Getting in

• Ivato International Airport: For most arrivals, arrange a hotel pickup or a pre-booked shuttle rather than negotiating at the curb: shared Tsara Car Rental shuttles have been quoted around 20,000 Ar per person, while a private airport car is roughly 60,000–80,000 Ar. Allow 30–35 minutes only very early or late; in normal traffic, budget more than an hour. Ignore unsolicited ‘helpers’ and porters—keep hold of your bags. The red-D taxi-brousse is exceptionally cheap (about 1,600 Ar with a second seat for luggage) but slow, cramped and a poor first-arrival choice.