Practical information
As a local DMC, Madafocus specialises in arranging all kinds of travel options around Madagascar for your travellers: from airport and seaport transfers, off-road vehicles for adventures in the bush and larger buses for bigger parties, to motorbikes, boats and domestic flights.
And we take the stress away from it. Because it’s about more than getting from A to B: the travel itself is half of the adventure – part of the experience of discovering our red island.
The way you travel is a vital part of our tours in Madagascar, so let us tell you more. Maybe you’ll pick out some interesting titbits for your travellers.
Here are our top three:
Off-road vehicle (such as a Jeep)
Domestic flights
Boat
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Self-drive or car with driver guide
The best and most popular way to explore Madagascar is by 4×4, whether your travellers want to drive themselves or be accompanied by a driver guide. While both are great options, people tend to go for the latter: an off-road vehicle (like a Jeep) with driver, so they don’t need to worry about a thing.
What type of vehicle?
The vehicle your party chooses depends on two factors:
Type of terrain Number of people
The roads in Madagascar are challenging, to say the least. Not all of them are paved, and they’re often plagued with potholes, lumps and bumps.
To get about the bush, we use sturdy Jeeps that are built to go off-road. You can fit 5 people in a 4×4, but the most comfortable configuration is 3 people + 1 driver guide. For couples who want to hit the trails and drive themselves, we can provide pick-up trucks.
If sticking to paved roads, then a smaller off-road vehicle or minivan is a good bet. The latter is often ideal as a cheaper solution for 5 to 7 people, with plenty of luggage space and convenient sliding doors. For large groups, we can arrange a bus for up to 21 people.
Of course, you can combine various options too, such as travelling on paved roads by bus before hopping into some off-roaders to explore a more rugged area, such as the Tsingy de Bemaraha Nature Reserve.
Airport and seaport transfers
We usually arrange airport and seaport transfers by minibus for smaller parties or by bus for larger groups.
Alternatively, a more leisurely way to do it would be in a colourful Renault R4 or the Citroën 2CV,our ‘ugly duckling’. These vintage cars are practically an icon in Madagascar, harking back to our island’s days as a French colony. Not a bad choice for a city tour, either.
Another popular option is the Karenjy: the only car manufacturer native to Madagascar, which makes vehicles that look like a tropical buggy. Perfect as a rental for self-drive.
Fun fact for your travellers: they won’t have the same driver for their transfer and their tour guide. They’ll meet their driver guide on day two.
Our fleet of sustainable vehicles
At Madafocus, we have our own fleet of nearly a dozen vehicles. We also partner up with other vehicle operators who work almost exclusively for us. Their drivers have all taken Madafocus training and share our Madafocus mindset.
And as you may already know, we can brand our vehicles with your travel agency’s logo.
We are proud to say our vehicles are new and in line with the latest emission standards. We’re keen to lead by example to our local partners, who are less likely to progress towards reducing emissions at the same pace.
Our first electric Madafocus car in 2027
Yes, that’s what we are aiming for. As a DMC, we are certified by Travelife – the world’s leading management and certification programme for travel companies dedicated to sustainable tourism. We also support the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, which strives to achieve net zero as soon as possible by 2050.
We at Madafocus want to have our first electric car on the road by 2027, possibly in the form of a minivan. For our Jeeps, though, unfortunately there’s currently a shortage of charging stations out in the bush. 
Domestic flights and boat trips
Madagascar is big… the fourth largest island in the world, in fact. A domestic flight can be useful for covering large distances and seeing as much as possible in the three very different zones.
A boat, on the other hand, is great for navigating inland rivers (pictured: the Pangalanes Canal) and accessing the multiple treasure islands with stunning beaches. Transfer or excursion? Multi-day boat cruise or riverside camping? The choice is yours!
We are happy to arrange flights and boat crossings for your group.
Motorbiking or paragliding
You name it, we can do it. Motorbikes are a great way to explore the island. From off-road bush cruising to a road trip on a Royal Enfield, whether on your own or accompanied by a guide.
Or how does a few hours floating over the valleys in a paraglider sound?
On foot, as nature intended
Unlike the African mainland, most of Madagascar’s natural parks can be discovered on foot, with something for everyone, whatever shape they’re in.
Fervent hikers will love multi-day trekking in the Andringitra Massif or along the old smuggling routes that connect the east coast to the central highland. Trails in abundance.
An adventure in Madagascar awaits
Whether you’re travelling off-road, cruising on a boat or exploring on foot, you’ll be stunned and surprised by things you’ve never seen before. A truly unforgettable experience.
Tip for tour operators and
travel agents:
Try to get a feel for what type of transport your tour group prefers. And then leave it to us: we’ll find the right solution, whether they’re looking for a laid-back guided tour or something more hands-on.
You can’t discover Madagascar without covering long distances off the beaten track. It’s important to be upfront and transparent about this with travellers, so we manage their expectations. Then a promise of an incredible, adventurous trip awaits.
Got any questions about travelling around Madagascar?
Or want to find out more about how we can help your travel agency help your customers discover this beautiful, authentic, adventure-packed island sustainably?
He’d be delighted to have a chat with you!
