Safety in Antananarivo, Madagascar What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?
People’s Opinions
You have to be smart here. It is a packed city and pick pocketing is a thing. We listened to our translators and didn’t have anything stolen from us. We were in groups when we went out of the compound and nothing happened. They wanted us back by dark though so I’d respect that request.
Ministry Summary
Ministry Summary in Antananarivo, Madagascar Breakthroughs? Suggestions? Concerns? On a scale of 1-4 (1 being not at all, 4 being absolutely) how strongly would you recommend another World Race team go to this ministry location & why?
People’s Opinions
We stayed and worked with OM Madagascar. We primarily worked on site, performing manual labor jobs around the property, painting the amphitheater, teaching english at the primary school, and teaching an english club to adults in the evenings. Our last week we went to the University and did evangelism and a bible study “english club”. Be prepared to have a packed schedule (every hour planned out) but be flexible to change as it usually all changes.
We worked through OM Madagascar. They paired us up with a church who then planned out what our days would be devoted to. It was wonderful. We got to see so many parts of the community. We felt connected to the pastor and her daughter and the translators.Be flexible and willing to do whatever is asked.
Lodging
Lodging in Antananarivo, Madagascar Where did you stay? What were the accommodations (sleeping arrangements, toilets, showers, etc.)? Cost (per person per night in USD), Contact info.
People’s Opinions
OM coordinated lodging at FOFRIKI community center. We each had beds that were split into rooms (4 per room). Each room had a shower and toilet and sink. Hang a mosquito net in the window so you can get airflow without getting eaten alive. It was spacious and beautiful.
Food / Meals
Food / Meals in Antananarivo, Madagascar What did you eat? Where did you get the food? Cost (per person per day in USD)? Contact info (if applicable).
People’s Opinions
CROISSANTS! Buy them every chance you get. They’re less than $1 and the real deal.
This was our biggest struggle. We paid OM for food and water. We had many issues with not having enough food and only got a liter of water per person a day. The food is pretty good and they make you local food (lots of rice). Our host church provided us with lunch at a different family’s house every day. Be careful with the pork. Several people got sick and we think it was from that.
Transportation
Transportation in Antananarivo, Madagascar What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.
People’s Opinions
OM coordinated what transportation we would use to get to ministry and they provided money for it. They have a big van and then a car. You can also take public transport (about 400ariary per bus per person). Travel anywhere takes a while so be REALLY patient in the mornings. We utilized our 1.5hr commute in the car for quiet times/bible talk. Don’t have your phone out in public transport just to be safe.
Medical
Medical in Antananarivo, Madagascar Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).
People’s Opinions
Go to the hospital and not the clinic. The hospital isn’t great, but the clinic is worse than that. Try to stay healthy because it’s hard to get specific treatment (they will lump symptoms together). Watch out for the pork. Several of our teammates got food poisoning/parasite/bacteria issues and we narrowed it down to probably the pork or something they ate. The hospital is near the US Embassy. DO NOT drink the water.
Communication
Communication in Antananarivo, Madagascar Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
Team phones work. Get the SIM card at the airport before leaving to the ministry. Where we stayed, there was an internet cafe about 5 minutes away with the best wifi we have had in Africa.
Financial
Financial in Antananarivo, Madagascar Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.
People’s Opinions
Have a finance person in the initial meeting of the host to discuss payments and when they want them. If you are working with OM, ask what day they want to get paid. They will need to coordinate a trip to a bank/ATM to pull out money. The exchange rate is like 1/3035 so bring a large enough purse/bag to carry that money. It would take about half a day to do finances/pull money so be prepared.
Translators
Translators in Antananarivo, Madagascar List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken
People’s Opinions
The translators are AMAZING (if you are working with OM). They are so genuine and love Jesus and have unique testimonies. Get to know your translators and make sure to bless them someway before you leave. They will become your friends and want to hang out and talk. They were one of the best parts about Madagascar.
Off Days / Fun Activities
Off Days / Fun Activities in Antananarivo, Madagascar What activities did your team experience? Recommendations? List locations/contact info. Any locations to be avoided? Any extra safety tips for off days?
People’s Opinions
Go to the Lemurs’ Park! It’s amazing. It’s quite the drive (2-3 hours) but it’s great to get outside the city and see the countryside of Madagascar. You also get to see 10 species of Lemurs that jump around and get super close! So adorable.
Traveling takes a while anywhere and you will probably need a translator. We went to the Zoo and then paid a worker to go into a lemur cage (I don’t know if they are supposed to let us but they did). There are waterfalls that we wanted to go to, but it would be a long day trip or overnight trip. If your team wants to though, I definitely would. There is a strip of markets you can go to as well.
Other Important Contacts
Other Important Contacts in Antananarivo, Madagascar Additional ministry opportunities, local pastors, etc. Relationship & follow up suggestions
People’s Opinions
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Tips
People’s Opinions
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Additional Info
Additional Info in Antananarivo, Madagascar Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?