Antananarivo & the Highlands

Antananarivo & the highlands

Gateway to the Central Highlands, terraced valleys and the rainforest of Ranomafana.

Destination

No journey is complete without visiting Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo and the Central Highlands: your gateway to this fantastic island continent and for many travellers their first impression.

This region lies at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,600 metres and brings to mind the valleys of Southeast Asia, with neatly formed, bright green rice terraces stretching out between the higher peaks. Unlike the rest of Madagascar, this is where you’ll find the characteristic Betsileo houses: multi-story brick homes with steep roofs and wooden balconies.

The farming villages take you back in time, with traditional craftsmanship and a slower pace of life. Along the main road RN7, you’ll discover lively towns such as Antsirabe and Ambalavao, where markets and interactions bring daily life to life. Here, it’s all about the people – meeting the locals.

From this crossroads region, you can easily reach iconic natural highlights such as the rainforest of Ranomafana, the Anja Community Reserve, and further south, the impressive Tsaranoro Valley.

Highlights

Day 1

Antananarivo & the Central Highlands

Day 2

Antananarivo

Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital in the Central Highlands, is the usual starting point for our adventurous tours. Not only because this is where Ivato International Airport is located, but also because this vibrant city serves as a logistical gateway to the lowlands and to the east or west coast of the island.

Day 3

Antsirabe

This charming and authentic town is known for its cool climate and beautiful historic colonial buildings. An ideal stopover on the way south. With a rich local culture, artisan workshops, and colorful rickshaws. Surrounded by scenic lakes and volcanic landscapes.

Day 4

Ranomafana National Park

One of Madagascar’s richest nature reserves, featuring dense tropical rainforest and exceptional flora and fauna; home to the rare bamboo lemur. The combination of misty hills, waterfalls and hot springs creates an atmospheric landscape.

Day 5

Ambalavao

The largest zebu market can be found in this authentic town on the edge of the Andringitra Mountains. An atmospheric cultural stop with lively markets and traditional Betsileo-style houses with wooden balconies. This town marks the transition between the Betsileo region and the land of the Bara people in the south and southwest of the island. The Bara are traditionally known as cattle herders, with zebus playing a central role.

Day 6

Anja Community Reserve

This private reserve – managed by the local community – is situated just off the RN7 and is the best place to spot large groups of ring-tailed lemurs. It stands out for its biodiversity, with various lemur species, endemic plants, and birds. The reserve is also known for its impressive granite rock formations, giving the landscape a unique and rugged character.

Day 7

Tsaranoro Valley

This valley, located in the southern part of the Central Highlands at the foot of the impressive Andringitra Massif, brings together the region’s most beautiful sights. Green rice fields contrast beautifully with the rugged mountains, offering many opportunities to meet locals in authentic villages. Nature, local culture, and tranquility come together here.