Things we’ve learned
Multiple people had told us that the roads in Madagascar were the worst we’d experience during our trip. While we felt like we’d already been on some rough roads, we realized that they were telling the truth. The few tarred roads that are found in the country are just wide enough to fit 2 cars with no shoulder. You’re likely to find any mode of transportation on them from trucks, ox-drawn carts, bicycle taxis, hand-drawn carts and pedestrians. They also like to build their homes as close to the road as possible so when passing through small towns, it involves a lot of honking and swerving. This was also the first time that we’d seen multiple people on public transport vomit from motion sickness. Rice paddies are found almost everywhere and the grain is eaten 3 times a day by locals. Many of the homes are found on an island in the middle of the paddie and are 2-3 story so they can also care for their animals on the ground floor. Along with the French influence, including fresh bread and good cheeses, there is a large Asian influence. This can be seen in the food, karaoke and massage parlors, to name a few. They also use the term “mora mora” frequently as things move slowly and run on their own time.
Madagascar by the numbers
- 2076 kilometers in plane
- 2023 kilometers in bus
- 372 kilometers in 4×4
- 335 kilometers in private car (tours)
- 70 kilometers in canoe
- 4 kilometers in zebu cart
- 180 kilometers in boat
- 20 towns visited
- 2 National Parks visited
- 2 UNESCO World Heritage/Intangible Culture sites visited
- Meds used: 48 antimalarials, 8 antiparasitics, 2 bandaids, 1 antiseptic wipe
- Items broken: Both of our flip flops, 2nd camera lenses protector
- Items damaged: Tico’s hiking pants ended up with a gaping hole
- Items replaced: Both of our flip flops (thank you Sarah for leaving yours with me!)
Roam to Discover Awards
- Most memorable meal: Tico’s – Mine sao with zebu; Maria’s – Crab in sauce in Belo sur Mer
- Best hike: Zafimaniry villages
- Most enjoyable day activity: Lemur viewing in Andasibe
- Must-see location: Wild West (Tsiribihina River and Tsingy National Park)
- Best wildlife experience: Andasibe parks
- Drink of choice: Three Horses Beer (THB)
- Most colorful sunrise: Tsiribihina River
- Most photogenic sunset: Avenue of Baobobs
The Madagascar route
Overall helpful tips:
- The country is large and unless you plan to fly, focus on areas close to each other as you will spend days on public transaportion and end up exhausted.
- Our highlight was by far the trip to the Wild West so we highly recommend adding this to your to do list.
- Try to learn some French (or Malagasy) before traveling as it makes a huge difference when negotiating and just getting by.
- For those that have traveled in East Africa, get ready to hear vazaha instead of muzungu.