ANTANANARIVO

Antananarivo (for short Tana) is the nation’s capital city. Antananarivo belongs to the Merina ethnic group. Ten per cent of the population of Madagascar is found in Antananarivo, that is to say 1, 7 million inhabitants.

Historically, the city was built on twelve sacred hills including the Royal Palace which is found on the top of the hill such as the Ambohimanga Palace and the famous Queen’s Palace known as the Rova. Upon arrival, trying to glance at the city, it is hard to grasp an overall view of the town since Antananarivo has 12 hills which are combined of low and high areas.

Low cities include Analakely (the town centre with beautiful boulevard and Avenue de l’ independence ending to the railway station), Ambohijatovo, and Mahamasina.

High cities are Antaninarenina where there is the working place of the president, Andohalo (close to the Rova), and Faravohitra. Right upon the hill, you can notice the ruined Queen’s palace known as the Rova.

Antananarivo has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.

Dry season is from May to September; the temperatures are very cooler between June and August whereas the rainy season starts from October to April.

WHAT TO SEE AND TO DO?

ROVA (Queen's Palace)

The capital offers us many interesting places to go to with its old tradition palaces including the Rova where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the whole town.

From 17^th till 19^th century, the Rova used to be the residence of the Kings and the Queens. Also, the Rova was formerly known as the spiritual centre of the Merina people. It was destroyed by the fire in November 6, 1995 but which is currently under reconstruction.

PRIME MINISTER'S PALACE (the Palace of Andafiavaratra)

It used to be a residential place of the former Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony who married three Queens. It is now a museum that houses few precious items saved from the burnt Rova.

THE ZOO AND THE BOTANICAL GARDEN

It is known as the Tsimbazaza where many of the nation’s fauna and flora are conserved in this zoo with its selected endemics. Also, there is an excellent museum to help better know the island’s natural prehistoric history and traditions as well as the inhabitants’ way of life and cultures. The Botanical Garden has an easy access with great number of birds, skeletons of extinct animals, including several species of giant lemurs and of the famous elephant bird.

THE CROCODILE FARM

The farm is a few miles away from the airport. It is a private-owned park specializing in the breeding crocodile and having crocodile skin products.

THE HANDICRAFT MARKETS.

As far as handicrafts are concerned, the Malagasy people are the most gifted people in the world. Tourists spend their last Ariary before going home at the Marché Artisanal in ‘Route Digue’ where you can grab the nation’s beautiful embroidery, basketry, and woodcarving, minerals, leatherwork and the unique Antehimoro paper. Many shops can be found in city or in the surrounding area. They offer unique and high quality items. Some markets are held in Andravoahangy on Wednesday