Superb food and centrally located
Spacious, well-appointed rooms and one of Antananarivo's best restaurants
Location: Centrally located in the Antaninarenina district of Antananarivo, La Varangue is ideally placed for exploring the capital on foot. It’s just a short stroll from the landmark Hôtel Colbert (well worth a morning coffee stop) and close to the presidential palace. Despite its central location, the hotel feels tucked away, offering a quiet retreat from the city’s energy.
Rooms: The hotel has six individually styled rooms and three suites. Five rooms and two suites are housed in the original Creole building, featuring polished wooden floors, high ceilings and antique touches. Rooms include mosquito-netted beds, minibars, fans, TVs and phones. A more contemporary suite and room are located in the newer wing, offering air-conditioning and elegant, spacious bathrooms. All rooms are equipped with thoughtful comforts such as tea and coffee facilities, hairdryers, bathrobes and slippers.
Amenities: Guests can enjoy breakfast on the peaceful outdoor terrace, but it’s the fine-dining restaurant that truly sets La Varangue apart. Regularly voted among the best in the country, it attracts locals and travellers alike with its refined French-Malagasy menu and warm service. The hotel’s interiors are filled with vintage curiosities, from antique cameras to gramophones, creating a nostalgic, characterful atmosphere.
Activities: The hotel’s central location makes it a convenient base for city walks, market visits or museum stops. Staff can help arrange guided tours of Tana’s highlights, or day trips to nearby sites of cultural or historical interest.
Sustainability: As a family-run property, La Varangue focuses on supporting local producers and maintaining the original character of its historic building. The hotel’s intimate scale, local sourcing and emphasis on Malagasy heritage make it a thoughtful choice for travellers seeking an authentic city stay.
Let me help you craft an unforgettable experience.
Best places to stay in Antananarivo
Madagascar Trip Inspiration
When to go to Madagascar
Find out the best time to visit Madagascar with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
The cyclone season in Madagascar is between January and March, which means it's hot and wet and isn't the best time of year to travel. The east coast is generally wetter than the west or south.
February
February is the wettest month, with heavy downpours and the risk of cyclones making travel difficult, and wildlife hard to spot.
March
March remains hot and wet, with high humidity making travel uncomfortable. The south is generally a bit drier and the roads more manageable than the north
May
The rains have left the landscapes looking green and lush, and now is a great time to try and spot the famous lemurs. The tourists haven't yet arrived en-masse so accommodation is cheaper and easier to find. There are still a few rain showers, but sun prevails, making May an excellent overall choice for travel.
June
With the rain finally subsiding, the air becomes fresh and cool, with sunshine and just a few showers punctuating the day. It's a great time to travel across much of the country, and still outside of peak season it's easier to find accommodation at good prices.
July
July is the beginning of the peak season, with dry weather and lower temperatures meaning this is a great time to go trekking or explore the rainforests. Lemurs and other forest dwellers have come out of hiding, and humpback whales gather to calve offshore, with sightings frequent between now and September. July is one of the best times to visit Madagascar.
August
August is similar to July, with comfortably cool temperatures and sunny skies. It's another good month for whale watching, and for exploring Madagascar's many regions.
September
Want to see a baby lemur? Now is the time to visit, when lemurs give birth. The cooler weather is at an end, and temperatures begin to rise, bringing with them a few showers in anticipation of the approaching rainy season. It's quieter than July and August, and therefore an ideal month to visit Madagascar. Whale watching is still on the cards too.
October
Baby lemurs are still hopping around during October, and the warmer weather means it's an excellent time for the beaches and snorkelling in the turquoise ocean. Keep an eye out for the blooming purple jacarandas, and see if you can spot fossas in the western forests.
November
Increasing temperatures around Madagascar mean hot days, but the arrival of short rain showers helps cool things down. Wildlife is very active during November, so it's a great time for lemur spotting, as well as birds during their breeding season.
December
December is the start of the wet season in Madagascar, with high temperatures (the hottest of the year) and short, sharp rain showers. It's a bit cooler and drier in the south west of the island. It's a quieter time to travel, and if you visit at the beginning of the month, the beaches will still be glorious.
Speak to a Madagascar expert today
and start planning your tailor-made vacation
Alistair
Ruth
Plan with an expert
Have a look at our original experiences and then contact us with your travel ideas, or call (888) 445-2912
A tailor-made itinerary just for you
Our experts will send you a detailed itinerary specified to your desires. It's our service promise to you.
Value guarantee
Tailor-made doesn't mean expensive! Ask about our price promise and book with financial security.