Madagascar travel FAQs
Find all the answers you need while preparing for your trip
What is the best time for my Madagascar travel?
Choosing the best time to visit the island really depends on what you love to do. Generally, March to December is a great time to go. If you're all about lush, green landscapes, aim for March to May. Whale watchers? You're in luck from June to September when whales are most likely to make an appearance. Prefer cooler weather? Any time after May will be right up your alley. Figuring out the absolute best time for a Madagascar travel can be tricky without knowing what excites you. But, if you share your interests, we can definitely help pinpoint the perfect time for your visit.
Can I customise my Madagascar travel?
Absolutely! We've got some awesome pre-defined tours ready for you, and we'll handle all the details, including your hotel booking. We know how busy life can get, so these all-inclusive options are perfect for people who just don't have the time to plan. But if you're looking to sprinkle a bit of your own flavor into your Madagascar travel, we've got you covered. Feel free to pick the sights that excite you,
Is it necessary for tours to start at Teddy's Trails in Ranomafana?
Your adventure starts the moment you arrive. We will provide direct pickup from your arrival point, and this service is included in the price.
What is the price for a tour?
The cost of your Madagascar travel is as unique as the tour itself, making it challenging to specify an exact price. The total cost fluctuates based on several factors, including the duration of your trip, your choice of accommodations, travel distances, the parks you decide to visit, and more. We recommend reaching out to us so we can provide you with a tailored and competitive quote that meets your desires.
To provide a point of comparison, booking with an agency that employs both a driver and a guide typically costs about 30 % more than choosing Teddy's Trails. So normally, companies only provide you a driver who lacks of good English skills.
With us, you have direct communication with your guide, eliminating any third parties. In order to give you an idea of the pricing, please contact us at hello@teddys-trails.net.
How do I pay for my Madagascar travel?
Madagascar, regrettably, finds itself isolated from the global financial system, with services like PayPal being inaccessible due to governmental restrictions. However, since 2022, a new solution has emerged in the form of Paysend. This app offers an exceptionally low transaction fee (1.50 €, 1 £, or 2 $) for international transfers, establishing itself as one of the most secure and efficient alternatives to PayPal. For those who prefer other methods, transferring money through your bank (if permitted) or carrying cash are options, though the latter may pose inconveniences and safety concerns, which are completely understandable.
Do I really need a driver while travelling across Madagascar?
Madagascar's roads can be a bit of an adventure, often bumpy and not quite what you'd expect from the world's top highways. This means you might find yourself spending a bit more time in the car than Google Maps suggests. Our tip? Let a dedicated driver with a sturdy 4x4 take the wheel so you can sit back, relax, and truly soak in your surroundings. Opting for a guided tour with a driver not only ensures a smoother ride but also keeps you on the safe path. Weather can sometimes make parks unreachable, and it's a real bummer to arrive only to find you can't explore further. With us, you'll always have a plan B up our sleeves, guaranteeing an unforgettable journey.
What languages do you speak at Teddy's Trails?
At Teddy's Trails, we're all about creating the best experience for you, which means speaking your language is our priority. We're thrilled to offer tours in both English and French, ensuring that we can share every special during your Madagascar travel with you. We've noticed that tourists sometimes end up with drivers who have limited English skills – but not with us. We guarantee you won't face that issue at Teddy's Trails.
How reliable are the electricity and internet services in Madagascar?
If you decide against a fully unplugged, all-in-nature adventure, acquiring a local sim card for your journey is a practical option. This allows you to stay connected, share your experiences in real-time, and access maps and local information easily. Additionally, you'll find that all hotels adhere to the usual electricity standards, ensuring you can charge your devices without any hassle. To complement this, hotels offer WiFi, providing you with uninterrupted internet access to keep in touch with your loved ones, update your social media, or work remotely while enjoying your travels.
How safe is Madagascar for tourists?
In Madagascar, the primary challenge faced by the population is poverty. This issue is particularly prevalent in rural areas surrounding Antananarivo, where pickpocketing incidents may occur. However, it's important to remember that, as with any location on the globe, personal behavior plays a significant role in one's experience. We are committed to ensuring your safety and well-being during your visit. Our team will accompany you at all times, guiding you only to locations that we have carefully evaluated for safety. We have established relationships with local communities and understand the areas well, enabling us to navigate the region safely and ensure that your experience in Madagascar is both enjoyable and secure. By taking these measures, we have successfully avoided any incidents of crime involving our tourists.
Can I eat at every restaurant that I see along the way?
The response is straightforward: NO. Nonetheless, we are aware of the best spots and will guide you to places where the risk of food poisoning is zero.
What are the payment options in Madagascar?
For your daily necessities, including food, it's better to withdraw a significant sum of money in Ariary from your bank account upon arrival at the airport. While you can always access additional ATMs during your travels, planning ahead ensures peace of mind. Should you need to settle payments at hotels, most are equipped with card machines, though they also accept Euros.
How can I lend a hand to the people?
The people of Madagascar require all the essentials that form part of our daily lives, such as soap, toothbrushes, and dental care products, encompassing the entire spectrum of personal hygiene. Additionally, high-quality clothing would greatly benefit them. For children, toys and educational supplies like notebooks and pens are not only desired but needed. To support the local economy, we strongly advise purchasing these items locally whenever possible. Not only are products likely to be more affordable, but this approach also eases the hassle of carrying heavy luggage. To safeguard the dental health of children, please refrain from bringing candies or sweets.