Crossing the big island from south to north!

Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).

In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.

It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.

ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.

Camping equipment provided:

• 3-person tent for 2 people.
  
• Foam mattress.
  
• Blankets are provided (no need for a duvet). Only a silk sheet might be useful.
  

• Moistened "Calinette" type towels for personal hygiene.
  
• Plastic bags for waterproofing your belongings, cameras and clothes.
  
• Notepad.
  
• Sleeping bag liner.
  
• Toiletries (wipes to replace water). Whenever possible, choose biodegradable products (Marseille soap and shampoo).
  
• Quick-drying towel.
  
• Change of clothes for the evening.
  
• 1 1.5 litre water bottle or 2 equivalent (camel bag or rigid water bottles).
  
• 1 pair of sunglasses, high protection rating.
  
• Headlamp, spare batteries and bulbs.
  
• 1 Swiss Army knife or equivalent (in checked baggage!!).
  
• 1 pair of telescopic hiking poles (recommended).
  
• Biodegradable toilet paper and a small bag to store it after use.
  

No need for a sleeping bag!

If you have clothes or small items at home that you no longer use, consider taking them with you. With some airlines, notably Ethiopian Airlines, you are entitled to two checked bags of 23 kg each – a great opportunity to help those in need.

Simple clothing (for children and adults: t-shirts, shorts, trousers), school supplies (notebooks, pens), or even small soaps collected from hotels are always very much appreciated.

The Malagasy people, although often living in modest conditions, will welcome you with warmth and smiles. Some will approach you spontaneously, others will not, but a simple gesture can bring much joy.

You can divide these donations into several bags to distribute along your route, during encounters in the villages. A smile, a kind word, a small gesture: your generosity will always be appreciated.

The following list is indicative and aims to be as complete as possible. Remember that we are in the Southern Hemisphere and that summer here corresponds to winter; it can therefore be cool in the evenings during July and August, especially in the highlands and the capital.

• A cap or hat for sun protection.
  
• 1 scarf to protect the neck.
  
• 1 or 2 thermal undergarments (short or long sleeve T-shirts).
  
• T-shirts (short and long sleeves), preferably made of quick-drying technical material.
  
• 1 warm fleece for the evening (temperatures can reach 10°C on summer evenings).
  
• 1 breathable waterproof windproof jacket with hood, Gore-Tex type.
  
• 1 or 2 long shorts.
  
• 1 or 2 pairs of comfortable walking trousers, ideally with detachable legs (including one sturdy pair for the South, the "land of thorns").
  
• 1 pair of waterproof, comfortable "trekking" shoes with a high-top upper and a grippy sole (Vibram type).
  
• 1 pair of Velcro sandals, for walking in the water (and not getting closed shoes wet).
  
• 1 pair of sneakers or equivalent light shoes for the evening.
  
• Pairs of walking socks.