Antananarivo or also known as Tana, for short, is the capital city of Madagascar. It is also the largest populated area in this country. It is a diverse city as the residents here consist of 18 Malagasy ethnic groups as well as Chinese, Indians, Europeans, and other races. It is located approximately 1,280 m above sea level in the Central Highlands region of Madagascar. Hence, making it the highest-elevated city among island countries. Antananarivo also hosts the most number of universities, nightclubs, art venues, medical services and other social service institutions of any city on the island. Founded in the early 17th century, Antananarivo has a rich history and a burgeoning modern culture that includes world-class restaurants, art galleries and shopping opportunities.

Airport in Anatananarivo, Madagascar

Ivato International Airport (TNR)

Ivato International Airportis the main international airport serving Antananarivo and is located approximately 15 km from the center of the city, connecting Antananarivo to all national airports. Ivato is the hub of the national airline Air Madagascar and is the only airport on the island hosting long-haul carriers. Direct flights connect Antananarivo to cities in South Africa and Europe.

How to Get Cheap Flight Tickets to Antananarivo, Madagascar

Traveloka is a search engine catering for your travel needs, making it easy for travelers to search for the cheapest and most affordable flight tickets to Antananarivo. What you need to do is download the application into your smartphone and go to the search box. The application itself will provide recommendations and suggestions based on the preferences that you set; budget, type of accommodation and range of flight ticket. Traveloka also has a price alert features in which you can enable it to be notified of the latest cheapest price of flights to Antananarivo.

Best Time to Fly to Anatananarivo, Madagascar

Antananarivo has a subtropical highland climate with a distinct dry season, mild and dry winters and also warm, rainy summers. The city receives its average annual rainfall mostly between November and April. Daily average temperatures can range from 20.8 °C in December to 14.3 °C in July. If you plan to travel to Antananarivo, it is best to visit from May to September where the temperatures are mild and precipitation is low.

Highlights in Antananarivo, Madagascar

Rova Palace Complex - The palace complex is situated at the highest point in the city and can be seen from all over Antananarivo. Also known as Manjakamiadana, or a "Fine Place to Rule," the complex was home to the rulers of the early kingdoms in Madagascar; Kingdom of Imerina and Kingdom of Madagascar when the island first founded its monarch in the 17^th century. Although a horrific fire in 1995 had ruined the complex, the ruins can still be explored through different sections of the palace including the gateway that is 'protected' by a large sculptured eagle as well as the royal cemetery. The place is open to visits from 9 am to 5 pm every day.

Ambohimanga, The Fortified Settlement - Situated 15 miles northeast of the city of Antananarivo is the fortified settlement of Ambohimanga. Perched on a hill, it is a traditional fortified settlement that also served as the city’s earliest spiritual place of the Merina royal family that dated back in the 15^th century. The enclosed and fortified village also includes well-preserved royal residences and graveyards, making the locals consider it as a sacred site. This settlement also attracts pilgrims from all over the country to offer their worship here and due to its significance in the foundation of Madagascar and its culture, UNESCO had announced in 2001 that Ambohimanga was noted to be a World Heritage Site.

Lemur’s Park - The Lemur’s Park is also one of the country’s many nature reserves and here, you can observe nine species of lemurs including the vulnerable lesser bamboo lemur and the crowned sifaka that was announced to be an endangered species. In this 5-hectare reserve, these unique primates are allowed to roam freely and can be seen from close range if you take the park's guided tour. Other attractions of this park are the view where it is stunning and panoramic, fit for photography lovers. You can also observe many species of faunas, including chameleons, turtles, iguanas and more. Not only that, but the park is also home to 70 species of plants and 40 of them can only be found on the island of Madagascar. The park is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm.