Getting There & Away
Flights from Europe depart from France and Italy via Air Madagascar, Air France and Corsair.

Getting Around
There are any number of ways to get around Madagascar, including “pousse-pousse” or rickshaw in the flatter towns and “taxis-brousses” (bush taxis) in rural areas. Taxis-brousses are the most popular and cheapest way to get around, and the term is generic to cover any form of public transport that is not a bus or minibus. Air Madagascar, the national carrier has an excellent network to over 60 cities and towns.

Climate
Madagascar is home to a number of microclimates. Overall, Madagascar's tropical climate brings hot, wet weather in the summer (November to March), when the flora blooms and the fauna is at its most active. Winter (April-October) is drier and milder, with daytime temperatures averaging a pleasant 25°C in the central highlands and 30°C on the coast. The East of Madagascar suffers from cyclones in February and March.


Health
Take precautions against malaria (a resistance to chloroquine has been reported) and hepatitis A, B and E. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is common but can be avoided by steering clear of swimming in fresh water. Swimming pools which are well-chlorinated and maintained are safe. A yellow fever and cholera vaccination certificate may be required if you have come from, or passed through, an infected area.

Travel Documents
Visas are required by everyone travelling to Madagascar and are usually issued for a 30 day stay period. Visas usually run around 40 Euros and can be purchased at the airport in Antananarivo.

Electricity
220V AC, 50Hz, two-pin plugs are standard.

Dialling Code
+261 then local number

Currency
Ariary (MGA) is the currency. Malagasy francs, which were replaced in 2005, are exchangeable until 2009. The approximate rate for the Euro is 2 400 Ariary

Time
GMT + 3

Useful Links
National Board of Tourism in Madagascar
http://www.madagascar-tourisme.com/