You will not find toll roads in Madagascar. However, the roads themselves, far from the main highways of the country, are not always asphalted. Good roads are near the capital and major ports like Tuamasina. And since a good part of the country is made up of reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and nature parks, get ready for unpaved and broken roads. Central roads connect Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Mahadzanga, Tuamasina, and Tulear. More than 35% of the roads are in the center of the island, where there are more mountains and you should move slowly. However, the locals are careful and unhurried.
Car rental in Madagascar is available, although not very popular. You'll find agencies in tourist centers like the capital and Nuzi-Bi. It's better to arrange car rental before arriving in Madagascar, using popular companies that are represented on the island as well. Prices for car rental in Madagascar are quite reasonable, and generally coincide with European ones. For a normal car you will pay about 45 USD per day.
Speed limits in Madagascar:
- in populated areas - 50 km/h
- on country roads - 60-70 km/h
- on asphalted roads - 80-90 km/h
You need a credit card for the lease, sometimes they take cash. You will need a national license, sometimes large companies require a foreign license. Renting a car with a driver will not be much more expensive than without a driver. You can also rent motorcycles and even bicycles. It is cheaper and in many ways more convenient.
Traffic law enforcement in Madagascar is quite strict, though not everywhere. It will be difficult to meet the police between towns, among deserts and forests. But within the cities it is quite realistic. Fines in Madagascar for traffic violations are not too high, and are comparable with European ones. You should not argue with the policeman who stopped you. And if there is a traffic accident, wait for the police, and do not rush to solve the issues yourself. If no one is injured and only property is damaged, you can get by with a fine, without detention and clarification of circumstances.
Traffic here is right-handed, you can overtake from the left side. Dipped beam should be on in the evening and at night, as it gets dark early here, and when visibility on the roads is poor. All passengers, as well as the driver, must wear seat belts. You can't use a phone unless it is equipped with a hands-free talking device. The cost of a liter of gasoline in Madagascar ranges around 1.16 USD, diesel is slightly cheaper, around 1 USD.
