Cheap flights to Antananarivo

Quick summary

Why track Antananarivo with SniperAir

A highland capital built on hills, where fares are worth tracking

Antananarivo, known as Tana, is the capital and largest city of Madagascar, set on hills in the central highlands at about 1,280 m according to Wikivoyage (EN); other sources give between 1,260 and 1,435 m. The name means "city of the thousand", after the thousand soldiers of King Andrianjaka who is said to have founded it around 1610. Wikivoyage (EN) notes that it has more universities, nightclubs, art venues and medical services than anywhere else on the island, and calls it a photographer's dream: pastel terracotta houses with rice paddies between them. For most visitors it is the entry point to Madagascar, before they continue to Nosy Be, the coast or the national parks. Fares to TNR depend on the season and the connections, so letting SniperAir track the route and alert you is easier than comparing prices every day.

Airport and getting into town

Ivato airport, about 16 km out of town, with a newer terminal

Distance: about 16 km per Wikipedia (EN, FR), 20 km per Wikivoyage (FR); the sources differ. Time per Wikivoyage (EN): half an hour early morning or late evening, more than an hour when roads are congested. We do not quote fares, which change.

Taxis have no meters, so agree the price before you get in. Hotels run shuttles, and Wikivoyage (EN) also mentions the very cheap but slow bush taxi. Entry rules and the visa depend on your nationality: check the official sites before you travel.

Landmarks

Haute-Ville, cathedral, Lake Anosy and rice paddies: a capital on hills

Tana is best discovered on foot and by taxi, climbing its stairways. The five views below are illustrated; other sites such as the Rova or Andafiavaratra Palace are described in text only.

The Haute-Ville and its rooftops

Andohalo Cathedral and the lycee

Lake Anosy

The paddies of the plain

Bell towers and rooftops

The Rova, palace of the Merina rulers at the top of the hill, was gutted by fire on the night of 6 November 1995; Wikipedia (EN, ES) says restoration has continued since, with UNESCO support. Andafiavaratra Palace, the former prime minister's residence, is now a museum according to Wikivoyage (EN). Lower down, Independence Avenue and Soarano station keep the charm of colonial arcades (Wikivoyage FR).

Museums and culture

Zoo and gardens, palace museum and contemporary culture

Tsimbazaza park

The Tsimbazaza botanical and zoological garden is a conservation site for Madagascar's fauna and flora, according to Wikivoyage (FR, DE). Wikipedia (DE) mentions lemurs and other endemic species. It is a good introduction to the island's biodiversity before heading into the bush.

Andafiavaratra Palace and the art museum

The palace holds objects saved from the Rova fire, such as royal jewellery and portraits (Wikivoyage EN). The Museum of Art and Archaeology on the university campus is judged small but interesting by the same source.

Photography and pirates

Wikivoyage (FR) lists the Anjohy photography museum, created in 2018, and Wikipedia (DE) a pirate museum opened in 2008. We give neither opening hours nor prices, which change.

Food and drink

Rice, Malagasy stews and markets

Rice and what goes with it

Rice is the base of Malagasy cooking. Wikivoyage (DE) cites romazava, a beef and leafy-greens stew, and ravitoto, pork with cassava leaves. Both turn up in simple eateries and in restaurants devoted to the island's cooking.

French and world cuisine

In the centre, Wikivoyage (FR) mentions restaurants serving French, Indian, Chinese or Italian dishes, and cocktails made with Madagascar rum. Independence Avenue holds many cafes and restaurants (Wikivoyage EN).

Markets and water

Analakely market sells fruit, vegetables and crafts; Wikivoyage (EN) advises bargaining and watching your belongings. Wikivoyage (FR) says tap water is not drinkable: choose bottled or filtered water.

Getting around

Taxis without meters, taxi-be and bus stations

In town

Taxis are common, often old (Wikivoyage FR mentions Renault 4s) and without meters, so agree the price. Taxi-be, the city minibuses, are the cheapest option but hard for a visitor to follow (Wikivoyage EN).

Bus stations

Bush taxis leave from several stations organised by compass point, according to Wikivoyage (EN): the northern one serves Antsiranana and Ambanja, for Nosy Be, and the eastern one Moramanga and Andasibe.

Around the capital

Wikivoyage (FR) lists the royal hill of Ambohimanga to the north, and Wikivoyage (EN) a lemur park and a crocodile farm near the city. The train from Soarano station is barely used.

Budget and precautions

Budget, health and safety

Price level

The currency is the ariary (MGA). Simple meals and shared transport stay affordable, while accommodation and good restaurants cost more. We do not publish amounts, as we could not confirm them on two current sources.

Flights

SniperAir tracks prices to TNR and compares them with the route's real history, but it does not sell or book tickets. Consider domestic flights to Nosy Be too, whose airport is tracked separately.

Health

Ask a doctor or a vaccination centre for advice before you leave. Malaria exists in Madagascar, with a risk that varies by region and season; the capital's altitude does not remove the need to ask if you then go to the coast. Drink filtered or bottled water.

Safety

Official advice differs between countries of departure and the situation can change quickly: read your own government's advice before booking and again before you fly. Wikivoyage (EN) finds the city fine by day if you do not display valuables, and mentions stray dogs, persistent begging and snatch theft.

When to go

A highland climate: summer rain, dry cool winters

Wikivoyage (FR) describes a tropical highland climate with cool dry winters and mild rainy summers; Wikivoyage (DE) speaks of a "cold-tropical" climate because of the altitude. We do not give precise temperatures, as we could not cross-check them on two sources.

By length of stay

What to do in Antananarivo, by length of stay

In pictures

Antananarivo in pictures

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about flights to Antananarivo