Things to Do in Antananarivo, Madagascar - Antananarivo Attractions
Things to Do in Antananarivo
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Antananarivo.
Top Attractions in Antananarivo
Speciality Museums • History Museums
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Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
Motorcycle Trails • Off-Road & ATV Trails
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Flea & Street Markets
Historic Sites • Neighborhoods
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Religious Sites
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What travelers are saying
- Miles ArcherBoca Raton, FL7,279 contributionsI came to Madagascar to see lemurs. They are primitive primates, dating back in time to before monkeys and apes arose. When Madagascar geologically broke off from Africa and drifted away, the lemurs on Madagascar had the primate realm all to themselves. No monkeys or apes. Lemurs diversified. So many species, including one with lemurs the size of today's gorillas. Humans first came to this island about 2000 years ago. They ultimately wiped out several lemurs species, including the largest one. But there are still many dozen of species alive here.
Lemurs have great leaping ability and can be very vocal. Most of them are nocturnal. There are six species of lemurs here. They are interesting to watch and listen to.Written March 1, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - huys25Amsterdam, The Netherlands11,023 contributionsVisitors are obliged to take a guide, but for English guides there is often a waiting time. Our French language guide was very good. First an introduction of the famous and infamous kings and queens. The tour was simple but good; anyhow, I cannot remember everything. Some interesting and hilarious stories, especially the one with the king in the attic. Inside no pictures are allowed, which nowadays is rather silly. Otherwise it would have received 5 points.Written November 4, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- VGrietAddis Ababa, Ethiopia148 contributionsI was pleasantly surprised by the museum. A nice welcome explaining the functioning. Exhibits change every 6 months. Not only it has a nice grounds and café the museum offers a large variety of mini-documentaries using old photographs that have been digitalized: the historic cities of Mada , agriculture , industry, transport over the years, natural catastrophes,...
Entry is 20 000 MGA for foreign tourist.
I will come back on a next visit.Written May 7, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - rmc1971Leesburg, VA737 contributionsI'm conficted about this; I found the park very interesting, the animals were fascinating, and frankly like nothing I'll see elsewhere. That being said, some of the conditions for the animals were not great, which always pains me. Seeing the crocodiles up close (very close!) you do have a sense for their power, speed and frankly killing power. It was fascinating watching during the portion where they were feeding the crocs; just fascinating actually. They had a quaint shop that sold a few local goods, and the walkways around the park were overall in good quality. The road getting to the croc farm was awful, as it had just been raining for days when we went. Hopefully since repaired.Written January 14, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- TAMAN1951Liberty Lake, WA5,813 contributionsTypical open air market in bustling area. Lots to see but a bit crowded.
Just about anything you could want or think you need is for sale here.
To to the crowded conditions and area poverty, this is a haven for pickpockets. Beware and protect your personal items and money.
Can be fun.Written October 30, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - VGrietAddis Ababa, Ethiopia148 contributionsI wanted to visit the Palace today but it us closed for reconstruction.
Arriving, buit overwhelmed by the many guides. I did venture on a tour around the Palace with a local guide. (With accreditation) he took me along different alleys and through the neighbourhood to explore some nice viewpoints. I still enjoyed it .Written May 7, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - organanteMadrid, Spain138 contributionsSince many decades, this is the historical Malagasy zoo, the only one for many years. It is quite easy to visit, in town, and if you have no time for going aroud the country, you can still see several typical species.Written September 2, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- WFKtravels338 contributionsA visit to Madagascar Exotic had been slotted into our last day, as we returned to Tana from the east coast. It had been suggested as a photography stop in case we had missed out on finding wild chameleons over the previous three weeks. We had, of course, seen many chameleons but not the fabled panther and Parson’s ones. We were certainly not disappointed. A large walk in aviary style enclosure housed numerous species of chameleons and offered infinite photographic opportunities including slow motion footage of chameleon’s tongues catching insects. We found these creature’s mesmerising - especially the indescribable colours of the male panther chameleons which almost glowed when in the vicinity of a female. Our guide told us that all of the reptiles breed very well in captivity at Madagascar Exotic and there is a ‘return to wild program’. It was not until later that we read about pet trade concerns from other sources. We spent most of our time with the chameleons. There was also the opportunity to see a variety of leaf tail geckos, coloured frogs, twig nosed snakes (which we could handle) and a magnificent swallow tailed moth (see photos). Having had a very troubling experience with captive lemurs a few days earlier we declined the offer to see the ones housed here. Perhaps it was hypocritical of us to visit and spend so much time with the equally captive reptiles. However, we thoroughly enjoyed our break in the tedious drive back to Tana at Madagascar Exotica and would recommend it despite the run down atmosphere. It could probably be done as an easy half day trip from Tana too. The guide was enthusiastic and knowledgeable and appeared to care about the creatures he showed us. Plus...the toilets were clean, flush and had toilet paper and hand washing facilities...a bonus!Written September 18, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- shiraziwineShiraz, Iran1,235 contributionsThis art gallery is not just an art gallery, it is a restaurant, music place, cafe and an art gallery.
Staff is very polite and nice
We had
1- Salads
2-Masoandro Drink
3-Tamarin Drink
All were amazingWritten November 21, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - SriniShenoyBengaluru, India270 contributionsA privately run lake and park, it is an absolute delight - just amidst the hustle and bustle of Tana. The walk around the lake is very pleasant and there are some abandoned buildings in the park (which apparently belonged to noblemen of yore). The number of birds in the lake is astounding! And yes, search around the reeds and vegetation for more birds. The lake views are fabulous.
Try and go in the morning and ensure you get a birding guide - who can show you around. Worth a visit if you have the time in Tana.Written May 8, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - andriespcoosthuizenAntananarivo, Madagascar1 contributionPeople are very friendly and warm welcoming...I found a big and wide variety of traditional Malagasy things great souvenirs for friends and family, so all in all a great place to visit with friends and familyWritten August 13, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- shiraziwineShiraz, Iran1,235 contributionsThe balcony of our hotel had a marvelous view to this lake, with many flower trees around and nice area. We really enjoyed the lake and the area from our balcony but when you walk next to this lake you might find it a bit dirt and unattended. Some parts smells with urine and i think better to enjoy the lake from distanceWritten November 17, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Dirk WAntwerp, Belgium177 contributionsThe station is set by the French. it is one of the few cultural sites in the area. Free walking was not allowed by our non-conducting driverWritten December 21, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- daveedwilliamsManning, SC308 contributionsThis magnificent church is the seat of the Archdiocese of Antananarivo. Construction started in 1873 and was completed by 1890. Today, the cathedral offers a magnificent example of Gothic architecture and is a wonderful place to attend Sunday mass. With its twin towers and rosette-shaped window, the cathedral’s façade is often compared to that of Notre-Dame in Paris. Inside, the decor is less ornate than most Catholic places of worship, but the quality of the stained glass is astonishing.Written November 3, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Fraser131313Edmonton, Canada297 contributionsWe stopped briefly at what our driver called the ‘Craft Market’ on our way into Tana from the airport. Lots of the same things we had seen elsewhere in Madagascar and some new things. I recommend showing up near the end of the day when your threat to walk away may be very effective at getting you a good deal. The location adjacent to the river is also pretty cool and it’s worth stepping up on the berm beside the stalls to take a look around.Written January 3, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Antananarivo
- The top attractions to visit in Antananarivo are: See all attractions in Antananarivo on Tripadvisor
- The best outdoor activities in Antananarivo according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all outdoor activities in Antananarivo on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Antananarivo according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Day trip to Andasibe Lemurs
- Lemur Day Tour at Andasibe Rainforest and Vakona Lodge Reserve
- Private Ambohimanga and Ironwork Shop Tour from Antananarivo
- The most popular things to do in Antananarivo with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Lemurs' Park
- Helinirina Raharomanana Tours Guide
- Cactus Tours Madagascar
- Dadamanga Travel Service
- Madagascar Green Tours