Newsgroup: it.hobby.viaggi
Titolo: Madagasca Avviso Periodico

Still Current at: 17 October 2002  
Updated: 16 October 2002  
 
 Madagascar 
 
SUMMARY
Most visits to Madagascar should be trouble-free. However, it is
important to remember that the six month long political crisis
(between January and July 2002) has had an effect on the country’s
infrastructure, and that visitors may face occasional travel or other
difficulties. The situation is returning to normal. But, some soldiers
and militias loyal to the former President remain at large,
particularly in the province of Toamasina, and are being sought by the
security forces. 
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Visitors should carry some form of identification with them at all
times.
Once in Madagascar, visitors are strongly advised to avoid places
where demonstrations or outbreaks of violence are taking place.
Pickpockets are active at the main international airport. Travellers
should exercise caution on arrival and departure and should not leave
bags unattended. Keep money and passports separate.
There is a danger of mugging in urban areas, which the economic
effects of the crisis will not have reduced. Do not carry excessive
money or wear attractive jewelry when walking in town centres. Take
sensible precautions in crowded areas such as markets. It is wise to
avoid walking at night in city centres. Visitors are advised to carry
a copy of their passport and to keep the original safe (eg a hotel
deposit box).
Visitors should avoid wearing military style clothing (notably
camouflage-type jackets, shirts and trousers. It is disapproved of
locally and could lead to detention.
Before the crisis, there were cases of armed robbery in some National
Parks. Visitors intending to visit National Parks should seek advice
from a tour operator, or from the park administration.
LOCAL TRAVEL
Visitors should avoid travelling outside urban areas at night, if at
all possible.
The crisis affected the travel and tourism industry badly and many
hotels closed, although an increasing number are again opening their
doors. If travelling outside Antananarivo, it is advisable to
re-confirm bookings before leaving the capital.
ROAD SAFETY
Most roads have reopened, and bridges which were blown up are being
repaired, or have been temporarily replaced by Bailey bridges. In some
remote and coastal areas, bridges and pontoons damaged by cyclones in
the early part of 2002 have yet to be repaired or replaced.
In general, road conditions vary greatly, but only a few of the main
roads are in good condition. In the rainy season (December to April)
many roads are impassable, due to their general condition or to
landslides, whilst bridges are regularly washed away, and river
ferries operate only spasmodically.
The road between Antananarivo and the east coast port of Toamasina
(also called Tamatave), which carries much of the country’s freight
traffic, and which features a number of mountain passes and steep
gradients, is regarded as particularly dangerous. Drivers should
exercise caution when using it.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Visas are required for entry to Madagascar. They may be obtained at
the airport on arrival. The Malagasy Consulate, 16 Lanark Mansions,
Pennard Road, London, W12 8DT; (tel: 020 8746 0133) offers a visa
service.
Please ensure that your visa is valid for the period and purpose of
your journey. Overstaying the validity of a visa can lead to detention
and eventual deportation.
Visitors must also have a return air ticket and will be asked for
evidence of this at check-in in the Uk and on arrival in Madagascar.
HEALTH
Supplies of medicines and vaccines have been gradually improving since
the end of the crisis. We understand that there is a shortage of
specialist medication, and that the situation is expected to return to
normal by September. Only routine operations can be handled, and for
complex surgery, medical evacuation is required. Travellers are
strongly advised to ensure that travel insurance provides for medical
evacuation (which is normally to South Africa or LA Reunion).
The British Embassy in Antananarivo can only offer very general
medical advice. Travellers should consult their doctors for specific
advice, including about vaccination before travelling.
Since early 1999 a cholera outbreak has affected many parts of
Madagascar and although it appears to be receding, it tends to
re-emerge during the rainy season. Visitors are strongly advised to
obtain relevant medical advice before travelling, and to observe the
strictest food and general hygiene precautions. In particular they
should be wary of food bought from street vendors.
A serious outbreak of influenza is currently affecting several
provinces of Madagascar, and has so far affected about 18,000 people,
of whom about 800 have died. The great majority of the victims are
from the most vulnerable sections of the population, and are mostly
from areas with poor health services. So far, there have been no
reports of deaths amongst visitors or tourists.
Malaria, including a virulent strain of cerebral malaria, is prevalent
in coastal areas. Visitors should seek advice about suitable
prophylaxis. There is a risk of rabies from stray dogs.
GENERAL
Air travel to and from Madagascar is becoming easier, although it will
be some time before the pre-crisis schedules are fully re-instated.
Air Madagascar is offering one flight per week to and from Europe and
one flight per week to and from South Africa, and flights to and from
Mauritius. Flights to and from South Africa by Interair have
restarted. Air France has also resumed regular flights. Air Austral is
offering flights between Madagascar, and La Reunion, from where
connections to France can be made. Air Mauritius flights are operating
between Mauritius and Madagascar. Internal flights are also returning
to normal. Most domestic airports have re-opened.
Those intending to visit Madagascar in the near future should check
with travel agents and airlines for information about flights before
beginning their journey.
Foreign currency is available but some banks may impose limits.
Travellers cheques are accepted by all banks, although BMOI will not
accept Travellers cheques issued by Thomas Cook. Limits on the amount
of money which can be changed at one time are still in place, although
these are gradually being relaxed. It is best to check with individual
banks. Western Union is operating for currency transfers. It is
advisable to check opening hours of Western Union agencies as these
may vary from place to place.
Credit cards are accepted at only a small (but growing) number of
outlets in Antananarivo, and are rarely accepted anywhere else. A
charge of up to 7% of the transaction value is levied. ATMs are
increasingly available around the capital and in some of the larger
towns. A charge of about 1.5% is made for using this facility.
Malagasy currency (the Malagasy Franc) may not be exported. Some banks
will not exchange local currency back into foreign currency, so
visitors should ensure that they are not left with large amounts of
Malagasy francs at the end of their stay. It is advisable to keep
transaction slips showing amounts of foreign currency transferred in
local currency.
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Please check policy
exclusions carefully.
Certain parts of the country, and many practices, are covered by
taboos (called fady). Some areas subject to fady may be forbidden to
foreigners, but these tend to be in remote corners of the country.
Travellers intending to visit remote areas should seek prior advice on
this matter.
Visitors are strongly advised to register with the British Embassy in
Antananarivo on arrival. The more adventurous visitors travelling off
the beaten track should leave a rough itinerary with the Embassy and
avoid travelling alone.
See Also:    Travellers' Tips: Madagascar 
UK Overseas Mission: Madagascar  
 
 
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Dice il saggio: tutto è bene ciò che finisce bene
UTM 33S 557913 4217695    
http://www.admo.it

 Madagascar
(MEGACUT)
Grazie mille per il post! Visto che sarò in Madagascar per tutto
novembre, al mio ritorno porterò notizie fresche fresche della
situazione locale, tanto più che non me ne andrò a zonzo a fare la
turista (anche se mi piacerebbe!), ma lavorerò nel centro medico di
Isoanala, un villaggio del sud a circa 800 km da Antananarivo.
Per chi volesse saperne di più, consiglio 
http://www.htforafrica.org/
.
E' il sito dell' *Associazione per l'Africa: Sanità ed Insegnamento*,
che invia periodicamente (circa una volta all'anno) personale medico
ad Isoanala. Quest'anno mi unirò anch'io al personale sanitario per
dare una mano nell'organizzazione dell'ambulatorio e del laboratorio
analisi (saremo in 11: 6 medici + 5 tuttofare). Sul sito comunque
trovate i progetti dell'Associazione e anche 3 racconti (tra cui
quello di Ottorino, un signore che sebbene 70enne tornerà in
Madagascar per l'ennesima volta!).
Me lo perdonate questo SPAM a fin di bene? :o))))))
Si raccomanda di spegnere le spillonatrici (Marcaval ha già
provveduto), altrimenti al mio ritorno non posto RECE e non racconto
niente!!! ;o))))))
Ciao Ciao :o)
seshe

 niente!!! ;o))))))
Non ci provare nemmeno!! :-)))
Buona preparazione!!
Ciao     Marco