a scenic view of a valley with a lake in the distance
a view of a valley with a river running through it
aerial view of city buildings during daytime
A view of a small village on a hill
a view of a city from a hill

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.

About Antananarivo

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.

Nature
90
Urban
85
Adventure
75
Culture
70
Winter
70

Top 5 highlights in Antananarivo

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Rova (Royal Palace)

On the highest hill of the city — the former palace of the Merina kings with panoramic views over Tana.

2

Lemurs' Park

Only 22 km from Tana: nature reserve with 9 species of lemurs in the wild — the perfect introduction.

3

Analakely Market

The bustling heart of the city — spices, vanilla, raffia baskets, and tropical fruits in a tight space.

4

Tsimbazaza Zoo & Botanical Garden

Madagascar's most important zoo with lemurs, fossas, and the unique flora of the island.

5

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

Best time to travel for Antananarivo

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?

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

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4 travel tips 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.

Food & drink in Antananarivo

These specialties you must try!

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.
Suitable for:LemursUniqueBiodiversityVanillaHighlandsAdventureRemote

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