ANTANANARIVO & AROUND
Antananarivo is the capital city of Madagascar and thus the place where most trips start or end. 'Tana, as it is locally known, was built around a ridge, a good vantage point to keep an eye on approaching enemies, and for the king to keep an eye on all his wives. Built on three levels, the fort and Royal Palace (known as the rova) and associated Royal Village sit on the highest level, known as La Haute Ville. Sadly, the rova is in ruins today, but it is being painstakingly restored to its former glory. La Haute Ville is inhabited by historically noble families and is tranquil in comparison to downtown Tana. The intermediate level is where boutiques and shops can be found, and on the lowest level are the market of Analakely, the Tsimbazaza Zoological & Botanical Garden and Lake Anosy and its monument in the middle of the waters. It is possible to do a city tour of all three levels, giving you the full 'Tana experience.
Tana developed outwards from the rova and its architecture today is a jumble of various styles and influences, with narrow alleys and staircases criss-crossing the slopes of the hills which the city is built on. It is a city of contrasts as traditional markets mix with French cathedrals and modern skyscrapers sit alongside traditional buildings with an Indonesian flair.
Indonesian flair has also made its way into Madagascar's cuisine, which is a curios blend of Asian, African and french. For those who call themselves foodies, cooking classes are available and are rather popular, along with chocolate making courses.
The royal hill of Ambohimanga is a traditional fortified settlement (rova) just outside of Antananarivo. The hill is strongly associated with the cultural identity and pride of the Malagasy people. If you want to get a good idea of the psyche and culture of the Malagasy, you must visit Ambohimanga. The walled site consists of royal palaces and is the burial site of several pre-colonial monarchs who all played a big hand in shaping the history of Madagascar.
Situated only 22km from Antananarivo is where you can see your first lemurs, one of the biggest attractions of Madagascar. Lemur Park is a conservation area seeking to educate people about this cool looking primate. There are 9 species of lemur here which all freely wonder around the gardens. Most of them were confiscated from people keeping them as pets and the staff at Lemur Park work hard to reintroduce them into the wild.
Tana developed outwards from the rova and its architecture today is a jumble of various styles and influences, with narrow alleys and staircases criss-crossing the slopes of the hills which the city is built on. It is a city of contrasts as traditional markets mix with French cathedrals and modern skyscrapers sit alongside traditional buildings with an Indonesian flair.
Indonesian flair has also made its way into Madagascar's cuisine, which is a curios blend of Asian, African and french. For those who call themselves foodies, cooking classes are available and are rather popular, along with chocolate making courses.
The royal hill of Ambohimanga is a traditional fortified settlement (rova) just outside of Antananarivo. The hill is strongly associated with the cultural identity and pride of the Malagasy people. If you want to get a good idea of the psyche and culture of the Malagasy, you must visit Ambohimanga. The walled site consists of royal palaces and is the burial site of several pre-colonial monarchs who all played a big hand in shaping the history of Madagascar.
Situated only 22km from Antananarivo is where you can see your first lemurs, one of the biggest attractions of Madagascar. Lemur Park is a conservation area seeking to educate people about this cool looking primate. There are 9 species of lemur here which all freely wonder around the gardens. Most of them were confiscated from people keeping them as pets and the staff at Lemur Park work hard to reintroduce them into the wild.
where to stay...
From our visits to Antananarivo, we have first-hand knowledge of the hotels and guesthouses in and below you can find the ones we most commonly use. Those include mainly our favourites sorted from low-key to deluxe, which are usually smaller properties with very personalised service, but also some bigger places, if they are the best or only option available. Open, close, then open each tab again to display the images fully.
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Le Combava Hotel & Restaurant
Le Pavillon de l'Emyrne
Tamboho Hotel
Grand urban hotel
RELAIS DES PLATEAUX
PALISSANDRE HOTEL & SPA
MAISON GALLIENI
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To see some itinerary suggestions please click through the different Madagascar destination pages
or to request a bespoke itinerary, please click below.
or to request a bespoke itinerary, please click below.
