Antananarivo Holidays

Perched high in the central highlands, Antananarivo (or ‘Tana’, as most locals call it) is often the first stop for anyone arriving in Madagascar. At first glance, it can feel chaotic, a jumble of winding streets, bustling markets, and terracotta-coloured houses scattered across steep hills. But give it time, and Tana reveals its rhythm, its warmth, and its deeply layered history.

This is a city where French colonial architecture rubs shoulders with traditional Malagasy design, and where life plays out on every corner, from kids playing football in alleyways to women in bright lambas selling fresh produce at street stalls. We love exploring the old upper town, where the Queen’s Palace offers sweeping views and a sense of the country’s royal past, or dipping into the city’s food scene, where French flair meets local ingredients in surprising ways.

Tana is best enjoyed with a guide who can help untangle its stories and steer you to the most interesting pockets, whether that’s the atmospheric Analakely market, the peaceful Lake Anosy, or a hidden artisan workshop. It’s not always an easy city, but for the curious traveller, it’s a rewarding and essential part of understanding Madagascar.