Madagascar

[SouthEaster]

Or have I been missing something all along. From this URL https://www.skyscanner.ca/travel-res...ascar/29475274 the following information. "Non-vaccinated travelers are required to provide proof of a negative PCR, NAT, NAAT, or RT-LAMP test result, taken within the previous 72 hours of departure. Alternatively, proof of a negative professionally administered antigen test result, taken the day before departure, is also accepted. " Has this been the case all along? I thought the PCR was required by ALL arrivals not just non vaxxed. Has anybody who has arrived recently, say within the last few weeks done this and is the norm? I have been looking at flights for days now and the logistics involved from the west coast of Canada are a big pain in the ass but there is a good option YVR-AMS- CDG-TNR which gives me 20 hours on the ground in Amsterdam, which I do not mind to rest up and then a quick hop to Paris before connecting to Tana. I am fully vaxxed and if no pre departure testing is needed it would make my trip a lot easier. And the money I save on not testing will pay for my hotel in Amsterdam! Any feed back welcome.

[Zimzam]

There is an Italian airline, NEOS AIR, that flies from Milan directly to Nosy Be and from there via Mombasa back to Italy.

[Golfinho]

Does anyone have experience with Louvre hotel? Seems to be in a prime spot near all of the main hotshots that I've found referenced here and looks nicer than some of the other options I've seen.

The rooms are tiny. Balcony rooms get street noise. If you want to be in that area, the Tana Hotel is our preference (second floor, facing away from street side.).

[DonKey82]

Thanks Gents, sounds like Louvre is a good option then, will book that and will take a look at Ambassador.

Re: 2019 if you see the posts they were talking about a trip for 'next year' (I. E. 2020) which was thwarted by COVID. Been waiting patiently like many of us for things to reopen. Flying out 25 Nov.

Cheers,

[SouthEaster]

What happened to the trip in 2019? If you went you would already know that 95% of hotels are GF if by that you mean girl friendly. Top hotel in Diego is (or was) The Ambassador. Seems to run around 100-150 $ a night. Can't recommend anything in Nosy Be. I stayed at an overpriced dump but 50 bucks a night should see you right.

[Amadeuss]

Gents. I'm in the process of planning my maiden Mada trip for November and this thread has been super helpful as this forum always is. First stop for me will be Tana. Does anyone have experience with Louvre hotel? Seems to be in a prime spot near all of the main hotshots that I've found referenced here and looks nicer than some of the other options I've seen.

GF hotel recommendations in Diego and Nosy Be also much appreciated. Ideally nicer places. Wheels up in November, will report back!

I always like this line: "will report back".

You been to Tana in 2019, asking questions before. Got infos, but then nada, nothing.

LE Louvre is an excellent hotel. Prime choice if you got a madam with style as copine. She will make a shitloads of selfies in the classic entree. But its bad for street food.

[DonKey82]

Gents. I'm in the process of planning my maiden Mada trip for November and this thread has been super helpful as this forum always is. First stop for me will be Tana. Does anyone have experience with Louvre hotel? Seems to be in a prime spot near all of the main hotshots that I've found referenced here and looks nicer than some of the other options I've seen.

GF hotel recommendations in Diego and Nosy Be also much appreciated. Ideally nicer places. Wheels up in November, will report back!

[Kako123]

Many places don't accept mastercard at the moment, only visa. I don't know what's the issue with mastercard in Madagascar.

Sorry but these are fake news!

2 weeks ago they charged my MasterCard (issued by an european bank) with 1 mio MGA for my flight TANA. TOLIARA and back in October.

Zero problems.

[Pokeris]

Was it recently and how was the procedure?

It was around 4 and a half month ago. Procedure is posted already from another member on page 13 no point to repeat it again.

[Kako123]

Was it recently and how was the procedure?

In Tamatave visa extension is at building at Avenue De l'Independance just opposite Telma office on other side of the street. Its around 100-150 metres away from la terasse restaurant at same side where is BVF bank near la terasse restaurant. I get my extension here also.

[SouthEaster]

Pokeris. Thanks for the info mate. Not sure if I will be able to stay longer than 2 months this time as a death in the family has put a wrench in the works but good info all the same.

[Golfinho]

In Toliara (TulAR), walk towards Serena Hotel, after the hotel on the same side, you will find Oasis Caf and just after that, you will find Mohamedi Hardware Store. You can change your Euros at this hardware shop.

Like this place, some Muslim jewelry shops will change -- if they need to, or if they feel like it. Hit and miss same as at Chinese casino.

Baobob Bank gives the best rates so why bother posting information about anywhere else.

BTW, in Tana, best rate is SociMad. No need to run around elsewhere.

[Pokeris]

Try searching for posts from member 740. He did it in Tamatave about 7? Months ago and apparently pretty simple. I have looked in vain on the net for the office where you do this but cannot find it. He gave what appeared to be GPS coordinates but they did not make any sense. Good luck. Let us know what info you turn up.

In Tamatave visa extension is at building at Avenue De l'Independance just opposite Telma office on other side of the street. Its around 100-150 metres away from la terasse restaurant at same side where is BVF bank near la terasse restaurant. I get my extension here also.

[DzikaBomba]

Looks like things are looking up. More air routes as of July 14 which is nice. Now if they would just drop the bloody PCR test requirement it would make things a lot easier. I am currently looking at Vancouver. Amsterdam - CDG. Tana for end of September. The only place I need a PCR test for is TANA! I could have a long layover in Amsterdam. Anybody know if there is rapid PCR testing there and approximate cost?

Hopefully by then they will drop the PCR requirement. And clear up the chaos in European airports! Pearson in Toronto is currently one of the worst on the planet.

You could fly with Ethiopian Airlines to Tana directly from Toronto through Addis Abbeba, but this for sure will not be cheap.

A Friend went to Weeks ago with Ethiopian to Tana from Frankfurt. Nobody in Frankfurt neither in Tana asked for the PCR. But I would not risk going without.

Now we have Summer Holidays here in Europe and many People are going on Vacation. In September this is over and at least it should be much better or over with the mess at the airports.

In Toliara (TulAR), walk towards Serena Hotel, after the hotel on the same side, you will find Oasis Caf and just after that, you will find Mohamedi Hardware Store. You can change your Euros at this hardware shop.

Thanks! That's really a good tip. I was looking for something like that. Will go there for sure.

[SouthEaster]

Try searching for posts from member 740. He did it in Tamatave about 7? Months ago and apparently pretty simple. I have looked in vain on the net for the office where you do this but cannot find it. He gave what appeared to be GPS coordinates but they did not make any sense. Good luck. Let us know what info you turn up.