It is possible to rent a car without a driver from some car rental companies for a few years now. However, there are some points to keep in mind in advance:
* Make sure to write down everything in the rental contract, as even the smallest scratch can be charged after returning the vehicle.
* In Madagascar, you need significantly more paperwork than in Europe, and police checks are very frequent. Nothing should be missing, and the required equipment must be complete (fire extinguisher, first aid kit with precise equipment).
* A European international driver’s license is valid, and the categories are identical. In France, you can drive vehicles with up to 9 seats and a total weight of 3.5 tons with a regular driver’s license. However, be cautious with large all-wheel drive vehicles that are often approved for 10 passengers, as this may cause issues during inspections since a bus driver’s license is required even if only one person is in the car. There is a vehicle inspection similar to the “TÜV” in Madagascar, where commercial vehicles must undergo testing every 4 months. This inspection ensures the overall condition of the vehicles, and there is a logbook with all the entries. And it is important to check if the car has passed its last TÜV inspection and when the next one is due.
* The car is insured, but it is important to note that having the insurance paper is a must, but it does not guarantee any coverage from the insurance company. Any potential material and bodily damages will be paid out of pocket, even if you are “well” insured!
Driving in Madagascar is possible, and as long as there are no accidents, it is relatively problem-free for experienced self-drivers who are familiar with driving conditions in Africa. It is very important for Europeans to be aware that they may be held responsible for accidents in Madagascar, even if they are not at fault and have not been drinking. In the event of physical harm or fatalities, one could end up in prison very quickly, or even worse. It is crucial to speak French if you want to drive yourself, but even that may not be enough, as most Malagasy people may not speak French. Remember, in Madagascar, the driver is responsible for any damages or injuries, as insurance may not cover them. Driving in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, can be challenging due to chaotic traffic, lack of traffic lights, and aggressive driving behavior of other road users, especially the shared taxis (Taxi Be). The city is known for its constant traffic jams caused by the chaotic driving style where vehicles approach intersections from all directions simultaneously, leading to blockages resembling self-blocking paving stones. The exhaust fumes from the often smoking vehicles contribute to high levels of pollution in the city. It is advisable to avoid driving in Antananarivo and instead rely on asking for directions frequently due to the lack of road signs. When you have important appointments or need to go to the airport, it’s better to park your rented car safely and take a taxi into the city. It’s important to have a reliable car, both for safety and convenience. Make sure to consider all factors when choosing a car rental. External appearance is always clean and shiny, but it’s crucial to have a backup plan in case of a breakdown without a towing service or garage nearby. Talking to people can be problematic. There are always helpful people without tools and spare parts who repair things in a Malagasy way, which can sometimes be useful and helpful, but can also lead to more problems and damage. One should never leave a vehicle unattended with a mechanic or in a garage, as it takes less than a night to replace an engine or at least replace the original parts with scrap or very low-quality Chinese spare parts. * I have already mentioned that there is almost no towing service (the few that exist come from Tana). The same goes for. Injured people have no ambulances, no rescue vehicles, and no fire department to help in accidents. Drivers and other road users must rescue the injured and take them to the nearest hospitals. The most dangerous route is from Antananarivo to Tamatave, with constant traffic of trucks transporting goods from the port city on the east coast of Madagascar to the capital day and night. The most dangerous zones on the RN7 are in Tana, from Tana to Antsirabe, and from Ambositra to Fianarantsoa. Night driving is very dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Day stages must be planned accordingly. On a well-maintained road, you should plan for an average speed of 50km/h. The roads are very narrow and public vehicles are often hopelessly overloaded, cutting corners in curves and appearing suddenly from the left in a bend to avoid tipping over (mainly with narrow Mazda minibuses) with their high and heavy loads. One should drive here as if riding a motorcycle in Europe: be vigilant, anticipate the mistakes of others and foresee danger zones. The roads are often poorly maintained with huge potholes, broken bridges, and other hazards. In some cases, other “traps” can lead to accidents. The importation of popular Mercedes Sprinter vans is also responsible for many accidents because they can drive much faster than Japanese minibusses. Accidents often occur on bridges or other narrow roadways, even when there is no traffic, simply because both vehicles are racing towards each other at the same time. This logic dictates that the smaller vehicle yields to the larger one.
give priority to vehicles. In a more civilized version, the vehicle has the right of way if it first signals to the other with high beams. When overtaking, the horn is much more important than the turn signal. This is done as follows, for example when overtaking a truck: briefly honk so the driver knows you want to overtake, then observe the truck’s turn signals (if it has any). Right turn signal means you can overtake, left turn signal means oncoming traffic or the truck needs to move to the left. * Mainly when crossing cities and villages, one must be very. Watch out, children, animals, cyclists, rickshaws, buses can suddenly be on the road. At night, it is highly discouraged, no lighting on the streets, vehicles, and people. Experienced Africa drivers adjust the right headlight so that it illuminates the right sidewalk, not the road.
* There are very few paved roads and mainly during the rainy season, climatic conditions can isolate entire parts of Madagascar and vehicles left there can no longer move until the road or bridge is repaired. Especially during off-road drives, it is very important to know what activities can be undertaken at what time of year. Driving on difficult tracks is seasonal and requires well-equipped all-wheel drive vehicles. A four-wheel drive is not a guarantee that you will make it through. In my opinion, Toyota Landcruiser II are the best vehicles for extreme tracks, followed by other Landcruisers, Land Rovers, and Nissan Patrols. It is advisable to never undertake such tours with just one vehicle, it is best to have multiple vehicles. For the best experience in Madagascar, I recommend renting a 4X4 with a local driver while exploring the East Coast. Snorkeling is a must, especially during the rainy season. Always pay attention to the weather forecasts and cyclones between November and April.
I hope that this post is helpful in making your vacation in one of the most fascinating countries in the world an unforgettable experience. Madagascar has its own rules that are far from European logic. It is important to know, understand, and adapt to them to avoid problems. For seasoned Africa travelers who are still interested in such experiences and adventures, I am happy to provide additional and more specific information.
