Capital · Madagascar Highlands

Antananarivo: in the heart of the Malagasy capital

Explore Antananarivo, the historic capital of Madagascar, on a guided tour. Discover the Rova royal palace, Independence Avenue and the old town with its traditional houses.

🏛️ Rova 🏙️ Old town 📸 Panoramic views 👑 Merina Kingdom
See the itinerary
Overview

Antananarivo, the city of a thousand hills

Antananarivo, commonly called "Tana", is the capital of Madagascar. Perched on the central Highlands, the city offers a unique mix of royal history, colonial architecture and lively everyday Malagasy life.

This half-day guided tour takes you to the capital's iconic sites: the Rova of Antananarivo (royal palace), Andafiavaratra Palace, Independence Avenue and the historic upper town.

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Rova of Antananarivo

The former royal palace of Madagascar, with a stunning view over the capital and a dive into the history of the Merina Kingdom.

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Andafiavaratra Palace

A historic palace in the heart of the city, a witness to colonial architecture and Malagasy royal heritage.

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Independence Avenue

The capital's lively main street, lined with shops, markets and colonial buildings.

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Old town

Traditional houses, historic churches and panoramic viewpoints over the hills of Antananarivo.

Programme

Half-day guided tour

This 5-hour tour lets you discover the main historic and cultural sites of Antananarivo with a professional guide. Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel included.

Step 1

Hotel pick-up

Departure from your hotel in a private air-conditioned car for a comfortable tour of the capital.

Step 2

Independence Avenue & Analakely market

Discover the city's main street, local shops and the lively atmosphere of the market.

Step 3

Rova of Antananarivo

Visit to the former royal palace, the history of the Merina Kingdom and a panoramic view over the capital.

Step 4

Andafiavaratra Palace

Exploring this historic palace, a witness to colonial architecture and Malagasy heritage.

Step 5

Old town and return to the hotel

A walk through historic lanes, traditional houses, churches and viewpoints, then transfer back to your hotel.

Services

What the tour includes

✅ The price includes

  • Professional tour guide
  • Private air-conditioned car for the whole activity
  • Bottle of mineral water
  • All tolls, taxes and parking fees
  • Entrance tickets to the sites visited
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

❌ The price does not include

  • Personal expenses
  • Tips
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned
Practical info

Good to know

⏱️

Duration

5-hour

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Languages

French, English, Spanish, German, Japanese, Russian

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Group

Private

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Pick-up

Included at your hotel

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Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 7 days before departure (deposit refunded)

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Payment

Book now, pay later

📋 What to bring

👟 Comfortable shoes 🧢 Cap 📷 Camera ☀️ Sunscreen 💧 Water bottle

💡 Good to know: Please wear comfortable clothes suitable for walking. Hotel pick-up and drop-off included. Not accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Nearby

Extend your stay in Antananarivo

🐒

Andasibe

See indri lemurs in Andasibe National Park, a few hours from the capital.

Discover Andasibe →
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Isalo National Park

The canyons and natural pools of Isalo, reached via the RN7 from Antananarivo.

Discover Isalo →
🌿

Reniala Reserve

The baobab forest and endemic birds of South-West Madagascar.

Discover Reniala →

Ready to discover Antananarivo?

Contact Ma'Tour Guide Madagascar to organise your guided tour of the capital and discover the history and culture of Madagascar.

Request a quote

Plan your stay in Antananarivo

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