Antananarivo Royal Heritage, Birdlife, and Local Culture
Step 1: Queen's Palace and Royal History
We will meet you at your hotel and begin this walking tour by taxi or in a private car. First, we will head up to the hills of the Queen's Palace. Here, you will learn about the royal history and the sovereigns of the Kingdom of Imerina tribe in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as the rulers of the Kingdom of Madagascar in the 19th century. The Queen's Palace occupies the highest point in the Analamanga region, formerly the highest of Antananarivo's 12 hills. From this vantage point, you will have a nice view of the capital for a panoramic picture. We will also have a look at the Prime Minister Rainlairiviny Palace, which governed the island kingdom in the late 19th century. The building currently serves as a museum, housing an estimated 1,466 objects of historical importance to the Kingdom of Madagascar that were rescued from the 1995 fire at the Rova of Antananarivo.
Step 2: Oldest Cathedral and Tsarasaotra Park
Next, we will head down to visit the oldest cathedral of FJKM, the first church created in Antananarivo. After a short break in the church, we will take you to the center to visit the private park called Tsarasaotra. The reserve is an important refuge and breeding ground for 14 threatened endemic bird species, including Miller's duck and the Mada little grebe.
Step 3: Local Market and Interesting Places
We will then continue back to the center to visit the local market and learn about the story of the colonial buildings. We will also visit some interesting places such as the Pirate Museum, Museum Photo, Anosy Lake, and the local woodcraft market for souvenirs. The tour will conclude after lunch at a restaurant, and we will drop you back at your hotel.
