Antananarivo is the capital city of the African country of Madagascar. It is a great place to visit if you want to be right in the middle of seemingly non-stop activity. The busy market scene is the best place to describe the energy of the city. In the market, you will find all sorts of goodies and even strange products, such as live animals. You have to go through this bustling crowd with your own brand of energy; however, the markets can be noisy and the goods can be intermixed with unlikely neighbors. For example, electronics can be wedged next to bamboo products. Antananarivo is home to about a million and a half people according to the latest measurement.
Immersing into the Antananarivo scene must be done with an active, healthy body. Everything seems to be bustling with energy. Unfortunately, this also means bumper-to-bumper traffic. This in turn means, in the case of Antananarivo, pollution coming from the spewing vehicles. Amidst the chaos, you can find several gems such as its fifty churches; some are mosques and cathedrals. Still, experiencing these examples of historical architecture is best done when you actually mingle with the throng of locals and tourists.
You will arrive in Antananarivo on the Ivato Airport. Note that this airport is completely different from what you may be used to. To get around the city, you can ride a bus or a taxi. However, you can also have a little bit of workout by walking around the city. If you choose going around on foot, you reward yourself with being closer to where the action is at all times. Do not worry: Antananarivo does not heat up as much as other African cities. The temperature range is from 48 degrees Fahrenheit to about 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
You will need a visa to stay for up to three months. You will need to present your travel itinerary, passport, passport photo and filled-out form. If you are planning to stay for more than three months, you have to file your request at the Embassy of Madagascar in Washington.
