Madagascar is a safe place in general, and Malagasy people are welcoming and nice. However, as in any other place in the world, there are things to be careful about.
For Madagascar, there are 3 of them:
First, the capital, Antananarivo
Madagascar has been subjected to massive rural-to-urban migration over the last 50 years, and poverty has intensified over the last decade due to political instability, this has increased the level of insecurity insecurity in the capital and in a few areas. So here are what you need to remember:
If you decide to have a walk around the capital, go to a market, or take the bus, it is preferable to not bring any valuable with you (phone, camera, wallet, expensive jewelry, etc. ), bring the minimum cash you will need, and always be vigilant.
Antananarivo has some nice night clubs, so if you decide to go out at night, always take a taxi. The same rules apply: do not bring any valuable possessions, and the minimum cash possible. If you are a girl travelling alone, try to wear modest clothing when you go out at night.
Other big cities are generally safe, but it is always better to be careful.
Second, Dahalo
Dahalo means a group of young men stealing zebu from others. This concept originally comes from the tradition of a tribe called Bara, located in the south west of Madagascar: to prove his courage, a young man must steal zebus and give the stolen zebus to his in-laws as a present before getting married. A real dahalo does not have any interest in robbing travelers. But if you find them in the road, they sometimes ask for some coffee, salt, soap, or sugar.
Third, fake Dahalo
These are the dangerous ones, they would block the road, and rob travelers. But this happens occasionally during the night on RN7 (route national #7). So to be safe, avoid travelling during the night on any road.
CONCLUSION
If you are not in the capital, and if you travel during the day, there should not be any problem. The remote places are peaceful and you will be amazed by Malagasy people‘s hospitality.
Many thanks to Jean Elisée Christian Rakotondrajoa for helping us drafting this article.
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