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A flight of 14 hours from Europe, 2 hours from Kenya or La Réunion.
Air Madagascar from Paris-, Zurich, Nairobi, Johannesburg or La Réunion. In the US: 1-800-821-3388, FAX 619-792-5280. In Paris: 42.60.30.51; 7, avenue de l'Opéra, 75001 Paris.
Air France from Paris, Marseille, Jidda, Djibouti or La Réunion.
Minerve from France to La Réunion, then proceed to Madagascar.
Air Mauritius from London, Rome, Nairobi or Mauritius.
Aeroflot from Moscow.
Air Kenya from Nairobi.
In Paris, Air Madagascar flies into and out of Roissy/Charles-de-Gaule airport. When checking in at the airline counter, some fellow travellers may try to entice you to carry part of their excess luggage under your own allowance: you would be wise to refuse to avoid potential problems when clearing customs on arrival.
Royal Viking Lines: 415-398-8000. 750 Battery St, San Francisco, CA 94111.
Salen-Lindblad Cruising: 800-223-5688. 133 East 55th St, New York, NY 10022.
American President Lines: 415-272-8148 (Passenger Dept.). 1800 Harrison St, Oakland, CA 94612.
Lykes Lines (Passenger Dept.): 1-800-535-1861. 300 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.
For more information about freighter travel, write Freighter World Cruises Inc., 180 South Lake Ave., Suite 335, Pasadena, CA 91101.
The domestic fleet consists mostly of Boeing 737's, HS 748's and Twin Otter's. Flights are generally on time. The safety record is excellent.
Some approximate prices, round-trip from and to Antananarivo: Nosy Be or Toliary, $300; Mahajanga, $180; Toamasina, $120. Fare is payable in foreign currencies only (cash or credit card).
There are no seat assignment. Flights are almost always full and over-booking is not rare. Be sure to reconfirm in advance every flight: failure to do so will almost automatically cancel your reservation. Be sure to check in well on time. 20 kilograms of luggage allowance and one hand luggage in the cabin. Weight limits are important because some of the planes are small.
You can rent compact cars, four-wheel-drive vehicles and 11-passenger minibusses with or without chauffeur. The cost of hiring a chauffeur is small (perhaps $4 a day) compared to the rental cost ($30 to $50 a day plus 50" to 60c a mile; $570 a week, unlimited miles).
Agencies renting cars in Antananarivo:
Many roads are in poor shape, and distances are considerable. Inquire locally before setting out on a long journey.
All important towns have taxis. Typical fares from downtown Antananarivo: 12,000FMG/ $7.5 to the airport, 700-2,000FMG/$0.5-$2 in town. Discuss the fare with the driver for errands to out-of-the-way places. Since it is sometimes difficult to find a taxi for the return trip, you may wish to arrange for the driver to wait for you or come back and pick you up.
There are five railway links in the island:
Especially recommended are the Antananarivo-Toamasina and Fianarantsoa-Manakara trips, through steep mountains, rain forests and quaint villages. The Antananarivo-Toamasina round-trip, first-class fare is $15.
Between Antananarivo and Toamasina, groups can rent the Micheline, a large bus-like vehicle on rails, designed by Michelin, the tire-maker. It can be rented for about $200 one-way, $300 round-trip. Booking at the Antananarivo railroad station.
Between Fianarantsoa and Manakara, a draisine can be rented. A draisine is a bit smaller than a Micheline and carries 17 passengers. Booking at the Fianarantsoa railroad station.
Buses are seen almost everywhere, loaded to the brim with passengers and luggage without regard to number of seats, manufacturer recommendations or safety regulations. Buses are a great way to meet friendly people and travel cheaply, provided that safety and punctuality are not a consideration.
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