
Antananarivo: The Central Region of Madagascar, also known as the Central Highlands, Hauts Plateaux
With their old massifs featuring vigorous reliefs, their bowls and broad plains, it's no wonder that the Malagasy Highlands have reminded travellers of the French Massif Central.
But the scarcity of forests, the immensity of the steppe savannas and the terraced rice fields reflecting the Asian ancestry make the Central region unique. The folds and faults of the crystalline primary basement, its generally granitic bars, ridges, perched synclines and inselbergs (islets of hard rocks), intense volcanism and severe erosion have given this region its phenominal characteristics.
There are also the other 'hills', the 12 Sacred Hills of Imerina of historical significance to the Merina people of Madagascar. Located throughout Imerina, the central area of the highlands of Madagascar, the sites mark ancient capitals, the birthplaces of key public figures and the tomb sites of esteemed political or spiritual leaders.
The main city is Antananarivo (Tana), the capital of Madagascar at 1,275m overlooked by the Rova of Antananarivo palace complex, the centre of the Merina kingdom from the 17th century.
Going East is Parc National de Ranomafana, a vast area of rain forest, the home of many lemur species including the Golden Bamboo and Broad-Nosed gentle lemurs.
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, about 15km north from Andasibe, is also a protected rainforest area in Central Madagascar. The park includes the Analamazaotra Reserve, home to the largest lemur, the Indri, which is known for its distinctive loud call. The Park is the habitat of many native species including the big Parson's chameleon, plus rare orchids and ferns. Trail circuits weave through dense forest, past lakes and the stunning Sacred Waterfall.
Antsirabe, 170km to the south of Tana is a spa town, the name meaning 'place of much salt' and hence its relaxing theraputic baths. Equally relaxing, perhaps, is the produce of The Star Brewery in Antsirabe, the popular THB (Three Horses Beer).
MAJOR CITIES/TOWNS: Antananarivo, Moramanga, Andasibe, Antsirabe, Ambatolampy, Ambositra
NATIONAL PARKS AND RESERVES:
Analamazaotra Reserve, Mantadia-Andasibe National Park, Ranomafana National Park.
Prime Magazine Featured destinations in the Central region

Ambositra, capital of the region of Amoron'i Mania will not fail to seduce you with the beauty of its landscapes. But this city has more to offer with the impressive quality of its local handicrafts.....
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The region of Alaotra Mangoro is famous for its rice fields which extend to as far as the eyes can see. A trip around the famous Lac Alaotra will reveal other riches that have been preserved from the presence of visitors.....
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If there is a place that really symbolizes romance in Madagascar, it is the lake Tritriva, though this natural attraction may not be very impressive in terms of its surface area.....
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Between history and nature, the village of Ambohitrangano has a bucolic charm that makes it one of the most popular stopovers for hikers and history lovers.....
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Discover one of the most authentic places in a region where nature is a queen: the private park of Anja.....
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Riding between Analamanga and Alaotra Mangoro, Anjozorobe is a hamlet with potentialities that may be of interest to you.....
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Give yourself the opportunity to discover the cultural richness of the Vakinankaratra as well as the beauty of its nature by visiting Ibity.....
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The Analamazaotra Special Reserve, which has become a National Park since 2015, is a veritable green setting. Let yourself be tempted by the charm of unspoiled nature.....
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A privileged witness to the history of the Haute-Matsiatra region, Isandra - with its caves and cliffs - promises a timeless experience on the Betsileo territory.....
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Enjoy your gourmet stay in Behenjy to admire the typical traditional houses of the Malagasy highlands.....
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Midway between Antananarivo, the City of the Thousands, and Antsirabe, the City of Water, Ambatolampy is a must-see on the RN7. Meaning "at the foot of the Rocks", it owes its name to the surrounding mountain range. This is considered a strategic point, in the time of the Malagasy Royalty and during French colonization.....
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The National Park of Isalo is appreciated for its ruin-shaped relief displaying a variety of landscapes with close appearance to a shredded stone castle. The magnificent show in front of your eyes is the combined work of wind, rain and erosion on the rocks of the Isalo massif, appeared 200 million years ago during the Jurassic era.....
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During your stopover in Antananarivo, allow part of your time to go hike in Ambatoharanana. This village located north of the City of Thousands played a strategic role in the expansion of the Merina kingdom.....
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Some will appreciate backpacking, others trains, cars ... However, the great adventure takes place on quad and buggy.....
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On holiday in the Big Island and eager to play a round of golf? In this article find out about the four existing golf courses in Madagascar. Ranging from 9 holes to 18 holes, take a dream swing in the most beautiful parts of the island.....
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Tsimbazaza Zoological and Biological Park, located 15 minutes from downtown Antananarivo is a pleasant garden that contains hundreds of species of fauna and flora. Founded in 1925, it includes a large lake, a botanical garden and a zoo.....
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Capital of the Haute Matsiatra region, the city of Fianarantsoa is a must-see landmark on the "route du Sud". It has many unique tourist attractions in Madagascar. The unmistakable statue of the Virgin Mary, one of the most visited attractions.....
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Considered a discipline reserved for a privileged public in Madagascar, riding is a natural desire that manifests itself from a young age before developing into a passion. We will refute this idea of restriction and show that riding is above all a sports activity with multiple health benefits regardless of its quality of hobby.....
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Located in the north-east of Madagascar, Anosibe An'ala is located in the region of Alaotra Mangoro. It is 72 kilometres from the city of Moramanga. Reached by taking a difficult track a little, Anosibe An'Ala is accessible only in 4X4.....
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A thermal town, recognised by its water and its volcanic massifs, Antsirabe is located 170 km south of Antananarivo. Third largest city of Madagascar, it is the ideal city to spend a weekend or a holiday with family or friends.....
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Relive the Malagasy monarchical era as if you were really there! While visiting the palace or Rova d'Ambohimanga, monuments and remains will restore the history of the Merina kingdom since the eighteenth century for you, especially if your visit is a guided tour.....
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Mount Antety is located in Ambositra, famous for its breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings, as well as for its interesting flora. The path that leads to Mount Antety crosses rice fields and fields from the city.....
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It is only 15 kilometres north-west of the capital that, at nightfall, a unique adventure awaits you; observation of the map of the sky, in the heart of nature. Welcome to Ankadiefajoro Andoharanofotsy.....
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Looking for exceptional adventures? The Mitongoa caves located 15 km from Fianarantsoa promise this. Come and visit and live an exciting and unforgettable experience. Head for Fianarantsoa, the capital of Betsileo. This city was erected by Queen Ranavalona 1st in 1830 in order to build an intermediate city between the capital and the south of Madagascar.....
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The main asset of the bike is that it solicits the muscles of the body: abdominals, pecs, arms, glutes, back and especially legs. The activity improves circulation through the flexion-extension movement and thus acts on the deep muscles. The power of the muscles of the lower limbs is thus developed, as well as balance and skill.....
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Ranohira is a rural municipality of more than 6000 inhabitants. It is located in the Ihorombe region, 700 kilometres from the capital by taking the National Highway 7 (RN7) towards Fianarantsoa. It is a surprising commune, quiet in appearance but one of the richest of Madagascar.....
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Soarano station was built in 1908 with the ideas of French architect Fouchard. His ambition was to build a station in the same configuration as the stations of France in the nineteenth century. The gamble was successful since the beautiful station with colonial architecture remains one of the most visited buildings of the Big Island.....
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If Madagascar is known for its wines, there is another drink that makes it proud, it is tea and in particular, Sahambavy tea. Sahambavy tea, (literally "women's fields"), is a creamy tea of a very pronounced ochre colour. It is a tea not intended to be mixed with other tea leaves, but which can easily be drunk as it is.....
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Fianarantsoa, in the Malagasy highlands, 500 kilometres from Antananarivo, has a dozen domains specialising in wine. Clos Malaza is one of them. Located in the cultural home of Betsileo, the property was created in the early twentieth century by the Jesuits.....
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Practiced over a distance of 700 to 1500 metres in general, karting, a motor sport discipline, has always had its followers around the world. For several years, karting has become popular in the Big Island. If you like driving fast and thrills do not scare you, head for the track.....
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The village of Ampangalantsary is located at the national road N° 2 between Antananarivo and Toamasina. It is a traditional Madagascan village (Fokontany) and part of the rural municipality of Andasibe, in the district of Moramanga, in the southeastern part of the Alaotra-Mangoro region.....
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Nature lovers and adventurous spirit, your next destination will be Ambatosoratra! Located 350 km from Antananarivo, Ambatosoratra is a small rural district of approximately 200 inhabitants, in the region Alaotra Mangoro. The fertility of the soil favors agriculture, which is the main activity of the villagers.....
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Ambohimalaza is a rural community 15 km east of the Madagascan capital Antananarivo. The town has nearly 12 000 inhabitants for a total area of 33 km². Located at 1,349 meters above sea level, this is a historic site where King Andriantompokoindrindra, son of Ralambo, ruled, whose youngest brother was Andrianjaka. High place of sacrifice, the hill is among the twelve heritage of the history of Imerina, ethnic center. The descendants of the King sacrificed zebus, a custom still in existence today.....
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The historic site of Alasora is one of the twelve sacred hills of the ancient Merina Kingdom. Located in the southeastern part of the capital, just half an hour away from the city centre, the rural municipality of Alasora was founded more than five centuries ago, seat of the kingdom of Queen Rangita and Rafohy.....
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Ambalavao town located on the RN7, 56 kilometers south of Fianarantsoa forms the border between the Highlands and the South. This city of about 30 000 inhabitants nestle in the heart of the granite mountains with the sweet name of "the woman lying", " three sisters ", of " Rock of Infandana " And also the massive " Andringitra ".....
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The Matsiatra Highlands would be worth a stop-over on the way to the South of Madagascar. Among many unique tourist attractions the name-giving river Matsiatra stands-out.....
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As a site unknown to locals, leave alone international tourists, Andriamamovoka has everything to please lovers of plain nature. There is a village, located less than two hours from Antananarivo, in the former province of Toamasina, Alaotra-Mangoro region, Moramanga district, Sabotsy Anjiro community......
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Ambatofinandrahana is a town in Ambatofinandrahana District in central Madagascar. It is a part of Amoron'i Mania Region, which possesses numerous industrial mineral resources and gems. Therefore it is one of the wealthiest locations of Madagascar.....
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Vatosola, (pronounced "vatousoula"), literally "bald mountain", is one of the famous sites of Fianarantsoa. At the foot of this mountain is a village with traditional Betsileo houses, named after the tribe inhabiting this part of the island. The city of Fianarantsoa, capital of the Haute Matsiatra region, constitutes an essential stop on the "southern route".....
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Itremo is an urban community in the center of the Amoron'i Mania region, in the district of Ambatofinandrahana. In this part of the Big Island, a tour to the cradle of Malagasy marbles and the site of Precambrian quartzitic pebbles might enkindle.....
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Amparaky is located in the district of Soavinandriana, in the Itasy region, west of Antananarivo. In the Icelandic language, the verb "gjosa" means "to gush", from which the English word “geyser” originates.....
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Formerly called Ampamelankeloka or "place of forgiveness", the village of Ambatondradama is located 2 km north of Ambohimanga Palace. It was named after a spring that served as a natural bath for the Kings Radama and Andrianampoinimerina. Because of its water purity it became a sacred place, visited by many people who also leave offerings.....
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This humid forest located in the east of Madagascar, in the region Alaotra-Mangoro stretches over 1600ha. 150km from the capital and 45km from Moramanga on the RN2 towards Toamasina, the Vohimana reserve is a real paradise.....
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Fianarantsoa, the capital of the Haute Matsiatra region, is not only famous for its old houses as if frozen in the past, but also for its craftsmen. The village of Ambatomainty, renowned for the dexterity and talent of its craftsmen, is one of the city's key sites. For just one day, come and immerse yourself into the life of a potter. Ambatomainty is a two hour walk away from Fianarantsoa.....
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The history of the rural community Ampahimanga began in the era of Malagasy royalty. Etymologically, the name of this village results from the composition of the two words "Ampahitra" for stable and "Ombimanga" which means "oxen in a blue dress", or literally translated Ampahimanga as "stable for oxen dressed in blue".
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Kelilalina which means "a small lake not deep enough", is a habitat for migratory birds located in the Ranomafana reserve in this southeastern part of Madagascar. Kelilalina, a tropical region, contains rare animal species including a bird commonly called "Toulou".....
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According to a Malagasy saying, Antongona is known for its campfires, Angavokely for its lanterns, Ankaratra for its drizzle and Ambondrombe for the spirits who rest there!.....
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Today a cult place appreciated by families, the Andrianambo waterfall is above all a historical and sacred site. It is royal territory but many people have no idea that it even exists.....
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Ampasamanantongotra ("the tomb with feet"), got its name due to the fact that it is an extraordinary tomb on seven feet. Built before 1850, as the use of cut stones became widespread in Madagascar, this mysterious tomb draws the attention of those who take the National Road No.1 to the west of the capital.....
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With its powerful cry, the Indri Indri, a flagship species of the Andasibe Mantadia National Park, is classified as "the largest lemur in the world". With its length that can reach 70 cm, a silky black and white coat and the appearance of a teddy bear without tail, it is locally named "babakoto" (Koto's ancestor).....
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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.....
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Enjoy the abundant wildlife and rare flora including many endemic species found in the Ranomafana National Park, famous for its immense rainforest and rich biodiversity.....
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Located 170km from the capital, Antsirabe reflects the beauty of the Malagasy highlands. Enjoy the benefits of the thermal baths and take advantage of your stay to discover the mineralogical richness of the region.....
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Ambohitrombihavana, a small hill of 56 hectares where Andriamboninolona, a pretender to the throne, resided and was buried, was built during the royal period. A peaceful place, somewhat isolated from the city, it tells the story of a prince with a big heart.....
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Nosy Soa, surrounded by the artificial lake of Mantasoa, is a sunny spot of total peace and calm, where you will see various endemic species of animals and trees in their natural environment.....
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You'll need to have your camera ready for the endemic species and beautiful scenery of the Peyrieras nature reserve.....
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Rubies, sapphires, emeralds, garnets … the list is long. Madagascar is often associated with lemurs or stunning sandy beaches, but actually, in its craters, the island hides thousands of precious stones: the dream of jewellers from all over the world. Of a distance of 170km from the capital is the spa town of Antsirabe, a name which means ‘the place where there is a lot of salt and relaxing thermal baths’. In the town, you can buy cut stones, uncut stones and ornamental stones. The most popular market is that of Cercle Mess, a stone’s throw away from the spa hotel of les Thermes, a must for tourists visiting Antsirabe who are interested in precious or ornamental stones.....
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Two massive natural rock formations tower over the surrounding landscape allowing a complete 360° view. Its strategic value and inherent defensive qualities were augmented by the construction of stone walls and doorways....
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Ambohidratrimo is a town located about 15km north west of the capital, one of the 12 sacred hills where a king named Ratrimo reigned supreme...
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A quiet and peaceful escape destination, a historic place, this is the village of Mantasoa. Mantasoa retains the ruins of the first industrial city in Madagascar created by the Frenchman, Jean Laborde,...
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Tsinjoarivo is a site full of royal heritage, a site that has seduced the queens with its unique landscape. Perched on a piton at 1675m altitude.....
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Miarinarivo is a small town in the Itasy region. This city is popular for its hiking trails leading to extraordinary sites.....
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A true natural fortress, the Isandra represents an invaluable heritage for understanding the culture and history of the Upper Matsiatra region...
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Located 60 km east of Antananarivo, on the RN2, (Ambatolaona commune), Mandraka is a winding road that delimits the Analamaga region from that of Alaotra-Mangoro. A trip very short in time but with a thousand surprises.....
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