Essential information

Need to know more planning your visit?

Here you will find some of the key information to ensure your holiday goes well.

Payments and money

The Malagasy Ariary is local currency in Madagascar. We recommend that you bring Euros and change them to the local currency as many local stores and traders only accept this for payments. The closest ATM is at the airport; other ATM and bureaux de change are in Nosy Be - there is no ATM in Nosy Sakatia.

At Sakatia Lodge we accept payments in Ariary, Euros or US dollars. However, please note that the exchange rate may differ from the exchange rate you receive in a bureau de change. As required by law, in the Lodge itself all prices are advertised in Ariary.

We also accept payments by Visa, Mastercard or Maestro, and all the payments will be made in Ariary. There is a 3.5% fee for transactions and payments for amounts less than 50,000 Ariary carry an additional 2,500 Ariary surcharge.

Medical information

Malaria

Malaria is a risk in Madagascar. While we cannot offer medical advice, we can say that there have been few incidents of malaria in our region over the last few years. But we recommend you speak to your doctor before travelling and decide if you would like to take anti-malarials.

Please note that some of these medicines are not recommended if you are diving and we may refuse diving if we believe that there may be issues. If you would like more information about anti-malarials and diving, please contact us.

Closest medical facilities

The Lodge has a number of first aid kits available, as well as oxygen for emergencies. There is a dispensary on the island which is open at certain times. There are a number of pharmacies on nearby Nosy Be in Ambatoloaka and Hellville. The closest hospital is Santa Maria Hospital in Nosy Be.

Hyperbaric chamber for divers

Our closest hyperbaric chamber is in Nosy Be, the island next to Nosy Sakatia. The chamber is run in association with DAN Southern Africa and DAN Europe. Jose, the owner of Sakatia Lodge, helps run the chamber and also runs training for technicians and ensures the chamber is properly maintained.

Visas and entry information

To enter Madagascar you will require a visa. These can be obtained at the airport at your entry and must be paid cash in Euros, US Dollars or Malagasy Ariary. The closest airport to the Lodge is Fascene Airport in Nosy Be. More information about getting to Sakatia Lodge can be found here.