About Antananarivo

Antananarivo is a beautiful town on the island of Madagascar. The best way to explore the Tana is by foot, although the streets and stairways can be very steep. Antananarivo budget travelers have the chance to experience island living and wildlife.

Antananarivo Budget Travel

Antananarivo budget travel is very easy with great value for money backpacking tours and fantastic highlights. Below is useful information on Antananarivo to help you plan your budget holiday in Antananarivo. We offer a variety of budget tours and backpacking advice in Antananarivo.

Airports

Antananarivo airports include the following:
• Antananarivo Airport

Birdlife

Madagascar has 258 bird species, with 115 of these endemic to the country. Antananarivo birdlife is less abundant than some of the less populated areas; however there are some good birding hotspots in the city including the beautiful Parc de Tsimbazaza, as well as the nearby Perinet Reserve where a range of species can be seen in stunning rainforest habitats.

Conservation

As the capital city of the magical biodiversity haven of Madagascar, Antananarivo conservation includes the preservation some of the world’s rarest and most unique flora and fauna. The city has a fairly good zoo and botanical gardens which house a number of rare endemic species, including large varieties of lemur.

Culture

Antananarivo cultures include the following:
• Traditions in the highlands vary from coastal areas
• The building of tombs and religious ceremonies that go with this practice is a strong traditional culture shared by all tribes
• Food and drink plays an important role in all cultures
• Music and dance is an important part of festivals and celebrations
• Tribal influences range from Asian to French

Customs

Antananarivo customs allows for free import by persons of 21 years of age and older:
• 500 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 500g of tobacco
• One bottle of alcoholic beverages
• No free import of perfume

Health

Antananarivo health is typical of any African country, with health facilities ranging from average to poor. Malaria is rife, and other health risks include untreated water, cholera, Rift Valley Fever and plague. Take a first aid kit and vitamins, and follow basic health precautions to ensure that you stay healthy on your Antananarivo travels.

AIDS

Antananarivo HIV/AIDS precautions include the following:
• Don’t ever share needles or syringes
• Practice safe sex at all times
• Equipment should be sterilized
• If you require self-administered injections, take an adequate supply of your own needles
• Avoid tattoos, acupuncture treatment or body piercing

Vaccinations

Antananarivo inoculations include:
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A
• Malaria
• Rabies
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever

Languages

Antananarivo languages include the following:
• Malagasy
• French
• English

Malaria

Antananarivo malaria medication includes the following:
• Mefloquine (Lariam)
• Doxycycline
• Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone)

Money

Antananarivo money and banking information is as follows:
• Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 08h00-16h00
• Foreign currency must be declared on arrival
• Travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and most large hotels
• Credit cards are accepted at major hotels
• US Dollars are the best currency to have as many services and outlets accept this currency

People

Antananarivo people include the following groups:
• Merina
• Betsileo
• Cotiers
• French
• Indian
• Creole
• Comoran

Phrase

Antananarivo local phrases in Malagasy include:
• Hello - Manahoana
• Goodbye - Veloma
• Please - Azafady
• Thank you - Misaotra
• Yes - Eny
• No - Tsia

Vaccinations

Antananarivo inoculations include:
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A
• Malaria
• Rabies
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever

Plants

Antananarivo plants can be found in a riot of colour, which endless jacaranda trees, red crown-of-thorn euphorbia and purple bougainvillea found across the city. The beautiful Parc de Tsimbazaza botanical gardens offer a large diversity of Madagascar plantlife, while the nearby Perinet Reserve is another biodiversity haven. For fresh local flowers visit the stunning Flower Market, which has a good range of beautiful flowering plants.

Religion

Antananarivo religion includes the following groups:
• Traditional beliefs
• Christian
• Muslim

Safety Tips

• Beggars and pickpockets are common in the city - walk assertively and keep valuables out of sight and safe in a moneybag under your clothes
• Roads can be very bad, and zebu often cross in large herds so be cautious when driving
• Be careful walking around at night, and women especially should avoid walking alone
• Avoid large crowds or demonstrations which could turn violent

Transport

Antananarivo local transport options include the following:
• Bus
• Car
• Taxi

Travel Books

Antananarivo recommended travel books include:
• Madagascar: The Bradt Travel Guide by Hilary Bradt
• Guide to the Mammals of Madagascar by Nick Garbutt
• The botanical and zoological park of Tsimbazaza: Guidelines for the future by Judith Evans Parker
• Birds of Madagascar: A Photographic Guide by Peter Morris, Frank Hawkins, and Mark Andrews
• Madagascar Travel Pack by Globetrotter

Visa Requirements

Get more information on visas in Madagascar

What To Buy

• Good sized sturdy backpack plus a decent moneybag
• Antananarivo travel guide plus a Madagascar wildlife and bird guide
• First aid box with basic supplies
• Malaria medication, mosquito repellent and mosquito net
• Plug adapter for UK and UK travellers

What To Pack

• Camera, spare batteries and film or memory, plus binoculars
• Sturdy walking or hiking shoes plus long, thick knee socks
• Long pants, loose, lightweight long sleeved shirts and a warm jacket for cooler days
• Sunglasses, sunhat and sunscreen
• Torch plus spare batteries

When To Go

• Rainy season runs from January through March
• April and May are the greenest months of the year
• April to October offers the best winter with the coolest temperature
• November to March is the hurricane season with humid climates
• September to October is the breeding season for lemurs

Wildlife

Antananarivo wildlife is extremely diverse and unique. Madagascar Exotic offers a chance to see a huge diversity of lemurs, chameleons and other reptile, while the beautiful Tsimbazaza Zoo and Botanical Gardens offers a glimpse into the endemic Madagascar species which can be found across the county, including a range of primates, zebu, reptiles and other fascinating creatures.