Getting around Madagascar

By plane

Air Madagascar serves numerous destinations throughout the country, which is a good thing considering the bad state of the roads. Besides the big cities, lots of little hamlets are also served. It is advisable to check the status of your flight in advance, as timetable changes can occur at fairly short notice. There was some political unrest in 2002, which resulted in some airports being temporarily shut. Passengers who arrive in Madagascar on a long-haul flight from Air Madagascar can benefit from reductions on the order of 25% on the company's internal flights.

By train

There are three rail lines in Madagascar :

• Antananarivo-Ambatondrazaka via Moramanga, which is currently inactive but may be restarted.
• Antananarivo-Antsirabe
• Fianarantsoa-Manakara

The Malagasy railway network dating from the colonial period, breakdowns are frequent due to poor maintenance, a line may be closed for several weeks. There is also a private micheline which assures the link between Antananarivo and Toamasina. This historic train runs only on prior reservation (at least one month in advance) and the price is worthwhile only if all 18 seats are full. The train is not the fastest and most comfortable means of travel, but it lets you admire the magnificent landscapes (especially on the line connecting Fianarantsoa to Manakara) and discover the Malagasy fruits and dishes offered at every stop. You can taste what is in season at little cost : crayfish, bananas, cinnamon apples, sambos, zebu sausages, oranges... Unfortunately, the train that runs between Manakara and Fianarantsoa has become less reliable lately (early 2007) due to poor conditions of the tracks.

By Road

This is the only inexpensive way to get around, but Madagascar's roads are almost all of very low grade (with the exception of 2 routes leading out of Tana). Many roads are studded with potholes and are quagmires in the rainy season. Be warned that travel by road will almost always take much more time than you would normally expect. Hire of a 4WD vehicle can solve this problem but the cost will be high.