Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Please read our general FAQs, where you can find essential information that applies to all of our programs.

Resources to Learn & Teach about Madagascar

Visit our recommended reading page to see the list of books GEEO recommends reading before your program (this is not required reading). We also have lesson plans and Pinterest boards that may be useful for you as you learn about your destination and prepare to bring lessons back to your classroom.

Terms and Conditions

It is very important for you to visit our Terms and Conditions page before signing up for this program.

GEEO Program Confirmation Process

We require a minimum of 6 participants for most GEEO programs. We officially confirm that a program will run once at least 8 people have signed up, which provides a margin for individual cancellations. Nearly all GEEO programs ultimately meet this enrollment quota, and in the rare event that a program does not meet the minimum requirement and GEEO cancels the program, we will work with you to find a suitable alternative or provide a refund of your deposit if you prefer. We encourage you to sign up for any program that interests you, and we will notify the entire group once 6 people are booked and again once 8 people are booked. We always emphasize the importance of exercising caution when making non-refundable travel arrangements, especially given the unpredictable nature of travel. For example, we typically recommend booking flights with flexible change/cancellation policies.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be submitted to GEEO in written form by emailing your request for cancellation to travel@geeo.org. If you do not receive a confirmation that we have received your written cancellation request, please call us at 1-877-600-0105. Verbal cancellation requests will not be honored.

• If you cancel 60 days or more prior to the start of your program, all payments will be refunded excluding your $350 deposit, which is kept on file for future use and never expires. (Exception for participants who receive grants from our university partners: To address disruption caused by cancellation from grant recipients, deposits paid by grant recipients are forfeited upon cancellation.)
• If you cancel between 30 and 59 days prior to the start of your program, you will receive a 50% refund and your deposit will be kept on file for future use and will never expire.
• If you cancel within 30 days prior to the start of your program, you will receive no refund, but your deposit will be kept on file for future use and will never expire.

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Trip Notes & Expectations

Before you decide to travel with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the information about the program contained on this page. Our programs are quite adventurous, and we find that clients who read the trip details in full are happier with their experiences.

1. ACCOMMODATION: The purpose of the accommodation is to provide a safe, well-located place for you to sleep. The hotels in Madagascar are pretty basic. (Feel free to google some of the hotels that are typically used: Hotel Chalets des Roses in Antananarivo, Feon’ ny Ala in Andasibe, Hasina Hotel in Antsirabe, Manja Hotel in Ranomafana, Aux Bougainvillees in Ambalavao, ITC Lodge in Ranohira, and Hotel Bamboo Club in Ifaty.
2. TRANSPORTATION: We use a mix of transportation that gets our guests from location to location safely. Sometimes you will have full days and nights of transportation as our trips tend to cover a lot of ground. The transportation will often be an adventure in itself.
3. LUGGAGE: You must be able to easily carry or roll your luggage, so do not over-pack. Carrying your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.
4. ACTIVITY LEVEL & PACE: This program includes a mix of physical activities that require a moderate level of fitness. While some days involve light hiking and/or walking, please note that certain hikes, particularly in Isalo National Park, can be challenging; consider your fitness level and any pre-existing conditions when deciding to participate in these activities (see itinerary for more details). The heat and humidity are the biggest physical challenges. Make sure you stay hydrated! We recommend always carrying snacks with you. Meals can sometimes be far apart.
5. VACCINATIONS: It may be required to show a yellow fever certificate upon entering the country. Please check in with your local health expert for advice on yellow fever and other inoculations required for this area. The Government of Madagascar requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever.
6. DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: There are limited domestic flight options for our internal flights during the trip – we are at mercy of the national flight schedule, which often is only released 5 months at a time. Though there is normally one flight a day to and from each center, we have designed the itinerary around past and current flight departure times. These times may change, however, which may result in a slight adjustment in the itinerary in order for us to match up our trip itinerary with this local constraint. Typically, this results in shuffling days of the itinerary around and does not cause any missed activities, destinations, or experiences.
7. GROUP LEADER: Please make sure you understand the role of your tour leader on this trip. All GEEO/G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of G Adventure's group leaders, which they refer to as Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends. Our itineraries often have plenty of free time to explore on your own. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it’s the best of both worlds.

Single Travelers

Half of GEEO’s participants travel by themselves, so please don’t worry if you do not have a travel companion for your trip. Our program fee is for one traveler in double-occupancy accommodation, and GEEO can find you a roommate of the same gender if you do not have a travel companion. Most of our programs have a “My Own Room” option, also known as a “Single Supplement,” which is an extra fee that you can pay to have a room to yourself. You will only incur an additional charge if you specifically request a single room. To see the price for the “My Own Room” option, please find your program on our extra services page. If you want to room alone, please email travel@geeo.org to request a single room. Please note: If you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single accommodation for all night stops except Day 5 in Fiadanana (community guesthouse - multi-share).

Emergency Contacts

Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so that they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS G Adventures Local Representative (Madagascar) During Office hours (Weekdays, 8am-5pm Local Time): +261 202 202 012 After hours emergency number : +261 32 07 11511 G Adventures Local Office (Nairobi, Kenya) From outside Kenya: +254 727 208 832 From within Kenya: 0727 208 832 If for any reason you are unable to reach the G Adventures local office, please call the numbers listed below to connect with their Sales team, who will happily assist you. Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

Packing List

Please read this article on GEEO’s blog for our staff’s suggestions on the best gear to pack for your upcoming travels. You must be prepared to carry your own bags and be comfortable carrying them up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels. As a rule, we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags, which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 22-30 lb. Most travelers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size. No XXL bags please! A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person plus a daypack per person. Suggested Checklist

• Light fleece top
• Warm pajamas (nights can be cold)
• Light windproof/waterproof jacket
• Sun hat
• Personal clothing for weather in the 60’s to low 80’s – we recommend packing 8-9 days of outfits so you only have to do laundry once
• At least one pair of long pants
• Daypack
• Sturdy walking shoes
• Sport sandals or flip-flops
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Watch or alarm clock (or use your phone)
• Small flashlight or headlamp
• Toiletries – your hotels will have soap and shampoo
• Camera (or use your phone)
• First-aid kit, including: lip salve, aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking

Optional Checklist

• Light weight silk sleep sheet
• Hand warmers (for cold/damp nights)
• Travel pillow
• Mosquito control (travel net, coil, repellat)
• Money belt
• Water bottle
• Phone/tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
• Chargers for electronics as well as converters/adapters, if needed
• AirTags or Tile trackers
• Packing cubes
• Flip-flops/sandals
• Earplugs
• Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can buy snacks when you get there too, so don’t go crazy here
• Ziplock bags
• Reading/writing material
• Hand sanitizer/baby wipes

Document Checklist

• Passport (with photocopies)
• Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
• Travel insurance ID card
• Flight itinerary/boarding pass(es)
• USD/EUR cash
• Credit/debit card
• G Adventures vouchers
• GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent a few days before departure

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered at some of our hotels for a charge, or ask your group leader where the nearest laundromat is located. If you want to do your own laundry, we suggest you bring your own non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Passports and Visas

All GEEO trips require that the participant have a valid passport. Please see our general FAQ for information on obtaining a passport. As with all of our trips, we try to provide the most accurate information we can, but governments sometimes change visa rules. It is your responsibility to double-check the information we provide below by searching here. Upon arrival in Madagascar, all foreign nationals must pay a $10 Landing Authorization fee. U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Madagascar for a stay of 15 days or less. For stays of 15 days or longer, you must buy a single-entry tourist visa upon arrival at the airport with US dollars, euros, or Malagasy ariary. Upon arriving at Ivato Airport in Antananarivo, make your way to the border control desk closest to the Direction Generale des Impots (DGI) Office where there is an electronic sign indicating the cost of the visa. We always advise our travelers to check with their nearest Madagascan Embassy or Consulate for the most up-to-date information as fees and policies frequently change. It is the travelers responsibility to have the correct travel documentation.

Money Exchange

The local currency in Madagascar is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA), and we recommend that local purchases be made in cash MGA. As currency exchange rates fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. Outside of Antananarivo, you will find that it is difficult to use foreign currency. In Antananarivo, you can withdraw the local currency from ATMs using a debit card linked to a major credit card network (e.g., Visa or Mastercard). ATMs may have limits on how much money can be taken out at one time. Credit cards may also sometimes be used for cash advances and/or purchases in Antananarivo, but please do not rely on them as a primary payment method, because they are not widely accepted. You should be aware that purchases with a credit card may incur international transaction fees with your financial institution.

Tipping

Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of this program and an expression of satisfaction with the people who assist you on your trip. Tipping is also one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the East African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, as an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Giving a tip should be a seen as a formal “thank you,” and the action should in no way be awkward. The best method of tipping someone who has served your entire group is to plan in advance, and not rush when it comes to saying goodbye. A suggestion would be for each group member to contribute anonymously by putting their tip into an envelope, which the tour can present to the recipient(s), offering their thanks and showing their appreciation. This method brings the action out into the open, allowing for friendly and appreciative interaction between the group and the recipient(s). You may use the following as a guideline:

• Tour leader: $25 USD per week
• Driver: $2 USD per day
• Supply Crew: $1 USD per day
• Local guides: $1-3 USD (per couple of hours)
• Restaurant/café servers: 10% of the total bill
• Hotel Porters: $1 USD

Please note that tips should always be converted into Ariary, if possible. Locals can find it difficult and time-consuming to have to exchange EUR/USD tips and therefore always prefer Ariary.

Vaccinations

GEEO cannot provide any medical advice, so it is very important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic about which vaccinations you will need for your trip. We recommend contacting Passport Health, which has travel clinics located throughout the United States. You can also check the CDC's recommended vaccinations for your destination. Please take this seriously!

Flights

We find the best prices for flights are often available around 90-120 days before departure, but of course this varies greatly from route to route and year to year. You should wait until this trip is confirmed before you book non-refundable flights. GEEO and G Adventures bear no responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed. This program begins and ends in Antananarivo. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Antananarivo, which usually means departing the U.S. 1-2 days prior. You may want to arrive in Africa one or more days early in case you have flight disruptions. You can arrive at any time you choose, but try to make it in time for our 6:00 p.m. Welcome Meeting on Day 1. You can depart from Antananarivo any time on the final day of the program.

Plugs and Converters

There are two components to provide external power to your device: adapters and transformers (also called electrical converters). The adapter is for your device's plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. two- to three-pronged power cord to fit the local outlets. The transformer/converter changes the local voltage to the voltage used in the U.S. Madagascar uses the European-style two circular prong plug (Type C or Type E) and their voltage is 220-240 Volts. (Standard U.S. electrical outlets are 120V.) Most new devices, including phones and laptops, are made to work with the different voltage rates, but some devices, like hair dryers, may only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check your device's plug or manual to see what voltage range it requires. Most transformer blocks will have an “Input” line that defines its voltage capacity; for example, “Input: 100-240V” means that it will work with voltages between 100V to 240V. If your device can’t handle the higher voltage, you’ll need to purchase a transformer/converter. You can find world transformers/converters online or at many retail stores in the travel section.

Weather

July and August are in the midst of the Madagascan winter, and you will get some of the best weather of the year. We will be in a few different climate zones, but expect highs in the upper 60’s to lower 70’s and lows in the 60’s. At Ifaty, it will be a bit warmer with weather typically in the upper 70’s to mid-80’s. This means trekking the naturally humid rainforests can be refreshing and airy. The rainforests are alive with unique flora and fauna, with many different species of lemurs, and other animals getting on with their daily lives in the jungle depths. Being so dry does mean that some of the species will be hibernating, mainly small mammals and reptiles. If you’re looking for marine life, you won’t miss out. You may have a chance to spot humpback whales near Ifaty.

🗣️ Advice from Past GEEO Participants

- The nights are cold (bring warm pajamas). I would even suggest hand warmers for those days that are damp and cold. - I would suggest bringing warmer clothes. The temperature was 40 degrees when we stayed at Vatolahy and Feon'ny. - Some of the hikes are short and easy, but others are rigorous, vigorous, and arduous.