Фотогалерея ‒ Antananarivo, Madagascar

Guide to Antananarivo

Virtual tour in Antananarivo

Antananarivo (or simply Tana, as the locals call it) is the capital of Madagascar. You should visit here to explore the royal palaces, haggle with vendors at the Zuma market (one of the largest in the world!), and enjoy interactions with the adorable lemurs, which can be found in numerous reserves and parks.

Food enthusiasts, don't miss the chance to try dishes that you won't find in restaurants in other countries, like zebu meat steak. Fresh juices made from exotic fruits such as lychee, guava, annona, and carosol are also popular here. For those who appreciate spirits, tasting the local rum is highly recommended.

For beach lovers, it's better to choose one of the neighboring islands, such as Nosy Be or St. Mary. Interestingly, St. Mary was a pirate base in the XVII century, from where many attacks on merchant ships coming from India originated.

Madagascar's beaches offer more than just swimming and sunbathing; you can also engage in water sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing. The best waves for extreme surfers can be found in the southwest of Madagascar, along the coast from Fort Dauphin to Morombe. Experienced surfers often choose spots like Ankaninoof, Corre, and Flame balls.

Photos of Antananarivo

Tips for tourists

As souvenirs from Madagascar you can bring spices, jewelry with precious stones, locally produced rum and wooden figurines.
Respect the traditions of Madagascar. Foreigners are not allowed to enter sacred places where locals believe the souls of ancestors dwell.
If you are invited as a guest or plan to visit the necropolis, it is worth preparing a gift: tobacco, a bottle of quality alcohol or food.
Population
2.61 million
Time zone
UTC+3
Language
Malagasy, French
Currency
Ariari (MGA)

Interesting places in Antananarivo

The resort of Antananarivo is conveniently used as a starting point for excursions around Madagascar. Be sure to visit one of the lemur sanctuaries, as these eye-catching animals are one of the country's trademarks! The city itself is convenient to walk around on foot, including in the route sights of interest to you. Shopping enthusiasts should check out one of the colorful local markets, while the bars and clubs of Antananarivo await those with a thriving nightlife.

Sights

Travel budget

Flight ticket prices

From a major Eastern European city to Antananarivo with one connection, you will be taken by Air France. Round-trip tickets cost from 1700 USD, and the trip will take 16-27 hours. Airlines like KLM and Flydubai offer flights with two connections, while UIA and British Airways have flights with three connections. The minimum price for round-trip tickets is about 1300 USD.

The best hotels in Antananarivo

When choosing a hotel in Madagascar's capital, look not at the number of stars, but at the reviews of tourists. The price level and accommodation conditions do not always correspond to each other, so there are real chances to rent a luxury room for 30 USD per night or to be disappointed by paying much more. The best hotels according to travelers are Carlton Hotel, Sunny Hotel Antananarivo, Grand Hotel du Louvre, Ibis Antananarivo Ankorondrano, Sunny Garden, Hotel Restaurant La Ribaudiere.

Learn more about the cost of accommodation in Antananarivo

The cost of vacation

Vacation in Antananarivo will definitely not be cheap, because only for round-trip airfare you will spend more than 2500 USD for two people. But the owners of a modest budget should not be upset and put a cross on their dream, because with the right approach to planning a trip you can fit into any amount. The main task is to save on the flight, trying to pay for it as early as possible. But accommodation, meals in local cafes and excursions around Antananarivo can afford every traveler.

The budget for a trip to Antananarivo
Visa from 60 USD Flight from 2600 USD
Accomodation from 30 USD per day Average check in a restaurant from 7000 MGA (about 2.5 USD)
Transportation fare from 1000 MGA (about 0.33 USD) Excursion from 212120 MGA (about 70 USD)
Total: About 3395 USD for a week for two people, including two meals a day and at least one excursion per day.

Antananarivo: tips for tourists

Madagascar is an exotic country, so it's a good idea to prepare carefully. With tripmydream, your Antananarivo vacation will be hassle-free!

Visa to Antananarivo

You can get an entry permit at the airport upon arrival by presenting your passport, return tickets and paying the fee. A visa for 30 days costs about 30 USD, for 90 days - about 50 USD.

Antananarivo Airport

Ivato Airport is located 16 kilometers north of Antananarivo. It is Madagascar's main and busiest air port, handling about 800,000 people a year. It has one passenger terminal and a short runway.

Transfer to Antananarivo from the airport

The airport is 20 kilometers from the center of Antananarivo. The most affordable way to get to the city is by buses, whose schedules are synchronized with the arrival schedule of the planes.The fare costs from 5000 to 13 000 MGA, depending on the destination.

Car rental

A national driver's license is required to drive in Madagascar, so only a chauffeur-driven car rental service is available to visitors. International and local companies have offices at the airport and in the tourist areas of Antananarivo.

Transport

Besides cabs in the capital of Madagascar there is only one mode of transportation - buses. The fare depends on the route and ranges from 1000-2000 MGA. Traffic jams in the central part of the city during rush hours are not uncommon, so it is faster to travel on foot.

Safety

Madagascar's capital is relatively quiet, but pocket thieves are active in crowded places, so don't let your guard down. Always keep an eye on your belongings and leave jewelry and expensive equipment behind when going to the market or sightseeing.

tripmydream - travel service, that helps to find compare and buy best flights and rooms worldwide with the given budget. All necessary information for travelers - is right here!