Situated in the coastal belt of Africa, the most viable and popular mode of reaching Madagascar is through the air. Being a prime tourist destination with many hot spots of natural beauty the international airports in Madagascar draws considerable visitors from around the world throughout the year.
The challenge for visitors arriving in this beautiful country is finding a feasible solution for their onward travel on land. The main Island of Madagascar is the fourth biggest island in the whole world. Therefore, covering this massive area in a short journey needs careful planning in-terms of mode of transport.
This is why many travelers prefer to have the comfort and mobility of a rental car when they arrive at Antananarivo Airport. Whether you have time for sedate touring of the Island or you have to pack in as many attractions as possible within a short time, the option of a hire car should not be ignored.
Getting in and around
Once you head out of the Antananarivo Airport the first thing you are bound to notice is that while Madagascar is famous for its natural wonders the Island does not boast of a very good road network. Fortunately the drive from Antananarivo Airport to Tamatave is made on a paved road. However, the traffic on this route is unpredictable at most times.
Many sub-roads leading from Antananarivo, city center are narrow but carry a lot of traffic, particularly during peak times. Therefore, you need to take special care when driving in the city.
Requirements for renting a car
You should have an international driving permit to reserve a hire car in Madagascar. The age limit is 23 and above. It is vital to book an air-conditioned car for travelling in this region for optimum comfort.
If you plan to take the vehicle off the main highways you are strongly advised to reserve a 4WD since the roads are full of potholes. It is altogether best to avoid arriving in Madagascar during the rainy season as road conditions become worse causing even worse traffic congestion.
Public transportation systems
Heading towards the north eastern coast of Madagascar you can look forward to experiencing unique ferry rides. This mode of travelling is not recommended during the rainy season from May to September. Public bus transportation is rather limited to certain parts of the country. However, the stretch between Antananarivo and Tamasina is well covered by bus transport as well as in certain other urban regions.
Buses are not ideal for comfortable travelling as they tend to be crowded, slow and unreliable. The rail also operates in a similar manner with only few routes, handling reliable passenger services. The distinct compensation for travel by rail is the spectacular scenery along the route.
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