Location: Island in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique.
Capital: Antananarivo
Tourist Attractions: Madagascar is famous for beaches and forests teeming with exotic wildlife. Tourist attractions in Madagascar include the city of Antananarivo, famous for its French culture and architecture; Ambohimanga (Blue Hill), the original capital of the Merina royal family; Nosy Be, the most popular island resort in Madagascar; Parc National de L'Isalo (national park); and Parc National de Ranomafana (national park). Other must visit attractions include Mantasoa, a popular picnic spot; Ampefy, a volcanic region with spectacular waterfalls and geysers; Ranomafana, a thermal spa; Mananjary, a popular beach resort; and Montagne d’Arbre (national park) famous for its orchids and lemurs. Tourists can also enjoy activities like river rafting, trekking, hiking, skin-diving, fishing, sailing, sea bathing, scuba diving, and water-skiing. Pony-trekking is also possible.
Access: There are regular flights from Madagascar to the Comoro Islands, Kenya, Mauritius, Reunion, the Seychelles and Tanzania. Many other airlines connect Madagascar to various destinations in Europe and other countries of Africa. Air France operates direct flights from Paris to Antananarivo.
Climate: Madagascar enjoys a hot and subtropical climate, changing according to the altitude and becoming colder in the mountains. There are two seasons in Madagascar – a rainy season (November to March) with violent storms and cyclones, and a dry season (April to October).