Comfortable Travel in Madagascar
When planning a trip to Madagascar, one must also consider how to get around the island from point A to point B. While taking a shared taxi or another motorized taxi is an option, this method of transportation can be uncomfortable and often very dangerous. It is not recommended for anyone who is not absolutely dependent on it. In addition to motorized taxis, which often move forward under extremely adventurous conditions, there are also. Numerous non-motorized taxis and commercial vehicles can be found in Madagascar, which will be discussed in more detail below.
Pousse-Pousse – Getting Around on Two Legs
The so-called Pousse-Pousse are certainly the most unusual non-motorized taxis for European eyes. This mode of transportation originates from the Asian region. Nowadays, it is no longer possible to fully reconstruct its origins. Whether introduced by the English in the 19th century who knew the mode of transport from the Indian colonies, or by the Chinese railway workers brought to Madagascar during the French colonial period to take over the construction of the railway, the Pousse-Pousse have been introduced. In any case, Pousse-Pousse are vehicles that are pulled by people walking. They strongly resemble a carriage, except that no horses are harnessed. There are particularly many Pousse-Pousse in Antsirabe, a city that you can visit on our tours of the RN7. Visit there on our tours of the RN7. We offer a Tour from Antsirabe to Ambositra, a wonderful way to discover the Zafimaniry villages and immerse yourself in a harmonious blend of culture, nature, and adventure. During this Madagascar journey, you will surely notice the Pousse-Pousse in Antsirabe, where an estimated more than 6,000 of these vehicles are in operation, transporting customers day and night. The owners of these non-motorized taxis are mostly of Indian descent, who rent them out to drivers for a fee of 70 cents so they can earn their daily bread through taxi rides. Pousse-pousses are not only used to transport customers through cities, but also to run everyday errands. People use pousse-pousses to take their children to school or to do their shopping. Some even use them to transport larger loads, as these vehicles can carry loads of up to one ton. In Antananarivo, for example, there is a narrower version of the pousse-pousse that is used exclusively for transporting goods.
Rickshaws – Fast and Comfortable
In addition to the Pousse-Pousse, there are a number of other vehicles used for transporting passengers or goods in Madagascar. The classic rickshaws pulled by bicycles are becoming increasingly popular on the island. These vehicles are now very modern even in major German cities like Berlin or Hamburg. The rickshaws in Madagascar all come from India or China, where they can be purchased very cheaply because they are no longer needed in those countries. The rickshaws are significantly faster than the traditional Pousse-Pousse and offer a more comfortable ride for passengers.
When booking a trip from Antananarivo to Tulear with us, you will have the opportunity to experience a ride in a rickshaw. These rickshaws, also known as Pousse-Pousse, are not only more comfortable for both the driver and the traveler, but they are also more stable and therefore safer. As you travel from the central part of the country to the southern tip, you will visit many cities where you can book a ride in a rickshaw. 
Zebu Carts – Stable and Powerful Utility Vehicles
Non-motorized goods transport is still a crucial issue in Madagascar today. Especially in the rural regions of the island where people do not own any motorized vehicles, Zebu carts play a significant role. The carts, pulled by Zebus, transport building materials, bricks, vegetables, fruits, and meat. Two Zebu bulls are responsible for the transport. Zebu carts are particularly common on the west coast, in the south of the country, and in the central highlands. On the east coast, where the terrain is usually less accessible, the use of Zebu carts may not be as profitable. Zebu carts are less common, which is why they are rarely seen there. Zebu carts are so popular in Madagascar because they can continue to move forward even under the most difficult conditions. Moving forward in mud, sand, or water is not a problem thanks to Zebu carts. On one hand, Zebu carts also contribute to the maintenance of various smaller tracks that are often used on our travels through Madagascar to reach the more remote highlights of the island. On the other hand, the very narrow and iron-clad wheels also contribute to. that the roads for cars are sometimes difficult to drive on. The wheels can sometimes dig deep into the roads, making it difficult even for four-wheel drive cars. This means that during your holiday in Madagascar, you should have an experienced partner by your side when it comes to logistics and transportation. We not only know the various roads on the island like the back of our hand, but we also always have an alternative route in case a road somewhere on the island turns out to be impassable.
Other Commercial Vehicles in Madagascar
When it comes to transporting goods and merchandise, the Malagasy people show great creativity. Occasionally, you may come across carts rolling through the country on logs, equipped with just a single axle. Or you may discover primitive forms of wooden sleds or two planks tied together and loaded with cargo heading to their destination.
Pulled carts are a common sight in Madagascar, with some being hand-drawn carts known as Charetty. These heavily loaded carts are about the size of a zebu cart but are pulled by human power. In cities like Antananarivo, there is a ban on daytime use of these carts due to their role in causing traffic jams and accidents. The Charetty carts are often overloaded and require almost inhuman efforts to move forward. Uphill, a single person may not be able to reach their destination, while downhill, uncontrollable forces come into play. develop, making it very difficult to steer the cart. In addition to the Charetty, the Varambas are also of great importance as non-motorized means of transportation. They are significantly smaller than the large carts and therefore easier to move forward. Varambas come in significantly different versions with three or four wheels and individually refined mechanics that make them. As you travel through Madagascar, you will quickly realize that the conditions on the island are 100% different from what you are used to in Europe. In the south of the country, Varambas are often used for water transport, while in the highlands, they are used for transporting various goods. We can help you better understand the local customs, traditions, and ways of life, making your vacation in Madagascar much easier. Feel free to reach out to us, as we not only take care of organizing your trip, but also provide insights into the unique culture of Madagascar. Get in touch with us for an experienced guide and ideal companion during your tour, both on-site and throughout the journey.
