Respect for the 'Fady' (Ancestral Taboos): In Malagasy culture, the 'Fady' are sacred prohibitions and taboos dictated by the ancestors that vary according to each region, forest or village (for example: not pointing at graves with the outstretched index finger, not taking certain foods such as pork to sacred places or not touching certain species of lemurs or chameleons). It is essential to always respect the instructions of the local guide so as not to offend the beliefs of the communities.

Road Conditions and 4x4 Rental with Driver: Distances in Madagascar are not measured in kilometers but in hours. Except for the paved RN7, many of the roads and tracks (such as the access to Tsingy de Bemaraha or the west coast) are in poor condition and require crossings by barge. For safety and comfort, the general rule for travelers is to rent a 4x4 all-terrain vehicle, which necessarily includes an experienced local driver-guide.

Currency, Payments (Malagasy Ariary) and Cash: The official currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). International credit cards are only accepted in high-end hotels in Antananarivo and Nosy Be. In the rest of the country, to pay for local hotels, entrance fees to national parks (MNP), roadside restaurants and tips to wildlife trackers, it is mandatory to have plenty of cash in Ariary (obtained by exchanging Euros or withdrawing from bank ATMs such as BNI or BMOI in major cities).

Health, Vaccines and Malaria Prevention: There is a risk of malaria throughout the year throughout the territory of Madagascar (with a higher incidence in coastal and humid areas). It is essential to consult a tropical medicine center to take antimalarial prophylaxis, wear long sleeves at night and apply repellent with DEET. An international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required if you come from an endemic country, and you should drink only bottled and sealed water.