Paying for things in Madagascar isn’t as straightforward as in many other countries. Here’s how to get your hands on fat stacks of Malagasy Ariary, how to use the mobile money apps in the country, and how to identify when people are quoting prices in Malagasy Franc (†2005). Using money in Madagascar is very intertwined with having a Malagasy SIM card, so check out that article as well. Contents1 Intro to The Ariary—Paper Money Only2 Costs and Dual Pricing3 Communicating Prices with Malagasy People3.1 Recognizing when people quote in the old Malagasy Franc (FMG)3.2 When people quote prices in Euros,Continue reading

This happened on the 29th of December, 2022. Jonas and I did our first cursory hitchhiking in Madagascar session. Since it was so spontaneous and unplanned, the featured photo of this article was taken on the 2nd of January, 2023 while waiting for our cotisse from Ranohira to Ambalavao and does not represent the text below. Tired As Fuck After eating lunch and asking the Isalo National Park office about tours, I was quite exhausted. We’d traveled from Toliara at sea level to Ranohira at 1000 meters by cotisse. Though we had expected lower temperatures at this altitude if anythingContinue reading

We visited the Alley of the Baobabs aka Avenue of the Baobabs on the 12th of December, 2022. Before that, we ate some baobab fruit we bought at the central market of Morondava, west Madagascar. Contents1 Our First Encounter with Baobab Fruit (Back in Mauritius)2 Buying + Eating Baobab Fruit in Morondava3 Visiting the Avenue of the Baobabs by Taxi3.1 Arranging a taxi to L’Allée des Baobabs3.2 Uh-oh3.3 Driving to L’Avenue des Baobabs to see the sunrise3.4 Driving north3.5 The Sacred Baobab (Baobab Sacré)3.6 To the Baobab’s in Love (Baobabs Amoureux)3.7 The long drive back to Morondava4 Good info? PonderContinue reading

We spent several months in Rodrigues checking out a lot of different corners of this compact island. Many Mauritians and Rodriguans asked us if we didn’t get bored here. The answer to that question is a resounding no—and there are even things we didn’t do yet but are saving for a return trip. Many Rodriguans we spoke to weren’t familiar with some of the places we’ve been to. So here’s a monster list of more than 90 things to do in Rodrigues. And a map! Learn kitesurfing in Mourouk. Ask for Drany – a local and national champion – ifContinue reading

This guide to Mauritius and Rodrigues also appears under the Digital Nomads Guides brand Contents1 Why Mauritius?2 Money3 Internet4 Accommodation5 Food6 Transport6.1 Entering Mauritius6.2 Local Transport6.3 Connections between Mauritius and Rodrigues7 Business Hours8 Visa9 Safety10 Culture, Language, & Religion11 Local Opportunities12 Rodrigues Island13 Final Words Why Mauritius? East of Africa in the Indian Ocean is a small archipelago that seeks to attract digital nomads. Mauritius created the premium visa for you to come and open up your laptop to get that money. There are many benefits to choosing Mauritius as your main stay in Africa and the southern hemisphere. BesidesContinue reading

Tuesday, 7th of June 2022. We decided to finish the unknown hiking trail at Mont Limon, the highest peak in Rodrigues. But our plans of having a casual little hike with no trouble were thwarted by the criminal who decided to dump their kitten next to the trail. This is the rescue story of a dumped kitten we (temporarily) named Limon Confit. Contents1 Meows on the Alternative Ascent to Mont Limon2 Freeing a Dumped Kitten3 Walking Down + Contemplating the Next Steps4 Naming the Dumped Kitten5 Pizza + Chicken Spam Time!6 Driving Limon Confit to Mourouk7 Finding a Forever HomeContinue reading