Antananarivo Things to Do Tips by bumpychick

Watch the world go by.

If you are fortunate enough to have a guide or driver to take you round the city, it is fascinating to look out of the window and watch the world go buy. It is really busy every where you look, and you will never fail to spot something interesting. The buildings are incredibly diverse and the array of things for sale in the road side shops and stalls on the outskirts of the town is very interesting.

Walk around the market

There is a bustling market very close to the Ave De L'Independance. It sells everyday items, almost everything you might want (except for duck tape!) as well as some tourist type souveniers. You will feel safer walking around this area if you don't take much with you. I just had a small camera in my pocket, and a minimal amount of money. The stall holders are friendly and very few are pushy in their selling techniques.

Directions: City centre

The Black Angel

The 'Black Angel' is a statue in the middle of Lake Anosy. You will find yourself driving around this lake quite frequently, and the area feels alot more green and open than other parts of Tana. This photograph was taken from a hill behind the lake. Despite being called the black angel, the statue has now been painted white to make her look cleaner!

Tsimbazaza Botanical and zoological park

This is a pleasant place to go if you've just got off the plane and need a walk and some fresh air. It also provides a peaceful haven from the bustling city.
There is a large selection of indigenous flora and flora on display here, including a large variety of lemurs. Although they are in cages, it gives you the opportunity to see up close, some of the species you might find it hard to spot in the wild. They also have a nocturnal house, where you can get some really good video and pictures if you have night mode on your camera.
Another intersting feature of the park are the reconstructions of buildings and tombs from diffferent tribes.
I would recommend the park as a good introduction to the delights of Madagascar.

Directions: Take a taxi and ask them to wait for you.

Other Contact: Opening hours: 7/7 from 09h to 1

Phone: 22 311 49

Drive to the highest point.

It is fascinating to take a city tour and drive through all the narrow streets, up and down the steep hills and round the sharp bends. Despite travelling around the city quite a lot in the few days we spent there, I'm not sure if I would be confident to 'go it alone'. You definitely have to know the one way system well and drive with confidence.
Our driver and guide took us to the highest point in the city, past the Presidental Palace and Royal Palace (which has burnt down and is currently being restored). The views from the top of the hill are incredible, and you get an idea of just how big Tana is compared to any other town or city in Madagascar.

Directions: Keep going up!!

Ambohimanga - the blue hill.

Ambohimanga (pronounced Amboo-imanga) is the sight of the original king's palace, built in 1788. The original building is still there, next to two slightly more modern ones built for the queens that followed him. There is quite a lot of influence from Victorian Britain, including furniture and decor, in the Queen's palace. The king's 'palace' is a very simple wooden structure with a high ceiling which is almost black with age. Apparently the king used to hide in the rafters and watch whilst his wife received his guests. If he decided he wanted to talk to them he would make a miraculous appearence when they stepped out for a moment.

Directions: On the outskirts of Tana. (about 45mins drive)