Antananarivo guide

The capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo, is a very beautiful city situated on the highland plateau in the north central area of Madagascar. It is 1400 feet above sea level so the climate is more temperate than the arid south. In the winter months it will be cold during the evenings and early mornings so make sure you have a fleece or jumper if you are joining us in the Malagasy winter (June - August).

Tana is spread over a large area with very few high-rise buildings compared to many capital cities. The rich live amongst the poor and some living situations are dire, as with many African cities.

When you arrive at Tana airport your first port of call will be the Bureau de Change in the arrivals hall to get some Malagasy currency. In the short distance to the Bureau de Change you will be approached by a great many taxi drivers. If you are flying directly on to Toliara simply say no thank-you (non merci), if you are staying overnight or longer you will need a taxi. All taxi drivers carry an official identity card that includes the rates for journies. Ask to see the card if you are unsure.

Tana domestic airport

Tana domestic airport is next door to the international airport, you simply turn left outside and walk across. If you take a porter in the international airport they will carry your baggage for you, but do expect to be paid for this service - usually around 500-1000 Ariary. If you don’t want a porter say no thank-you.
If you have a long wait between flights you’ll need to stay with your bags until you can check-in for your flight (on the right) as there are no left luggage services.

Overnight stops

If you are only staying in Tana overnight it is easier to stay in a hotel in the Ivato area, as central Tana is about 45 minutes drive from the airport, which can become over an hour in the rush hour - between 7-9am and 5-7pm.

A taxi from the airport to the nearby hotels below (all no more than about 10 minutes from the airport) should cost you around 10,000 Ariary (prices go up at night).  For accommodation near the Airport (rates may vary seasonally):
Motel au transit
Tel: 00 261 20 22 44581 (room with hot water, 13,000 Ariary per night)

Hotel Ivato
Tel: 00 261 20 22 74305 (rooms from 21,000 Ariary per night, recommended by most past staff/volunteers)

Mahavelo
Tel: 00 261 20 22 00464
hotelmahavelo2@yahoo.fr (rooms form 35,000 Ariary per night)

Staying in Tana

If you plan to stay longer in Tana you will want to arrange a hotel in the centre of town. A taxi to the centre of town from the airport costs around 20,000 Ariary (prices go up at night).

There are a number of good hotels in Tana that are frequented by other travelers, scientists and students. Try (again, rates may vary seasonally). These hotels range from 30,000 - 80,000 Ariary (£8 - 20 per night):

Hotel Isoraka
Tel: 00 261 20 22 35581 / 65854

Hotel Sakamanga
Tel: 00 261 20 22 35809
saka@malagasy.com
http://www.sakamanga.com

Hotel Shanghai
Tel: 00 261 20 22 31472
shangai@malagasy.com
http://www.3dmadagascar.com/salon800/info.asp?CAT=-1&STAND=1477

Hotel Mellis
Tel: 00 261 22 20 23425 / 62535 / 66070
infos@hotel-mellis.com
http://www.hotel-mellis.com

Hotel Gregoir
Tel: 00 261 20 22 22266
gregoir@bow.dts.mg
http://www.madagascar-contacts.com/gregoire/index.html

If you want to splash out on a bit of luxury (perhaps on your return journey - finances permitting), try:

Hotel du Louvre
Tel: 00 261 20 22 39000
hoteldulouvre@simicro.mg
http://www.hotel-du-louvre.com

Hotel Royal Palissandre
Tel: 00 261 20 22 32614/15/21
hotelpalissandre@simicro.mg
http://www.3dmadagascar.com/salon800/info.asp?CAT=-1&STAND=1355
(on the hill overlooking the town centre, very beautiful and the food is amazing)

Plaza Hotel
Tel: 00 261 20 22 66260/21865
hdf_tana@dts.mg (right in the centre of town)

These hotels will cost around £50 - £70 per night but they are extremely classy and the equivalent standards in Europe would cost up to a £300 a night.

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