Antananarivo is a real concentrate of what the island reserves in an urban framework. It is the capital of Madagascar, and is called “the City of thousands, referring to 1000 treasures to discover. With your family, visit a “rova,” a palace of the royal era, or wander through the animal parks to discover the fauna and flora visible all around the island. In solo or in couple, there is a trek to go through the 12 sacred hills to discover the Malagasy gastronomy in one of the restaurants of the upper city. Antananarivo offers you a rich journey for young and old.
The “city of the Thousand”
There are numerous activities to do there, for everyone of different tastes. Whether you prefer historical culture, fauna and flora, or adventure, the capital of Madagascar will meet all of your expectations. To learn more about Malagasy culture and history, you can visit the royal palaces or historical sites such as the Upper Town of the Pavillion Market, filled with atypical architechtures. Alongside an experienced guide, you will have the opportunity to quickly learn more about Malagasy people and their history. Customs are one aspect that makes the charm of the population, which will fill your outings with big smiles and greetings.
There are a lot of sites scattered in the heart of the city and its outskirts with wildlife. You’ll have the opportunity to discover the endemic animals of the Tsimbazaza Park, or in the private Lemur’s park of Mandraka. You will be able to find lemurs, multicolored endemic birds, and other unique frogs on these sites, which you can visit with your family or friends, accompanied by a guide or in free activity. The surrounding areas of the capital will allow you to practice a variety of outdoor activities such as canoeing, horseback riding, tree climbing or trekking in mountains. There are a variety of choices offered to you.
Historic sites are scattered throughout the capital and are the best places to learn a lot about Malagasy customs and soak up the history of the capital. There are many opportunities such as organizing a trek to explore the sacred hills, hire a guide to visit the Queen’s Palace, or wander through the historic districts of Antananarivo such as Analakely and its market at the pavilions.
This zoological park at the gates of the capital has been created in 2001, with the goal to democratize the discovery of different species of lemurs and in long term, reintroduce them into their natural habitat. You will walk in a 5 hectare botanical park where you will see 9 species of lemurs in complete freedom. This is a perfect excursion for the whole family, since even the youngest ones can enjoy this activity safely.
This park is the real “green lung” of the capital, and is located 15 minutes from the city center. You will feel immersed in a pleasant botanical garden where many plant and animal species co-exist. Nature lovers will appreciate the number of exotic and endemic plants in the park. You can also have a walk throughout the zoo, where you can spot many species, including the famous lemurs, but also endemic birds, snakes, chameleons, frogs, etc. The park is ideal for a hike in nature, while being in the heart of the city.
Antananarivo offers a wide range of activities which you can experiment with, with your family, as a couple or with friends. Touristic spots on the outskirts of the capital offer you a variety of activities to do and to discover. The beauty of the region reveals a diversity of landscapes and decoration that are more sumptuous than the others.
Antananarivo is surrounded by many ancient villages which takes us back a few centuries ago. One of the most interesting villages is undoubtedly the village of Antongona, at the gates of Imerintsiatosika. Because it offers a unique and quite rustic landscape, you will enjoy the tranquility that emanates from the place. Moreover, enjoying an exceptional location, you will admire the breathtaking view of the undulating hills of Imerina.
This farm is also called “Croc Farm,” and is located about 15 minutes from Antananarivo. This breeding farm deserves to be visited with family and friends. It will be a change of scenery and you will be able to observe the dangerous Nile crocodiles. Besides, you will be able to see lemurs, fosa (the only predator of Madagascar), snakes, and ostriches in exotic settings where palm trees, lemons and orchids will grow freely.
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