• HOW TO AVOID CULTURAL MISUNDERSTANDINGS?

-          One should neither disrespect fady (taboos) nor try to go around them by using a foreign logic and reasonin

-          The use of the French “tu” (familiar “you”) does not exist in the Malagasy grammar.  Do not use “tu” when addressing somebody unless you created close ties with the person.g

-          Seek authorization from individuals before taking their photos.

-          Never speak too loudly or demonstate irritation

-          Using a few Malagasy words here and there will always be appreciated

-          Enjoy the hospitality offered to you but retain a “foreigner distance”. 

• HOW TO DRESS

-          Overall, the Malagasy are prudish, even if a traditional mother will publicly nurse her baby or child.

-          In the winter in the Central Highlands, some warm clothes will be of much use.

• WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK?

-          International cuisine is widely available, in hotels and restaurants.  Classic Malagasy dishes include the romazava, a mixture of tongue-tingling greens called brèdes; the ravitoto, shredded manioc leaves cooked with pork meat.  Malagasy cuisine is flavourful but some dishes should be eaten with moderation, so as not to upset an unused stomach.

-          Drinking tap water should be avoided.  Bottled natural spring water is the safest option throughout your stay.

• CHILDREN AND DISABLED PEOPLE

Very few sites or hotels have facilities for children or accommodation for physically-challenged individuals.  The same limitation applies to the means of transport.  You are strongly advised to notify your travel agency, so that any appropriate measures can be taken.

• BARGAINING AND TIPS

-          Bargaining is traditional practice at the market, with taxi drivers (given the fact they are not equipped with a meter), rickshaw pullers and when one is requesting a service.  The guiding principle for bargaining is: reach a level which is acceptable for both parties.

-          In hotels, restaurants and sites, leaving a tip and deciding on its amount is left to the client’s appreciation.

• VISITING NATIONAL PARKS

It is regulated by a Code of Good Conduct, a few rules of which are:

-          Do not litter

-          Take back with you plastic, metal and glass items

-           Do not venture out of delimited paths

-           Camp only at authorized sites

-          To preserve the forest, make an effort to lower your comfort standards

-          Do not take anything out: let the forest keep its plants, animals and insects

-          Do not feed animals and avoid disturbing them with violent gestures and excessive noise

-          Do not purchase your presents just anywhere for you do not know under what conditions they were made.

Breaching these rules can penalize the visitor or the organizer of the trip.