Karting: Let's go for a ride

 
Practiced over a distance of 700 to 1500 metres in general, karting, a motor sport discipline, has always had its followers around the world. For several years, karting has become popular in the Big Island. If you like driving fast and thrills do not scare you, head for the track. In Madagascar, this activity is developing and three circuits have emerged. Lovers of speed take their place at the wheel of a kart, a small four-wheeled car with a high-performance engine. These cars are of three types: 100 cm3, 125 cm3 and "superkarts" of 250 cm3. Choose your karts according to your desires and your tastes. For beginners, take the least powerful device. Once you are well trained, you will be able to take a more powerful kart and get into the race that requires a good physical and mental condition.
 
 
Rules must be respected to ensure enjoyment and avoid any accident, the first of which is to go karting on circuits reserved for this purpose and with the appropriate equipment. In Madagascar, in Antananarivo, you have the choice between the Imerintsiatosika circuit or the Ambohimalaza circuit. Another circuit exists in the east of the island, in Ambodiatafana.
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine April 2018

Useful Information

When to go

If you like usability, go for a go-kart ride on weekends. Otherwise, if you want calm, choose a working day. Karting is practiced throughout the year. In rainy weather, be twice as careful as the track can be slippery.

How to get there

Ambohimalaza is about twenty kilometres from the capital, taking the RN2. To get to Imerintsiatosika, take the RN1 to PK 26 Beronono. Finally, the Ambodiatafana track is located near Toamasina, 23km, on the road to Foulpointe. Take a scheduled flight with Air Madagascar from Antananarivo to reach Toamasina then take the RN5.

Where to stay

The Ambohimalaza circuit is the last of Madagascar's karting circuits. Karts of 100 cm3 and 125 cm3. The place is open from Wednesday to Sunday. Imerintsiatosika offers a circuit of 1750 metres, and welcomes drivers from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10h to 18h. Finally, far from the hubbub of Antananarivo, east of the Big Island, the circuit of Ambodiatafana allows to combine a lap of the track with the pleasure of a sea bath. Open every day from 8h to 20h.

Where to eat

What to see

Generally, a go-kart tour lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. Before mounting, it is essential to thoroughly review all safety instructions. If you are a beginner, it is strongly recommended to take a 100cc kart to familiarise yourself with the device and the course. The first round is a scouting round. Roll slowly, then gradually increase the speed. Driving a kart correctly is unique to everyone. After two or three laps, mastery of the apparatus begins to be felt.