Africa > Madagascar > Antananarivo: Weather, Climate and Travel Guide

Situated at an altitude of 1,200 metres and surrounded by a dozen hills, Antananarivo is the capital of Madagascar. It has a population of around one and a half million. Although the name has various meanings it is best known as ‘City of a Thousand’ which could be interpreted as referring to its many attractions. It has a pleasant temperate climate due to its geographical situation. The city is divided into five main quarters; Analakely which is the lower city centre, Tsaralalana to the west with its many hotels and restaurants, Antaninarenina the upper city, Isoraka which is between the two with the queens Palace and other ancient monuments, and Lake Anosy to the south. One of the most famous places in the city is the market, or Zoma, which for a long time held pride of place as the longest market in the world and which is now separated into several parts. You will probably be charmed by its cobbled streets and hills displaying colourful houses with wooden balconies, and of course its numerous flights of steps that help to make the city so picturesque. Visit the Courts, Andohalo Place and the Gate of Ambavahadimitafo, the only one remaining of the seven that originally gave entrance to this fortified city.