Antananarivo Highlights Private Excursion

Lemurs Park is a lemur reserve and a botanical park located 25 km from the center of Antananarivo on the RN 1 to Imeritsiatosika, Madagascar. It is an ideal place to discover the lemur, an unique and endearing animal, symbol of the endemic fauna of the big island.The park was created in order to raise public awareness of the preservation of these amazing animals and to allow their reintroduction in their natural environment. Thus, over the years and births, lemurs born in the park are reintroduced in their natural habitat. The 5-hectare estate is home to 7 species of lemurs from different regions of Madagascar, as well as other representatives of the Malagasy fauna and flora.

The Rova of Manjakamiadana, also known as the Queen's Palace, is a former official residence of the rulers of Madagascar in the 19th century. Located in Antananarivo, this historic monument was once a symbol of the island's political power. After independence, the Rova ceased to perform its political function, but it has become an important part of the national heritage of the Republic of Madagascar. The Rova was transformed into a museum to allow visitors to discover the history and culture of Madagascar. On November 6, 1995, an arson attack destroyed the art collections, interiors and roofs of the historic building.

(Not open on Monday) Andafiavaratra Museum or Andafiavaratra Palace, is a historical palace located in the quarter of Andafiavaratra, near the Palace of Justice and the Rova(Queen’s Palace), in Antananarivo. It was built in 1872 on the orders of Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony, by the architect Pool. This imposing multi-story building was constructed of stone and brick and is characterized by a distinctive glass dome and towers at the four corners. Unfortunately, the palace was destroyed in a fire in 1976, losing its familiar silhouette and its historical and cultural treasures. However, it was faithfully rebuilt from 1985 and is now open to the public as a museum. Visitors can discover objects rescued from the Queen's Palace fire, as well as other historical and cultural artifacts from Madagascar.

(Not open on Monday)The Museum of Photography of Madagascar is a tourist attraction located in the Haute Ville quarter in Antananarivo. This museum opened in 2018 in the Maison des Maires in Anjohy, whose main objective is to share the history of Madagascar through rare images, to preserve and enhance the photographic heritage of the Big Island, and to allow the Malagasy people to take ownership of their photographic heritage. The Museum has nearly 4,500 historical photographs of Madagascar, ranging from pre-colonization to the independence of the Big Island in 1960. The Museum of Photography of Madagascar is a place of discovery and teaching of the history of Madagascar, a journey through time through rare and fascinating images.

The Cathedral of Andohalo, also known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, is a Catholic church located in the Andohalo quarter, in the upper part of the city of Antananarivo. This cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Antananarivo and is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. Construction of the cathedral began on 8 May 1873 to the plans of the architect Alphonse Taïx, a French Jesuit priest. It was completed on 17 December 1890 and was classified as a historical monument in January 1964.

Soarano Station, situated at the north of Avenue de l'Indépendance, is a historic building in the city of Antananarivo. Built between 1908 and 1910, it was designed in the style of the stations of the XIXth century by the architect Fouchard. The name Soarano, which means "good water", was given to it because of its location on the site of an ancient fountain. After a complete renovation, the Soarano station has been restored to its former glory and now houses a restaurant, shops and some services. Visitors can enjoy the architecture of this historic building and take advantage of its modern facilities or do some shopping.

The Avenue de l'Indépendance is a must for any visitor to Antananarivo, decorated with arcaded buildings, the street is animated by the many small shops and traffics that take place there, such as merchants of sambos, single cigarettes, second-hand mobile phones and all sorts of small business. On the other side you will find, the pavilions of Analakely, vestiges of the open-air market called Zoma Market, still hosting a market where you can find all sorts of handicrafts. And also, the big market of the city.

(Not open on Monday)Rainilaiarivony Museum, Recently opened, the Rainilaiarivony Museum, located in Amboditsiry, is the former Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony's residence, which covers more than 3 hectares and was built in 1863 by the Scottish architect James Cameron, and has been renovated while preserving its authenticity. The museum has seven exhibition halls which present Rainilaiarivony's biography, his daily life, important official documents as well as furniture and clothing to illustrate the lifestyle of the time.