Tana & the Central Highlands

A unique travel experience planned by a destination expert

The central plateau forms the core of the island, where the capital Antananarivo (usually known as Tana) and other important cities are located. The landscape is dominated by terraced rice fields that attest to the Asian origin of the Merina & Betsileo people who share this region. Along National Highway 7 (RN7), from Antananarivo to Fianarantsoa, there are also some of the most visited tourist towns of the island.

Right in the centre of Madagascar, the country’s highlands rise majestically amid the rice fields and fertile agricultural land of the country. Particularly rich in culture and heritage, this vast region offers its visitors countless riches to discover. With its picturesque countryside and large cities, the central regions of the country are rich in contrast. From the city of Antananarivo to Mantasoa or Fianarantsoa, there are many tourist attractions and options in the region. For lovers of urban tourism, the central regions have the large city of Antananarivo. “Tana” offers its visitors surprisingly modern amenities, accompanied by exotic discoveries on many aspects of everyday life. Whether it is the food, the lifestyle, the markets or the history of the big city, a modern change of scenery is assured. A little further from the capital, the villages and countryside of the national road N° 1 are ideal for discovering the rural and agricultural aspects of the region.

With picturesque landscapes and routes suitable for hiking or cycle touring, a visit to these towns is the perfect opportunity to gain an insight into local farming, peasantry, brickyards & rice-fields.
By setting course for the national road N° 7, we discover another facet of the highlands.
From the Vakinakaratra region to the city of Fianarantsoa, discover majestic volcanic massifs, thermal spas, but also many resorts synonymous with relaxation and escape.
The region also has its share of prestigious destinations.
Whether in the capital or in the villages of Mantasoa and Ampefy, you will have the opportunity to stay in luxury residences or hotels.
These are close to various establishments offering entertainment such as water sports, culinary discovery or even a lively nightlife.

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The Capital

Capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo – or “the city of a thousand” – is the nerve centre of the country. As its name suggests, Antananarivo is full of a thousand facets to discover, whether it is its architecture inherited from its colonial past, its many markets or even its westernized aspect. This cosmopolitan city offers many tourist possibilities, perfectly combining urban amenities and important historical, cultural and ecological sites.

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The Rova of Manjakamiadana is a royal palace complex that served as the home of the sovereigns of the Kingdom of Imerina in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as the rulers of the Kingdom of Madagascar in the 19th century. Its counterpart is the nearby fortified village of Ambohimanga, which served as the spiritual seat of the kingdom in contrast to the political significance of the Rova in the capital. The Rova occupies the highest point on Analamanga, the highest of Antananarivo's many hills. Merina kings continued to rule from the site until the fall of the monarchy in 1896, frequently restoring, modifying or adding royal structures within the compound to suit their needs. A fire on the night of 6 November 1995 destroyed or damaged all the structures within the Rova complex shortly before it was due to be inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The chapel and tombs, as well as Besakana and Mahitsielafanjaka, have since been fully restored. Completion of the reconstruction of the Manjakamiadana is more or less completed, and the site is now open as a museum.
Located in the heart of the city, this park is an important reserve but also a nesting site for many bird species endemic to the country. Located near a lake, "Bird Island" is an important breeding site for Madagascan heron and Meller's duck.
This botanical and zoological park is the national zoological and botanical collection and houses many endemic animal and plant species of Madagascar, and also a handful of foreign species such as camels and peacocks. The park also has an arboretum, a palaeontology museum and an ethnology museum, as well as its souvenir shop. Visitors should be warned that the housing of animals is not always what it should be.