Holiday in Antananarivo
City in Madagaskar — tips, highlights & best time to visit
Country
Madagaskar
Type
City
Best time to travel
April to October — dry season, cooler in the highlands (15-25°C). November to March is the rainy season with cyclone risk.
Budget/day
Getting there from Germany
Flight from Paris (Air France/Air Madagascar) to Antananarivo (TNR), total from Germany approximately 14-18 hours.
Deals for Antananarivo:
What makes Antananarivo special as a destination?
Antananarivo — affectionately called "Tana" by locals — is the capital of Madagascar and is situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters on several hills in the central highlands. The city, with its rice terraces, French colonial villas, and the Rova royal palace on the highest hill, offers an unexpected mix of African and Asian influences — Madagascar was originally settled by Austronesians. Tana is the gateway to one of the world's most unique ecologies: 90% of Madagascar's flora and fauna is found nowhere else on Earth, including the famous lemurs, chameleons, and baobabs. The island broke away from Africa 88 million years ago and has since developed its own ecosystem. The Analakely market is the vibrant center, and the surrounding lemur parks offer first encounters with these unique primates.
What are the top highlights in Antananarivo?
The top highlights in Antananarivo include Rova (Royal Palace), Lemurs' Park, Analakely Market, Tsimbazaza Zoo & Botanical Garden, Ambohimanga.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Rova (Royal Palace)
On the highest hill of the city — the former palace of the Merina kings with panoramic views over Tana.
Lemurs' Park
Only 22 km from Tana: nature reserve with 9 species of lemurs in the wild — the perfect introduction.
Analakely Market
The bustling heart of the city — spices, vanilla, raffia baskets, and tropical fruits in a tight space.
Tsimbazaza Zoo & Botanical Garden
Madagascar's most important zoo with lemurs, fossas, and the unique flora of the island.
Ambohimanga
UNESCO World Heritage Site: The sacred hill of the Merina kings, 21 km north — the spiritual heart of Madagascar.
Hotels in Antananarivo
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Reise-SIM für Antananarivo
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Antananarivo?
The best time to visit Antananarivo is April to October — dry season, cooler in the highlands (15-25°C). November to March is the rainy season with cyclone risk.. 16-27°C, rainy season Nov-Mar In winter: 10-22°C, dry and cooler
Recommended travel time
April to October — dry season, cooler in the highlands (15-25°C). November to March is the rainy season with cyclone risk.
Summer
16-27°C, rainy season Nov-Mar
Winter
10-22°C, dry and cooler
How much does a holiday in Antananarivo cost?
Budget travellers: 20-35 €/day, mid-range: /day, luxury: 90-250 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
20-35 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
90-250 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Antananarivo?
Flight from Paris (Air France/Air Madagascar) to Antananarivo (TNR), total from Germany approximately 14-18 hours.
Book a package holiday to Antananarivo
Compare thousands of package holidays to Antananarivo and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Antananarivo?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Visa in advance: E-Visa or Visa on Arrival possible (37 €/30 days). Bring proof of yellow fever vaccination.
Buy vanilla: Madagascar produces 80% of the world's vanilla — extremely cheap and of premium quality here.
Lemur parks: Andasibe-Mantadia (3h east) for Indri lemurs or Ranomafana for golden bamboo lemurs.
Roads are poor: Overland roads are often in bad condition — plan travel times generously, 4WD recommended.
What should you eat in Antananarivo?
Typical specialities in Antananarivo: Romazava — Madagascar's national dish: a stew of meat, brèdes (leafy greens), and tomatoes — served with rice., Ravitoto — mashed cassava leaves with pork and coconut milk — a hearty classic., Mofo Gasy — sweet rice cakes, freshly baked on the street in the morning — the typical breakfast of Tana., Zebu steak — Madagascar's humpback cattle — grilled with rice and rougail sauce, found all over the island., Rhum Arrangé — homemade rum with vanilla, lychee, or pineapple — Madagascar's most popular digestif..
These specialties you must try!
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