From strolling through the city’s streets to enjoying a delicious French dinner, discover local travel tips.
Table of Contents
Main Journey
First Impressions of Antananarivo
We arrived in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, and checked into our accommodation. The house had a modern design, large windows letting in soft natural light, and immaculately clean bedding. It felt more like a stylish European guesthouse than what we had expected in Africa.
Sweetie, our little explorer, immediately began inspecting the new space. When she spotted the shower booth inside the bedroom, she pointed and asked,
“Mom, what is this?”
Her curiosity was endless as she carefully explored every corner, much like a little cat investigating new surroundings.
Walking Through the Neighborhood
After settling in, we decided to take a walk outside. However, as soon as we stepped out, we noticed something unusual. A security guard stood at the hotel entrance holding a small baton, and armed police officers were stationed throughout the streets.
Was it really safe to walk around?
We asked the hotel owner about the situation, and he reassured us,
“It’s safe here.”
Even so, we remained cautious, as pickpocketing was known to be a problem in Antananarivo, especially for tourists.
Our house was located on a hill east of Anosy Lake, offering a great view of the city below. As we wandered through the streets, we noticed several things. The old, pastel-colored taxis gave the city a charming, vintage feel, but the thick pollution from their exhausts made the air unpleasant. There were churches everywhere, a reminder of Madagascar’s strong Christian influence. Small street vendors and taxis lined the roads, with police officers standing nearby.
While looking for a place to eat, we entered a small restaurant. But there was one major problem—the menu was entirely in French, and none of the staff spoke English. We stood there, trying to make sense of the menu, but in the end, we gave up and left.
Events
A Delicious French Dinner
Determined to find a good meal, we kept searching and eventually found a cozy French restaurant. The menu price was surprisingly reasonable:
The set meal included a starter, main dish, dessert, and a glass of wine, all for 22,000 Ariary (about $7.80) per person.
The warm, intimate atmosphere immediately made us feel comfortable. As we sat down, we raised our glasses to celebrate another day of travel.
The starter was a fresh crab salad served inside a crab shell, topped with a creamy dressing. Julie loves crab, and it felt like the chef had prepared this dish just for her.
For the main course, we had grilled Zebu, a type of local cattle, served with rice. The red spice sprinkled on the rice was unfamiliar but surprisingly tasty. Sweetie enjoyed the meal, eating plenty of rice and Zebu meat.
Dessert was fresh strawberries with whipped cream. Sweetie, who usually spills half of her meal, ate this dessert with laser focus, making sure not to waste a single bite. She’s a true strawberry lover.
After dinner, we walked back to our accommodation. The streets were eerily quiet, so we hurried back. But as we reached our house and looked up, we saw something magical—a sky full of bright stars.
Tomorrow, we would begin our Madagascar road trip, and the excitement was building.
Tips for Traveling with a Baby
- Pack both warm and cool clothing, as Antananarivo can be warm during the day but chilly at night.
- Bring baby-friendly food, since local dishes often have strong spices. It’s helpful to have familiar snacks and instant meals on hand.
- Plan extra travel time, as the roads are rough and traffic can be unpredictable.
- Be cautious with valuables. Pickpockets target tourists, so always carry bags securely and avoid flashing your phone or camera.
Local Travel Tips
Safety in Antananarivo
- Pickpocketing is common, especially in crowded areas, so always keep an eye on your belongings.
- Avoid walking alone at night. The streets can be deserted after dark, making them unsafe.
- Stick to known safe areas. Ask your hotel about the safest places to explore.
Transportation
- Negotiate taxi fares before getting in, as taxis don’t use meters. Always agree on a price beforehand.
- Renting a car is recommended, as public transportation is limited, and a car gives you more flexibility for exploring.
Travel Reflections
Antananarivo is a city full of contrasts. It has European-style restaurants and vintage cars, yet also struggles with pollution and infrastructure issues.
Our French dinner was a highlight of the day. The food was delicious and reasonably priced, making it a great experience.
The excitement is building as we prepare to begin our Madagascar road trip tomorrow. There’s so much more to see, and we can’t wait to start exploring.
“Madagascar is a place full of surprises. There’s so much to discover, and we’re just getting started.”
Next up: Our Madagascar Road Trip Begins!
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