The Madagascar Travel Show

Antananarivo (Part 1)

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0300

Welcome back to the Madagascar Travel Show.

This episode is called Antananarivo (Part 1) because there will be future updates about this fascinating city.

It’s been a while since I last uploaded an episode — longer than I would have liked — and I appreciate your patience if you’ve been waiting for new content. In fact, this episode was recorded about a year ago, so it’s been sitting there far too long.

The good news is that I’ve now brought an editor on board, so from the next episode onwards, you can expect a much more polished and consistent production — proper intros, outros, music, and a more refined overall feel.

For today though, I’ve decided not to overcomplicate things. This episode is going out exactly as it is — no music, no intro, no outro — just the content. Sometimes it’s better to get things out there rather than let them sit unfinished.

And today’s topic is Antananarivo — the capital of Madagascar. A city that most visitors pass through, but very few really take the time to understand.

Antananarivo can feel like a blur of traffic, hills, and noise if you treat it like a quick stop between Madagascar flights. I want to help you flip that script and use Tana as a real starting point for understanding Malagasy culture, history, and daily life without wasting precious holiday time.

We get practical fast: how long the Ivato airport transfer can really take, when an official taxi price applies, and why you should always agree the fare before you get in. Then we climb into the city’s story through the biggest Antananarivo attractions: the Queen’s Palace Rova (Manjakamiadana) with its royal past, restoration after the 1995 fire, and sweeping views. I also point you toward the Rova of Ambohimanga, the UNESCO World Heritage sacred hill that delivers history, atmosphere, and a welcome break from the bustle, plus the Museum of Photography for images and videos that make Madagascar’s past feel close.

From there it’s all about living texture: markets like La Digue, Pavillon, and Pochard for crafts, textiles, produce, and local snacks, along with simple safety habits that keep your day smooth. I share thoughts on street food, a few reliable restaurant options, where nightlife tends to cluster, and why night transport matters. We also cover where to stay across budgets, how to get around (including private cars and taxis), walking routes with guides, etiquette tips, and the departure and customs rules travelers overlook, especially export restrictions on wildlife, plants, antiques, and stones.

If this helped you plan your Antananarivo itinerary, subscribe, share it with a Madagascar-bound friend, and leave a review so more travelers find it. What’s the one thing you most want to do in Tana?

Let’s get into it.

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Please note that all mention of foreign currency in this podcast refers to the three main currencies accepted in Madagascar, namely Euro, US Dollars and Pounds Sterling. Very important note: Australian Dollars are not exchangeable in Madagascar, cannot be used to pay for your Visa on Arrival, and cannot be changed at banks or foreign exchange offices.

Thanks for listening. Please feel free to submit questions and we will answer them in subsequent episodes.

Dadamanga SARL is a Limited Liability Company and a licensed Tour Operator, registered in Madagascar.
Contact us by email on contact@dadamanga.mg

Andasibe

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 13:00:00 +0300

This episode gives you the ins and outs of visiting the amazing Andasibe area of Madagascar with some tips on hotels, which parks to visit, what you will see there, and our recommendations about the area.

We love Andasibe and even if you are only in Madagascar for a couple of days, this is the one area that we recommend that you visit. If you are on an extended tour of the country, do not miss to add Andasibe to your itinerary...

My episodes are becoming less and less frequent I am sorry, and, they are becoming less and less edited, so, you have to excuse my ummmms and ahhhhhhs as I quite brutally record these podcast episodes whenever I get a moment and publish them without much polish...

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Masoala

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +0300

OK so a lot of people ask us about Masoala and we want to send you there. It is with no doubt one of the most spectacular places in Madagascar and a total immersion in wildlife. We tend to try to send people to Masoala Forest Lodge because it is a highly superior experience, compared to anywhere else in the region, and, it is a superior experience compared to just about anything available in Madagascar. It is however camping (in luxury tents) and, it is not inexpensive. But we encourage you to consider it, we know you will love it and we hope you will choose Masoala Forest Lodge. There is a less expensive option, and we will talk about that option in another episode on another day, or, if you are convinced that you really just have to visit Masoala, please just be in touch with us and we will arrange your Masoala adventure either by private charter to the Masoala Forest Lodge, or by a commercial flight with Madagascar Airlines staying at another hotel. Please note that if you choose to go with Madagascar Airlines, you have to stay one week, because the flights are only once per week. Thanks and thanks for being patient with me... I know my publishing schedule is slow...

Next episode, we are going to talk all about Andasibe Mantadia, the most popular destination in Madagascar.

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Arrivals

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +0300

This episode covers arrivals after your visa, going through customs, dealing with a baggage search and getting a taxi to your hotel.

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Visas

Sun, 19 Feb 2023 14:00:00 +0300

Who needs a visa to visit Madagascar, and how and where do I get one?

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Introduction

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +0300

This is a brief intro and I recommend all listeners start here.

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