Antananarivo Attractions: Lemurs' Park, Rova

October 20, 2026

Travel advisory: Madagascar is governed by a transitional administration that took over in October 2025, with elections not expected before 2027. Washington lists the country at Level 2 (exercise increased caution) and names six Level 3 areas where it says to reconsider travel, among them the RN34 stretch from Miandrivazo to Malaimbandy and the Menabe region south of Morondava. London does not advise against travel but cites armed road robbery after dark, attacks on isolated beaches and protests that can become violent, and it advises against taxi-brousse. Kidnappings have been reported in and around Antananarivo, so keep city visits to daylight, go with a driver or guide, carry few valuables and be back at your hotel before dusk. Details are on gov.uk and travel.state.gov . Check current entry rules before you fly, especially if you route via Nairobi.

The attractions around Antananarivo (Tana) are small, paid visits that fit into a half day each. Most are reached by car from the capital, and a driver who knows the roads makes the day easier. This page covers what is open to visitors, what it costs in ariary (Ar) and what to check first. Madagascar is a cash economy, so bring ariary notes for every ticket.

Lemurs’ Park

Lemurs’ Park sits on the Katsaoka river at PK 22 on the RN1 toward Ampefy, about 22 to 25 km from the city. Allow extra time for traffic. The 5-hectare botanical park holds seven lemur species, including ring-tailed lemurs, ruffed lemurs, black lemurs and crowned sifakas, plus more than 70 plant species. A naturalist guide goes with every visitor, and a visit takes up to about 1 hour 30 minutes. The path ends at an open-air vivarium of chameleons, tortoises and lizards.

It opens daily from 08:00, with last reception at 16:00. Adults pay 75,000 Ar and children aged 5 to 12 pay 30,000 Ar. The park does not take cards, so bring cash. The park says it has released captive-born lemurs into the wild since 2015. Treat the lemurs as wild animals: do not touch or feed them, and follow your guide. Details are on the park’s own site, Lemurs’ Park .

The Rova of Antananarivo

The Rova is the royal palace and tomb complex on the Analamanga hill. Fire gutted it in 1995, and it reopened to the public in June 2023. It is open Wednesday to Monday from 9:00 to 17:00 and closed on Tuesdays. The foreign adult fee is reported at 40,000 Ar, up from 30,000 Ar. A guide is strongly recommended but not confirmed as included in the ticket, so ask when you buy. Allow about 2 hours. The hill is steep and uneven, so wear sturdy shoes.

Andafiavaratra Palace

The former prime minister’s palace stands in the Haute-Ville and holds a small museum on its ground floor, mostly objects saved from the 1995 Rova fire. Tickets are reported at about 10,000 Ar. Check the hours on the day, because opening times are not confirmed.

Peyrieras reserve at Marozevo

The reserve sits at PK 75 on the RN2, roughly 2 hours from Tana, and is known for chameleons, Uroplatus geckos and tomato frogs seen close up on guided visits of about two hours. Ask for the current entry fee and hours before you set out. It combines easily with the first leg of the road toward Andasibe.

Antemoro paper in Ambalavao

On the RN7 route south, the Antemoro paper workshop in the grounds of the Aux Bougainvillees hotel in Ambalavao shows how paper is made. Entry is free and there is a shop. Mornings are best, and it is worth phoning ahead because published hours differ. Paper, raffia, embroidery and silk make good souvenirs. Never buy rosewood or ebony. Both are protected under CITES Appendix II, and Madagascar has banned their export since 2010.

Booking and practical tips

Pay in ariary. Dollars are not widely accepted, and banks and businesses often refuse $100 bills. Clarify whether a price is quoted in ariary or in old Malagasy francs, where 1 ariary equals 5 francs. Drink bottled or treated water only. Malaria risk is low in Antananarivo itself, but it applies to most other regions. If you want a driver-guide, compare options on Antananarivo tours .