Antananarivo
Madagascar’s capital brings together historic neighbourhoods, markets, royal heritage and contemporary Malagasy life.
Discover Madagascar’s Central Highlands, where terraced rice fields, historic towns and royal heritage shape the journey between Antananarivo and Fianarantsoa.
Explore the places below, or browse every region in our Madagascar destinations guide.
Why Visit Madagascar’s Central Highlands?
Visit the Highlands for culture, history and everyday Malagasy life. Rice terraces, traditional brick houses, local markets and historic settlements give this region a character distinct from the island’s coasts and dry forests.
The region also connects many overland journeys: Antananarivo is a common arrival point, while Antsirabe, Ambositra and Fianarantsoa lead towards southern Madagascar.
Places to Visit in the Central Highlands
From the capital and royal sites to traditional Highland towns, each place reveals a different side of central Madagascar.
Ambohimanga
Explore this important royal and cultural site in the hills north of Antananarivo.
Antsirabe
Discover a relaxed Highland city, its thermal heritage, colourful pousse-pousses and volcanic surroundings.
Ambositra
Meet Malagasy craftsmanship and woodcarving among green hills and Highland villages.
Fianarantsoa
Explore historic neighbourhoods, terraced hills and the landscapes of south-central Madagascar.
Culture, History and Highland Landscapes
The Central Highlands reveal Madagascar’s history, craftsmanship and everyday life beyond its national parks.
Royal Heritage
The region around Antananarivo played a central role in the history of the Merina kingdoms. The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its royal city, sacred places and historic landscape reflect centuries of political and spiritual history in the Malagasy Highlands.
Highland Life and Craftsmanship
Travelling south reveals terraced rice fields, traditional brick houses, local markets and towns shaped by Malagasy craftsmanship.
Ambositra is known for woodcarving, while Antsirabe and Fianarantsoa offer a closer look at urban and rural life away from the coast.
The Central Highlands and Madagascar’s RN7 Route
From Antananarivo, travellers can head south through Antsirabe and Ambositra to Fianarantsoa, then continue towards Ranomafana, Ambalavao, Andringitra and Isalo.
This classic route combines Highland culture with national parks, wildlife and southern landscapes. Follow the stops in order:
Who Should Visit the Central Highlands?
Best for
Travellers interested in culture, history, photography, traditional crafts, local markets, rural landscapes and the classic southern route.
Combine the Highlands With
Pair the Highlands with Andasibe for rainforest wildlife, or with Southern Madagascar for Ranomafana, Andringitra and Isalo.
Continue Exploring Madagascar
Include the Central Highlands in Your Madagascar Trip
The Central Highlands can be part of a longer private journey. Natura Travel designs tailor-made itineraries around your interests, travel dates and preferred pace.
