Travel Guide to Antananarivo, Madagascar

Crowded, bustling and mesmerising - those are three words that describe this capital of Madagascar.

With activity on every corner, Antananarivo, or Tana for short, is a melting pot of experiences to unique to ignore. Walking through the streets, you are bombarded with people, traffic, and activity. Locals go about their day in a panic fashion, selling everything you can think of - fruit, sunglasses, cell phones, raw meat, linen, electronics, flowers, fresh produce, and even live animals.

Antananarivo itself is a city rich in cultural, historical and architectural features. This is ideal for the intrepid traveller wanting to experience a different city, however, be prepared to climb hundreds of ancient stone steps, get sun burnt and dodge the madness of the city before finding a place beauty and tranquility. Many people dismiss the city during their travels, using it only as a base from which to discover other parts of the Indian Ocean or Madagascar, which is a shame. For those really interested in getting acquainted with the city, a good three days of your travels will be sufficient.

Location:

Antananarivo is nestled in the centre of the island of Madagascar, about 145 km (90 miles) from the eastern coast. The city, built on the summit and slopes of long and narrow rocky ridge, demands your attention, with majestic views that go on for miles.

Accommodation:

Tana features numerous hotels for those seeking refuge from the heat and madness of the city. Budget hotels and scrapas are in abundance, although mid-range and luxury hotels are also available. The two best known hotels in Tana are the Hilton and the Colbert. But with its popularity comes its high prices, especially when compared to other accommodations in the city. Your best bet would be the numerous mid-range accommodations, which offers simple and cheap facilities without compromising on comfort.

Activities and Attractions:

Antananarivo is, simply put, not a tourist destination as we know one to be. However, it is because of this that many seasoned travellers visit this gem hoping to discover something new and different. And that is certainly possible in Tana. There are lots of places to roam in the city, many of which may lead you to discover some unique and fascinating locations. For the less intrepid visitor, Tana is home to numerous eateries catering to a variety of palates. Enjoy high quality, authentic Malagasy good, with restaurants ranging from budget and affordable, to expensive. That being said, although there is a lot of hustle and bustle in this city, there is not much attraction for tourists looking for adventure and excitement. However, if you are looking for an uncommon and exclusive island experience like never before, Antananarivo is the answer.