Antananarivo, fondly known as Tana, will be an unavoidable stop at least once for any traveller to the country. This colourful and busy city develops over a majestic mountain range at around 1400 metres above sea level giving it scenic landscapes and a large network of hiking routes. It’s also blessed by a lively vibe, featuring local live music and great food at a variety of bars and restaurants and brightly coloured ancient Renault taxis whizzing everywhere add to the old French charm. Explore palaces, museums, and streets adorned with faded colonial architecture, peruse bustling markets and boutiques, and savour the offerings of a vibrant contemporary dining scene. Madagascar’s gastronomy offers unexpected culinary fusions between European, African and Indian Ocean flavours and a single menu can feature baked camembert, vanilla chicken, zebu steak with Madagascan peppercorn and nasi goreng (Indonesian stir-fried rice with vegetables and meat), transforming dining into a true pleasure. Recommended is a meal with a view from the terrace of the quirky Hotel Restaurant La Varangue, a boutique hotel oozing with maximalist charm: its walls and surfaces are covered in antiques collections ranging from a number of saxophones in the café to numerous antique candle holders at the entrance and passing from jukeboxes, religious items, restaurant signs from the 20s, and more.
Considering the diverse landscapes of hills and vibrant neighbourhoods, along with pockets of heavy traffic and chaos, selecting the right accommodation in Tana becomes crucial. Opting for tranquillity and a serene night, the Antananarivo Waterfront Hotel by the lakefront proves to be an ideal choice. Nestled at the end of a private cul-de-sac and conveniently close to the airport, this haven offers peaceful lake views, providing a well-deserved escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. For the cosmopolitan traveller seeking elegance, the Maison Gallieni stands as the epitome of sophistication. Housed in a majestic colonial villa—its ground floor serving as the consulate of Monaco—this four-suite boutique hotel is a haven for interior design enthusiasts. Showcasing a blend of modern African design, adorned with iconic pieces such as Artemide lights and Charles Eames armchairs, Maison Gallieni is indeed a très chic retreat.
