Antananarivo, known as Tana, is Madagascar's capital, a lively hillside city of steep streets, steps and old colonial buildings. It is the arrival point for most visitors, and a night or two here gives time to rest and see the Rova, the royal palace on the hill, as well as markets and craft shops.
Highlights include the Rova of Antananarivo, the Analakely market, the Lemurs' Park a short drive away, and the nearby royal hill of Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is busy, and traffic is heavy, so allow extra time for drives.
Tana is usually the start and end of a Madagascar journey.
Tana is a city, but Lemurs’ Park, about 22 kilometres away, offers close encounters with habituated lemurs in a garden, which is a gentle introduction to the island’s wildlife.
Tana has a mild highland climate, with warm, wet summers from December to March and cool, dry winters. Nights in June and July can be cold.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26 | 16 | 300 |
| Feb | 26 | 16 | 280 |
| Mar | 26 | 16 | 200 |
| Apr | 25 | 14 | 60 |
| May | 23 | 12 | 20 |
| Jun | 21 | 10 | 8 |
| Jul | 20 | 9 | 10 |
| Aug | 21 | 9 | 10 |
| Sep | 24 | 10 | 15 |
| Oct | 26 | 13 | 60 |
| Nov | 26 | 15 | 170 |
| Dec | 26 | 16 | 290 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
April to November is dry, with mild days and cold nights in winter.
December to March is warm and wet, with afternoon storms.
April to November, though the city can be visited all year.
Best time to visit May to Nov
Ivato International Airport lies about 15 kilometres from the centre, with flights from Paris, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Johannesburg and other hubs. Domestic flights serve Nosy Be, Morondava and Toliara.
Up to 15 days is visa-free under current rules, with a small fee on arrival and an onward ticket. Longer stays can be arranged by visa on arrival or e-visa. Your passport should be valid for six months and have two blank pages. Please check the current rules for your nationality.
Tana is a low malaria area, but please take advice. Drink bottled water, and take care with street food.
National ParkAndasibe-Mantadia National ParkThe haunting song of the indri
National ParkIsalo National ParkSandstone canyons and natural pools
Scenic AreaMorondava and the Avenue of the BaobabsGiant baobabs at sunset
Beach & CoastNosy BeIslands, reefs and turquoise water
National ParkRanomafana National ParkRainforest and the golden bamboo lemur
National ParkTsingy de BemarahaA forest of stone needlesSafaris from
US$1,034 per person
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