Arrival & Transport
Arrival by Plane
International Airport
The Aéroport International d'Ivato (TNR) near Antananarivo is Madagascar's only relevant international airport (Nosy Be/Fascene has seasonal charter flights). From Germany, there are no direct flights — you always fly with a stopover:
- Air France — Via Paris-CDG to Tana. The most frequent connection, flight time approx. 14h (including transfer). Prices: 600–1,200€ return.
- Ethiopian Airlines — Via Addis Ababa. Often the cheapest option (from 550€ return), good service, modern hub.
- Turkish Airlines — Via Istanbul. Competitive prices, large route network from Germany.
- Kenya Airways — Via Nairobi. Easily combined with a Kenya trip.
- Air Austral — Via La Réunion. Interesting for combo trips Madagascar + La Réunion.
Booking tip: Book 3–6 months in advance for the best prices. Peak season (July–September) is more expensive. Check flexible dates — a day's difference can make a 200€ difference.
Domestic Flights
Air Madagascar / Tsaradia operates a network of domestic flights — the main routes:
| Route | Duration | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Tana → Nosy Be | 1h | 100–200€ |
| Tana → Diego Suarez | 1.5h | 100–200€ |
| Tana → Tuléar | 1.5h | 80–180€ |
| Tana → Île Sainte-Marie | 1h | 80–180€ |
| Tana → Fort Dauphin | 1.5h | 100–180€ |
| Tana → Morondava | 1h | 80–150€ |
Important: Air Madagascar has a fluctuating reputation — delays, cancellations, and rescheduling are common. Always confirm your flight 72 hours in advance (reconfirm!). Always have a Plan B. Domestic flights are still the fastest and often the only sensible option for long distances.
Achtung
Confirm every domestic flight with Air Madagascar/Tsaradia 72 hours in advance — flights are canceled or rescheduled without warning. The call center is hard to reach; best to do it in person at the office in Tana (Av. de l'Indépendance) or through your hotel.
Local Transport
Rental Car with Driver — The Best Option
A rental car with a driver (voiture avec chauffeur) is the recommended way to travel Madagascar. The roads are often in deplorable condition, traffic rules are creative, and zebu herds on the road are part of everyday life. A local driver knows the roads, speaks the language, and is both guide and problem solver.
Prices: 50–90€ per day including driver and fuel (4x4 recommended for the south and west). Bookable through hotels, travel agencies in Tana, or online platforms. Tip: 5–10€ per day for the driver is common and appropriate.
Taxi-Brousse — The Adventure
The Taxi-Brousse (bush taxis) are Madagascar's public transport system: minibuses that run between all cities. They only leave when they are full — and "full" in Madagascar means: 20 people in a 12-seater, plus chickens, luggage on the roof, and a zebu tied at the back.
- Advantages: Extremely cheap (Tana–Antsirabe: 3€, Tana–Tuléar: 15–20€), authentic, available everywhere.
- Disadvantages: Unpredictable (departure "when full"), slow, uncomfortable, luggage on the roof (rain/dust).
- Tip: Buy your ticket early in the morning at the Gare Routière (bus station), take a seat at the front (more legroom, less nausea), and bring water, snacks, and patience.
Driving Yourself
Driving yourself in Madagascar is possible, but not recommended. The reasons: catastrophic road conditions (potholes as big as bathtubs), no signage, no breakdown assistance, zebus on the road, and a driving style of the locals that requires creative interpretation of traffic rules. For those who dare: International driving license, 4x4 mandatory, and never drive after dark.
Road Condition
| Route | Condition | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| RN7: Tana → Tuléar | Asphalt, acceptable | 2–3 days (950 km) |
| RN2: Tana → Andasibe | Well asphalted | 3–4h (140 km) |
| RN4: Tana → Majunga | Partly good, partly track | 8–12h (560 km) |
| RN6: Ambanja → Diego | Asphalt, bumpy | 6–8h (230 km) |
| Morondava → Tsingy | Track, 4x4 mandatory | 7–10h (200 km) |
Tipp
The "kilometer performance" in Madagascar is misleading. 100 km can take 2 hours or 8 hours — depending on the road. Always plan more time than you think. And the most important rule: NEVER drive after dark. The roads have no lighting, potholes are invisible, and zebus are dark.
War dieses Kapitel hilfreich?
