- How many hours flight from Paris?

11hrs30mins.

- What language is spoken in Madagascar?

Malagasy is the official language. Madagascar also speaks good French, at least in towns and depending on its history. English is also increasingly spoken in the larger towns.

- What of the politics?

Democratic Republic with a President. The President of the Republic of Madagascar since 2002 is Marc Ravalomanana.

- Is there still a political crisis?

No, the political situation has been stable for 3 years.

- Poverty:

Madagascar is very poor. You will come across adult and child beggars in the largest towns, especially in Antananarivo, the capital.

- Health risks:

Hotel infrastructure is improving, however, someone with weak health or those with children under 8 years are advised not to come to Madagascar.

- Chikungunya, dengue and malaria:

Some cases of chikungunya and dengue were found over the past few months but the situation seems to be improving. The government has largely controlled the situation. Malaria is present all over the island especially the East coast. It is advised to protect oneself from mosquitoes everywhere, during the day as well as at night.

- What should I pack?

Good shoes for walking, cotton clothes, a hat, sunglasses, sun cream (the sun is very strong in the Indian Ocean), anti-mosquito products, some string.

- What can I bring for associations and NGOs?

Clothes, books, pens and crayons, medicines.

- Currency:

The local currency is the Ariary, Euros, travellers cheques and VISA cards can be used.

- Security:

As in all countries, certain areas (alleyways and dark parts of towns) should be avoided. You should also avoid displaying jewellery and photographic equipment. You should not carry these around using the neck strap.

- Air madagascar flights:

Air Madagascar is a good air company allowing international and national travel. It's the only company operating nationally. Its internal flights are daily and some larger town have several flights per day.

- Travel by train:

The only journey possible for tourists is the section linking Fianarantsoa to Manakara. This is the only train that can take passengers, all the other trains in Madagascar carry goods only.

- Private charter planes:

Several private charter companies exist in Madagascar, allowing flights over a particular area or to have a holiday with short hops by private plane ( as is practices in Southern Africa). All these companies are safe and have the required authorisations to fly.

- What type of hotels are there?

The hotel industry in Madagascar is developing slowly. The lack of infrastructure means you have to make your reservations as early as possible. All the categories of hotel can be found in Madagascar broadly speaking, however in certain areas, only the basic standards or a hostel may be available.

- What are the roads like?

While the main roads are of tarmac, you must allow 3 hours to do 150km. Avoid dirt tracks. Why go fast? Admire the scenery!

- Are the roads practicable the year round?

Areas with tarmac roads can be used all the year, that is the roads going south, north, east and to Majunga. Area with dirt roads are only possible to visit between June and November.

- The best time to visit Madagascar:

In terms of climate, the best time is between April and November; it is not too hot and is by and large dry. The low season for tourism is between January and June (except for Easter).

- What can I bring back home after a stay in Madagascar?

Crafts (wicker-work, woodwork, precious stones, articles made of rapphia, etc.). Tourists are allowed to bring 2 kgs of vanilla per person.

- What religions can be found in Madagascar?

Various degrees of Ancestor worship can be found across about half of the population, Catholicism and Protestantism are equally distributed. Muslim communities are found mainly in the western areas of the country.