Customer Reviews

Madagascar, 9th (Bradt Travel Guide)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

My wife is Malagasy. After over 20 years away, then one exploratory trip, she took me on the next trip. Of the 5 guide books we had, this is the one that she likes best. It is also the book with the most detailed descriptions, from numerous readers who have contributed to Ms. Bradt's editions. It probably also has the best all-around advice. As a traveler, probably from a rich land, to one of the world's poorest places, you will need this advice.

No guide book is perfect. Some of the details, such as the cost of the entry visa at the airport (only 13 Euros) were a little off. Also the maps could both be better and arranged more handily. However, if we had to keep just one of the 5 books, this would be the one.

For travelers to Madagascar I also strongly recommend to get one of the French travel books, like the "petit fute" guide. This is good for maps and addresses and is updated every two years or so.

Also recommended is to get a Malagasy-English translator/ word book. Do not assume that you can buy it there!

We love the Bradt guides because they are personal, innovative and in-depth. We used this guide along with 2 other well-known guides, but the Bradt guide was without any doubt the best of the three. If you like to get off the beaten track (without necessarily missing out on the highlights), this is the guide you're looking for! It also includes reader reports and funny anecdotes. One negative point: the maps are far from perfect. If you only take one guide with you, we would definitely recommend to buy some additional maps.

Hilary Bradt has once again captured the feeling of Madagascar as well as imparting useful information. Not only are there color pictures of lemurs but some less well known mammals. Along with detailed information she includes amusing stories. A must for anyone going to Madagascar or just interested in this wonderful country

Don't even think about traveling to Madagascar without the Bradt guide! It never left my side during my month-long adventure through the country. Excellent information on the natural and cultural diversity of the island, plus accurate logistical information on where to eat, sleep, etc. Great sidebars from recent and experienced travelers. Don't forget to bring along the Bradt guide to Maddy wildlife too! Bradt is the only source I trust for travel in Madagascar.

Well, there are only 2 English-language travel guides to the country around.
Of those two, Lonely Planet is downright awful and unusually poorly researched (see reviews there), so even if you are normally a faithful fan of LP guides, for Madagascar this book is definitely the one to buy.
It contains far more information, based mostly on many years of personal experience of the author. It has a wealth of information on wildlife and national parks, as well as cultural aspects. The style is personal and engaging, often making you feel you are getting personal tips from an old hand.
So why only 4 stars? Well, as the author regularly admits herself, some of the info in the book comes from readers of the previous editions. While part of that is useful too, some of it (such as a raving description of awful tourist trap Foret Ialatsara) is downright incorrect, and no doubt would not have been included in the book had the author had the chance to check it out herself. Also, certain prices given in this book seemed many, many years old.

We are traveleing to Madagascar this summer and have had trouble finding internet based companies in Madagascar. Her recommendations were great! Also, the information about the parks was a real help in deciding where to go in a limited time frame.

Your travel guide on Madagascar is excellent. Streets above all the rest! I've just returned from a recce-ing trip with my French/Dutch tour manager who was equipped with every French guide imaginable, but the only one we used for the entirety was yours! Very honest, reliable and above all easy to use. Comprehensive too. Well done! I have recommended it to all my potential participants.

This is an excellent guide for anyone interested in Madagascar. It is full of facts and stories that give you a real feel for the country. I especially enjoy the detailed sections on Conservation, Wildlife and her encouragement of responsible tourism. If you are planning a trip here I recommend this travel guide over any others available.

Hugely detailed, engaging style, up-to-date, fun and informative to read. Without any doubt the best guide to Madagascar on the market.

Excellent travelbook about Madagascar.
+ detailed maps of many interested sites, routes.
- too small information about prices.