Experience Highlights

Antananarivo: The City of a Thousand The capital, affectionately known as “Tana,” is a city of steep hills and colonial architecture. Exploring the Haute-Ville (High Town) offers panoramic views and a visit to the Rova of Antananarivo, the restored royal palace complex. Just outside the city lies Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage site and sacred “blue hill” that served as the spiritual seat of the Merina Kingdom.

The Scenic RN7 Route The Highlands are best explored by road along the famous RN7. This journey takes you through a changing landscape of granite massifs and vineyard-dotted valleys. Stop in Antsirabe, the “City of Water,” famous for its thermal springs and colourful rickshaws (pousse-pousse), or visit Ambalavao to witness the ancient craft of making handmade Antemoro paper and wild silk weaving.

Community Conservation & Lemur Encounters The Highlands are home to some of the most successful community-led conservation projects on the island. The Anja Community Reserve is a must-visit, where you can see large troops of Ring-tailed Lemurs sunning themselves on massive granite boulders. Further south, the rugged Andringitra National Park offers dramatic mountain trekking, including the ascent of Pic Boby, Madagascar’s second-highest peak.

Key Species to Spot

• Primates: The iconic Ring-tailed Lemur is the star of the rocky outcrops, while the Golden Bamboo Lemur can be found in the nearby rainforest fringes.

• Birdlife: Look for the Madagascar Kestrel and various species of sunbirds and weavers inhabiting the highland plains.

• Reptiles: The region is a great place to spot the Parson’s Chameleon and various colourful carpet chameleons.

• Flora: Discover the high-altitude orchids and the resilient tapia forests that are essential for the region’s wild silk production.

Climate & Best Time to Visit

The Highlands enjoy a temperate climate, often much cooler than the coastal regions:

• April to October: The dry season offers clear, sunny days and crisp, cool nights—perfect for hiking and city exploration.

• September and October: Ideal for seeing newborn lemurs and witnessing the highland flora in full bloom.

• Note: During the winter months (June to August), temperatures in the mountains can drop significantly at night, so warm layers are recommended.

The Earth Trip Experience

At Earth Trip, we believe the Central Highlands are the key to understanding the Malagasy way of life. We design itineraries that allow you to slow down and engage with the local culture—whether that’s a wine tasting in Fianarantsoa, the island’s wine capital, or a walk through the traditional Zafimaniry woodcarving villages. We use expert local guides who can explain the complex “fady” (taboos) and royal history that make this region so fascinating. Whether you are navigating the markets of Tana or trekking through the granite peaks of Andringitra, we ensure your journey is rich in both nature and human connection.

Ready to explore the cultural heart and granite peaks of the Highlands? Enquire Today about a Tailor-Made Madagascar Holiday

Attractions in Antananarivo and the Central Highlands

Explore the cultural heart of the island through these remarkable locations, featuring direct and correct links to Earth Trip:

• Antananarivo: The vibrant hilltop capital, known for its mix of French colonial architecture, bustling markets, and the historic Rova palace complex.

• Royal Hill of Ambohimanga: A UNESCO World Heritage site and sacred fortified city that serves as a profound symbol of Malagasy royal history and spiritual identity.

• Anja Community Reserve: A successful community-led sanctuary set amongst massive granite boulders, famous for its large, approachable troops of ring-tailed lemurs.

• Ranomafana National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring thermal springs and dense cloud forests that shelter the rare golden bamboo lemur.

• Antsirabe: Known as the ‘City of Water’ due to its thermal springs and volcanic lakes, this charming highlands town is also the capital of the colourful ‘pousse-pousse’ rickshaws.

• Ambatolampy: A traditional town renowned for its unique artisanal heritage where craftsmen forge aluminium cookware using ancient sand-casting techniques.

• Lake Itasy and Lily Waterfall: A scenic volcanic region offering breathtaking lakeside views, geothermal geysers, and the impressive cascades of the Lily Waterfall.

• Andringitra National Park: A spectacular protected area renowned for its dramatic granite mountains, including Peak Boby, and exceptional biodiversity.

• Sahambavy Tea Plantations: Home to the island’s unique tea plantations, where you can learn about the harvesting process and enjoy a tasting in a tranquil setting.

• Ambalavao Paper and Silk Making: A cultural hub famous for traditional Antaimoro paper-making and wild silk weaving workshops.

• Tritriva Lake: A mysterious and strikingly blue volcanic crater lake near Antsirabe, steeped in local folklore and surrounded by vertical cliffs.

• Ambositra: The cultural centre of Madagascar’s woodworking industry, where the Zafimaniry people create intricate carvings.

• Ialatsara Forest: A vital fragment of highland forest providing a wild sanctuary for rare lemurs and a transition to the eastern rainforests.

• Mantasoa: A historical and recreational lakeside area popular for its quiet forest retreats and 19th-century history.