Antananarivo Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Money-Saving Strategies

Save on your journey with smart planning.

Activities & Dining

No specific tourist discount cards for Antananarivo attractions; most entry fees are modest.
Self-guided walking tours of Haute-Ville, visit Lake Anosy for a relaxing stroll, and browse Analakely Market (vigilance is important due to crowds). Many churches and viewpoints are free.
Some restaurants in Isoraka or other dining areas may offer happy hour specials for drinks. Look for "plat du jour" or set menus at mid-range restaurants for good value.
Consider guesthouses or self-catering apartments via Airbnb for better value, especially for longer stays, than traditional hotels.

Transportation Tactics

Use taxi-brousse for long distances outside the city; they are the cheapest option, though less comfortable.
Walk whenever possible within the city, especially in the Upper Town, to save on taxi fares.
Always negotiate taxi fares before starting your journey. Ask locals or your hotel for estimated prices.
Make sure to agree on the fare beforehand to avoid disputes.

Market & Local Shopping

Bargaining is part of the culture in local markets; engage respectfully.
Carry small denominations of local currency for purchases and tips.
Shop for locally made handicrafts at established shops or artisans for fair prices and direct support to creators.
Look for deals on fresh produce at local markets to prepare your own meals if you have self-catering accommodation.

Smart Money Management

Use credit cards for major purchases at larger establishments, but have cash for most daily expenses.
Keep your main cash and valuables secure, separate from your daily spending money.
Exchange currency at reputable banks or official exchange bureaus in the city for better rates.
Budget daily expenses and track your spending to stay within your limits.

Time-Saving Tips

Maximize your time in Antananarivo with these efficiency hacks.

Attraction Access

Skip-the-line options are not generally applicable for most attractions in Antananarivo, as lines are rarely an issue for foreign tourists.
Visit the Rova and other historical sites early in the morning to avoid crowds and the midday heat.
Avoid Analakely market during peak rush hours (early morning and late afternoon) when it becomes extremely crowded.
Plan daily sightseeing by grouping attractions in the same geographical area (e.g., all Haute-Ville attractions together) to minimize travel time.

Booking & Transport

Book international and domestic flights well in advance, especially during high season.
Domestic flights save immense time for inter-regional travel compared to overland options.
A private car with a driver is significantly faster and more comfortable than a taxi-brousse for longer distances.
Reserve popular hotels early and pre-arrange airport transfers for a smooth arrival.

Digital Assistance

Download offline maps of Antananarivo on your phone before you arrive.
Download offline language packs for French and Malagasy on a translation app.
Have important contact numbers saved in your phone and written down.
Plan to get a local SIM card upon arrival for easy communication and internet access.

Packing Smart

Pack light and efficiently to make movement between locations easier.
Bring quick-drying clothing that can be washed easily on the go.
Use packing cubes to organize your luggage and save space.
Have a small, accessible daypack for daily essentials, water, and snacks.

Local Insights

Gain insights from local customs and avoid common tourist pitfalls.

Mistakes to Avoid

Not negotiating taxi fares: Always agree on a price before starting the ride to avoid overpaying.
Walking alone at night: Especially in Basse-Ville (Lower Town) or poorly lit areas. Use reputable taxis or arranged transport.
Displaying valuables: Keep cameras, phones, and cash discreet. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry.
Drinking tap water: Stick to bottled, filtered, or boiled water always.

Cultural Respect

Fady: Be aware and respectful of local taboos (Fady). If a local mentions one, simply acknowledge and respect it.
Politeness: Malagasy people are generally polite and appreciate politeness in return. A simple greeting or thank you makes a difference.
Patience: Things often move at a slower pace in Madagascar. Be patient with service, transport, and unexpected delays.
Bargaining is part of market culture; do so respectfully and with a smile. It is part of the cultural exchange. Hand out money or gifts discreetly, if at all, to avoid drawing undue attention or creating a dependency.

Local Advice & Phrases

Listen to hotel staff or trusted guides regarding safety, local customs, and recommended practices.
Locals value the effort and often respond with warmth when you use a few Malagasy phrases.
Learning Salama (hello), Misaotra (thank you), and Azafady (please/excuse me) goes a long way.
Show genuine interest in local traditions and the unique Malagasy way of life.

Safety Measures

Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like markets.
Avoid walking alone after dark in less populated areas of the city.
Keep your passport, extra cash, and valuables in a secure place, like a hotel safe.
Be wary of unsolicited help or offers, especially at the airport or bus stations.

Solo, Family & Group-Specific Advice

Tailor your approach based on your travel companions.

Solo Traveler Tips

Solo travelers be highly vigilant, especially at night. Inform someone of your itinerary.
Use trusted taxis and stay in reputable accommodations with good security.
Hostels (e.g., Madagascar Underground) are good for meeting other travelers.
Join organized day trips or small group tours to connect with others.

Family Travel Wisdom

Travel can be slow and challenging with children; manage expectations and build in extra time.
Tsimbazaza Zoo and Lemur's Park are good for engaging kids. Lake Anosy offers space to run.
Stick to reputable restaurants for food safety. Pack familiar snacks and comfort foods.
A sturdy, all-terrain Stroller or a Baby carrier for younger children Like the Deuter Kid Comfort for uneven pavements.

Group Coordination

For groups, pre-book private transport (a van with a driver) and group-friendly accommodation.
Restaurants may want reservations for large groups.
Clear communication within the group is important.
Consider booking apartments or villas with shared spaces for group comfort and bonding.

Accessibility Notes

Madagascar is not generally accessible for travelers with physical disabilities.
Plan for private transport and assistance if you have mobility challenges.
Hiring local guides who can offer physical assistance can be a good option.
Research specific venues for their accessibility features before your visit.

Water Safety Advisory

Consider bringing a portable water filter or purification tablets to treat tap water, even if you mainly drink bottled. This gives a backup and helps cut plastic waste.

Resources & References

These resources and references greatly assist your journey.

Digital Guides

Leverage technology to help your journey with essential apps and online tools.

Printed Resources

Sometimes, a physical resource shows its worth, especially where internet access is limited.

Safety & Health

Stay safe and informed with emergency contacts and medical facility details.

Digital Resources

Essential Travel Apps

Google Maps or Maps.me for reliable offline navigation. Download maps of Antananarivo and other planned areas.
Google Translate for quick French and Malagasy translations. Download offline language packs.
WhatsApp is widely used in Madagascar for communication.

Online Planning & Content

Madagascar Tourism Board: Look for the official website for general information and updates.
Airline websites: Check Air France, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and Tsaradia (for domestic flights) for schedules.
Search for podcasts on "Madagascar travel," "Malagasy culture," or "wildlife of Madagascar" for background information and inspiration.

Social Media Engagement

Search for local tourism accounts or travel bloggers specializing in Madagascar for up-to-date visual information and travel tips. Instagram and Facebook often feature recent updates.

Print Resources

Essential Print Materials

Guidebooks & Maps

Look for comprehensive guidebooks from reputable publishers, often with detailed maps and historical context.
A detailed physical map of Madagascar useful for planning outside Antananarivo.
The National Geographic Adventure Travel Map of Madagascar is a good option for overall navigation.
These resources shine in areas with limited internet.

Books on Madagascar

History/Culture: A History of Madagascar by Stephen Ellis and Solofo Randrianja provides a scholarly yet accessible overview.
Nature/Wildlife: The Aye-Aye and I by Gerald Durrell is an older but engaging account of wildlife conservation.
Fiction: The Island of the Lost Girls by Alex Marwood is a contemporary thriller set in Madagascar.
These titles offer cultural and natural insights.

Local Publications

Local newspapers (e.g., L'Express de Madagascar, Midi Madagasikara) offer current events.
Most local publications are in French or Malagasy.
They provide a window into local perspectives and ongoing developments.
Picking one up can greatly enrich your experience.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts

Police: 117
Ambulance (SAMU): 124
Fire: 118

Important Contact Details

Your Embassy/Consulate in Antananarivo: Keep their contact details readily available.
Travel Insurance Emergency Number: Have the 24/7 emergency line for your travel insurance provider.
Polyclinique d'Ilazaire and Clinique des Soeurs are private clinics often used by foreigners.

Lost Documents & Safety Protocols

Lost Document Action

Report the loss or theft to local police immediately.
Obtain a police report; this is important for replacements.
Contact your embassy or consulate for assistance with emergency travel documents.
Have photocopies or digital images of all important documents stored securely.
Inform your tour operator or hotel staff for any support they can offer.

Natural Disaster Preparedness

Monitor local news and weather forecasts, especially during cyclone season (January-March).
Follow advice from local authorities or your embassy regarding safety procedures.
Have a plan for emergency communication with family at home.
Know the location of the nearest safe shelters or evacuation points.
Keep emergency supplies like water, non-perishable food, and a flashlight ready.

Medical Facility Information

Polyclinique d'Ilazaire

A private clinic often recommended for foreigners due to generally higher standards of care.

Clinique des Soeurs

Another well-regarded private clinic, often serving expatriates and tourists for various medical needs.

Hopital Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona

A public, larger hospital, where standards can vary; used mainly for serious emergencies or as a last resort.

Document Security Alert

Always keep a copy of your passport and visa separate from the originals. This speeds up replacement processes if documents go missing.

Antananarivo Travel Hacks