Last updated: 19 October 2026
1. Website information
4wdmada makes reasonable efforts to keep itineraries, photographs and service descriptions accurate. Road conditions, weather, park access, ferry schedules and local circumstances in Madagascar can change. Website content is therefore indicative and does not by itself constitute a final contractual offer.
2. Reservation and confirmation
Submitting an enquiry form does not create a confirmed booking. Unless different conditions are stated in the written proposal, a reservation is confirmed when:
- the traveler has accepted the final proposal and these terms;
- 4wdmada has confirmed availability in writing; and
- a deposit equal to 50% of the total service price has been received.
The remaining balance is due no later than 15 days before arrival. For a booking confirmed fewer than 30 days before the service start date, 4wdmada may request full payment at confirmation.
3. Payment
Payment is made by bank transfer or by another method expressly confirmed by 4wdmada in writing. A copy of the transfer confirmation may be requested by email. Bank and transfer charges are the traveler’s responsibility, and the full amount due must be received before the service begins.
Bank details are communicated only in an official written quotation or invoice. Travelers should verify any payment instruction received from an unfamiliar address before transferring funds.
4. Prices, inclusions and suppliers
Prices, inclusions and exclusions are those stated in the final individual proposal. Accommodation, transport, park, activity and other services may be supplied by independent providers. Their safety rules, availability and cancellation conditions may apply in addition to these terms. Where a supplier imposes a specific material condition, 4wdmada will inform the traveler whenever reasonably possible.
5. Physical fitness and participation
Before confirming a trip, every participant must ensure that their physical condition is suitable for the planned activities. Travelers must disclose any relevant health, mobility or dietary information that may affect the safe delivery of the trip. 4wdmada cannot be held responsible for a participant’s failure to assess or disclose their ability to take part.
6. Passports, visas and travel documents
Travelers are responsible for checking and obtaining all documents required for entry into and travel within Madagascar, including:
- a passport valid for the period required by the relevant authorities;
- the appropriate visa or entry authorisation;
- international and domestic flight tickets;
- travel and repatriation insurance documents; and
- any health or vaccination documents required at the time of travel.
Entry, visa and health requirements can change. Travelers should verify current rules with the appropriate authorities and their airline before departure.
7. Health and medication
Travelers are responsible for obtaining appropriate medical advice for Madagascar. Any essential daily medication should remain in the traveler’s hand luggage and be kept readily accessible rather than placed only in checked baggage.
8. Travel insurance
Each traveler must hold suitable insurance covering medical treatment, emergency assistance and repatriation abroad. 4wdmada also strongly recommends coverage for cancellation, interruption, baggage, missed connections and the activities included in the itinerary.
9. Cancellation by the traveler
A cancellation must be sent to 4wdmada by email. Unless the written proposal states different service-specific conditions, the following cancellation charges apply:
- 30 days or more before departure: 75% of the sums received will be refunded, excluding bank and transfer charges.
- 29 to 11 days before departure: 50% of the sums received will be refunded, excluding bank and transfer charges.
- 10 days or fewer before departure: no refund.
Any bank charges associated with a refund are the traveler’s responsibility. Non-refundable costs already committed to third-party suppliers may also be deducted where stated in the accepted proposal.
10. Cancellation by 4wdmada
4wdmada may cancel or suspend a service when it cannot reasonably be operated because of force majeure, a natural disaster, severe weather, a public-health event, security concerns, government instructions or another exceptional circumstance beyond its control. The traveler will be informed as soon as reasonably possible and offered the available solution described in the written proposal, which may include postponement, a credit or a refund of recoverable amounts.
11. Changes requested by the traveler
After confirmation, a request to change dates, accommodation, itinerary, vehicle, suppliers or other services may change the price and remains subject to availability. All additional costs resulting from an accepted change are the traveler’s responsibility.
During the trip, any requested change should be communicated to the 4wdmada office as soon as possible. A discussion with a driver or guide does not by itself confirm a contractual change when additional services or costs are involved.
12. Changes by 4wdmada
Before or during a trip, 4wdmada may adjust dates, times, routes, supervision, accommodation or other arrangements when necessary for safety, weather, road conditions, infrastructure, supplier availability or operational reasons. Whenever reasonably possible, material changes will be explained to the traveler and a suitable alternative will be proposed.
13. Trip interruption and unused services
A traveler who chooses or is required to interrupt a trip must notify 4wdmada by email as soon as possible. Services not used because of personal choice, health, missing documents or another circumstance attributable to the traveler are not refundable. Any additional transport, accommodation, meals or other costs are the traveler’s responsibility unless covered by their insurance.
14. Air transport
Unless expressly included in the proposal, travelers are responsible for arranging and checking their international and domestic flights. 4wdmada is not responsible for airline delays, cancellations, baggage handling or missed connections. Costs caused by an airline disruption—including replacement tickets, accommodation, meals and transfers—remain the traveler’s responsibility or that of the airline or insurer, as applicable.
15. Luggage and personal belongings
During an expedition, luggage may be transported by practical local means, including vehicle roof racks, boats or porters. Baggage must be suitable for these conditions. Fragile and valuable items—including passports, money, glasses and electronic devices—must remain under the traveler’s care. Each traveler must check that their baggage is present during transfers.
16. Traveler responsibilities and local conditions
Participants must follow reasonable safety instructions given by 4wdmada, its drivers, guides and local providers. Madagascar journeys may involve rough roads, remote areas, limited mobile or internet coverage, long distances from medical facilities, changing weather and other conditions inherent to adventure travel. Each traveler accepts these ordinary travel risks and must act responsibly throughout the trip.
Self-drive travelers must comply with applicable laws, the signed vehicle rental agreement, vehicle instructions and route restrictions. Damage, penalties or costs caused by misuse, negligence or unauthorised driving remain subject to the signed rental agreement.
17. Complaints
If a problem arises during the trip, the traveler should inform 4wdmada immediately so that the team has a reasonable opportunity to assist. A complaint that remains unresolved should be submitted in writing by email with the booking reference and supporting details.
18. Website enquiries and privacy
Information submitted through this website is used to answer enquiries and prepare requested services in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Submitting a contact form does not guarantee availability or create a booking.
19. Official contact and booking security
4wdmada is not responsible for communications, quotations or payment requests issued by unrelated websites or unauthorised third parties. If anything appears unusual, contact us through the official details above before making payment.