Antananarivo Travel Guide

Dubbed, ‘City of a Thousand Warriors’, Antananarivo (Tana) is the capital and largest city in Madagascar. The city draws its name from an incident in Malagasy history when King Andrianjaka, who had called his people the Merina (highlanders), occupied the 12 sacred hills in the country. Although it still has it’s beautifully retained its natural charm, Antananarivo is a fast blooming city rapidly pacing towards modernity. It is Madagascar’s administrative, communications, and economic centre.

Antananarivo City View

Location
Antananarivo is nestled in the heart of the island length-wise, and 145 km away from the eastern coast. The city occupies an imposing position, set on the summit and slopes of a long and narrow rocky ridge, which extends north and south for about 4 km and rising at its highest point to about 200m above the extensive rice plain to the west, although the town is at about 1,275 m above sea level.
Getting Around
If you are planning to stay a few days in Antananarivo, you may organise some city tours to the capital’s tourist attractions and places. However, it is recommended to liaise with an expert tour operator for guidance in order to avoid unforeseen incidents.
Weather in Antananarivo
Antananarivo has a temperate climate which is pleasantly sunny and warm throughout the year. Summer is September – April; winter May – August; and the dry season (May-September). The dry season is usually warm and sunny, although it is sometimes chilly, especially during the nights, and in the mornings and evenings. Cyclones occur January – mid February.
Places in Antananarivo
Touring Antananarivo is the most rewarding experience to Madagascar holiday travellers. There are plenty to see and do in the city. If you are planning for Antananarivo Tours then you will have to devote a substantial amount of time for visiting all places including La Maison du Tourisme de Madagascar, Cheminements touristiques et Culturels d’Antananarivo, Queen’s Palace towers (One of the most impressive historical attractions in the city.), the Malagasy Academy, the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, several local craft villages such as the Saturday traditional market (Tsena Asabotsy), etc.
Nightlife in Antananarivo
Most common nightlife point is Hotel Glacier’s venue where both city dwellers and visitors catch a local band. For a livley nightlife in the city you can not miss places like Hotel Colbert, Radama and Madagascar Carlton. However, city visitors need to be warned of the widely scattered local prostitutes.
Best City Restaurants
La Boussole Art Café, Chez Sucett’s, Buffet Du Jardin, Hôtel De France Restaurant, Radama Hotel Restaurant, Ku Dé Ta, Buffet du Jardin, Shalimar
Antananarivo Hotels

• La Residence
• Hotel Royal Palissandre
• Hotel du Louvre
• Colbert Hotel
• Sunny Hotel Antananarivo
• Hotel Carlton
• Ibis Antananarivo Ankorondrano
• Sunny Garden Hotel