Lac Tsarasaotra - An Oasis in the Capital

 
Tsarasaotra Park is a private family park, the only private RAMSAR site in the world. It is located in the city centre of the capital Antananarivo, 4km off Avenue de l'Indépendance. The entire park is protected by a traditional enclosure. It covers a total area of 27ha, including 5ha of wetland protected by the RAMSAR Convention. In this park there is a freshwater lake, the surface broken by an islet in the middle. Tsarasaotra Park, world famous, has become an observation site for Malagasy birds. It is recognized as a breeding ground for several heron species and a refuge for several types of duck. There are currently 14 species and subspecies of waterbirds with 64 bird species recorded on the site in total.
 
The park is a private domain managed by the owner family. History tells us that in the 1890s, before colonization, Queen Ranavalona III acquired this property, which at that time mainly consisted of marshes and was then known as "Alarobia Island with Birds". The Queen intended to build a palace and arrange the gardens. At the beginning of the 19th century, Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony's grandson named Ratalifera sold the property to the Ranarivelo family, who still own it today.
 
Tsarasaotra remained an entertainment area during and after colonization, hosting carnivals and various events. There was also a time, when it was open to fishing for "Marakely" or "Fony Gasy", Paratilapia polleni, an endemic fish.
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine November 2018

Useful Information

When to go

Antananarivo is blessed with a warm and moderate climate. The hot season is marked by stormy rains and the winters are quite cool. In general, the weather in Antananarivo is very pleasant.

How to get there

The park lies four kilometres away from downtown, bordering the districts of Alarobia, Soavimasoandro, Mahatony and Morarano. From Paris, fly directly to Ivato Antananarivo airport with regular flights by Air Madagascar.

Where to stay

Hotel Colbert - SPA is one of the most beautiful hotels in the city, a real palace with a sublime setting. The Tana hotel is also located in the city. La Ribaudière or the Urban Hotel are perfect for enjoying an exceptional view over the downtown area.

Where to eat

The restaurants in these hotels all offer a variety of menus. For local cuisine, make an appointment with "Chef Mariette", a well-known chef of Malagasy cuisine.

What to see

Visit the capital and its old colonial buildings and historic monuments, starting with the Queen's Palace in Manjakamiadana. Discover nearby, the Prime Minister's Palace and the narrow streets that have marked history. You can also visit the palace of Ambohimanga of the former King Andrianampoinimerina, located just a few kilometres away from the capital.