Just yesterday, I received from Amazon the new edition of Lonely Planet's Madagascar and Comoros (March, 2008). Several weeks ago, I purchased Bradt's guide to Madagascar (2007 edition). Together, they give what seems to be a quite complete picture of travel in Madagascar and, rather than duplicating, complement each other. I believe that your questions will be answered by checking out the extensive information in these books. ZZ

I agree with Zambezi. Even though I've been to Madagascar, your questions are far too general. You would really benefit from the Bradt Guide, which is the best, or the Lonely Planet, which is not as good, but is helpful.

We are leaving for Madagascar and Botswana soon. I recomend all of the above plus a visit to Cortez Travel's web site.http://www.air-mad.com/. They are knowledgable and helpful even for the independent traveler. You don't want to your waste precious time in Madagascar in offices organizing yourself do you? You will need some intra-Madagascar flights no doubt. They can help.
We will post a trip report when we return. in late May.

We have been using Brands book and Lonely Planet. It gives good places to go to, but there is still a problem getting to some of the areas. Madibus sounded very good through emails, but its money was stolen and it is now bankrupt. It had good busses, a relatively new Dutch company that did not survive.
My question still is, besides flying, what are other methods of transportation, for shorter journeys that are not going to be round trip? Are their any local means of getting around that are practical, or is the best way a car with driver? If so are you stuck with the car and driver when you are in a place for 2 days, and treking?

Please, Madame/Monsieur: Go and buy one of these travel books! ZZ

Maybe I shoud have said, "Please read them , if you have them." Furthermore, not all questions can be answered this side of Madagascar. ZZ

I spent a week in Madagascar last October and it was fun/rewarding--but it was also some very difficult and taxing travel (even with our own car/driver we had arranged independently in advance).

We drove from Tana to Andasibe and then back down south the RN7 to Tulear--where we flew to Fort Dauphin for two days before flying back to Tana/JNB.

What route are you planning to do? It's definitely in your best interest to do some homework in advance as it could be very time consuming on the ground to arrange logistics.

If I get to Madagasgar, whale watching will not be on my list of activities. The country has unique flora, fauna, and culture and I will spend all my time experiencing them. I love whales and Madagasgar is supposed to have decent viewing, but I can see them many places in the world. IMHO, going to Madagasgar to see whales is like going to New Orleans to eat pizza.