How to Find Cheap Hotels in Antananarivo, Madagascar

As the capital city of the Northern African country of Madagascar, Antananarivo--also known as Tana--is a fascinating city with hillsides and rice paddies. Strap on a backpack because Antananarivo is a place that has cheap accommodations, free historical sights and reasonable meals.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Know Your Destination

1. Be prepared to spend about $45 per day on food, lodging and nightlife. Travel here is cheap.
2. Save your appetite for the Seven Royal Dishes, which were said to be served to royalty and include a feast for the eyes and tastebuds.
3. Practice your best haggling skills for the markets located at the Avenue of Independence because they have everything from fruits and nuts to souvenirs and artisan fare.
4. Pack good shoes and be prepared to exercise. The city is full of winding, steep stairways that connect the various sites and shops in Upper Town, and they lead to Rova, the prominent palace on the city's highest hill.
5. Plan a day trip to the Ambohimanga, known as the "Blue Hills."

Select Your Accommodatios

6. Enjoy more amenities with your accommodations in Antananarivo, including in-room bathrooms, televisions, air conditioning and even mini-bars. There are more choices that reflect European-type and chain hotels here.
7. Locally owned and operated Antananarivo hotels and lodges offer travelers a better sense of the local customs and culture. They also tend to offer cheaper prices when compared with chain hotels.
8. Take a trip in the summer and stay in the local campgrounds that are a backpacker's paradise. The grounds are beautiful with spotless bathroom and kitchen facilities.

Organize Your Transportation

9. Take a taxi. It might cost you a bit more but it's better than taking the buses, which tend to be crowded and slow.
10. Book a tour from your hotel. Many hotels run buses to places like the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve and the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga.
11. Bring your friends and put together a group biking tour into the countryside to enjoy the natural beauty and well-linked road system.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch out for the beggars and street vendors and keep your valuables close to you as there are a lot of pickpockets.
• Don't drink the tap water or brush your teeth with it. Stick to bottled water.
• Do not travel alone. While the country is not on any danger lists, there is still need for caution.
• Ask the accommodations that you have booked about airport transportation. Some places will include it in the price or offer it for a small fee.
• Arrange to have a visa stamped into your passport before you leave for an easier travel experience.
• Purchase FMG currency at the airport's money exchange.
• If you use a porter at the airport, you must pay them as this is their livelihood.