Transportation in Madagascar
To leave Tana, you can use your feet (rather slow), railway (very slow), plane (just about fine) or a car (most common). Air tickets are available worldwide, but be sure to reconfirm all flights the very instant you arrive, not to be denied reservation. Car is to be rented with a driver. 110 USD per day per a van seems to be very reasonable price, provided it includes transportation, driver and gasoline. Be sure to get written contract from the company and keep advance payments as low as possible. I succesfully hitch-hiked on short distance, but usually you have to pay for a lift. Since private cars are rare, most common vehicle is a lorry.
But the most common way to travel over the island is taxi-brousse. It is usually a pick-up for maximum eight passengers, which contains up to twenty of those plus luggage. Driver steers and is to manage the police patrols. They are frequent, with the only purpose to provide extra income to tough men who conduct them. Policemen wear unbelievably varying uniforms, golden rings and necklaces, and have the only wish. To be persuaded, that twenty can be eight. Drivers use Malagasy francs and polite language to make cops blind, but how much is required, I know not. Hence the importance of having own driver.
Category: Madagascar Comment »