"Antananarivo - Madagascars Capital" Antananarivo by MikeAtSea

Antananarivo Travel Guide: 182 reviews and 429 photos

The island's capital city (pop. 2,000,000) sits at 1,370 m in a twisting valley near the centre of the island. Tana, as the city is often called, has unusual French- and Asian-inspired architecture and winding cobblestone streets and staircases that create a medieval impression. The large open-air Zoma market has been disbanded, which means there is now plenty of room to walk around Araben ny Fahaleovantena (Avenue de l'Independence), the capital's main street. Other attractions include the colourful daily flower market on the edge of Lake Anosy and the botanical and zoological gardens, where you can see the egg and 10-ft-/3-m-tall skeleton of the extinct aepyornis, or elephant bird. Sadly, the Rova (Queen's Palace) burned to the ground in 1996. Though virtually nothing remains at the site, there are nice views of the city from the hill where the palace once stood.
The city has seen better days and many travellers probably will use Tana only as a stop over point to other attractions around Madagascar. Sadly the infrastructure such as street lightning and others do not function at present and with the ever increasing traffic one is better of on foot then by car.

Last visit to Antananarivo: May 2005
Intro Written May 27, 2005
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Reviews (4)

Hira Gasy Local Customs (1)

Like most cultural aspects of the country, Hira Gasy is totally unique to Madagascar. It's a traditional form of... more travel advice

Ambohimanga Things to Do (3)

Situated on the outskirts of the capital city The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga consists of a royal city and burial site,... more travel advice

War Monument Things to Do (3)

This monument commemorates the loss of the Malagasy people fighting in the two world wars. It is beautifully located... more travel advice

The Queens Palace Things to Do (3)

Sadly the palace was burned to the ground in 1996. A tradition of the people when they were unhappy with the gouvernment... more travel advice

Comments (2)

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SLLiew Jun 21, 2009 at 8:38 AM

So much to discover in Madagascar.
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yumyum Feb 7, 2007 at 12:34 PM

I hope to visit Madagascar one day!