Antananarivo

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Antananarivo (AN-tan-AN-ah-REEV-oo) (City of a Thousand), commonly called Tana, is the capital of Madagascar.

About Antananarivo

Weather in Antananarivo

Antananarivo has a temperate climate, despite being situated in the Tropics, due to its high elevation of 1,300 to 1,400 metres (4,265 to 4,593 ft) above sea level. Antananarivo receives practically all of its average annual 1,400 mm (55.1 in) of rainfall between November and April. The dry season between May and October is friendly and sunny, although somewhat chilly, mainly during the nights and in the mornings and evenings. Although frosts are rare in Antananarivo and they are common at higher elevations.

The daily and monthly temperature variations are quite small. Means range from 22.2 °C (72.0 °F) to 15.3 °C (59.5 °F).

Travel to Antananarivo

Antananarivo is the main entry point for Madagascar and travel to the capital is covered in the main Madagascar page.


Travel by plane to Antananarivo

  • Ivato International Airport IATA Flight Code: TNR This airport is Antananarivo's major airport. It is served by Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Air France, Air Mauritius, Interair (part of South Africa Airways) , Kenya Airways. Expect lengthy queues, numerous forms to fill out and chaotic handling for hygiene check, visa purchase and immigration. Once you get past baggage claim, expect a mass of individuals pestering you to "help" you with your luggage or to show you how to find a taxi. As it is not obvious who is a porter and who is a thief, hold on to your bags tightly and make sure you load them into your transport; anyone who can get a hand on your bag will then follow you demanding remuneration. If you do need help with your luggage, it is wise to arrange an airport pick-up before arrival.

There are two ATMs: BNI (Mastercard and Visa card) and BOA (only Visa card) — in the international terminal. There are 24 hour exchange windows inside the international terminal and outside of the airport in a separate building adjacent to the parking lot. The exchange also works in case your plane arrives late in the evening. Transport in a private vehicle to the town center will cost 60,000-95,000 Madagascar#Money|Ar (November 2022) - costs will be at the high end of the cost spectrum after daylight hours. It will take a half hour in the late evening and early morning to reach the town center and more than an hour during other times when the roads are congested.

  • A taxi brousse is the least expensive option and should cost 2 x 900=1800 Ar from the airport to downtown. You need too take two seats one for you and one for your bag.

Tsara Car Rental provides airport shuttle service with shared ride or private from 1 to 7 passengers aboard van. (Shared: 35,000 Ar per person, Private: 80,000 Ar "from 1 to 3 passengers" - 180,000 Ar "from 4 to 7 passengers") ☎ +261 34 59 036 39.

By road

Taxi Tana - Taxi Tana

For travelling by road and there are three options: a private vehicle hire, a scheduled bus service or taxi brousse (bush taxi).

Vehicles can be hired through various agencies in Antananarivo. Individuals that work as freelance driver-guides will also approach you while you walk around in the streets or sit in a café. Budget €60 per day if you wish to hire a driver and clarify how the driver's expenses (food, lodging) is handled if you hire the vehicle for trips that last more than one day. You may need to sign a "contract" to be shown to police officers that may stop the vehicle at checkpoints along the road. It is allowed to check the technical state of the vehicle before you agree.

There are several companies that operate scheduled bus services between Antananarivo and larger towns of Madagascar.

  • Cotisse Transport - Daily services to Mahajanga, Morondava, Fianarantsoa and Toamasina, vehicles in three categories. Departs on time even if the vehicle is not full. Does not take passengers along the route (unless the passenger has bought a ticket). The Mercedes Sprinter vehicles are in a better state than taxi-brousses. Entertainment (Malagasy pop music) and free Wifi on board. Timetables and prices are published on the web page; additional buses are run if demand is high. Requires the passengers to arrive two hours before departure; the hour can be spent in a nice restaurant with very clean toilets next to Cotisse's premises. Book ahead; if you can get a ticket and there is no reason why you should choose an ordinary taxi-brousse.
  • Transpost - Early-morning services to Mahajanga three times a week. Inquire at the central post office.
  • Besady Plus buses to Nosy Be and Sainte Marie Via Ambanja and Toamasina. tickets includes sea Tranfer. all Besady Plus buses have free wifi and go on time.
  • Casycar VIP Transport has 5 seat cars going from Antananarivo to Antsirabe. They depart 6 times a day from Hotel Chalet des roses in Antananarivo town center. The fare is 26,000 Ar. Saves you having to get a taxi out to the bus terminal.

The taxis brousses link the capital to most other towns and depart from four major bus stations, which roughly correspond to the points of the compass, i.e. the northern bus station includes destinations such as Nosy Be and Antsiranana (Diego-Suarez), while the eastern one (Gare Routiere de l'est) has destinations such as Andasibe. If you don't know which one you need ask a taxi driver to take you to the right one for your location.

On arrival to the station you will be mobbed by agents trying to sell the services of every destination and route. Don't be intimidated as they do this to all arrivals to the station, local and tourist alike; rather look for a vehicle that seems reliable to you and which is almost full. Most stations are lined with ticket kioks with signs overhead advertising their locations. On the wall inside there should be a price list advertising locations, so make sure you don't pay more than this (and remember luggage is included). You can also ask to be dropped off on route before the final destination. After buying your ticket and the bus may not leave for a long time, as they will only leave when full. Try and avoid the back row of seating, this generally has the least leg room; you may buy an extra ticket (i.e. three tickets for two persons) if you want to have more space.

  • Gare routière du North - Northern bus station | Destinations include Antsiranana/Diego-Suarez (for Ankarana), Ambanja (for Nosy Be), Mahajanga (for Ankarafantsika) and Antsohihy among others. The shuttle vanes line both sides of a road and display their location on a poster on the front. There is a public toilet at one end of the street and a number of street food vendors. For Ankarana National Park catch a bush-taxi with a destination of Antsiranana and ask to get dropped off by the park entrance. This involves a very painful 20 hour journey (~65,000 Ar in January 2012). You will likely stop over in Ambanja for half an hour (~14 hours into the journey). Ambanja is also where you need to change for Nosy Be. For Ankarafantsika National Park catch a taxi to Mahajanga and ask to be dropped off at the park (~9 hours, 80,000 Ar in January 2012).
  • Gare Routiere de l'est - Eastern Bus Station | Destinations include Moramanga (for Andasibe). Bush taxis depart from this comparatively modern station which includes an official kiosk where all tickets are bought from. There's also a toilet which costs a few ariary to use (amusingly it costs more for a 'pipi' than a 'caca' and you have to specify before you go in). You can buy food from street vendors or a [ Snacks from a nearby petrol station. For Andasibe-Mantadia National Park travel first to Moramanga (5,000 Ar as of January 2012, 4 hours) then catch a connecting bus to Andasibe village (1000 Ar, 2 hours). Buses leave regularly, up to every hour.
  • Farakana bus station - Destinations include Mananjary, Morondava and Ambositra among many more. This dusty station has a number of kiosks from which to buy tickets and a few cafes where you can pass the time waiting. It's next to a market. For Ranomafana National Park catch a bus with an end destination of Mananjary or one of the other city's south of here. Journey time is about 14 hours (~60,000 Ar in January 2012.) These run less frequently with some services leaving in the afternoon. Don't worry if you get dropped off in the village in the middle of the night, at least one hotel, (Palmeria) has a night guard who can sort out a room for you. Thit is also the bus station wanted for Anja Reserve (~11 hours, 35,000 Ar in January 2012) and Isalo National Park. Most the buses will stop off in Ambositra where you can get a meal or use the toilet.

By rail

The colonial central station, Gare Soarano GPS -18.903297,47.521152 and is located on Arabe Rainibertsimisaraka, at the northwestern end of Avenue de l'Independence. It has been converted into a small shopping mall as it sees no or very little passenger traffic. If the train to Toamasina runs and then it is not a mode of transport but an adventure for the lovers of rail transportation. Inquire at the nice Café de la gare.

Transportation in Antananarivo

There are three main methods of navigating the capital: taxi, bus and on foot.

  • Taxis are preferred by most Muslim visitors and can be found easily. There are no meters, agree the rate with the driver before entering the taxi. Expect to be quoted 12,000 Ar for a short ride in town and 20,000 Ar for a longer ride; a one-way trip to the airport will be 650,000-60,000 Ar. 85,000 at night. A taxi can be hired for half a day or a day, expect to be quoted 150,000 Ar for half a day. You can bargain. That traffic tends to be heavy in Analakely (Antananrivo's centre and busiest area) during typical rush hour times, allow for extra time if you need to pass that area on your way to the airport.
  • Taxi-bes typically are old and smoky Mercedes-Benz TN that go along a defined, numbered route. If you are comfortable being squeezed onto a van with other people and the buses, or Taxi-be, are the most affordable form of transportation, with prices around 600 Ar. There is no plan of the route system, nor is there a timetable, only local residents use Taxi-be.
  • While the city is quite large, Analakely is fairly navigable on foot. Prepare for a slalom around market stalls, cars, holes and other obstacles, don't carry anything you need, in particular valuables.

What to See

Crocodile of Croc'Farm - Crocodile of Croc'Farm

There is lots to see and do in Antananarivo.

  • Rova - Queen's palace | Royal palace complex and former residence of the rulers of the Merina Kingdom. A cab ride (or very long walk) from the hotel neighborhood, but be warned that it has been severely fire damaged by suspected arson in the late 1990s and only the stone shell remains, together with some outbuildings, statues and a Chapel (the latter rebuilt with American money). Inte and then native Tana guides (usually university students with good English or French) may give a good account of the Rova's features in return for a gratuity. The site offers good panoramic views of the city. While walking up the hill towards the palace you may be told by local guides that the Rova is shut for the day and to follow them elsewhere to a different attraction but the likelihood is that the gate will be open as normal.
  • Prime Minister's Palace -Andafiavaratra Palace | The palace of the prime minister during the reigns of the last queens is now a museum with an exhibition of precious items saved from the fire of the Rova in 1995, such as the red jacket of Radama I and the royal coral jewels, various royal portraits and the diadem of the last queen.
  • Lemurs' Park A conservation park established by a French-Japanese charity which hosts mostly lemurs rescued from illegal captivity or attempted smuggling. It aims at reintroducing a part of their animals into their natural habitat. Over 6000 trees have been planted in this 5 hectare park preserving a lot of important flora and fauna of Madagascar. The park gives an opportunity to see at close range a variety of lemurs, which would be much more difficult in one of Madagascar's National Parks or in a Western zoo. Apart from lemurs, it has cameleons, turtles and several species of birds. The park also gives valuable employment to graduates from the local university as guides and free tours to local school children. Taking a guide is compulsory. Carry local cash as they do not accept cards. There is no public transport back from the park (taxi-brousses into town are mostly full when they pass here), so hire a taxi for the round trip; the park also offers the service of picking you up in town (see webpage).
  • Croc'Farm - Located on more than 3 hectares of plants, trees and flowers of Madagascar. You can watch the crocodiles, 80 other species of animals (turtles, snakes, lemurs...) and the smallest chameleon in the world. The best time to see crocodiles in action is during feeding time.

Muslim Travel Tips

  • Jean Be Tours is a concierge travel guide service. The owner Jean is an experienced tour guide for Madagascar who speaks English and French. On individually organized trips, one can meet local people, take photographs and collect souvenirs and memories.

Shopping in Antananarivo

The downtown is focused on Avenue de L'Independence. Restaurants and retail outlets line both sides of the road and it's the place to go if you want to visit a restaurant or nice cafe, including a good pizzeria and a take-away Pizzas restaurant. There are also internet cafes and photo-printing facilities. Shops for the Maki and Baobab clothing brand retail outlets can be found a few streets away. The major tourist attraction for this area is the large central market, which includes a covered section selling bags, jewellery and clothing at relatively affordable prices (remember to negotiate). Outside there's a plethora of fruit, vegetable and spice stalls, where large packs of vanilla pods can be purchased.

Outside the centre there is a dedicated tourist market which has about 30 stalls selling souvenirs and local crafts. Definitely worth a visit.

There are many large Western style supermarkets notable the chains Shoprite, 'Jumboscore', Leader price. and Supermaki. any taxi driver can take you to one, however most stock is imported from abroad and so include a significant mark up (although most goods are still below European prices). For fresh goods like fruit and vegetables, significant savings can be made by buying them from the local markets stalls dotted throughout the city.

Buy a local SIM (Telma, Orange, Airtel) to access calls at the national rate. Both Sim cards and credit are easily obtainable throughout the nation and one of the few things you can easily get hold of (aside from a-cola-from-coca-cola-mexico-is-halal/ Coca Cola, THB organic juice and coconut flavoured biscuits) in provincial towns and small rural villages. As with most countries and the cheapest way to receive calls from abroad is to use a local SIM and get someone to ring the number using Skype (or similar software), as it will be free for you (the receiver) and affordable for them.

Most banks have an ATM, although they often limit you to how much you can draw out at once. It's relatively simple to change money from euros and dollars to ariary and you often get a better rate than at the airport. Some banks will also accept pound sterling.

Shopping malls & supermarkets

  • Shoprite Supermarkets - Shoprite South Africa have many stores all over Antanarivo.
  • Tana Water Front Mall - Shopping mall with a food court and Shoprite supermarket.
  • Leader Price hypermarket many stores in Antananarivo.
  • Jumbo Score Hypermarket - A large hypermarket.
  • L A City Mall - Thit is the largest shopping mall in Tana with 52 stores. There are stores for Orange, Airtel and Telma and there is also a Madagasikara airways and Air Madagacar ticket offices and a Shoprite Hypermarket.
  • Akoor Digue Shopping mall - a mall with a Jumbo score Hypermarket. has a bank with an ATM.
  • Supermaki A large chain of convenience stores all over Madagascar.

Banks & ATMs

  • BNI Bank BNI ATMs take Mastercard and Visa cards.
  • BFV Societe Generale bank BFV ATMs take Mastercard (including Maestro debit cards), Visa card, Diners Club, American Express and Discover Cards. Their website shows all their ATM locations in Madagascar.
  • Bank of Africa BOA ATMs take only Visa card.
  • MBC Mauritius commercial bank MBC ATMs take Mastercard, Visa card, Diners Club, Discover cards.
  • BMOI ATMS also take visa cards.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Antananarivo

To be updated

Buy/Rent Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Antananarivo

eHalal Group Antananarivo is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Antananarivo. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Antananarivo.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Antananarivo ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Antananarivo. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Antananarivo, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Antananarivo are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan in Antananarivo

Ramadan 2025 in Antananarivo

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

If you are overnighting in Tana while traveling through the airport, it is at least 30 minutes and closer to an hour with traffic, to travel from the airport to the downtown area and that the cost of the transfer in a private taxi is 80,000-120,000 Ar. 120,000 at night (one-way), so a hotel near the airport may be an excellent option.

Hôtel Le Cactus Vert - 300px

  • Hotel Niaouly - 22 single/double rooms with own bathroom.
  • Hotel Chez Francis - 12 single/double rooms with own bathroom.
  • El Mundo Hotel | very clean double room with own hot water bathroom. friendly owners. Has free wifi. The hotel has its own restaurant with good priced food.
  • Aina Hotel - clean nice size double room with own hot water bathroom. Cable TV. Fast wifi. Can pay with a mastercard. 10% discount if you stay 5 nights or more.
  • A I'hotel 23 double rooms with own hot water bathroom cable TV. Safe box in every room. Free wifi. Has a restaurant.
  • Andravoahangy hotel. Not far from the Cotisse bus terminal and Tana waterfront mall.
  • Irianja Guest House | A Malagasy-owned and -managed hotel Excellent value, 7-course Royal Traditional Malagasy dinner, well appointed rooms. Very friendly.
  • Karibotel - Good alternative for Sakamange. More local residents than tourists.
  • La Maison du Pyla - This bed and breakfast is popular with researchers and NGOs, which makes for interesting conversation at meal times. The owner bakes homemade bread at breakfast time and is very attentive to guest needs and can help with travel arrangements including airport shuttles and reservation confirmations. The three-story building is a bit old, but is kept clean and in good repair. Meals are generous and the wi-fi works well and the homemade infused rums are well worth a try.
  • Relais des Plateaux - The main draw of this hotel is its location ten minutes from the airport and its free shuttle, saving travelers with stopovers the headache of spending an hour in traffic trying to reach a downtown hotel It is clean, has a swimming pool, a nice restaurant, hot showers, working wi-fi and the amenities one would expect in a good hotel The downside is that it is expensive for what you get, with small, pod-like rooms, no extra amenities and little to see or do in the immediate neighborhood.
  • La Ribaudière A good mid-range option. Very popular, good restaurant.
  • Le Saint-Laurent Simple and affordable. Near historical monument. Free Wi-Fi. Food available.
  • Sakamanga A good mid-range option located in the center of the downtown area, but secluded from the streets. Rooms have air conditioning, wi-fi works well and there is a very nice pool, reception open 24 hours.

The two best known lodgings in the capital are the Colbert (pronounced like the Comedy Central show!) and the Carlton (formerly Hilton), however in addition to being well known and these hotels are quite expensive, mainly relative to other lodgings.

  • Hotel Carlton This hotel is a member hotel of Summit Hotels & Resorts. It is a great hotel by GCC standards. The Carlton has 2 restaurants (Cafe Charly is reportedly excellent), 2 bars and an internet cafe, some rooms have nice views of the lake and it is near the football (meaning soccer) stadium. 170 rooms.
  • Hotel Colbert French-run and situated close to the government ministries. Aid workers and French government folks will customarily stay there. There are old and new wings and the old wing is certainly inferior to the Carlton and the new wing on a par or better. The Colbert has a lovely spa, two restaurants and a coffee shop/patisserie. The efficient and knowledgeable staff will help you navigate the challenges of the city. 140 rooms.

Stay Safe

  • Beware of dogs! Tana is loaded with stray dogs, some of whom will occasionally harass passers-by for scraps or bark, growl and chase humans off their territory. If accosted by a stray dog, look for a rock or bottle or something to throw at it and then let fly. If nothing is available start screaming and clapping your hands. If this doesn't work, run. These animals also leave their marks behind... many local residents refer to Tana as "Antaybe" (place of much poop).
  • Don't be alarmed by taxis or vehicles with holes in the floor, springs poking out of the seats, missing mirrors or broken windows. Malagasy motor vehicles may not be much to look at and not much fun to ride in, but for the most part they run well and the engines are well-maintained.
  • In daylight hours you should be fine, as long as you don't carry too many valuables. Use common sense.

Cope in Antananarivo

Embassies & Diplomatic Missions in Antananarivo

Egypt Egypt | LOT MD 378 Ambalatokanana Mandrosoa Ivato - ☎ +261 20-22-454-99 +261 20-22-453-79

Where to go next

Due to the altitude and the capital is significantly cooler. There are actually a number of things to do in Tana. the city is really attractive and a photographers dream. The architecture is a mix of French countryside and Indonesia. Rice paddies scattered all over the city add a brilliant green to the pastel terracotta of the buildings. The market is wonderful offering many unique souvenirs and if you do not want to bargain then try Lisy, a collection of shops with similar produce to the market at excellent prices. The Lemur Park, 45 minutes out of Tana, is well worth a visit and for gourmets there are some surprisingly good restaurants.

Travel out of the capital is by two modes: road or air. As of 2023 there is no passenger rail service from the capital. Road transport is by bus to limited destinations, taxi-brousse (shared taxi) to a variety of destinations or by vehicle rental (usually with driver). Although travel by taxi-brousse is guaranteed to try one's patience and sanity and there is quite possibly no better way to meet and interact with the local residents and experience Madagascar as the Malagasy do. Air travel is the recommended method, due to the poor state of many roads and Antananarivo is the hub city for the national carriers Air Madagascar & Madagasikara Airways.But of course air is more expensive.

Recommended next stops are Morondava and/or Nosy Be.

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