Antananarivo is the capital of Madagascar and the largest city on the island's central highlands. Its name means city of a thousand warriors in Malagasy. Built at about 1,280 metres on hills linked to one another by stairways, walking here means constant climbing and descending. On the highest hill stands Manjakamiadana Rova, the palace of the Merina kingdom, gutted by fire in 1995 and reopened to visitors after years of restoration. The city is where every road to the island's forests and national parks begins.
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See flights to Antananarivo →When to visit Antananarivo
April to October is the dry season and the best time to travel, with days between 20C and 25C and cool nights. November to March is wet and warm, and the cyclone risk on the island's coasts falls in that period. Because of the altitude, July and August nights drop below 10C.
Things to do in Antananarivo
Manjakamiadana Rova
The royal compound on the highest hill of the city was the seat of the Merina sovereigns in the nineteenth century. The stone shell rebuilt after the 1995 fire is open today, and its terraces look over the whole city and the rice fields around it.
Ambohimanga
The sacred hill and royal settlement about 20 kilometres northeast of the city was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2001. With its stone gate, wooden palace buildings and sacred pools, it is where the Merina kingdom began.
Lake Anosy
The heart shaped artificial lake in the lower town is at its most striking in October and November, when the jacarandas around it flower purple. A monument stands on the islet at its centre and a walkway follows the shore.
Tsimbazaza Zoological and Botanical Park
The park inside the city offers a first look at the island's wildlife, with lemur species found only in Madagascar, endemic plants and a museum holding an elephant bird skeleton. It is where people go to learn the names before heading out to the forests.
Andafiavaratra Palace
The pink palace just below the royal hill was the residence of the nineteenth century prime minister Rainilaiarivony. It serves as a museum today and displays part of the royal collection saved from the Rova fire.
Analakely Market
The main trading ground of the lower town sells everything from vegetables and spice to woven raffia baskets and vanilla. The stairways above it climb to the upper city and are one of the best known sights in town.
Flights from Turkey to Antananarivo
There is no nonstop flight from Istanbul to Antananarivo. Turkish Airlines flight TK160 leaves Istanbul, stops in Mauritius and continues to Antananarivo; this one stop service runs three days a week and the total journey exceeds 13 hours. Connecting options through Addis Ababa and Nairobi also exist.
Antananarivo FAQ
How many days do you need in Antananarivo?
Two days are enough for the capital itself. Since the national parks are the reason people come to Madagascar, a programme of at least ten days is planned once travel around the island is included.
How far is the airport from the city centre?
Ivato International Airport is about 17 kilometres from the centre. The journey takes between 40 minutes and an hour depending on traffic.
What do you need to enter Madagascar?
A visa on arrival is available for holders of a Turkish passport and the fee varies with the length of stay. The rules can change, so the current position should be checked before booking.
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