pre-departure travel advice:...
TRANSCRIPT
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Pre-Departure Travel
Advice: Madagascar
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Dear Volunteer, Hello & Welcome to the EDGE of AFRICA Team! You are now one step closer to becoming a part of our ever expanding group of very enthusiastic and passionate supporters! Thank you for choosing to be a part of one of our initiatives. We only exist and do the great work we do because of generous volunteers like you! At EDGE of AFRICA, we want to ensure that your stay is extremely beneficial to both you and your chosen initiative! This is why we have compiled a document to assist you with your planning.
Enjoy the read and if you have any more questions, or in case of an emergency, you can contact us on:
Hery (On site – Madagascar): +261 348088007 Marinette (Head Office – South Africa): + 27 829236028 Dayne (Head Office – South Africa): +27 728532753 Head Office in Knysna, South Africa: Office: +27 (0)44 3820122 Fax: +27 (0)86 615 1857 E-mail: [email protected] Address: EDGE of AFRICA - Suite 88 - Private Bag X31 - Knysna – 6570 Office address: 1 Spensley Crescent, Knysna Heights, Knysna, 6570 We're also very into all the Social Media stuff. Join us! Facebook : www.facebook.com/EDGEofAFRICA Twitter: www.twitter.com/EDGEofAFRICA YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/edgeofafrica
We look forward to working with you!
Dayne Davey Managing Director [email protected] +27 72 853 2753
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Contents EDGE of AFRICA Departure Check list .................................................................................................................... 4
Passport/Visa Requirements/Immigration............................................................................................................. 4
Insurance ................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Getting to Fort Dauphin: Airports & Flights ........................................................................................................... 5
Meet the Team ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
Do’s & Don’ts .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
Health and medical information ............................................................................................................................ 8
Packing List ............................................................................................................................................................. 9
Money ................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Plugs and Electricity .............................................................................................................................................. 12
Phones and Communication ................................................................................................................................ 12
FAQs ...................................................................................................................................................................... 13
ABOUT MADAGASCAR ...................................................................................................................................... 13
WHAT ABOUT THE PLACEMENT? ..................................................................................................................... 14
WILL I BE SAFE?................................................................................................................................................. 14
FREE TIME FUN? ............................................................................................................................................... 15
HOW DO I TRAVEL FROM A to B? ..................................................................................................................... 15
DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH? ................................................................................................................................. 15
SOS! .................................................................................................................................................................. 15
MUMS, DADS, BROS, SISTERS, HUSBANDS, WIVES, CATS and DOGS, THIS IS FOR YOU!................................. 16
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EDGE of AFRICA Departure Check list To make sure you are well prepared and ready for your EDGE of AFRICA Experience, we need to make sure that you have ticked all the boxes so please read the checklist below carefully and make sure you have completed each step by the time you leave your home country to join us. Have you:
Filled out your booking form completely and honestly?
Completed a medical declaration form?
Obtained police clearance if necessary?
Filled out your Pre-departure form correctly with your arrival and departure information and sent it to
Paid your placement in full 14 days before your arrival?
Clearly read the BRANCH and INITIATIVE information packs supplied to you when you applied?
Asked an EDGE Rep any questions to eliminate any concerns you may have regarding your placement?
Checked for project updates, accommodation photos and chatted to other volunteers if necessary on
our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/EDGEofAFRICA
Read and understood the information in this Pre Departure Travel Advice Pack?
Passport/Visa Requirements/Immigration Everyone entering Madagascar needs a visa. You may either obtain a tourist visa from the Malagasy embassy nearest your home country in advance, or you can have your visa issued at the airport upon arrival in Madagascar. Please note that the absolute maximum visa length for tourism is 90 days, so if you plan to travel before or after your time with us, please take that into account. For either visa, you will need the appropriate visa fee, a minimum of six months validity in your passport, one full blank page available, and your return airline ticket. On the application for your visa, the purpose of your visa is tourism. Please note, for advance purchase visas at embassies, there is significant form-filling and passport photographs are required. At the airport, you do not need photos, you just show your outbound ticket, pay the fee and get your visa, it is a much simpler procedure. If you get your visa at the airport, you will need cash in either US dollars or euros to pay for your visa. Note, Australian dollars are not accepted for visa fees nor at any bank in Madagascar. Euros are the most accepted currency. Important: when you get your airport visa, before departing the visa payment desk, CHECK THE NUMBER OF DAYS that you have been allowed and ensure that it is what you paid for and is sufficient for your time in Madagascar.
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To check the latest visa requirements for entering into Madagascar, consult the Madagascar Embassy in your country. Here are a few contact details: France: (+33) 01 45 04 62 11, www.ambassade-madagascar.fr USA: (+202) 265 5525 www.madagascar-embassy.org Canada: (+1) 613 567 0505, www.madagascar-embassy.ca
Insurance We require that you have full medical and travel insurance before you come out. If you need more information on this, contact your travel agent, STA or e-mail us on [email protected] and we will help you wherever possible. Here are some reliable insurance suppliers: Flight Centre: www.flightcentre.com STA Travel: www.statravel.com Go Insurance: http://www.gotravelinsurance.co.uk/
Getting to Fort Dauphin: Airports & Flights
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For all of our Madagascar based Initiatives, you will have to fly into Fort Dauphin (also known as Tolognaro, which on some maps is called Tolagnaro or Taolagnaro or Tolanaro) - Airport Code FTU and a representative will collect you from there. International flights into Madagascar with few exceptions land in the capital Antananarivo (Airport code TNR) which is the central highlands of Madagascar, so you need to ensure that your international flight arrival leaves sufficient time for you to catch an on-going flight to Fort-Dauphin. Unless your international flight arrives in the morning early, it is usual that you will need to stay in Antananarivo overnight to wait for your connection and sometimes it might be preferable for you to do so. There are a number of carriers flying into Madagascar (please see below for recommended airlines), but only one domestic carrier, Air Madagascar. We can assist you with booking your flights but you may like to make some preliminary enquiries yourself. Recommended airlines that fly into Antananarivo Airport:
Air France Thai Airways South African Airways
From Antananarivo you can reach Fort-Dauphin by road, or by air. Please note that EDGE of AFRICA can assist you with flights and travel insurance so contact us if need be. Although there is a worthwhile and adventurous trip by road to Fort-Dauphin from Antananarivo, it requires a 4x4 vehicle and first time visitors we recommend flying. If you would like to do the road trip, please contact us for advice. If you arrive in Antananarivo and need to stay overnight, we recommend Hotel Sakamanga (www.sakamanga.com). Their contact number is +261 202235809. Prices range from 20 Euros per person, per night. If you need to stay overnight in Fort Dauphin, we recommend Talinjoo Hotel (www.talinjoo.com), their contact number is +261 209221009. Prices range from about 60 Euros per night. ** Don’t forget we have arrival and departure days on our programs so please try to stick to these. If you can’t then please let us know ASAP as we may ask you to find alternative transport to the program. Please note: EDGE of AFRICA also offers Travel agent services including booking flights – please contact [email protected] for more details.
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Dayne Davey: Managing Director and Founder of EDGE of AFRICA Developing and Managing the EDGE Branches
Developing and maintaining our work Ethos and spreading our passion
Implementing standards across the board and working alongside various
stake holders and international partners
Meet the Team
Marinette Davey: Volunteer Administrator Dealing with enquiries and bookings
Pre-departure support
Eric Faustin: Catering Manager and Volunteer Coordinator Providing healthy, hearty meals for you during your stay
Assisting with coordination of research and field work
Assisting with all aspects of your stay, including emergency support
and excursions
Herindrainy Faustin: Branch Manager Developing and managing all aspects of project work
Coordination and supervision of all volunteer work
General in country support and emergency contact
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Do’s & Don’ts Madagascar is a beautiful country - which is something we are very proud about. So, DO smile! And DO greet people. Being (responsibly) friendly to officials and locals is respectful to the local people. DO try to experience the country for everything it has to offer. DO leave any prejudice and pre-conceived ideas behind. DO make sure that if anything changes in your arrival plans, you let us know ASAP. DO carefully consider the following safety advice, particularly if you are planning to travel after the completion of your volunteer placement. DO avoid isolated or poorer areas of towns. DON’T walk around the cities at night particularly if you are alone. DO be aware that “bush taxi” travel is potentially hazardous especially when travelling at night. DON’T engage in conversation with strangers on the street. DON’T carry large amounts of cash or valuables and avoid wearing jewellery. DO ensure your car doors are locked when driving around. DO ensure you carry your passport with you at all times – failure to do so may result in detention by the police. DON’T photograph military sites, government buildings, airports or ports; also be aware that communities can be sensitive to people taking photographs. If you are planning further travel in Africa DO check the latest government safety advice (Foreign Commonwealth Office Travel Advice)
Health and medical information Always make sure you carry your medication in its original packaging and an original prescription for prescribed medication. It is also a good idea to carry a signed and dated letter from your doctor outlining any medical conditions you have, medication (with generic names) that you are on, and if you require needles or syringes, the reasons why.
Vaccinations: The World Health Organization (www.who.int/en/) recommends that all travellers are covered for diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and polio, hepatitis B regardless of the country you travel to. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) recommends the following vaccines for Madagscar: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Rabies. (please note: if you are arriving from a country with risk of Yellow fever, proof of vaccination is required upon entry into Madagascar.)
Malaria: The most threatening tropical disease you may encounter in Madagscar is Malaria; The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has highlighted all areas of Madagascar as Malaria risk areas. It is recommended that you consult with a travel clinic to see which malaria medication is the best option for you. Please note: Chloroquine is NOT an effective antimalarial drug in Madagascar and should not be taken to prevent malaria in this region.
HIV: Madagascar like many African countries has high rates of HIV infected people. The virus is spread through infected blood and blood products, by sexual intercourse with an infected partner and from an infected mother to her baby during child birth and breast feeding. We strongly suggest you take this into account before considering taking part in any activities which may put you at any risk whatsoever.
Dehydration: Africa can be Hot! Bring a water bottle or buy one when you arrive and make sure you stay hydrated in the heat! Please note: you should drink or use only boiled or bottled water. Bring
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plenty of sun block because the Africa sun is hotter than you think and bring a decent wide-brimmed hat.
Heath Care in Madagascar: Although there are public and private hospitals in Antananarivo (the country;s capital), they can only handle routine operations. Complex surgery requires evacuation either to South Africa or La Reunion. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Packing List Please note that not all of the below will always be appropriate or relevant, however due to varying weather conditions and activities you may need many of the following.
Essential sleeping & living equipment:
A daypack for every-day use
Sleeping bag (essential for conservation volunteers)
Sleeping mat or air mattress (essential for conservation volunteers)
Pillow (essential for conservation volunteers)
Mosquito net
Insect repellent
Water bottle/camelpak/platypus water bladder (recommend a capacity of 2 litres)
Flashlight & Head lamp with batteries
A towel (recommend a quick-drying towel)
Toiletries (e.g. shampoo, soap) – preferably biodegradable
Alarm Clock!
Work Clothing:
Conservation volunteers will be working in the field and will get very dirty. Field clothes need to be
hard wearing, neutral coloured items (khaki, browns and greens – avoid light colours). We
recommend:
Sturdy boots or trainers
Flip flops/Sandals
Long socks
Waterproof jacket
Sun hat
Long trousers
Long sleeved shirts/t-shirts
Lightweight sweaters
Underwear
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Community volunteers will need to wear modest clothing.. No short skirts or skimpy shorts and
strappy tops girls (or boys!!). We recommend:
Closed shoes e.g. trainers for project work
Flip flops/Sandals
Long trousers
Long sleeved shirts/t-shirts
Lightweight sweaters
Sun hat
Underwear
For off days, you may want a couple of casual outfits for town visits; and swimwear for any beach
visits.
Other: Camera
Binoculars
Sun-block (high SPF recommended) Beware the sun! Bring plenty of sun block, or buy some in
Madagascar, of at least 15SPF but 30SPF is recommended. You should use approximately a shot glass
of sun block for your body and a good teaspoon full for your face. This sounds a lot but is worth it,
having acute sunburn can ruin your stay and increase your risk of skin cancer.
iPod or other music player (please note you will not always have access to electricity)
Sunglasses (100% UV Protection)
Plastic and Re-sealable bags to keep things dry in humid conditions!
Personal First Aid Kit: We carry a fully equipped first aid kit on all excursions but for your personal use we recommend you have one of your own containing:
Anti-biotics (prescription only)
Anti-diarrhoeal drugs
Paracetomol or Aspirin
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Anti-histamines (for hay-fever or allergic reactions)
Anti-bacterial ointment for cuts and abrasions
Bandages, gauze, plasters etc
Scissors, safety pins, tweezers
Oral re-hydration salts
Vitamin tablets
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If you have space left in your bag and are feeling generous, these are some of the things on our wish list:
Pens and pencils for local schools are always appreciated
Tents, mats or sleeping bags for the conservation projects (volunteers can leave them behind if they
no longer want them)
Flashlights
GPS Receivers
Money Currencies are different in each of the 54 African countries. Madagascar operates in Malagasy Ariary (currency code MGA). Please note that the Malagasy Ariary (MGA) is a fluctuating currency. For details on conversion rates consult Currency Exchange. Some things in Madagascar are cheap and some things are not. It really depends on what you are used to back home but this should help:
Loaf of Bread = 1,945 MGA ($0.86) Litre of Milk = 3,460 MGA ($1.53) Litre of Coca Cola = 2,000 MGA ($0.88) 750ml Beer = 2,000 MGA ($0.88) 1.5 litre Botlled Water = 1,200 MGA ($0.53) Meal in a restaurant = 8.000- 12,000 MGA ($3.54 - $5.30) Litre of Petrol = 3,620 MGA/litre ($1.60/litre)
For updated conversions see Currency Exchange For metric conversions see Metric Conversions Your project fee covers all the basics you will need, food, accommodation, project related transport, etc. However you may like to bring some money for extra excursions and curio shopping! It is advisable to bring some money in cash – please be aware that you will not be able to purchase Malagasy Ariary in your own country so you will need to bring your own currency and exchange it upon arrival into Madagascar. It is advisable to also bring a credit card however please be aware the foreign credit cards will not be accepted in many places and ATMs will not always be available or in working condition (particularly at weekends!!) Traveller’s cheques are not always accepted and attract very poor exchange rates and this are not advised. Please note: IOUs will not work in Madagascar Don’t forget to let your bank know that you will be travelling to Madagascar if you plan on using credit cards - they may block your card if they are not aware of this.
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Plugs and Electricity Please note that during the week, those volunteers working on the Rural Medical Outreach and the Lemur Research & Biodiversity Monitoring Initiatives will be in areas that do not have electricity. There will be some opportunity to charge electronics using solar panels, but access to these devices may be limited. However, once in Fort Dauphin (where you will be spending your weekends), you will have access to electricity. The Madagascar electricity supply is generally 220 volts. Electrical sockets (outlets) in Madagascar are one of the three European standard electrical socket types: The "Type C" Europlug and the "Type E" and "Type F Schuko”. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.
Phones and Communication While on placement, volunteers will have very little or no cell phone signal while in the field; however in Fort Dauphin, you will have no problem connecting to the internet or making phone calls. Our coordinators will have access to emergency contacts should you need to get hold of anyone during the week, but this can only be used in case of emergency. All you Facebook addicts will be happy to hear that you can access wireless internet in Fort Dauphin (although it is relatively slow) which those volunteers who have their own laptop are able to access it. We also have a couple of office computers that are available for volunteers to use. There are plenty of internet cafes in Fort Dauphin. Unfortunately we cannot make any guarantees about the reliability of the Malagasy postal system therefore we do not advise that you send anything by mail.
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If you wish to mail something to our Head Office in Knysna, South Africa you may use the address shown below: EDGE of AFRICA Suite 88 Private Bag X31 Knysna 6570 South Africa
FAQs
ABOUT MADAGASCAR Is Africa a country?
Africa is huge! It will take you approximately six weeks to drive from one end of Africa to the other and you will cross all the zones of latitude. Africa is a continent, made up of 54 countries. (Like Europe being a continent made up of different countries.) For example, Egypt is a country within Africa, which is a completely different place to Madagascar, and so are Kenya and the Congo. Each country has its own government, currency, race, culture, etc. Madagascar is an island on the South-East Coast of Africa. Is Madagascar a province of Africa?
No! Madagascar is an island country in the Indian Ocean off the South-East Coast of Africa. The nation comprises the island of Madagascar (the fourth-largest island in the world), as well as numerous smaller peripheral islands. For more details on the history, background, statistics and demographics of the country see Madagascar What should I expect from Madagascar as a country? Madagascar is a fascinating and evolutionarily unique country – 5% of all known animal and plant species can only be found here. Landscapes are diverse and you can go from rainforests to deserts within 300km! Madagascar has 500km of coastline, 450km of barrier reef and 250 islands so it is the ideal location for all sea lovers! The official languages of Madagascar are Malagasy, French and English. The Malagasy people have varied and fascinating cultural beliefs many of which combine traditional Christian beliefs of a creator god and veneration of the ancestors.
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What is the time difference? GMT + 3 Time in Madagascar right now Can you drink the tap water? You will not be able to drink the tap water and will need to either boil your water or drink only bottled water.
WHAT ABOUT THE PLACEMENT? How many other volunteers will I be working with? This varies and you will be working as part of a group and also individually at times. There will also be a project coordinator available at all times. For past, present or future volunteers visit our Facebook page. What will I need to wear on my project and what clothes should I bring? You will find the comprehensive packing list in the ‘Packing list section above’. How can I do laundry on my placement? Laundry will be done weekly for volunteers by local men and women. This is one of the many ways local communities benefit from the presence of foreigners. Can I have items posted from home? Unfortunately it is not possible to have mail sent to you on our Madagascar Initiatives.
WILL I BE SAFE? I have heard stories about Madagascar being dangerous, will I be safe? Every precaution has been taken to ensure your safety during your stay, however Madagascar is a third world country, and a high percentage of the citizens are unemployed and under-privileged. Take care of your belongings at all time. We can look after any valuables you have during your stay however you will need to keep your passport with you at all times due to local laws. Carry limited amounts of cash around with you at any time. EDGE of AFRICA takes no responsibility for the loss of personal items or money during any point of your stay. If you are planning on travelling onwards after the completion of your volunteer placement, make sure you are aware of the updated government safety advice (Foreign Commonwealth Office Travel Advice)
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Placement Safety Every precaution has been taken to ensure your safety during your stay. However sometimes due to the remote locality of some of the projects and limited emergency facilities it is imperative that you have comprehensive travel insurance that includes hospital visits, transport to hospital and repatriation to an outside country in case of emergency.
FREE TIME FUN? What can I do on the weekends? On weekends, you will be spending time in Fort Dauphin, where there will be a variety of optional activities for you to take part in. From visiting lemurs in a nearby reserve, to hiking up Pic Saint-Louis (529 m) or just soaking up the rays on any one of the beautiful beaches, there is sure to be an activity for everyone!
HOW DO I TRAVEL FROM A to B? Do I need an international driver’s license for Madagascar? Your airport pick-ups, transfers and project transport will be included as per arrangement, so you will not necessarily need your own transport during your project. However if you wish to stay in Madagascar after the completion of your placement then you can hire a 4x4 (with driver), or u use a taxi service. Self-drive is not necessary, can be expensive and potentially dangerous. There is also reasonable access to local transport which is always a fun experience. Who will pick me up at the airport? An EDGE of AFRICA representative will collect you from Fort Dauphin Airport.
DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH? Does anyone speak English in Madagascar? The official languages of Madagascar are Malagasy, French and English. All Project co-ordinators are fluent in English.
SOS! If family or friends need me, how can I be reached in emergencies? On-site Contact (Hery): +261 348088007 EDGE of AFRICA Head office (Knysna, South Africa.): + 27 44 382 0122
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MUMS, DADS, BROS, SISTERS, HUSBANDS, WIVES, CATS and DOGS, THIS IS FOR YOU! I am worried about what my daughter might be doing and where she will be, how can I know she will be ok? Rest assured anyone who volunteers with EDGE of AFRICA is in good hands. Follow updates on our website and Facebook pages and if you need any information email or call us. An EDGE of AFRICA representative is available 24hours a day / 7 days a week and although we can’t watch over our volunteers every minute of the day we always make sure that they are as safe as possible and have got what they need.
….Thank you for taking time to read our Pre Departure Pack! We hope you enjoy your time in
Madagascar with us and we look forward to welcoming you! If you feel we have left anything
out that would be useful in this information pack, please let us know: [email protected]