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ANTANANARIVO
From the right place, in the right light, Antananarivo (TANA for short)
is one of the most attractive capitals in the developing world.In the
evening sunshine it has the quality of child's picture book, with brightly
coloured houses stacked up hillsides, mauve jacarandas and purple bougainvillea
against the dark blue of the winter sky.Red crown of thorn euphorbia stand
in rows against red clay walls, rice puddies are tended right up to the
edge of the city.
The Geography of the city is both simple and confusing. It is built on
two ridges which combine in a V.On the highest hill, dominating all the
viewpoints, is the ruined Queen's palace or Rova.Down the central valley
runs a broad boulevard, Avenue de l'indépendance, which terminates
at the railway station.
WHERE TO STAY ?
Hotel Colbert (top)
TANA PLAZA (top)
Hotel ile-bourbon (medium)
WHAT TO SEE AND TO DO?
As if to emphasise how different it is other capitals, Tana has relatively
little in the way conventional sightseeing.
ROVA (Queen's palace)
For over a century the Queen's palace, or Rova, the spiritual centre
of the Merina people, dominated the skyline of Tana. In November 1995
it was destroyed by fire.However, it is worth the walk up to the palace
for the view and imagine its former grandeur and also to see the all town
view from the top the hill is fabulous.
PRIME MINISTER'S PALACE (Musée d'Andafiavaratra)
This former residence of Rainilaiarivony (he who married three Queens)
has been painstakingly restored and now houses the few precious items
that were saved from the Rova fire.
THE ZOO AND THE BOTANICAL GARDEN
This is the center for Madagascar Fauna group, and International Consortium
of Zoos and the Universities working together to help conserve Madagascar's
wildlife. The Botanical Garden is spacious and well laid out, and its
selection of Malagasy endemics is being improved with the help of advisers
from kew (U.K.) and the Missouri Botanical Garden (USA)It provides a sanctuary
for numerous birds.There is also an excellent museum for gaining an understanding
of Madagascar prehistoric natural history and the traditions and way of
life of its inhabitants here.Skeletons of now extinct animals, including
several species of giant lemurs and the famous elephant bird, provide
a fascinating glimpse of the Madagascar fauna which the first humans helped
to extinction.
THE HANDICRAFTS MARKETS
The Marché artisanal, which is best reached by taxi, shows the
enormous range and quality of Malagasy handicrafts. Most noteworthy is
the embrodery and basketry, woodcarving, minerals, leatherwork (stiff
cowhide) and unique Antehimoro paper embedded with pressed flowers. The
market is held in Andravoahangy region town.
EXCURSION TO AMBOHIMANGA (King's Palace)
Lying 25 km northeast of Antananarivo, meaning blue hill, From here began
the line of kings and Queens who were to unite Madagascar into one country,
and it was here that they returned for rest relaxation among the tree-covered
slopes of the hill-top village. These days tourists find the same tranquility
and spirit of reverence and this recently named world Heritage site is
highly recommanded as an easy day's trip.
LAKE MANTASOA
Mantasoa lies 70 km northeast of Antananarivo, this place is nice for
one or two days excursion. Thanks to Jean Laborde that a whole range of
industries was started. All are signposted and fascinating to see; you
can just imagine the effort that was required to get them built.The School
playing field is a chimney; one part of the china factory. The cannon
factory still stands and part of it is lived in, and the large furnace
of the foundry remains.Mantasoa is nice large articial lake which is really
fun to sail around by a fast small boat.
WHERE TO STAY?
Domaine de l'Ermitage (top)
Motel le chalet / Le chalet suisse (medium)
ANGAVOKELY STATION FORESTIERE
Angavokely at Carion, 30 km from Tana on the RN2, takes about 30 minutes
by car.It ends at an extraordinary turreted barrier which will be opened
after you have applied at the offices a ten minute walk away. Faded direction
signs and a map indicate the way to the Arboretum with tables and parasols,
and you camp. Mt Angavokely is a fair climb up past the eucalyptus plantation
and takes about 30 minutes. Thoughtfully, steps with railings are built
in the rock face so that you can enjoy the spendid views from the top
of the Ankaratra mountain and Lake Mantasoa.
LAKE ITASY
Off the road to Tsiroanomandidy (access town Analavory) this lake and
its surrounding area is particularly beautiful. The nearby village of
Ampefy is full of once splendid French colonial mansions.It is an 8 km
walk from Ampefy to Ilot de la vierge on the lake Itasy. From the Ilot
there are fantastic views over the lake and surrounding hills.West of
the road are the chutes de la Lily (waterfalls) and about 45 minutes drive
northwest of Ampefy are some hot springs with spectacular mineral deposits.
WHERE TO STAY?
Hotel Cavita (medium)
NORTH WEST OF ANTANANARIVO
THE FOREST OF AMBOHITANTELY
It takes 3 hours to get there which lies 150 km northwest of Antananarivo
off the road to Mahajanga.Estimates of its size vary from 1400 to 3 000
ha. It is surrounded by a barrier of burnt trees, but as you go two metres
into the forest the leaf litter is already 10 - 15 cm deep.Seven species
of lemur live free in the 4 ha park; many of them are confiscated pets,
and this is the first step towards rehabilitation. Good birding and lots
of orchids.There is a good restaurant here, plus a boutique for souvenirs.
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