We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
Accordingly you should allow approx. £35 for gratuities for local staff.
Please note that US$100 bills are not accepted and credit cards are rarely accepted.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Madagascar |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£0.50 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£0.70 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£0.50 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£1.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£7.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£12.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
£7.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Madagascar. You should have at least two blank pages in your passport on arrival.
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Visa Requirements
An entry visa is required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA and CAN. citizens. It is possible to get a visa on arrival valid for 30 days. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A plus Polio and diptheria. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.
Yellow Fever: Please note that as your flight transits Kenya you will be required to have a Yellow Fever certificate for entry into Madagascar. If you cannot produce a certificate, you will be required to visit the Institut Pasteur in Antananarivo to be vaccinated.
Following the advice given by the Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, we strongly recommend the wearing long sleeved shirts and the liberal application of insect repellent as a precautionary measure to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. These precautions should be taken at all times as the mosquitoes are also active during daylight hours.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Additional Information for your Trekking Tour
This trip to Madagascar features more walking than many of our other holidays. If you are in any doubt about the suitability of the trip you have booked, don’t hesitate to call us and talk to one of our experts.
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Climate
The climate is tropical, but very cold in the highlands (dropping as low as 5°C at night in July/August in Antananarivo). The dry season is March to October continuing into November in most areas. October and November (spring) are generally the best time for wildlife and birds, but lemurs can be viewed all year round. The east coast is prone to rain year round.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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Clothing & Footwear: On Trek
- Waterproofs - Breathable jacket and trouser-type waterproofs made from material such as Goretex not only protects against rain and wind, but also stops you from overheating. They ‘breathe’ and avoid condensation that you will experience from nylon waterproofs.
- Long Trousers - For everyday walking, light trekking trousers are the most suitable. Jeans are not recommended as they are often difficult to walk in over longer distances and become cumbersome when wet.
- Thick sweaters and fleece jackets -Thick sweaters or fleece jackets are essential as nights can be very cold at night. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your sweaters and/or fleeces.
- Thermal Underwear, Hat, Scarf, Gloves -Long sleeve tops and “long john” legging thermal underwear is essential.
- Shorts - Shorts can be very comfortable to walk in but you must carry long trousers with you in case you get either sunburned or cold!
- Swimming Costume - There are opportunities for swimming in rock pools
- Walking Boots - We strongly recommend walking in good boots. Trainers, tennis shoes etc do not give the ankle support afforded by a decent pair of boots. Many people now trek in the lighter weight Goretex or leather boots. They have the advantage that they take little breaking in. The slightly heavier traditional leather walking boots are also good. Avoid the types often found in high street shoe shops that are simply cheap trainers with a higher canvas side sewn on – they give little support and will probably not last the trek. Above all, your boots must be well broken in and comfortable. It is a good idea to carry your boots in your hand luggage on international flights or wear them – should your luggage be delayed, your well broken in boots are the one thing which will be irreplaceable.
- Trainers or Trekking sandals - Useful around camp.
- Socks - It is best to wear a pair of liner socks under a pair of fairly thick loop stitch socks. This helps to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid nylon socks, they are abrasive, don’t ‘breathe’ well and can cause blisters.
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Equipment
Think about what you are taking on trek (remember your sleeping bag) and then think how big your kit bag needs to be. An ex-army type can usually be obtained cheaply. A nylon or canvas bag with a zip along the top is also suitable. Whatever you choose, it must be strong and waterproof, as porters are not very gentle with baggage. Soft luggage is essential as framed rucksacks are unsuitable. The weight limit for the bag and its contents is 15kg but you will probably find that you do not need this much. For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Small Rucksack/Day bag
During the course of a trekking day, you do not have access to the luggage that is being carried for you by the porters. In any mountain region the weather can change rapidly and you must be equipped for this eventuality. Your daysac should, therefore, be large enough to carry the following: waterproofs, fleece, long trekking trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun hat, sun cream, water bottle (at least 3litre), tissues and your packed lunch. Most people normally find that this adds up to about 3 to 5kg. Camera equipment can be heavy so think carefully when deciding what to take. Remember to carry spare batteries with you during the day. It is usually more comfortable to carry a slightly larger pack that is not full than to carry a small pack that is overfull or with ‘bits’ tied on the outside. Something between 25 and 35 litres capacity is probably the most suitable. A shoulder bag is not a practical alternative.
Heavy duty Plastic Bags
If you pack your gear in heavy-duty plastic bags inside your kit bag, they will stay dry in case of rain. One of these bags to use inside your day bag is strongly recommended.
Sleeping Bag
As you do not carry it yourself, this may be down or synthetic, but it must be 3/4 season comfort rating (temperature 0°C to 10°C). A silk or fleece liner helps to keep your bag clean and adds an extra season.
Sleeping Mat
An inflatable thermarest style mat is helpful in order to help you get a good night’s rest, although a roll matt will be provided locally.
Sleeping Aids
You may find earplugs and an eye mask useful at night.
Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are recommended.
Water Bottle or Platypus/Camelbak hydration system
Water along the trail must never be considered as drinkable until purified. Take at least two 2 litre personal water bottles or a system that allows for this much water, preferably insulated. A personal supply of water purification tablets/drops is essential. Powdered fruit juice can be used to disguise the taste. Energy snacks, including chocolate and sweets, are also recommended whilst on trek.
Sunglasses
A good pair of sunglasses is essential for protection against UV rays and glare at high altitudes.
Sun Hat, High Factor Sun Cream/Block & Lip Salve
Choose a high factor suncream (Factor 30 or more) to protect your skin against the sun at high altitudes. A combination sunblock/ lipsalve is ideal for facial protection.
Torch/Batteries/Bulb
A head torch is essential. Remember to bring some spare batteries and a bulb.
Toiletries
Essentials are toothbrush/paste, soap, small towel. `Wet Wipes’ are great for a quick clean up. Biodegradable products are ideal for camping.
Personal First Aid Kit
On each trek a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials. Please do not give medicines to local people without consulting the tour leader. See the list in the General Information Booklet for more information.
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Additional Equipment:
Sunscreen and insect repellent. Make sure you have enough spare camera batteries and memory cards, as both are difficult to obtain locally. Bring a beach towel and swimming costume. You may also wish to bring snorkelling gear with you and any divers wishing to dive at Ile Sainte Marie should bring relevant certification with them. Mosquito nets are not required as the tents have inbuilt nets but you may wish to bring a mosquito net for dome hotels we stay at.
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Equipment Provided: On Trek
2 man tents.
All cooking and kitchen equipment.
Roll mats
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
General Information
Although a few long drives are necessary to get to some of the national parks we visit, the scenery we see on the way more than make up for it. If you adopt a positive attitude and a flexible approach this will be a very rewarding adventure in a remarkable country!
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Country info
Area: 594,180 sq km.
Population: 18,000,000
Language: French, Malagasy.
Religion: Christian, Muslim.
Local Time: GMT +3.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220V, 50Hz, two pin round plug
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Maps & Books
Recommended Maps: Freytag & Berndt 1:2,000,00 Madagascar.
Recommended Books: Bradt Guide: Madagascar, Dervla Murphy: Muddling through Madagascar, G. Durrell: The Aye-aye and I, D. Attenborough: Zoo Quest to Madagascar, I. Sinclair: Birds of the Indian Ocean Islands, I. Tattersall: The Primates of Madagascar.
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