Madagascar - some tips

-          Fly in with Kenya Airways. They are much cheaper than the rest of the bunch.

-          The best guide for Madagascar is the „Routard“, it is in French though. Our „Dumont“ guide in German was wasted money. The „Lonely Planet“ can give you some decent orientation.

-          Having said that, don’t rely on the Lonely Planet for accomodation. Their „budget“ options are really mid-range. Asking around will give you cheaper options.

-          Brush up your French – with (even some basic) French travelling will become easy as many people speak the language of the former colonialists – scarcely anybody speaks English.

-          Public transport is incredibly cheap but you should prepared for fully crammed run-down minibusses.

-          That said, negotiate prices before you go (also with taxis and the like)

-          Don’t be afraid – Madagascar is very safe and Malagasy culture is really laid-back and peaceful

-          Don’t bargain when it comes to food – the Malagasy don’t like that

-          Be polite (the Malagasy are too) and learn some basic Malagasy words

-          Respect the local ‚fadys‘ (taboos) and try to find about them when you arrive at a place

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