Tana & the Central Highlands

Interesting culture, historical sites, waterfalls and parks

Right in the centre of Madagascar, the country’s highlands rise majestically amid the rice fields and fertile agricultural land of the country. The central plateau forms the core of the island, where the capital Antananarivo (usually known as Tana) and other important cities are located. Along National Highway 7 (RN7), from Antananarivo to Fianarantsoa, there are also some of the most visited tourist towns of the island. Particularly rich in culture and heritage, this region offers its visitors countless riches to discover.

Highlights of Tana & the Central Highlands

Learn about the main places to visit, when to go and how to get there with our in-depth guides.

The Rova

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Ambositra

Places to visit

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The Capital

The capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo – or “the city of a thousand” – is the beating heart of the country. As its name suggests, Antananarivo has 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.

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.
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.

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Ambohimanga Palace

Antsirabe

Ambalavao

Ambositra

Lemurs' Park

Mantasoa

Tour itineraries featuring this region

Our example Madagascar tour itineraries can give you an idea of what you can include, how to get around the country, and even the price. All tours are customisable.