Madagascar FAQs

• April to October – is the dry season and the best time to visit.

• September to December – is the best time for wildlife.

• November to March – wet season.

Africa by Ayu has only partnered with operators and lodges that carry a valid insurance for their operations and are accredited by the relevant licensing authorities in each African country.

Note – that we do not divulge the names of the tour operators we partner with.

Each hotel, lodge or camp included into an Africa by Ayu itinerary will be selected for the value for money offering it brings to each itinerary, after discussions with our partners in each African destination and careful consideration of all available options for your travel dates.

• Our team loves to curate Africa holidays and are happy to spend time to share our expertise with those clients who are keenly interested to book our curated itineraries, through us but we are compelled to bring in this policy as some guests attempt to obtain all information and then proceed to book on their own.

• Names of all hotels, lodges and camps will only be divulged upon payment of a non-refundable deposit. This will be set off against the cost of the tour booked with Africa by Ayu. Subsequent to the above deposit, we will divulge the names of hotels. If you wish, you are certainly free to request amendments to the hotels/itinerary and we will be happy to further curate the entire itinerary and suggest alternative names of hotels, subject to availability – (except on scheduled group tours where the accommodation cannot be changed unless the entire group requests it).

• Accommodation cannot be held unless an advance is paid on the due date.

Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot and an island of contrasts. You will see diverse cultures, landscape, fauna, flora and animals. Not everything about Madagascar can be planned to a minute. Therefore, you need to be patient and enjoy the journey!!

Sri Lankan Passport Holders can obtain Visa on arrival. The Passport must be valid for 6 months after your date of departure.

Africa by Ayu has connections to the right hotels and lodges in Madagascarwhich are great for multi generational family holidays. Different lodges and camps especially in wilderness areas have different child policies and a minimum age on walking safaris. Please enquire for specific details for your tour.

Note:

If you are traveling via South Africa or Botswana - You are required by law to travel with your children’s “Unabridged” Birth Certificate to enter South Africa and/or Botswana. If you are traveling without one parent, you will also require an affidavit from the absent parent giving permission for the child to enter the country. This must be dated no more than 3 months before the travel date.

The currency is the Malagasy Ariary.

ATM machines are available in most towns and Visa Credit Cards are accepted.

Official languages are Malagasy and French.

Travel insurance will be required before the final payment for your tour as tour operators and camps require your insurance details. Please ensure that the insurance is comprehensive and covers any medical situations such as hospitalization, emergency air-evacuation as well as cancellation, curtailment of arrangements and loss of baggage.

Most urban areas have good medical facilities and if you do not have adequate cover you risk being turned away from the hospital.

Currently there are no specific requirements for visitors to have any inoculations prior to their arrival in Madagascar. However, a valid International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever is required for any person entering Madagascar from, or via, a yellow fever infected area (please check latest WHO- World Health Organization current classification). In Sri Lanka, you can obtain the Yellow Fever vaccine at the MRI.

Most parts of Madagascar are malaria areas and malaria prophylactics are recommended. Please consult your Doctor prior to travel.

Lodges in wilderness areas generally provide mosquito nets. To avoid mosquito and insect bites, wear long-sleeved clothing, long trousers and socks when outside at night and use an insect repellent which contains at least 20-30% DEET. Although a medical kit is available at each lodge or safari operator, please bring all personal medications.

Comprehensive travel and medical insurance must be taken by each traveller, prior to the final payment of your tour. If you do not have adequate cover you risk being turned away from the hospital.

No one at Africa by Ayu is qualified to give medical advice and as such none of the above should be taken as authorized medical advice but are intended to be guidelines and general tips. Please consult your Doctor prior to travel and obtain accurate and up to date independent medical advice.

Flights

Africa by Ayu arranges all domestic flights from the main Airport to major cities, the national parks and between camps.

Baggage restrictions on flights

• On internal aircraft transfers, strict baggage restrictions apply. Weight, size and style of bag is strictly enforced.

• Each passenger is only allowed a 20Kg soft duffel bag (not in hard top cases or bags with wheels) as checked in luggage and 5Kg as hand luggage (includes camera equipment).

• Large suitcases and rigid, inflexible luggage with “pull along” handle frames and wheels and bags which have soft sides but have a solid or rigid “wheely” frame within the base of the bag are NOT ALLOWED

• These restrictions are enforced for the security of guests as the weight balance is important on light aircraft.

• Pilots on small aircrafts will refuse any luggage which does not fit within the luggage pods of the aircraft.

As a general rule bottled mineral water is recommended unless the Hotel, lodge or camp has purified it. Please check with the Manager of the Hotel/Lodge/Camp.

Please inform any allergies or dietary restrictions prior to confirming a tour.

Electricity is 220V. Wall sockets require 2 round pin type plugs so it is recommended that you carry international travel adapters. These adapters are available at major airports.

Fully charged spare batteries should always be carried on safari and have sufficient memory cards for your images and videos – these are difficult to purchase here.

Mobile coverage is excellent in Madagascar.

• A 24 hour local point of contact will be provided to you for all emergencies.

• Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is not permitted on any flights

Tipping is entirely at your discretion and will be greatly appreciated by those who provide a good service.

A rough tipping guideline for Madagascar

• Guides: US10 dollars per day per guest or per couple

• General lodge staff: US10 dollars per day per guest or per couple (a tip box is usually available at all camps and lodges and this will be distributed among the staff)

• Hotel/restaurant - a service charge is added to the bill but if the service has been great, then a tip not exceeding 10% of the bill is customary.

• It is not customary to tip lodge managers

• During summer – clothes that are cool, light and comfortable.

• For walking wear a good pair of closed shoes (hiking boots not required)

• When relaxing at hotels and lodges: casual clothing

• For evenings: Long-sleeved shirts, trousers and shoes to avoid mosquito bites

• When traveling during cold months: Jeans or safari trousers

• A lightweight waterproof jacket/poncho in case of rain

• Swimwear as some lodges and camps do have a pool

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, moisturizer and lip salve

• Torch

• Binoculars and camera equipment (with spare batteries and SD/Memory cards)

• Strict luggage restrictions (of 20 Kg per person including camera equipment) applies on all small flights

Madagascar attracts many tourists. In public areas in the cities theft and crime can be more common like anywhere else in the world. But visitors on organized tours are shielded from public areas. The operators that Africa by Ayu partners with will always have your safety and security in mind throughout your tour. However, for all safari destinations and throughout the tour we offer, we recommend that you do not take any expensive jewelry, watches etc and ensure your bags can be locked.

Traveling or driving at night is not recommended.

Safaris may bring you up close in contact with wild animals and all instructions of your Guide should be strictly followed. However, you should take responsibility for your own safety. Some lodges or operators will require that you sign an indemnity form on your arrival.

A 24 hour local point of contact will be provided to you for all emergencies.