Antananarivo, the capital, central highlands region

Antananarivo meaning “The Town of The Thousand Warriors”, also called “Tananarive” for the French speakers and abbreviated as “Tana” for everybody, is the capital city of Madagascar and located in the Central Highlands. The town is divided into six districts but included in the region of Analamanga which is one of the twenty-two regions composing Madagascar.
The population is mainly formed with the Merina ethnic group but many other groups also come and dwell in Antananarivo for different reasons such as study, work… There are many foreigners, too, such French, Chinese, Indians, Americans… The main language spoken is the Official Malagasy language but concerning study and administrative affairs the French language is commonly used as Madagascar was a French colony and now a member of the French speaking countries. Malagasy people’s way of dressing in Antananarivo is rather modernized indeed the young who follow fashions (European and American Styles). Anyway some old people still keep the ancestral way, the men with “Malabary “(a long shirt) and a hat, the women with a “Lamba” and a traditional plaited hair style.
Concerning the architecture of the town, the existence of the arcades along the Avenue of the Independence and the railway station “Gare of Soarano” mark the passage of French settlers. Tourists can also see the pavilions at Analakely where was held the famous Zoma Market (Friday market). There are also other market places on the other days of the week and located in different quarters such as Thursday Market at Mahamasina, Wednesday Market at Andravoahangy… However travellers have not to worry about souvenirs they would like to buy because many are the shops specialized in precious stones and handicrafts ( woodcarvings, hand-embroideries, leather articles,...) for example at the “Marché Artisanal d’Andravoahangy”, “Lisy Gallery” at Tsiadana where tourists can have a great range of choice, even the well-known spices of Madagascar (vanilla, pepper,...).While in Antananarivo, sightseers should not forget to visit the zoo and botanical park of Tsimbazaza where they can discover the endemic fauna and flora.
Interested in the history? Do not miss to have a visit to the upper town where you can see the remainings of the Queen’s Palace at Anatirova which is being restored and the Palace of Andafiavaratra, the ancient Prime Minister Office and Residence, the Kings’ Palace of Ambohimanga, a few miles away from the town, where are exhibited the different things used at that time.
An excursion near the lake in Mantasoa is also interesting for holiday-makers by discovering the history concerning Jean Laborde. The touristic site of Ampefy offers a beautiful view of the lake, the waterfall of Lilly river, and Geyser hot spring.
If your stay is between June to September you may encounter the celebration of the two Malagasy customs, the circumcision and the exhumation which evoke the Malagasy culture and Beliefs .
As far as accommodations is concerned tourists have a large choice from the cheapest to most comfortable five star hotels (Hotel Colbert, Carlton Hotel,...) and there are also guesthouses such as le Karthala. The choice of catering services or restaurants depends on specialities or tastes for instance “le Carnivore” offers various types of meat, the “Mariette Andrianjaka esthablishment” ranked as an International Chef and also focusing on typical Malagasy dishes,...
In a few words, Antananarivo is an attracting place which is a “must” if you visit Madagascar, either you are a tourist or a business person. At least enjoying “Tana by night” will be an unforgettable stay for you.