Almost all visitors to Madagascar pass through its capital, Antananarivo (also known as ‘Tana’). Many continue straight on to discover the island’s characterful wildlife and striking landscapes, but it’s worth allowing a day to explore, as there are plenty of things to do in Antananarivo.
Spread across a series of hills in Madagascar’s central highlands, Antananarivo is a city of historic landmarks, lively markets and panoramic viewpoints. The Rova, royal tombs and old town offer an insight into the country’s history, while Lake Anosy, museums and local markets provide plenty more to explore. So, what do you need to know before you travel?
In this travel guide:
– Where Is Antananarivo Located?
– How to Get to Antananarivo
– Things to Do in Antananarivo
– Where to Eat in Antananarivo
– Where to Stay in Antananarivo
– When to Visit Antananarivo
– Quick Travel Facts
– Charitable Projects in Madagascar
Where is Antananarivo Located in Madagascar?
Antananarivo lies in Madagascar’s central highlands and is the country’s capital. Built across a series of hills, the city sits at an elevation of around 1,280 metres, giving it a cool climate.
Further Reading: Madagascar Travel Guide
How to Get to Antananarivo
Flights to Antananarivo operating from the UK touch down in Ivato, around 16km northwest of the city centre. You can choose between several major airlines, such as Ethiopian Airlines.
Things to Do in Antananarivo
Some of the best things to do in Antananarivo include visiting the city’s historical sites, markets, museums and parks – which we can add to your tailor-made itinerary.
The Rova is a royal complex/citadel. It was closed to the public for many years, but you can now visit the grounds. Allow an hour for a tour, during which you can see royal tombs and the chapel, plus learn about the Merina people’s local culture and history. Nearby, the Café du Musée is an excellent spot for exploring Madagascar’s cuisine.
Other Antananarivo tourist attractions which can be included on your city tour are Lake Anosy, local produce markets, the flower market and the historic train station. The latter grand building contains shops and an interesting café full of character and train nostalgia. Additionally, if you have more time, we recommend heading about 20 kilometres out of the city to Ambohimanga. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a sacred hill where you can visit the king’s house.
Birdwatchers will love a visit to Tsarasaotra, a privately owned park and lake that provides an important wetland habitat for observing species such as the white-faced whistling duck.
Where to Eat in Antananarivo
Antananarivo is home to a range of restaurants, from spots serving up fresh Malagasy cuisine to French-inspired eateries. Café du Musée, beside the Musée de la Photo in Andohalo, is a good option for lunch or coffee while exploring the old town, with a menu that showcases local flavours. For something more refined, Marais Restaurant plates up French cuisine with Malagasy produce. The restaurant at La Varangue is another popular choice, with dishes drawing on seasonal ingredients and Malagasy flavours.
Where to Stay in Antananarivo
Image Credit: La Varangue
You have plenty of options for hotels in Antananarivo, whether you’re staying in the city or passing through before an early flight to another part of the country. Relais des Plateaux Hotel & Spa is conveniently located just five minutes from Ivato International Airport and around 15 minutes from the city centre. For a more central stay, La Varangue is a boutique hotel in the historic city centre, with individually designed rooms furnished with antiques and locally inspired details. Radisson Blu Waterfront is another alternative, found in the modern Tana Waterfront business and entertainment district, and is ideal for airport convenience.
When to Visit Antananarivo
You can visit the capital at any time of the year.
Antananarivo’s weather is cooler than much of Madagascar because of its high elevation. The dry season, roughly May to October, brings generally drier weather and cooler temperatures, with chilly mornings and evenings during the winter months. November to April is warmer and wetter, with heavier rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. If you’re combining Tana with wildlife or other outdoor activities, your ideal time to visit will depend on the wider itinerary.
Quick Travel Facts
– Antananarivo is the largest city in Madagascar
– The Antananarivo time zone is East Africa Time (EAT), which is three hours ahead of GMT
– The city’s name means “Place of 1,000 Warriors”
– The population is 4+ million, when including the urban area and wider metropolitan area
– Antananarivo rises to 1,280 ft above sea level
Charitable Projects in Madagascar
Image credit: Money for Madagascar
If you have time during your stay in Antananarivo, you can visit charitable projects supported by Money for Madagascar (MfM) – a UK-registered charity that works with Malagasy communities.
Take Akany Avoko Faravohitra, for example. They provide a residential home for girls based in central Antananarivo. This includes accommodation, education and vocational training for young people who’ve been referred to the home, including through the courts.
Akany Avoko Ambohidratrimo similarly provides residential care, education and vocational training for children and young adults, including those with additional needs. The site has space for growing food and zebu cattle, while rainwater collection is also part of its facilities.
Money for Madagascar supports both projects, including ongoing work at Akany Avoko Ambohidratrimo. Every Rainbow booking to Madagascar includes a donation to MfM.
Visit Antananarivo with Rainbow
Speak with one of our Travel Specialists to start tailoring your trip to Madagascar. You can set aside a day to explore Antananarivo before heading out to discover the country's wealth of natural highlights.
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