Most trips to Madagascar start and end in Antananarivo, the capital everyone calls 'Tana'. Many travellers rush through it, but the city, built on hills above rice fields, deserves at least a day.
Morning: The Rova and the Old Town
Start at the top of the city with the Rova, the royal compound often called the Queen's Palace, which overlooks the whole valley. Its museum, the wooden Besakana palace and the royal tombs take about two hours — note that the Rova is closed on Tuesdays. Walk down through the old Andohalo district with its cobbled streets, churches and viewpoints.
Midday: Lake Anosy and Lunch
Lake Anosy, with its jacaranda trees (beautiful in flower around October and November) and war memorial, is a calm spot in the city centre. It's a good moment to try Malagasy dishes like romazava or ravitoto.
Afternoon: Markets and Crafts
- Analakely — the busy central market area
- The craft market on the airport road (La Digue) — embroidery, wood carvings, raffia and gemstones
Half-Day Trips from Tana
- Ambohimanga — a UNESCO-listed royal hill about 20 km north of the city
- Lemurs' Park — west of the city, an easy first look at lemurs
Combine Tana with Andasibe or the West
A city day fits naturally at the start of an Andasibe rainforest tour or before your flight to Morondava for the baobabs.
Tour by KiriTour
Andasibe 3-Day Rainforest Tour
Departs from Antananarivo
We organise Antananarivo city tours with a car, driver and local guide on request. Tell us your arrival date.
Frequently asked questions
One full day is enough to see the Rova, the old town, Lake Anosy and a craft market. Add half a day for Ambohimanga.
Written by the KiriTour team
We're a local tour team based in Morondava. We guide travellers through the baobabs, Tsingy, Kirindy and the Tsiribihina every week, and organise trips across Madagascar.
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