Three Days in the Heart of Madagascar
Discover Antananarivo's Royal Heritage and Natural Wonders
Trip Overview
Experience the captivating blend of history, culture, and nature in Madagascar's highland capital. This three-day itinerary balances Antananarivo's rich royal heritage with encounters with the island's famous lemurs and stunning natural landscapes. You'll explore the historic upper town with its colonial architecture and royal palaces, immerse yourself in vibrant local markets, and venture to nearby nature reserves to meet Madagascar's unique wildlife. The pace is moderate, with time built in to absorb the city's atmosphere while making meaningful excursions. From the commanding views atop Rova hill to intimate wildlife encounters, this journey captures the essence of what makes Madagascar extraordinary.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Royal Heritage and Historic Heights
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Antananarivo near Analakely (Mid-range hotel in the city center)
Central location provides easy access to both upper and lower town attractions, with restaurants and markets within walking distance
Lemurs and Local Life
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Antananarivo near Analakely (Same accommodation as Day 1)
Convenient base for both city exploration and day trips, eliminating the need to change hotels
Sacred Lakes and Artistic Expressions
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Antananarivo or near airport if departing early (Same hotel or airport hotel depending on departure time)
Flexibility based on flight schedule; central location works for late departures, airport area for early morning flights
Practical Information
Getting Around
Within Antananarivo, use a combination of taxis and walking. Negotiate taxi fares before departing or use hotel-arranged transportation. For Lemurs'Park, arrange private transport through your accommodation. The city is hilly with uneven sidewalks, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. Avoid walking after dark; always use taxis for evening transportation. Traffic can be heavy during rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM), so allow extra time. Consider hiring a driver-guide for day trips for added convenience and local knowledge.
Book Ahead
Book accommodation well in advance, especially during peak season (July-September). Arrange Lemurs'Park transportation the day before. No advance tickets needed for most attractions, but consider booking a local guide for Queen's Palace and Analakely Market for enhanced experience and security.
Packing Essentials
Comfortable walking shoes for hills and uneven terrain, light layers (highlands can be cool), sun protection, insect repellent, camera with good zoom for wildlife, small daypack, hand sanitizer, modest clothing for religious sites, reusable water bottle, small bills in local currency
Total Budget
$240-350 for three days (excluding international flights and accommodation)
Customize Your Trip
Budget Version
Stay in guesthouses or budget hotels in Analakely area ($15-25/night), eat primarily at local hotely (small restaurants) serving rice and laoka (accompaniments) for $2-4 per meal, use shared taxi-brousses for transportation, skip organized tours in favor of self-guided exploration with downloaded maps, focus on free attractions like Cathedral and market wandering, and purchase street food snacks instead of restaurant meals.
Luxury Upgrade
Book a premium hotel with spa facilities and city views ($150-250/night), arrange private driver-guide for all three days, upgrade to VIP guided tours at Queen's Palace and Lemurs'Park with exclusive access, dine at Antananarivo's finest French-Malagasy fusion restaurants, add a helicopter tour over the city, include a private cooking class with a local chef, and arrange shopping with a personal artisan guide to access high-end galleries and workshops.
Family-Friendly
Focus heavily on Lemurs'Park with extended time for children to observe wildlife, visit Tsarasaotra Park's easy boardwalks suitable for strollers, skip lengthy palace tours in favor of shorter outdoor exploration, choose family-friendly restaurants with varied menus, arrange a cultural workshop where kids can try traditional crafts, stay in hotels with pools, build in afternoon rest time, and pack plenty of snacks and entertainment for travel time between locations.
Book Activities for Your Trip
Tours, tickets, and experiences in Antananarivo