Madagascar's capital spreads across steep hillsides with French colonial buildings, traditional rice paddies, and a 17th-century royal palace overlooking the city from its highest point.
Antananarivo, Madagascar's capital city, sits 1,280 meters above sea level across several hills in the center of the island. You can walk through narrow cobblestone streets to reach the Rova palace complex, take photos of the heart-shaped Lake Anosy surrounded by purple jacaranda blooms in October, or visit the Tsimbazaza Zoo to see rare lemurs up close. At Croc Farm, you can feed Nile crocodiles and learn about local breeding programs, while the city's hillside restaurants let you try Madagascar's famous zebu beef while looking out over the rice paddies and neighborhoods below.
Getting to Antananarivo
Ivato International Airport (TNR) lies 15 kilometers from the city center, with direct flights from Air France, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and several regional carriers. You need a visa to enter Madagascar - initial visas last up to 60 days, and your passport must remain valid for six months after your departure date. Airport taxis charge 50,000-70,000 MGA to the city center, while local shared vans (taxi-be) cost 1,200 MGA for two seats.
Weather and Climate
The city's elevation of 1,300-1,400 meters keeps temperatures mild year-round, despite its tropical location. You can walk and explore comfortably in most seasons, with average daytime temperatures between 20-25°C (68-77°F).
Moving Around the City
You can get around Antananarivo by taxi, bus, or on foot. Taxis give you the most flexibility and security. Local shared minibuses (taxi-be) cost less but often fill up quickly. For trips outside the city, taxi-brousse (bush taxis) connect to other towns and cities.
Main Attractions
The Rova palace complex, built in the 17th-18th centuries, overlooks the city from its highest hill. While a 1990s fire damaged parts of the structure, you can still explore the stone gates and learn about Madagascar's royal history. At Lake Anosy, jacaranda trees bloom purple in October around the heart-shaped water. Visit the Andafiavaratra Palace to see artifacts from Madagascar's royal era, or head to Tsimbazaza Zoo to spot endemic species like ring-tailed lemurs and panther chameleons.
Markets and Shopping
At Analakely Market, vendors sell fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts throughout the day. The shops along Avenue de L'Indépendance occupy 1930s colonial buildings, where you'll find textiles, jewelry, and local art. Start negotiations at markets with about half the initial asking price.
Food Scene
Le Grill du Rova serves grilled zebu steaks and local rice dishes while overlooking the city's hills. Many restaurants combine Malagasy ingredients with French cooking techniques. Try fresh litchi juice, grilled fish, or hot bowls of ravitoto (pounded cassava leaves with pork) at local markets.
Safety and Practical Tips
If you don't speak French, hire a guide to help navigate the city. Exchange money only at official banks or exchange offices, especially at the airport. Remember that Madagascar Ariary can't be converted outside the country, so plan your currency exchange accordingly.
