Antananarivo

Antananarivo’s physical and intangible cultural legacy is vast and important to regional and national communities. Numerous monuments, historic structures, significant places, and traditions relating to the culture and history of the inhabitants of the central highlands can be found throughout the city.

Antananarivo has the country’s biggest and most dynamic arts scene. The various concerts, cabarets, dance clubs, and other musical venues across Antananarivo represent Madagascar’s rich music. Outdoor performances are staged often throughout the dry season at places such as the Antsahamanitra amphitheater and Mahamasina Stadium.

The Avenue de L’Independence is the focal point of the city center. Both sides of the road are lined with restaurants and businesses, and it’s the place to go if you want to visit a restaurant or quality café, including a fine pizzeria and a take-away pizza restaurant. In addition, there are internet cafés and photo-printing services. A few blocks away, boutiques for the Maki and Baobab apparel brands may be found. The big central market, which includes a covered portion offering reasonably priced bags, jewelry, and apparel, is the area’s major draw (remember to haggle). A profusion of fruit, vegetable, and spice booths may be found outside.

There is a separate tourist market outside the center with roughly 30 vendors offering souvenirs and local crafts. Definitely worth a visit; owing to the drop in visitors after the 2009 revolution, the city will most likely be deserted, and deals will be hard to come by.

There are several enormous western-style supermarkets, like the ‘Jumboscore’ brand, to which any cab driver may transport you. However, since the majority of the product is imported from overseas, there is a large markup (although most goods are still below European prices). Purchasing fresh commodities such as fruit and vegetables from the city’s many market booths might result in big discounts.

Air France, Air Austral, Air Mauritius, Interair South Africa, and Air Madagascar serve Antananarivo’s main airport, Ivato International Airport. A visa is now free for visits of 30 days or less, Euro 45 for 60 days, and Euro 60 for 90 days as of October 2015. However, you will still be required to complete out immigration documents and wait in long immigration queues once you arrive. Once you pass through baggage claim, the fun really begins as you are surrounded by a swarm of people offering to help you carry your luggage to the waiting taxis in exchange for a tip – if you don’t want to be hassled for tips, hold on to your bags tightly and make sure you load them into your mode of transportation, as anyone who can get a hand on your bag will then follow you demanding payment. The presence of the “Skycaps a la Tana” may be useful to people with heavy luggage, but it may be bothersome to others. If you decide to utilize the porters, or just want to help people who are trying to earn a livelihood, a tip of $1 per bag is more than plenty; however, be careful that unscrupulous persons are masters of false disappointment and will attempt to get you to pay more, so be strong in your refusal to overpay.

If you need to exchange money at the airport, there are two ATMs in the international terminal, as well as exchange windows both within and outside the airport, in a separate building close to the parking lot.

Transport to the city center in a private automobile will cost between 40,000 and 60,000 Ar (October 2014), with expenses increasing after daytime hours. It will take a half hour to go to the city center in the late evening and early morning, and more than an hour at other times when the roads are packed. During daytime hours, a shuttle service is also provided for around 5,000 Ar. A taxi brousse will be the least comfortable, slowest, and most congested alternative for those looking to save money, but it should cost less than 1,000 Ar.

Traveling by road necessitates the use of a private car or the use of a taxi brousse (bush taxi). The taxi brousse connect the capital to most other towns and depart from four major bus stations that roughly correspond to the four points of the compass; for example, the northern bus station has destinations such as Nosy Be and Antsiranana (Diego-Suarez), while the eastern bus station (Gare Routiere de l’est) has destinations such as Andasibe. If you’re unsure, ask a taxi driver to take you to the appropriate one for your area.

When you arrive at the station, you will be surrounded by touts attempting to sell you services for every destination and route; don’t be scared; this happens to all station visitors, both local and tourist. Most stations have a row of ticket booths with signage indicating their positions above them. Inside, there should be a pricing list promoting spots on the wall, so make sure you don’t overpay (and remember luggage is included). You may also request to be dropped off along the way before arriving at your ultimate destination. Another thing to keep in mind is that depending on when you purchase your ticket, the bus may not leave until hours after the stated departure time, since they only leave when they are completely filled. Avoid sitting in the back row, which provides the least amount of leg space.

Northern bus station

Antsiranana/Diego-Suarez (for Ankarana), Ambanja (for Nosy Be), Mahajanga (for Ankarafantsika), and Antsohihy are only a few of the destinations. The minibuses line both sides of a road and have a banner on the front that shows their position. A public restroom and a handful of street food vendors may be found on one end of the street. Take a bush-taxi to Antsiranana and ask to be dropped off at the park entrance for Ankarana National Park. This entails a torturous 20-hour travel (about 65,000 ariary in January 2012). You’ll probably stop for half an hour at Ambanja (around 14 hours into the adventure). You’ll also need to change in Ambanja for Nosy Be. Take a cab to Mahajanga and ask to be dropped off at Ankarafantsika National Park.

Gare Routiere de l’est

Moramanga is one of the destinations (for Andasibe). Bush taxis leave from this more contemporary station, which has an official kiosk where all tickets may be purchased. There’s also a toilet that costs a few ariary to use (funnily enough, it costs more for a ‘pipi’ than a ‘caca,’ and you have to specify before entering). Food may be purchased from street sellers or snacks can be purchased at a nearby gas station. To visit the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, first go to Moramanga (5,000 ariary, 4 hours) and then take a connecting bus to Andasibe hamlet (1000 ariary, 2 hours). Buses run on a regular schedule, up to every hour.

Farakana bus station

Mananjary, Morondava, and Ambositra are just a few of the places you may visit. This dusty station contains a few ticket booths and a few of eateries where you can kill time while waiting. It’s in close proximity to a market. Take a bus to Mananjary or one of the other places south of here if you want to see Ranomafana National Park. It takes roughly 14 hours to go (60,000 ariary in January 2012). These services operate less often, with some departing in the afternoon. If you’re left off in the middle of the night in the hamlet, don’t panic; at least one hotel (Palmeria) has a night guard who can help you find a room. This is also the bus stop for Isalo National Park and Anja Reserve (11 hours, 35,000 ariary in January 2012). Most buses will stop at Ambositra, where you may buy food or use the restroom.

Antananarivo serves as the core of Madagascar’s tiny, aging rail network. The ride from Toamasina is offered a few times a week and provides lots of interesting vistas while being excruciatingly slow. 1 Gare Soarano, the colonial central station, is situated on Arabe Rainibertsimisaraka.

Taxis, buses, and walking are the three primary modes of transportation in the capital. The majority of visitors prefer to use cabs since they are quite convenient. Before getting into the cab, be sure you and the driver have agreed on a price. Also, keep in mind that traffic in Analakely (Antananrivo’s central and busiest sector) may be considerable during rush hour. If you don’t mind being crammed into a van with strangers, buses, or ‘taxi cab,’ are the most cost-effective mode of transportation, with fares often ranging from MGA200 to MGA400 (compared to MGA5,000 or about USD2 in 2014 or more for a typical taxi ride). Tourists, on the other hand, are often unfamiliar with taxi routes. While Analakely is a vast city, it is rather easy to navigate on foot.

Tourist (Backpacker) – 34 $ per day. Estimated cost per 1 day including:meals in cheap restaurant, public transport, cheap hotel.

Tourist (regular) – 135 $ per day. Estimated cost per 1 day including:mid-range meals and drinks,transportation, hotel.

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The beaches of Antananarivo are mostly found on Nosy Be and Sainte Marie Island, also known as Nosy Boraha. Some of the most popular beaches around Antananarivo are listed below.

Andilana

Andilana is without a doubt the most gorgeous beach on Nosy Be, located roughly 27 kilometers from Hell Ville and near the island’s tip. The combination of crystal blue seas and a length of white sand makes this a popular tourist destination. The beach is dominated by the island’s biggest hotel, which caters to more wealthy visitors. There are, however, a number of smaller restaurants, motels, and bungalows that have lately been erected to cater to budget guests.

Ambatoloaka

This is a little fishing community situated around 7 kilometers from Hell Ville. It has become one of Nosy Be’s most popular tourist destinations in recent years. Ambatoloaka is an usually peaceful beach, with hotels, bungalows, restaurants, clubs, and scuba diving companies providing the majority of the revenue. The beach is ideal for swimmers due to its warm, clear blue seas. Tourists may enjoy a spectacular view of the bay and the sunset since it also spreads out to the Mozambique Channel.

Madirokely

Tourists searching for a more lively beach should go to Madirokely Beach, which has more activities than the other two Nosy Be beaches. This beach is just a few minutes from Ambatoloaka and offers a Sunday beach party. Locals and visitors alike might be spotted dancing their days away at this beach party. There are also a lot of reasonably priced hotels and eateries on Madirokely Beach.

Ambondrona

Ambondrona is ideal for individuals who like to spend their vacations on secluded beaches. On Nosy Be, to the north of Madirokely Beach, lies this lovely beach. This fantastic sandy beach, also known as Palm Beach, is a popular tourist destination due to its calm and soothing ambiance. Ambondrona Beach is home to a number of bungalows that provide visitors with a relaxing and enjoyable stay on the island.

Apart from these, the Ile Sainte Marie, popularly known as Nosy Boraha, has some of Antananarivo’s nicest beaches. The island is less congested than Nosy Be, and it has a lengthy history as well as attractive ancient buildings. The 57-kilometer coastline’s white sand beaches, warm, clear seas, and coral reefs are great for fishing, snorkeling, and diving. Secluded coves with coconut palms are also available to visitors. On the beaches of Sainte Marie, whale watching is a popular hobby. From August through September, humpback whales migrate to the island’s seas.

Rova (Queen’s palace)

A short taxi ride (or a lengthy walk) from the hotel area, but be aware that it was seriously destroyed by fire in the late 1990s, and just the stone shell, together with some outbuildings, sculptures, and a Chapel, survives (the latter rebuilt with American money). A semi-official fee of 10,000 ariary was levied to reach the site as of 2011, and local Tana guides (typically University students with strong English or French) may offer a good overview of the Rova’s characteristics in exchange for a tip. The location provides excellent panoramic views of the city. While ascending up the hill towards the palace, local guides may tell you that the Rova is closed for the day and that you should accompany them to another sight, although the gate will most likely be open as usual.

Prime Minister’s Palace (Near the Rova)

The situation was even more murky in 2005, when the Palace looked to be closed, but a freelance guide admitted guests in and offered a detailed overview of the historical relics on display in exchange for a tip.

Lemurs Park

(about 30 minutes’ drive (25 km) outside Antananarivo), +261 20 22 234 36. 

A conservation area for wild and rescued lemurs developed by a French-Japanese foundation. In this 5-hectare park, over 6000 trees have been planted, conserving a diverse range of Madagascar’s flora and animals. The parks allow visitors to get up close and personal with a variety of wild lemurs, which would otherwise be impossible due to lemurs’ reclusive nature. The park also employs local university graduates as tour guides and offers free excursions to local schoolchildren. There is a minimal cost, however a guide is required. They do not take cards, so bring cash.

Croc’Farm

(10 minutes car ride from Ivato Airport,about 30 minutes’ drive (25 km) outside Antananarivo),  +261 20 22 030 71. 9am to 5pm. 

Located on more than 3 hectares of Madagascar plants, trees, and flowers. Crocodiles, 80 other animal species (turtles, snakes, lemurs, etc.) and the world’s tiniest chameleon may all be seen. Feeding time is the ideal time to witness crocodiles in action. For the courageous, the Croc’Farm restaurant serves a variety of crocodile meat meals, including the popular “Croc burger.” Because the park also breeds crocodiles for leather items, you’ll find belts, purses, and Malagasy crafts at the store. Ariary: 25,000 Ariary

Antananarivo’s physical and intangible cultural legacy is vast and important to regional and national communities. Numerous monuments, historic structures, significant places, and traditions relating to the culture and history of the inhabitants of the central highlands can be found throughout the city. The Rova of Antananarivo, which was devastated in a 1995 fire but is being rebuilt, dominates the city skyline. The neighboring Andafiavaratra Palace, which served as the residence of 19th century Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony, now houses a museum with historic antiques from the Kingdom of Imerina, including objects recovered from the Rova fire. Andohalo plaza, located downhill from the palaces, is where Merina kings and queens gave public addresses.

Many of the island’s distinctive animal species, as well as a full skeleton of the now-extinct elephant bird, are on exhibit at Tsimbazaza Zoo. The Ambatondrafandrana tribunal, where Ranavalona I rendered judgment, Rainilaiarivony’s second residence with its indigenous medicinal plant garden, the recently renovated Soarano railroad station, four late 19th century memorial churches built to commemorate early Malagasy Christian martyrs, Prime Minister Rainiharo’s tomb, and the early 20th century pavilions of the Analakely market are among the other historic structures. Le Pochard and the artisan market in Andravoahangy are two open-air marketplaces. Exhibits on the history and cultures of Madagascar’s many ethnic groups may be seen in the Museum of Art and Archaeology in the Isoraka area.

Antananarivo has the country’s biggest and most dynamic arts scene. The various concerts, cabarets, dance clubs, and other musical venues across Antananarivo represent Madagascar’s rich music. Outdoor performances are staged often throughout the dry season at places such as the Antsahamanitra amphitheater and Mahamasina Stadium. Concerts and nightclubs are mostly frequented by middle- to upper-class young people who can pay the entry prices.

Traditional vakindrazana or Malagasy operettas at Isotry Theater and hira gasy at the city’s outdoor cheminots theater or Alliance française are more economical; elderly and rural audiences prefer these performances over urban youth. The ville moyenne areas of Antaninarenina, Tsaralalana, Behoririka, Mahamasina, and Andohalo have the most vibrant nightlife.

The Palais des Sports in the Mahamasina district is the country’s sole international-standard indoor performance arena. It was established by the Chinese government in 1995 and organizes concerts, dancing and other arts performances, expositions, and novelty events such as monster truck rallies on a regular basis. Concerts by foreign performers are rare since the city lacks a designated classical music performance facility. At cultural arts facilities supported by foreign governments or private groups, performances of classical, jazz, and other foreign musical genres, modern and contemporary dance, theater, and other arts take place.

The Centre Culturel Albert Camus and the Alliance Française d’Antananarivo, both supported by the French government, are two of the most well-known. The American Center is supported by the US government, whereas the Cercle Germano-Malgache is a division of the Goethe-Institut funded by the German government. The Rex and the Ritz, both erected during the colonial period, are specialized cinemas in Antananarivo. These venues do not play worldwide releases, although they do exhibit Malagasy films on occasion, and they are also utilized for private events and religious services.

• La Table de Mariette, 11 rue George-V-Faravohitra,  +261 20 22 216 02.This is a fantastic place to go if you want to eat high-quality Malagasy cuisine. Many other eateries are more pricey.
• Ile Bourbon.
• La Brasserie at the France Hotel, 34 Ave de l’Independence. Very excellent and reasonably priced. Calamari is a must-try. Also included are vegetarian (non vegan) entrees, such as a 13,000 Ar cheesy veg lasagna.
• Grill De Rova, Near Palace de Rova. Small Menu. Great Zebu!
• Ku de Ta, 16 rue de la Reunion,  +261 20 22 281 54. A clean and fresh environment for superb French-influenced Malagasy cuisine.
• Cookie Soph. Here, both French and English are spoken. Cappuccinos, milkshakes, and bagels are all excellent.
• Jasmin, Palace Analakely 101 Antananarivo (Behind BNI bank). Tofu-based vegetarian dinner. Perhaps a little on the pricier side. €7 includes two dishes and a beverage.

• There is a lot of bottled water (no tap water! ), the most popular brand is Pura Vida, which is somewhat costly, with a 1.5l bottle costing over 3000 ariary (£1).
• THB (Three Horses Beer). Multi-awarded beer.
• Madagascar wine is varied, although it’s a lot less expensive than the alternatives (imported French wine).
• Bonbon Anglais is a highly sweet, bubble gum-flavored soft drink akin to Inka Cola from South America. If you combine it with a little THB, it’s fantastic. When you ask for limonade, you may be given this option.
• betsa-betsa – Coconut water is used to make alcohol. It’s stronger than beer but not as strong as hard liquor.
• Litchel (or Vin Litchi in French) – Lychee wine is a wine made from the fruit of the lychee tree Some are slightly off-dry and pleasant, while others are sickeningly sweet.
• Saint Claude – a vanilla-flavored rum produced locally.

The Avenue de L’Independence is the focal point of the city center. Both sides of the road are lined with restaurants and businesses, and it’s the place to go if you want to visit a restaurant or quality café, including a fine pizzeria and a take-away pizza restaurant. In addition, there are internet cafés and photo-printing services. A few blocks away, boutiques for the Maki and Baobab apparel brands may be found. The big central market, which includes a covered portion offering reasonably priced bags, jewelry, and apparel, is the area’s major draw (remember to haggle). Outside, there are several fruit, vegetable, and spice vendors where enormous packs of vanilla pods may be purchased for a few thousand ariary.

There is a separate tourist market outside the center with roughly 30 vendors offering souvenirs and local crafts. Definitely worth a visit; owing to the drop in visitors after the 2009 revolution, the city will most likely be deserted, and deals will be hard to come by.

There are several enormous western-style supermarkets, like the ‘Jumboscore’ brand, to which any cab driver may transport you. However, since the majority of the product is imported from overseas, there is a large markup (although most goods are still below European prices). Purchasing fresh commodities such as fruit and vegetables from the city’s many market booths might result in big discounts.

To make calls at the national rate, purchase a local SIM (Telma, Orange, etc.). Sim cards and credit are widely available across the nation, and are one of the few commodities available in provincial towns and tiny rural villages (apart from Coca-Cola, THB beer, and coconut-flavored cookies). The cheapest approach to accept calls from overseas, like in most countries, is to use a local SIM card and have someone contact the number using Skype (or similar software), since it will be free for you (the receiver) and inexpensive for them.

Most banks provide ATMs, albeit they frequently have limits on how much money you may withdraw at once. It’s pretty easy to convert euros and dollars to ariary, and you’ll generally obtain a better rate than you would at the airport. Some banks will take pound sterling as well.

Pandora Station

Pandora Station is one of the greatest spots to visit for people that appreciate superb dance music. Tourists may shake their legs to a range of music ranging from trance/electronica to R&B, rap, and native African sounds. Because this nightclub becomes busy late at night, you should arrive no later than 12 a.m. However, be wary of prostitutes that prey on males who are alone in and near the club. You should also be cautious while leaving the club late at night, since you may be besieged by beggars hoping to meet inebriated foreigners who are willing to give them money.

Espace Dera

This is one of Tana’s most prominent nightclubs, located on Route d’Ankatso. The majority of guests come to dance. The club also features a separate lounge with quiet music where patrons may chat without being bothered. The club offers a wide range of cuisine and beverages in addition to a nice ambience. This is also the greatest nightclub for travelers who want to escape the city’s prostitutes.

La Plage

This is most likely Tana’s most popular nightclub. La Plage, in Betongolo, is a popular hangout for teenagers on weekends. This Antananarivo club has a pool and a patio on two levels. Visitors, on the other hand, are not authorized to enter the pool. There are two huge dance floors as well as a smaller, more intimate one. DJs here play French and American dance music, so there’s a nice range of music at La Plage. Live concerts by bands that perform here often are also available.

Namaza House

The Namaza House is a terrific spot to go for a night out in town if you’re seeking for anything more than banging club music. This beautiful hillside mansion is located in La Haute. It’s the ideal spot to relax while listening to blues and rock music. There are typically live musicians performing here as well. Wood and Malagasy woven art, as well as posters of Jimmy Hendrix and B.B. King, decorate the walls. Namaza House is often packed with young males.

Aside from them, live musicians perform at a variety of other bars and hotels throughout the nights. Tourists should be aware that prostitutes may be found at practically every nightclub. If you’re going out to party, make sure you’re dressed appropriately and use a cab if you’re traveling late at night.

Antananarivo Traditional festivals are celebrated solely by Madagascar’s inhabitants, but others have evolved into worldwide events that draw visitors from all over the globe.

This celebration encapsulates Madagascar’s culture and tradition, which is mostly unknown to the rest of the world. It’s basically a traditional kind of celebration, filled with traditions that date back to Malagasy culture’s early days. The Hira Gasy is based on the legend of King Andrianampoinimerina, who came to the aid of the island’s agricultural people and became a well-known character. The oldest known rites of Malagasy entertainment originate from the 18th century, however it is usually assumed that the Malagasy culture thrived in and around Madagascar for many years.

The Sasitehaka is the initial portion of Hira’s celebration, which is divided into many sections. It serves as a precursor to the celebrations that follow, and it is followed by the Renihira, or the second part of the real performances. The Festival has a progressive theme, and dancing is used to address and express socio-economic topics such as framing practices, marriages, and other regional difficulties.

The Festival is also symbolic of Madagascar’s French colonial history, with the artists dressed in red uniforms that resemble those used by the French soldiers. The Hira Gasy is an ideal mode of transportation for visiting Madagascar’s traditional tribal tribes, which are otherwise isolated from commercial or tourist-favored sites.

This festival is normally held in June, although tourists to Antananarivo may request a festival-style performance from the residents at any time. Short performances like this are sometimes included in Antananarivo vacation packages.

This may be Madagascar’s only internationally recognized music event. It is one of the most major jazz festivals on the African continent, drawing both local and international artists. This music festival is usually held in October and lasts for two weeks. Concerts, musical workshops, cabarets, and open-stage acts make up the daily itinerary. Screenings of short films by independent filmmakers have recently been added.

The Famadihana is not suggested for children under the age of eight. This is a strange event that revolves around death and funeral customs. People in Antananarivo and rural areas of Madagascar celebrate by removing the deceased from their burial places. After that, the corpses are re-wrapped in new attire and re-laid in the graves. The whole operation takes place against a creepy backdrop of music and chanting. This is one of Madagascar’s most well-known tribal festivities, attracting hundreds of interested foreign tourists each year.

Dogs should be avoided! Tana is densely populated with stray dogs, some of them would approach passers-by seeking scraps or snarl, growl, and scare people away from their domain.

Non-French speaking visitors should not walk about the city without the company of a guide or a native. Tourists have been robbed by gangs when it is evident that they are unfamiliar with their surroundings. Tourists have also been kidnapped and held hostage for ransom money. However, as long as you don’t carry too many valuables, you should be alright during daytime hours.