Accommodation
How can I reserve accommodation?
There are two methods to book accommodation during your trip:
1) Book the accommodation as you travel. This does not guarantee availability.
2) Book in advance through Drive Mada through our hotel reservation service. We recommend booking in advance especially during Madagascar’s peak tourist season (May to October) to ensure available accommodation.
Sim Cards
What sim card should I get?

Drivers & Vehicles
Why is Drive Mada not responsible for vehicle condition?
Drive Mada does not own, maintain, inspect, operate or control any of the vehicles on the website. All vehicles are independently owned by private individuals or companies. The vehicles remain solely the property and responsibility of the owner. Drive Mada does take customer safety seriously which depends on customer feedback and reviews.
Why is Drive Mada not responsible for driver’s availbility?
Currently, there is no automated method to update the availability of all the drivers on our website. A high percentage of drivers do not receive email or text messages, and calling each driver each day to is not feasible at this stage of development.
What happens if the vehicle breaks down?
Your driver is responsible for ensuring you complete your journey as agreed. In the event of a breakdown, Drive Mada can assist by finding nearby available drivers or organize alternative transport. We regularly call drivers for safety and status updates which allow us to keep track of vehicle breakdowns.
Can I drive the vehicle myself?
Yes. This type of reservation is called a “Self-Drive Reservation”. If you wish to proceed with a self-drive vehicle in Madagascar, please be aware of these specific terms and conditions:
- Approximate cost ~$90 USD per day including driver’s food and driver’s accommodation.
- Approximate deposit of $1325 USD paid in advance to cover any damage
- Day-by-day itinerary confirmed in advance.
- Restricted access (no access) to northern adventure road on the RN5.
- Full reservation balance paid in advance.
- Traveler is responsible for fuel costs.
Are drivers on Drive Mada insured?
Drive Mada does not provide insurance – this website is simply a directory to connect adventuresome travelers with local drivers. All vehicles are independently owned and operated, and as such, vehicle insurance is the responsibility of the vehicle owner. We recommend purchasing reliable travelers insurance to ensure any unforeseen travel expenses are covered, such as cancelled flights or medical costs.
Are vehicles inspected and certified as being fully roadworthy?
Drive Mada does not perform vehicle inspections or certifications for road-worthiness. This website is simply a directory to connect travelers with local drivers in Madagascar. All vehicles are independently owned and operated, and as such, vehicle repairs and maintenance is the vehicle owner’s responsibility. For your peace of mind, Drive Mada regularly checks-in with your driver to monitor trip progress and we use this information to initiate an emergency response (e.g., replacement vehicle) when required.
Why do some drivers have no reviews? Are they safe to choose?
We have personal experience with every driver on our website. In order to register the driver with Drive Mada they must complete an in-person interview with a member of our team. We must perform this interview so the drivers understand the concept and idea which forms the basis of Drive Mada; some drivers do not understand the internet, do not have an email address or trust in technology, so this personal step is important.
Unfortunately, our website is still quite basic and many functions are limited. We are in the process of performing a significant website update to fix these issues as well as offer incredible amounts of travel information and useful tools for travellers to plan their trip. Sadly, until that time many of our drivers missed out on reviews from previous work. We have created a work around specifically for reviews from previous travellers, but many travellers have not responded to our requests for an email based review.
Payment
How do we pay for fuel during our trip?
The driver will pick you up with a full tank of fuel in the vehicle. Along your route, you are responsible for paying for fuel as needed. Before final departure at the drop off point, you will return the tank back to full. For one-way trips, you will keep a record of the total fuel expense from pick up point to drop off point and pay this amount to the driver to return the vehicle to the pick up location.
How should we pay the driver?
Drivers accept cash in Malagasy Ariary (Ar). The conventional way to pay your driver is 50% of the balance remaining upon pick-up and 50% of the balance remaining upon departure.
How can I be assured paying beforehand is a safe option?
Drive Mada requires a 10% deposit through the website to confirm the reservation with the driver. Upon pick-up, you will pay the driver half of the remaining rental balance and upon drop off, you will pay the final remaining half. This provides peace of mind that the driver will fulfill the journey to your satisfaction.
Is it possible to pay with credit cards?
Madagascar is a purely cash based country with the vast majority of transactions being conducted in the local currency – Ariary (MGA or Ar). There are some exceptions to this rule in Antananarivo where well-established hotels and bars accept major credit cards such as the Colbert Hotel. For safety and security, we recommend keeping as little cash as possible while travelling as ATMs are readily available in major cities – simply withdraw the amount required as needed.
Are there partial bookings to avoid daily costs when we do not require a driver some days?
No, partial bookings are not part of our service as with any vehicle rental service. Drive Mada aims to be fair to drivers as well as travellers and to ensure your driver is available we reserve them for the entire length of your trip. Drivers deserve to be compensated for their time, especially during long trips where they do not spend time with their families, which is incredibly important in Malagasy culture.
If, however, you plan on staying in one place for many days then you may choose to purchase two separate reservations. Please keep in mind that you would be responsible for the Return Costs of the vehicle.
ATM
ATM: where to find ATMs, how much cash to withdraw, and what banks to use
Where to find ATMs
ATMs can be found in major cities (Antananarivo, Morondava, Fianarantsoa, Antsirabe, Nosy Be, Tamatave, Tulear, Isalo, and more).In general, ATMs are easy to find throughout Madagascar and most hotel staff, drivers or guides can point you in the right direction. For BNI, you can check this link to see all their ATMs all over Madagascar.
How much cash to withdraw
Typically, a maximum of 400,000 Ar can be withdrawn per transaction. Multiple transactions can be completed sequentially.Amounts larger than 400,000 Ar can be withdrawn by speaking with a bank attendant (representative). Please note that you will need photographic identification (passport) and your ATM/debit card.
What banks to use
I recommend BNI or BFV for their reliability.Fees and Charges
Depending on your bank you may be charged fees to withdraw money.Other Tips and Considerations
I recommend withdrawing money 1-3 days ahead of time. I do NOT recommend carrying more than 1,000,000 Ar with at any given time. For large purchases (such as paying for vehicle rental, National Park entry, National Park guides, activities, etc) I recommend withdrawing the money the same day (if possible) and immediately paying for your activity.Keep your cash securely on you at all times. Do not leave surplus money in your vehicle or hotel room.
Reservations
How do I pay the deposit?
The deposit is paid through the Drive Mada website with your credit card. Transactions are securely processed using Stripe (PCI Service Provider Level 1).
Can I meet the driver prior to confirming the reservation?
Yes, drivers can certainly meet you before you book them. However, in Antananarivo, due to heavy traffic, it can take the driver many hours to arrive at the meeting point. Therefore, please be aware that some drivers will request you to pay their fuel and possibly 1-day rental to meet you. If you require this service, email your request to [email protected]
Does the rental price include fuel?
For Daily Rentals: the price does not include fuel. You are responsible for paying fuel consumption because you are setting the itinerary route.
For One-Way Direct Transfers: the price includes fuel. If you require a direct transfer, email us at [email protected]
Does the rental price include driver food and accommodation?
Yes. The price includes driver food and accommodation.
Does the rental price include insurance?
Drive Mada does not offer vehicle or personal insurance. We recommend travelers purchase travel insurance before arriving in Madagascar and ensure your private auto insurance covers travel in Madagascar.
Does the rental price include taxes?
Yes. The price includes taxes.
What happens if I need to cancel my reservation part-way through the trip?
Drivers are reserved for the entire length of your trip and as cannot receive additional business during that time. If you choose to cancel your trip part-way through (or before the drop-off date) then you will be responsible for paying the driver the full reservation amount owed, plus any additional Return Costs (if required).
Is the itinerary flexible or fixed?
We do our best to assist you with creating an itinerary that suits your travel dreams and desires. Nevertheless, you are free to change the itinerary as you see fit within the following limitations:
– Vehicle type: some destinations can only be accessed by a 4×4 vehicle. If you do not select a 4×4 vehicle you will not be able to visit these destinations.
– Time: you may change your itinerary if there is enough time to complete the new itinerary. If there is not enough time to complete the new itinerary then you will either need to purchase additional rental days or complete the original itinerary.
– Adventure Roads: you may change your itinerary to include an Adventure Road only if the driver has displayed this Adventure Road on their profile and there is enough time to include the Adventure Road. If the Adventure Road is not listed on the driver’s profile then you cannot add this to your itinerary, even if the vehicle is a 4×4. Additionally, you will be responsible for the Adventure Road fee.
Drive Mada also offers an Expert Travel Concierge. 90% of Madagascar’s wildlife in only found in Madagascar. Experience a once in a lifetime adventure. Don’t miss out on anything!
– Professional itinerary tailored to your personal interests
– Optimized experiences selected for your dates of travel
– Leverage local knowledge to explore Mada’s best-kept secrets
– Accommodation suggestions suited to your budget and preferences
– Driver recommendations perfect for your adventure
Sample of Drive Mada Itinerary
All changes to the itinerary are subject to additional Return Costs and the Cancellation Policy if applicable.
Safety & Security
Is Madagascar safe?
With plethora of information online relating to Madagascar’s current security status it is hard to decipher the true situation. We advise an overall increased degree of caution with more detailed information below.
Antananarivo
The capital city is generally safe during the day with petty crime being the only concern. Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings and belongings. Keep your money, wallet and phone in your front pockets. When travelling in a taxi, make sure to wind the windows up as robberies have occurred where articles have been taken through the gap in a window. Do not walk the streets at night unless absolutely necessary and leave preciously belongings in the safe at your hotel.
Is driving safe in Madagascar?
To get around Madagascar you need to hire both a driver and vehicle. Despite what many other travel sites or forums advise (including TripAdvisor), tourists are not allowed to hire a vehicle and drive themselves around the country. Nor should it be advised. If you plan to rent from major car rental agencies such as Avis or Hertz, you will only be allowed to drive within the city of Antananarivo.
Madagascar’s roads are in quite poor condition, with potholes, cracks and ditches being quite common. Additionally, other drivers on the road pose a significant danger as road rules are either ignored or non-existent. An experienced driver will keep you safe on the road.
Is it safe to drive at night in Madagascar?
Driving within a major city, such as Antananarivo, is perfectly safe, however, you require your passport at night as police regularly perform security checks.
Driving between cities at night is dangerous. Numerous attacks by bandits, known as the Dahalo, are a real threat to your safety. Currently the high risk areas are between:
- Antsirabe to Morondava
- Southern Madagascar, which includes any road from the RN7 to Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin)
Customer Service
Do you have FaceBook?
Yes, you can find us on FaceBook at www.facebook.com/drivemada. Send us a message, we’d love to hear from you.
Do you have an email address that I can contact?
Yes, you can send any questions to [email protected], or enquiries about reservations to [email protected]
Do you have a phone number I can call?
Yes, we have local, international and Whatsapp:
Whatsapp +261-34-333-2314
Madagascar – Telma +261-34-333-2314
Madagascar – Orange +261-32-690-6925
USA +1-714-794-2749
Fees & Charges
What are the costs if my pick-up location and drop-off location are different?
You are responsible for the return costs of bringing the vehicle back to the pick-up location. This includes fuel, ferries and vehicle rental. Drivers typically operate 10 hours per day. You can calculate the number of vehicle rental return days by estimating the number of driving hours required to return the vehicle.
What are Return Costs?
Return Costs are additional fees applied to the reservation if the pick-up and drop-off locations are different. The additional fee is required to return the vehicle and driver to their home location OR to pick-up the traveler at a location outside the driver’s home location.
Example #1: Pickup in Antananarivo and drop-off in Morondava
In this example, the driver lives in Antananarivo. This journey takes 4 days to complete in total- Antananarivo to Morondava, 2 days
- Morondava to Antananarivo, 2 days
Example #1: Pickup in Antananarivo and drop-off in Tamatave
In this example, the driver lives in Tamatave. This journey takes 2 days to complete in total- Antananarivo to Tamatave, 1 day
- Tamataveto Antananarivo, 1 day
What are Adventure Roads?
Adventure Roads are not roads at all, but rather beach or desert where drivers create their own route. Only select drivers who are experienced with these routes and specifically offer the Adventure Road on their profiles.

Are Adventure Roads Safe?
These routes are dangerous during any time of year and usually impossible to travel during rainy season (November-April). Some routes present security concerns as local bandits prey on broken down vehicles particularly in the south of Madagascar between Toliara and Fort Dauphin. Snorkels are required for some routes as there are many river crossings. Drive Mada recommends avoiding these routes and encourages you to seek alternative transportation. If you must take one of these routes, go by convoy so there is a second vehicle if one breaks down. Research these routes significantly before attempting to travel them.Additional Cost of Adventure Roads
Travelling on Adventure Roads incurs a higher daily rate due to the excessive wear and tear on the vehicle – it is a real ADVENTURE.Map of Roads in Madagascar

Power Plugs & Sockets
What power plug / socket / outlet are in Madagascar?
Electricity in Madagascar is 220V, with a frequency of 50hz. The power sockets used are of type C, D, E, J and K. Check out the following pictures.


Travel Prep
What currency is used in Madagascar?
Malagasy Ariary (MGA or Ar)


What travel documents are required to travel in Madagascar?
Passport, visa (usually purchased upon arrival) and Yellow Fever card (if required).

What vaccinations & medications are recommended?
Always consult your Travel Doctor prior to using any vaccinations or medications.
Vaccinations
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Varicella (Chickenpox), Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Malaria and Yellow Fever.
Note: Yellow Fever vaccination is required only if travelling from a country that is at risk of Yellow Fever.
Medications
Diarrhoea (Imodium and hydrating formula), hand-sanitizer, antibiotic (Ciproflaxin), Antihistamine, Mild sedative, headache, antibacterial ointments, antiseptic wound cleanser.


What things should I pack in my bag?
Mosquito repellant, mosquito bed net, water purifier, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, Hand sanitizer or wipes, good quality shoes for hikes.


Reviews
How can we leave a driver review?
Log in to your account at www.drivemada.com/login then navigate to your “Profile” (top right corner). Then, click on the “Review This Driver” button for the driver you wish to leave a review. At this time, you can only complete a driver review from your computer, not a mobile phone.
Transport
How can I get around by taxi-brousse? And how safe is this transport?
Taxi-brousse are the most common mode of transport for locals. They offer a cheap means of getting around the country. However, this comes at the cost of time. Taxi-brousse only leave once full which means an uncertain amount of waiting – it could be 15 mins or it could be 4 hours, literally!
Taxi-brousse are relatively safe to travel on and if you choose this method, we recommend purchasing the front seats near the driver – they are the most comfortable usually.
Safety Concern – taxi-brousse STATIONS are known for theft, so be vigilant and keep your belongings secure and within eye-sight. This is especially the case for Antananarivo’s taxi-brousse stations.
Souvenirs
Where can I find souvenirs in Madagascar?
Souvenirs can be found throughout the country, from exceptionally hand-crafted wooden Baobab trees in Morondava, or model sailing boats in Ifaty.
There is a fantastic store in Antananarivo which holds a large range of unique and interesting gifts for friends and family.
If you are travelling south from Antananarivo then you must go to the ‘souvenir town’ – Ambositra. Here you will find an excellent selection of gifts to bring home with you – full-size wooden carvings, masks, crystals and much more
There are is a great souvenir shop you can visit called Lisy Art Gallery.
When to Visit
Oct – Nov: Lemur Safaris

Jul – Sep: Whale Watching

What seasonal fruits should I try and when can I find them?
Avocado
January- April
Banana
All year round
Baobab Fruit
November
Mango
December – January
Lychee
September – January
Papaya
September – January







When should I visit Madagascar according to weather patterns?


Culture
What table manners should I be aware of when dining?
Western restaurants observe continental, particularly French, dining etiquette. Fork in left hand; knife in right. Don’t switch.
In traditional restaurants & homes, elders & men are the first to be served. You may be served from a communal pot.
What are the “do’s” for Madagascar culture?
Shake with your right hand while your left hand holds your right arm below the wrist.
Offer gifts, not money, if hosted in a local village.


What are the “donts” of Madagascar culture?
Don’t point with a straight index finger


Is haggling appropriate in Madagascar?
Haggling is expected in Madagascar, especially at the souvenir markets.


What amount should I tip when travelling Madagascar?
Waitstaff – 10%
Porters – 2,500 Ar per bag
Taxi drivers – Round up to the nearest 1,000 Ar. Agree on the price before proceeding.
Bartenders – 10%
Tour guides (full day service) – 20,000 Ar
No need to tip if a service charge is included


What are some basic phrases to learn so I can become fluent in Malagasy?
Hello / mah-nah-hah-AH-nah
Goodbye / veh-LOOM-ah
Please / ah-za-FAH-dee
Thank You / mee-sah-OH-trah
You’re Welcome / tsee mis-ee-fees-OH-ra-na
Pardon Me / ah-zah-FAH-dee
English / an-GLEE-zee
Yes / eh-nee / yah
No / TSEE-ah