ton, but enough to notice compared to my last stay. Beyond that, not much has changed—the people are just as lovely, and every interaction, whether at the market, in the medinas, in town, or in the countryside, was positive. It was so pleasant; my "alert meter" stayed at zero the whole time (which is pretty different from some other places I visit now and then). The roads outside the cities remain dangerous, and the accident rate seems high. Best to drive during the day and take it easy (on some rough stretches, you don’t really have a choice anyway). The scattered plastic and metal waste hasn’t magically disappeared, and it’s still pretty discouraging to see the most beautiful beaches surrounded by empty bottles, straws, diapers, and rusted carcasses of an old Xantia or a skeletal Espace. When it’s not on the beach itself (since those are cleaned), it’s just a few meters away. Usually, there’s not much in the water or close to shore—the seabeds are gorgeous, with coral and a wide variety of scaly friends... But stepping back onto the hardened lava, you dodge a chip bag or a shriveled battery. Such a paradox. Honestly, it’s like this almost everywhere except on hotel beaches or those far from human settlements. But otherwise, in places like Chomoni, Bouni, Itsandra, Moya, and Domoni (on Anjouan), Nioumachoua (on Mohéli, and even on the nearby islets), it’s hard to ignore. And it unfortunately tarnishes the beauty of these otherwise stunning spots.
That said, you can still find secluded micro-bays, protected and remote, where this isn’t an issue. And where there are hotels—like in Petite Itsandra in Moroni, in front of Laka Lodge in Nioumachoua, Trou du Prophète, or even Chomoni (though the surrounding areas are so littered...)—the beaches are cleaned, so...
So why go? Why still love it despite all this?
Well, first, the Comorians themselves—that’s already essential and probably the main reason.
Then there’s the breathtaking topography: the imposing Karthala, the dizzying peaks and cliffs of Anjouan, vast ravines, a tortured geology covered in lush nature, and Mohéli, much more serene and gentle, blanketed in spice plants and trees with names that make you dream, like an open-air spice market.
The flora across the islands—the fields, trees, scents: clove trees, cinnamon trees, lychee, mango, cardamom, nutmeg, vanilla, coconut palms, banana trees, coffee plants, cocoa... A profusion of green dotted with red, white, and yellow berries and flowers...
The seabeds are stunning in many places, and there are some beautiful beaches/oceanfront spots, especially near Trou du Prophète (but not only there).
The history and culture—between traditional festivals, but especially the medinas with their staircases, covered passages, palaces, and mosques that create Escher-like constructions. I love wandering through them for hours, stumbling upon an unlikely shop, a more or less philosophical saying like "pain is a warning," "a promise is a debt," or the less original "little by little, the bird makes its nest." A grocery store, women negotiating freshly caught fish (usually tuna, immediately cut and ready to sell), kids playing, old men playing checkers, a call to prayer... In Moroni, Mutsamudu, and Domoni, I spent most of my "urban" time.
If anyone’s interested—though given the hype about Comoros on the forum, I doubt it—but if you need info on accommodation across the three islands, some restaurants, or sites to visit, don’t hesitate to ask.
This message is another message in a bottle (one more, if I dare...) for the Comoros destination.
I’ll be in Antalaha in October and need to get to Maroantsetra.
I’ve heard it’s possible by boat, but I can’t find any info about it.
So I’m wondering if I’ll have to arrange something with local fishing boats or something else, and whether it’s a risky trip since the sea can get rough on Madagascar’s east coast.
Has anyone done this before, or just know anything about it?
What do you think?
Hello, we’re heading to Mauritius for two weeks at the end of October. We’ll be staying in Trou aux Biches. We’d like to explore the island by bus if possible, so if you have any tips, we’d love to hear them. We’re on half-board, so we’ll also be checking out some nice, typical little restaurants and snack spots. Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi, is it possible to find out? How can I stay for 3 consecutive months in Madagascar, based on a fixed-date flight ticket? In short, how do I get a visa stamped at the airport??
Does anyone know if there’s maritime transport from the southern tip of Africa to a port in MADAGASCAR?
CHEAPER THAN A FLIGHT, see you soon, fellow traveler!!
Hi there,
We’ve booked accommodation at Digwa Beach Chalet on La Digue. We’ll be arriving and leaving by ferry.
We’re only a 20-minute walk from our rental.
I was wondering if anyone has stayed at this place before and knows if they pick you up from the ferry? Is it free? How much does it cost?
My husband has reduced mobility and with the luggage, it’s not going to be easy. I’ve sent a message to the accommodation but haven’t heard back yet... Thanks so much for your help!
hi, does anyone have any recent info on the condition of this RN6 route? roadworks? maintenance?
and of course, about the two river crossings at Gué between Ambanja and Ambilobe on the Ifatsy and Mahavavy rivers (at the entrance to Ambilobe)
condition of the ferries, possible start of work on the bridges (with the addition of Bailey bridges)
any info after the rainy season, meaning after April 2025
thanks
Can you tell me how long (on average...) the Tana to Tamatave trip takes with local minibus transport?
Which reliable company do you recommend for booking?
Hi there,
We’re thinking of doing the train journey from Fianarantsoa to Manakara again. Is the train still running? After that, we’re planning to go from Manakara to Fort Dauphin by 4x4. Thanks for any tips you can share!
Hello,
After over 40 years of traveling, I’ve never used a driver-guide before.
Given my age, this time I’d like to avoid being squeezed into a bush taxi. I’ve never rented a 4x4 but usually go for sedans.
So, for my upcoming trip to Madagascar, I decided to hire a 4x4 with a driver. I contacted about ten agencies and guides listed in the GR, LP, and travel forums. The quotes I got for 20 days range from 6000 € to 1300 €, with or without fuel included. Most ask for either a full bank transfer upfront or a mobile wallet payment (30%, etc.) from France.
Personally, I’d prefer to see the vehicle and the driver before making any payment.
Also, I’d rather pay at the end of my trip.
Is it possible to find a provider in Tana upon arrival for around 50 or 60 € per day, including fuel, with short notice, some flexibility in my itinerary, and without being forced to accept the dictates of agencies or drivers recommended on certain forums?
Thanks for your replies.
My wife and I (Quebecers, 63 years old, retired, celebrating our 45 years together this year, including 20 years of marriage) have chosen to mark the occasion with a trip to Dubai, Réunion, and Mauritius (4 days in Dubai, then 24 days on the islands).
We have a lot of experience planning road trips (scouting routes, visits, hotels, and restaurants of interest), but we travel without reservations to keep the freedom to follow our instincts and tips we get on the spot. We’re moderately active physically and prefer the countryside and beaches over big cities. Our only fixed dates: arrival in Réunion on October 5th and departure from Mauritius on October 29th.
After lots of reading and with the help of an AI (super useful for drafting a first outline!), here’s a possible itinerary framework. Nothing is set in stone—I’d love your suggestions, comments, and thoughts on what’s worth adding or avoiding. Are the proposed bases optimal? Also, if you have recommendations for hotels (mid-range budget of 100–200 euros per night), restaurants, etc., I’m all ears! ;-)
Thanks! 😊
🌴 Réunion (October 5–13, 9 days)
Base 1 – Saint-Gilles / L’Hermitage (October 5–8, 3 nights)
Oct 5 (Sun): Settle in, relax at L’Hermitage beach.
Oct 6 (Mon): Saint-Paul market (morning), beach + sunset at Boucan Canot.
Oct 7 (Tue): Excursion to Maïdo (view of Mafate), return via Saint-Leu (Stella Matutina).
Oct 8 (Wed): Beach + dolphin/whale-watching boat trip.
Base 2 – Cilaos (October 8–10, 2 nights)
Oct 9 (Thu): Route des 400 virages, stroll through the village and Roche Merveilleuse.
Oct 10 (Fri): Hike to Bras Rouge (3–4h) or the Chapelle canyon. Creole inn evening.
Base 3 – Plaine des Cafres / Bourg-Murat (October 10–13, 3 nights)
Oct 11 (Sat): Road to the volcano → Plaine des Sables → Piton de la Fournaise.
Oct 12 (Sun): Wild south coast at Cap Méchant, lava flows, Jardin Parfums, Grande Anse beach.
Oct 13 (Mon): Relaxed morning, flight from Réunion to Mauritius.
🏝️ Mauritius (October 13–29, 16 days)
Base 1 – Grand Baie / Pereybère (October 13–18, 5 nights)
Oct 13 (Mon): Settle in, swim at Mont Choisy.
Oct 14 (Tue): Boat excursion to Île Plate & Coin de Mire.
Oct 15 (Wed): Pamplemousses Garden + L’Aventure du Sucre. Evening in Grand Baie.
Oct 16 (Thu): Trou aux Biches beach, snorkeling.
Oct 17 (Fri): Free day, relaxation/shopping.
Base 2 – Flic-en-Flac / Tamarin (October 18–23, 5 nights)
Oct 18 (Sat): Drive to the west, settle in, beach.
Oct 19 (Sun): Dolphin excursion in Tamarin, relax in the afternoon.
Oct 20 (Mon): Chamarel: Terres 7 Couleurs + rum distillery.
Oct 21 (Tue): Black River Gorges (hike + waterfalls).
Oct 22 (Wed): Snorkeling + sunset.
Base 3 – Belle Mare / Trou d’Eau Douce (October 23–26, 3 nights)
Oct 23 (Thu): Settle in, Belle Mare beach.
Oct 24 (Fri): Catamaran excursion to Île aux Cerfs.
Oct 25 (Sat): Flacq market (morning), beach in the afternoon.
Base 4 – Mahébourg / Blue Bay (October 26–29, 3 nights)
Oct 26 (Sun): Settle in, snorkeling at Blue Bay Marine Park.
Oct 27 (Mon): Pointe d’Esny + Île aux Aigrettes.
Oct 28 (Tue): Free beach day + Mahébourg village.
Oct 29 (Wed): Morning swim, return flight at 4 PM (airport is 15 min away).
Hey there,
I’m moving to Réunion Island in September and I’d love to hear about your experiences there. What’s there to do and what should I avoid?
Do you have any great tips for budget-friendly accommodation or places to stay?
Any advice on how to save money while I’m there?
Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
My friend and I are heading to Madagascar in March, and we were wondering if it’s possible to bring some cash and top up once we’re there (specifically in Tana).
Is it worth exchanging money if euros are accepted everywhere?
Thanks for your always super helpful tips on VF!
Hi there,
How do you get from Tamatave or Foulpointe to Sainte Marie Island? We’re heading to Madagascar from July 16 to 29, 2025.
How many days should we stay to explore the area?
What’s there to do in Tamatave, Foulpointe, or Sainte Marie Island?
What should we visit?
Thanks everyone!
Hi,
I’m taking the Cotisse bus soon to go to Antsohihy, so the route is Tana-Majunga with a stop at Antanambaza.
How long does it take to get to Antanambaza? Should I leave at 6:30 PM or 7:00 AM?
Considering I’ll probably need to find a hotel while waiting for a *taxi be* to Antsohihy, I’d rather not arrive in the middle of the night.
And since I’m asking—does anyone have a hotel recommendation in Antanambaza?
Also, can you find a seat on a *taxi be* mid-route?
I'm heading to Nosy Be (Madagascar) this coming October. This is my very first visit to this part of the Indian Ocean. I'd like to know if it's better to bring my bank card and withdraw cash from ATMs there, or if it would be preferable to bring cash in euros or dollars and exchange it for the local currency upon arrival.
Thanks!
/D
