Historical Landmarks
Discover the ancient palace grounds and the history behind the royal monarchies that once ruled the capital city, at the sites of Ambohimanga and Rova - Le Palais de la Reine.
Antananarivo, also known as Tana, is the capital and largest city of Madagascar. Its 18 Malagasy ethnic groups make up the city’s population of 1.3 million. As the political, cultural and economic heart of Madagascar, it is home to many universities, hospitals and art venues. The influences of European and Eastern colonialists are evident in its architecture and cuisine.
Cheap flights to Antananarivo are now available for a limited time only, so book your flight today and prepare to be excited and intrigued by this colourful and charismatic city! Antananarivo is home to Ivato International Airport (TNR), a 40 minute drive from the city centre.
Flight Route | Airline | Trip Type | Travel Dates | Searched | Price From |
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Discover the ancient palace grounds and the history behind the royal monarchies that once ruled the capital city, at the sites of Ambohimanga and Rova - Le Palais de la Reine.
The Tsimbazaza Zoo boasts an array of exotic birds and wildlife, while a day trip to Madagascar Exotic allows you get up close to lemurs and giant chameleons.
Spoil yourself with authentic souvenirs and hand-crafts from the central Analakely market, while a scenic drive to Andravoahangy leads you to an outdoor artisan market-place sporting rare gems and colourful fabrics.
Essential details you need to know before your trip
Country | Madagascar |
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Currency | Malagasy Ariary (MGA) |
Language | Malagasy / French |
Hub Airport | Ivato International Airport (TNR) |
Airline | Air Madagascar |
Time Zone | GMT + 03:00 |
Travel Adaptor | Type C / E / K |
The best time to visit Antananarivo is during the winter season, occurring between April and October. The climate is cool, dry and generally quite pleasant. The world-renowned Madajazzcar Music Festival is a highlight in October, drawing many visitors from Africa and surrounding countries. The intense summer from November to March brings strong heatwaves and hurricanes, making it an unpleasant time to go.
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Low °C | 17°C | 17°C | 16°C | 15°C | 13°C | 11°C | 10°C | 10°C | 11°C | 13°C | 15°C | 16°C |
High °C | 28°C | 26°C | 25°C | 25°C | 23°C | 21°C | 20°C | 21°C | 23°C | 25°C | 26°C | 26°C |
Rainfall (mm) | 270 | 257 | 183 | 51 | 20 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 10 | 67 | 171 | 304 |
This colonial city of Madagascar has a rustic charm that truly makes it a place of wonder and discovery. The city’s quaint buildings, characterized by red terracotta roofs, express the diverse influences of French, English, Portuguese and Arabic cultures that have infiltrated its cuisine, architecture and landscapes.
Antananarivo’s markets are a great place to see the locals in action, so set aside a good few hours to wonder around the main market area, where you’ll find some very unusual produce. Madagascan green peppercorns in brine or locally grown vanilla pods are popular souvenirs. Cafés and patisseries line the streets, so pop in and revel in the aromas of distinct French flavours.
For a taste of Madagascan wildlife, visit the Antananarivo Lemur Park, the Croc Farm and Tsimbazaza Zoo. Madagascar Exotic is a bit of a drive from central Antananarivo, but the wildlife centre has a fantastic array of exotic creatures, and is well worth the trip.
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