Antananarivo Travel Guide
Shortened to 'Tana' and surrounded by wilderness, Antananarivo is the bustling capital of Madagascar. Built on hillsides and ridges, Tana is the main entry point for visitors travelling to Madagascar. With a distinctive French flavour, red-brick houses and nineteenth-century churches are dotted around the maze of small, winding streets, Tana has its own inimitable charm and is an attraction in itself.
Sights worth seeing include the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, the Prime Minister's Palace and Rova, and the old shell of the Queen's Palace. Meaning 'town of a thousand', Tana was named for the revered 17th-century King Andrianjaka who conquered several villages in the area, leaving a garrison of 1,000 men to defend his new territory.
Shopping in Antananarivo is a unique experience with stores, bustling markets, shopping centres, and hawkers vying for patronage. The Zoma Market, held daily, was once claimed to be the second-largest in the world, and is definitely worth a visit for those searching for souvenirs. Tana Market is also popular and sells exquisite local handicrafts and artefacts made of sea shells and corals.
Head to the Avenue of Independence for some fantastic stalls where popular Madagascar souvenirs such as woodcarvings, oil paintings, hand-loomed fabrics, cotton, silk, embroidery, and woven straw hats can be found. Haggling is expected but, as a tourist, be prepared to pay more for items than locals. Beware of pickpockets in the bustling markets, and brush up on your French as this can come in handy when bartering with the locals. Visitors should be on guard against opportunistic crime as poverty levels are high in the city.
Things to do in Antananarivo
Getting Around
Travellers visiting Antananarivo will find it easiest getting around on foot. There is an affordable and efficient mini-bus service, known as taxi be, that runs regularly throughout the city. The fares are usually at least half the price of a regular taxi. However, because most tourists are not familiar with the routes and aren't comfortable being packed into a taxi be, regular taxis are the preferred method of transport for travellers. Be sure to negotiate the fare with the driver before entering the taxi. Car rental agencies can be found in Antananarivo, but the roads are generally in poor condition. The train journey between the capital and Toamasina, and between Fianarantsoa and Manakara, is recommended for its scenery. The island has only a few main roads (from Tana to Mahajanga, to Toamasina and to Tuléar), with dirt tracks covering the rest of the country. Many roads are impassable during the rainy season.
Antananarivo Climate and Weather
Madagascar has a pleasant, subtropical highland climate. The hot, rainy season runs from November to April and a cooler, dry season from May to October. Antananarivo experiences regular thunderstorms during its rainy season, with average highs peaking at 80°F (27°C) and lows dropping to 62°F (17°C). July is the coolest month, with average highs of 68°F (20°C) and lows of 50°F (10°C). The best time to visit is in April, October, and November.
Madagascar travel info
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are generally of the two-pin variety.
Language
Malagasy is the official language, but French is used in business and government and is widely spoken in the main cities in Madagascar. A few people involved in the tourism industry might be able to speak some English, but it is not widely spoken.
Money
The official currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA), which has been reintroduced to replace the Malagasy Franc. Coins and notes display both currencies, but newer notes display the Ariary more prominently than the Franc. One Ariary is equal to five Francs. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and official bureaux de change, but the Ariary cannot be changed back into hard currency. Some banks will only accept US Dollars or Euros. ATMs are available in Antananarivo. Most major credit cards are starting to be accepted in top hotels and major travel agencies in the capital and other major towns, but have limited usage elsewhere.
Notice: Undefined property: stdClass::$tipping in /var/www/vhosts/tripreport.com/public_html/components/country-travel-info.php on line 28
Health
Malaria is a risk throughout the year and the risk of infection is highest in coastal areas; visitors should take appropriate measures to avoid contracting the disease. All travellers coming from a country with yellow fever risk are required to prove they have been vaccinated against the disease to enter Madagascar. Vaccinations are also recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and influenza, and those at risk of animal bites should also consider a rabies vaccination. Tap water should not be drunk unless it has been boiled or chemically treated.
Medical facilities are severely limited in Madagascar, and outside of the capital medical care may be difficult to find. Limited French medications are available in Tana; however, it is advisable to bring along a medical kit for private use. If you require specific prescription medications it is best to bring them with you, in their original packaging, along with a signed and dated letter from your doctor stating what they are and why they are needed. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.
Safety
The political situation in Madagascar is unstable, especially in central Antananarivo and the Ambohijatovo, Lac Anosy, Antaninarenina and Analakely areas. Violence is possible at any large gatherings and political or military installations. It is advised to travel with an established agency, and solo travellers should continually monitor the local media. Precautions against opportunistic crime, especially in the urban areas, should be taken. Pickpockets operate at the airport and in crowded areas such as markets. Travellers should carry a photocopy of their passport at all times. At night, avoid walking around city centres and road travel outside urban areas as there have been occasional hold-ups on the main routes. The height of the cyclone season is from January to March and affects the coastal regions. Piracy is a significant concern in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, and there have been several attacks against private vessels and kidnappings.
Local customs
Do not photograph military or police establishments while in Madagascar. Identification should be carried at all times by visitors. In rural areas, locals may abide by a number of taboos called fady, which should be respected by visitors at all times.
Notice: Undefined property: stdClass::$business in /var/www/vhosts/tripreport.com/public_html/components/country-travel-info.php on line 32
Duty free
Visitors may bring 500 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 500g tobacco, as well as one bottle of alcohol into the country without incurring import duty.
Communications
The international dialling code for Madagascar is +261. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). To make an international call to Madagascar, the dialling code of 261 must be followed by a two-digit operator code (e.g. 34 for TELMA, the most reliable), then the regional code (e.g. 22 for Antananarivo) and then the five-digit number. A GSM 900 network is in use, covering major cities and main roads, and some operators have also introduced 3G networks. Public internet access exists in large cities.
Passport & Visa
Foreign visitors to Madagascar of most nationalities can obtain a tourist visa on arrival, provided they have at least one blank page in their passport reserved for the Immigration Authorities of Madagascar, and return/onward flight tickets. Tourist visas are valid for a maximum of 90 days and cost around MGA 200,000 (or equivalent in USD or EUR). Shorter stays cost less. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Madagascar, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Madagascar. A 90-day visa can be obtained on arrival.
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Madagascar. A 90-day visa can be obtained on arrival.
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Madagascar. A 90-day visa can be obtained on arrival.
Australians must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Madagascar. A 90-day visa can be obtained on arrival.
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Madagascar. A 90-day visa can be obtained on arrival.
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Madagascar. A 90-day visa can be obtained on arrival.
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Madagascar. A 90-day visa can be obtained on arrival.
Useful contacts
Madagascar Tourism Website: www.madagascar-tourisme.com
117 (Police)Embassies / consulates in other countries
Madagascar Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 265 5525.
Madagascar Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for the UK): +33 09 83 32 45 15.
Madagascar Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 567 0505.
Madagascar Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 21 674 7238.
Embassies / consulates in Madagascar
United States Embassy, Antananarivo: +261 2023 480 00.
British Honorary Consul, Antananarivo: +261 2022 33053.
Canadian Consulate, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Madagascar): +27 12 422 3000.
Australian High Commission, Port Louis, Mauritius (also responsible for Madagascar): +230 202 0160.
South African Embassy, Antananarivo: +261 20 224 3350.