I plan to walk across Madagascar from May 15 to September 30, 2016.
Find out where I've already gone and my current position by seeing my live map.
I will hike at least 3,000 km (2,000 miles) from its northern tip to its southernmost cap point.
That's about the same distance as the Appalachian Trail.
The main difference is that there is no trail.
Maps are mostly useless since they are either outdated or lacking in detail.
Therefore, I'll be winging it most of the way.
Because the vegetation is often dense (especially on the east side, where I plan to spend most of the time), I will have to road walk often (since bushwhacking is far too slow).
Although I dislike road walking, few roads in Madagascar are paved.
Furthermore, there is little traffic anywhere.
As a result, I expect that most roads will be dirt and deserted.
Potholes won't discourage my feet and they will keep the cars from cruising by too fast.
Resupplies should be easy since villages are plentiful.
The main downside is that the food will be monotonous and not too nutritious.
One of the hardest sections will be near the start of the hike: climbing the tallest peak.
Although Madagascar's tallest peak is only about 2,800 meters high (less than 10,000 ft), it doesn't have a proper trail to the summit.
Moreover, it is surrounded by wilderness.
Translation: it will take at least one week to traverse it.
I'll be taking a break on July 9-13 to fly to Mauritius to reset my visa (Madagascar limits you to a 90-day visa).
Otherwise, I will be hiking most of the time.
The gear I'll be taking is mostly made from the following sponsors:
- ExOfficio (clothes)
- ZPacks (shelter)
- Gossamer Gear (backpacks and other accessories)
- JacksRBetter (sleeping quilt)
- SteriPEN (water purification)
- Trail Designs (stove)
The red line on the maps is an extremely vague hiking plan.
I will make significant deviations from the red lines according to conditions on the ground, which will include safety, national parks, permits, private property, and authorities.
Find out where I am right now.
