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Imagine Africa  >  Destinations  >  Madagascar  >  Antananarivo
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Antananarivo

Antananarivo, often shortened to Tana, is the capital of Madagascar and lies at the heart of the island. A vibrant city, trips to Madagascar will often begin and end here and it is sometimes necessary to overnight here between different regions too. Built over 12 hills, Antananarivo has a certain charm with its colourful buildings and is dominated on the highest hill by the queen’s palace.

When to go

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Antananarivo is Madagascar’s capital and situated almost centrally in the country, its name literally means ‘city of a thousand’ as it is thought that during the reign of the Merina kingdom a thousand warriors guarded it. Tana is very much a hub for flights between different parts of the country, but is still worth exploring in its own right, rather than just treating it as a convenient overnight stop.

With its colonial charm and colourful buildings, Tana is an enticing city, although to first-time visitors can feel frenetic with the chaotic traffic and obvious poverty. The city is built across 12 sacred hills with a difference of 200m between its lowest and highest points, with the ruins of the queen’s palace, or rova, dominating the skyline. Although the palace was destroyed by fire, it is still possible to visit the grounds as well as the royal tombs and bath which is worthwhile. Another cultural experience is a hands-on traditional Malagasy cooking class which is the perfect way to interact with locals and sample the island’s cuisine. One of the greatest charms of Antananarivo is the strong feeling of it being a cultural melting pot thanks to the island’s historical ties to France, the African mainland and Asia. The outskirts of town are a patchwork of paddy fields with zebu and carts and taxi-brousses jostling for position, providing a gloriously exotic charm.

Tana is my favourite African city. Why? Because the people, language, food, religion, history, and architecture is all a fascinating and eclectic mixture of cultures, including South East Asian, African, Indian, Arabian and European influences.


Matt Gammon
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Antananarivo, Madagascar

Au Bois Vert is a charming small hotel located in a peaceful forest setting just outside Madagascar's capital Antananarivo. Comfortable accommodation and a lovely swimming pool make Au Bois Vert a great escape from the bustle of Antananarivo.

Au Bois Vert

Antananarivo, Madagascar

Lokanga Boutique Hotel is a quirky 1930s-style hotel located on Antananarivo’s royal hill. Boasting panoramic city views and friendly helpful staff, Lokanga Boutique Hotel makes an ideal starting point for a Madagascar adventure.

Lokanga Boutique Hotel

Antananarivo, Central Madagascar

Le Pavillon de L’Emyrne is a refined, characterful hotel in the heart of Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo. Elegantly furnished in a colonial style, with views of the royal hill, Le Pavillon de L’Emyrne is an ideal choice for exploring the city.

Le Pavillon de l’Emyrne

Antananarivo, Madagascar

The Grand Hotel Urban is one of Antananarivo's newest and chicest hotels with 45 rooms in the heart of the city. Perfect for those looking for a comfortable stay in a modern setting you can easily explore the city's sights from the hotel.

Grand Hotel Urban

Antananarivo, Madagascar

Relais des Plateaux is a comfortable well-run mid-range hotel conveniently close both to Antananarivo and the airport. Relais des Plateaux is an ideal place to relax by the pool and recharge before or after a trip around Madagascar.

Relais des Plateaux

Antananarivo, Madagascar

Hotel Colbert is a four star business hotel with 140 rooms and suites located in the embassy district of Antananarivo, Madagascar's capital, close to many of Antananarivo's attractions, making it a perfect base from which to explore this fascinating city.

Hotel Colbert

Antananarivo, Madagascar

Palissandre Hotel & Spa is an excellently located contemporary hotel located on a hillside overlooking Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo. Palissandre Hotel & Spa is a good value base to explore the city, with a great restaurant and friendly staff.

Palissandre Hotel & Spa

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Andasibe-Mantadia, Antananarivo, Antsirabe, Ranomafana National Park, Isalo National Park, Ifaty

Taking in the highlights of Madagascar, this is the perfect adventure for those in search of lemurs with the chance to explore incredible rainforests, rugged canyons and the beautiful coast at Ifaty - there could be few better ways to explore Madagascar.

12 nights from $4403 per person Highlights, Imagine Favourites, Wildlife

Classic Madagascar

Parc National d’Andasibe-Mantadia, Antananarivo, Tsarabanjina

Explore the eastern rainforest at Andasibe and go in search of lemurs, including the indri - the largest of the species - before enjoying exceptional diving and snorkelling on the luxurious private island of Tsarabanjina.

12 nights from $4780 per person Beach, Diving, Honeymoon

Madagascar Honeymoon

Antananarivo, Amber Mountain, Ankarana Reserve, Nosy Be

Take in the highlights of Northern Madagascar on this trip taking in the impressive landscapes of Amber Mountain and Ankarana. Wonderful wildlife viewing is on offer before the chance to relax by the turquoise ocean at Nosy Komba.

11 nights from $4151 per person Highlights, Spectacular scenery, Beach

Northern Highlights

Masoala Forest, Madagascar

Combine a wonderful wildlife and rainforest experience with the chance to relax on the beach at the unique Masoala Forest Lodge on the peninsula in the north-east of Madagascar. There are plenty of activities on offer including whale-watching in season.

5 nights from $4340 per person Beach, Off the beaten track, Wildlife

Masoala Adventure Itinerary

Antananarivo, Morondava. Bekopaka

Explore the relatively untouched wild west of Madagascar, filled with dramatic landscapes of tsingy and the Avenue des Baobabs, as well as Madagascar's famous wildlife such as the lemurs and fossa.

7 nights from $3900 per person Spectacular scenery, Wildlife, Off the beaten track

The Wild West

Andasibe-Mantadia, Antananarivo & Anjajavy

Explore the primary rainforests of Madagascar in search of the island’s weird and wonderful wildlife; looking out for lemurs, chameleons and geckos, before jetting off to the paradise coastal hideaway of Anjajavy - the perfect place to relax.

12 nights from $7800 per person Wildlife, Beach, Imagine Favourites

Eastern Rainforests and Anjajavy

Mandrare River and Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest

An exciting Madagascan adventure staying in two of our favourite properties, this is the perfect exploration of southern Madagascar. Combining wonderful wildlife, rainforests and a beach retreat, there's plenty to see here, from lemurs to humpback whales.

8 nights from $9938 per person Beach, Imagine Favourites, Off the beaten track

Exclusive Southern Madagascar

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Antananarivo, Madagascar

Ambohimanga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 21kms from the capital. Still revered by many Malagasy, this sacred hill and traditional fort settlement and palace gives a fantastic insight in to Malagasy culture and history.

Ambohimanga

Antananarivo, Madagascar

Lemur Park is the ideal location for those visiting Madagascar who may not have time to see lemurs in the wild. A 5 ha reserve planted with various endemic plant species from across Madagascar is home to 9 lemur species, many of which are rehabilitated.

Lemur park

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Inspiration

Au Bois Vert

Guide to how Madagascar works

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