MG
Antananarivo
Madagascar’s hilly highland capital, crowned by the Queen’s Palace
Madagascar’s hilly highland capital, crowned by the Queen’s Palace
The royal compound on the city’s highest hill was badly damaged by fire in 1995 and has been restored. The views over the city are the best in Tana.
Opening varies with restoration work; check before you go.
Photo: EnfesDino, CC BY-SA 4.0
A heart-shaped lake in the city centre with a First World War memorial. In October and November the jacaranda trees around it bloom purple.
Photo: Philstone, CC BY-SA 3.0
The busy lower town around Independence Avenue has markets, street stalls and the old railway station.
Watch for pickpockets in crowded markets.
Photo: Cactus0625, CC BY-SA 4.0
About 20 km north, this sacred royal hill with a wooden palace and old fortifications is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photo: Heinonlein, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try romazava (a beef and greens stew), ravitoto (pork with cassava leaves), mofo gasy (rice cakes) and zebu steak.
Restaurants in the upper town and Isoraka serve Malagasy and French food at modest prices.
Most international flights arrive at Ivato Airport in Antananarivo. Domestic flights are often rescheduled, and roads are slow, so allow buffer days. Ivato Airport is about 15 km from the centre, but traffic can make the trip take an hour or more.
Use taxis booked through your hotel rather than walking at night. Most visitors need a visa, available online or on arrival for short stays; check current rules and fees before you travel.
Madagascar uses the ariary (MGA). Cash is king outside cities; ATMs are found in larger towns, and some lodges and tours price in euros. Park entry fees and guide fees are charged separately at national parks.
Prices are approximate; check current rates.
History and markets.
Visit the Rova, walk down through the upper town to Lake Anosy, then explore Analakely market.
Visit the royal hill of Ambohimanga, or Lemurs’ Park west of the city.
Do not walk around after dark; use a taxi.
Allow plenty of time to reach the airport.
Withdraw ariary at bank ATMs in daylight.
Avoid demonstrations and monitor local news.
Quick answers for planning time in Antananarivo.
Take care: petty crime is common, so avoid walking at night and stay away from demonstrations.
About 15 km, but traffic can make the trip take over an hour.
The former royal palace complex of the Merina kingdom, on the city’s highest hill.
Yes, it is a UNESCO-listed royal hill about 20 km north of the city.
April to November, during the dry season.
French and Malagasy are the main languages; English is limited outside hotels.
Free
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