Antananarivo (Antananarivo, "the city of a thousand warriors") is the capital of Madagascar, which the locals call simply and affectionately - Tana. The city is located at altitudes from 1240 to 1470 meters, in a valley between two hills, where low houses rise on their slopes, forming a veritable labyrinth of alleys, arches, terraces, balconies and stairs. Here is the international airport that takes the majority of flights from abroad.

Banks and exchange offices

The best rate is offered by the "exchangers" at the airport. Banks, as a rule, work from 8:00 to noon and from 15:00 to 18:00. Each branch has ATMs that accept Visa cards, but they all close for lunch and overnight. A 24-hour cash machine is available at the Madagascar Hilton.

In addition, you can withdraw cash from banks: the Bank of Africa (Ave de l'Indépendance and (Place de l'Indépendance), which also accepts MasterCard; BFV-SG (Ave de l'Indépendance and Ave Ramanantsoa) - travel- checks and transfers Western Union BMOI (Place de l'Indépendance) - Traveler's checks, BNI-CL (Ave 26 Juin 1960) - Traveler's checks and Visa, Sociwad Bureau de Change (Rue Radama I), UCB (Rue des 77 Parlementaires Français) - Traveler's checks, Visa and MasterCard service.

Climate Antananarivo

March 1, Sunday Cloudy with a thin sky +27 ° С in the afternoon +19 ° C at night ° С water	March 2, Monday Partly cloudy, light rain +26 ° С in the afternoon +19 ° C at night ° С water	March 3, Tuesday Cloudy, heavy rain, thunderstorm +22 ° С in the afternoon +19 ° C at night ° С water
Antananarivo weather forecast 10 day |

Transport to Antananarivo

Airport Antananarivo "Iwatu" is located 20 km from the city center. Getting to the city is cheaper by bus-shuttle, the schedule of which is arranged for arrivals and departures at the airport. The cost depends on the distance (where exactly you will go) and ranges from 5,000 to 13,000 MGA. Even cheaper than the minibus - only 400 MGA, but they are often crowded and stop at almost every intersection. Finally, for lovers of comfort, there are taxis at a price ranging from 30,000 to 40,000 MGA.

You can travel around the capital in three ways: by taxi, bus or on foot. Taxi - the most popular form of transport, the fare must be specified in advance (~ 10 000 MGA). Buses (or taxi-bi) to Antananarivo are quite comfortable mini-veins, the fare at which ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 MGA. In the center of the city, the Analakely area, there are traffic jams at the peak hour, at this time it will be easier to walk.

Most bus stops are located in the Ave de l'Indépendance street in the city center.

Shopping and shopping

On Fridays, artisans and merchants from all over the city and the surrounding area flock to Antananarivo: the famous "zoom" begins, the fair on the city's main street. When buying processed emeralds should always take from the seller a certificate - it will be required at the customs house .All products from the representatives of the Malagasy flora and fauna (including dried flowers) will also require for export of the availability of export certificates, which must be received at the time of purchase .It should be borne in mind that the vast majority of souvenirs of this kind, sold in markets and souvenir shops, are manufactured illegally and therefore does not have any certificates .Buy them a tourist at risk of running into a big enough penalty .The To buy souvenirs and local delicacies, you need to go to the Zuma market - this is one of the largest open-air markets in the world. Also worth a look in the shopping quarter of Analakeli, the gallery of Yerden and the market of handicraft products in the Andruvuhangi district.

Entertainment, excursions and attractions in Antananarivo

The main attraction of the capital is the magnificent ensemble of the palaces of Rouva Ambuchimanga: the "double palace" of Manzakamiadan, Mahicilafanzak, Tranavaluna, Manampisoa and the tomb of Madagascar monarchs .And also: the presidential palace and the complex of ministerial buildings, the palace of the Prime Minister, the buildings of the National Library, the "channel area" of Antoukhumadinika, the Izourri Theater on Raketamanga Street, the Tsimbazaza Park with the magnificent Botanical Garden, the museums of archeology and paleontology, the colorful Besareti garden in the Andravuhangi quarter, Anousi lake with a monument to the participants of the First World War and Krok-Farm near the airport Iwate .The Photo by Antananarivo (7)