Things to Do in Fianarantsoa, Madagasikara / Madagascar

Fianarantsoa, Madagascar's highland capital and the country's intellectual heart, sits majestically at 1,200 meters above sea level in the central highlands. Known as 'Fianar' to locals, this historic city serves as the cultural and educational center of the Betsileo people and is home to Madagascar's oldest university. The city's name means 'good education' in Malagasy, reflecting its long-standing reputation as a center of learning and traditional Malagasy culture. The city is perfectly positioned as a gateway to some of Madagascar's most spectacular natural attractions, including Ranomafana National Park with its rare lemurs and lush rainforests, and the dramatic Isalo National Park with its sandstone formations. Fianarantsoa's old town, known as Haute-Ville, features colonial French architecture and traditional Malagasy houses built into the hillside, while the surrounding countryside offers some of the most beautiful highland scenery in Madagascar, with terraced rice fields, rolling hills, and traditional villages.

Top Things to Do in Fianarantsoa

Explore Ranomafana National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Madagascar's premier rainforest reserves, home to 12 lemur species including the rare golden bamboo lemur. The park features excellent hiking trails through primary rainforest, hot springs, and exceptional biodiversity with over 400 plant species and numerous endemic birds.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around $45 for 3 days plus mandatory guide fees of $20-30 per day. Book guides at the park entrance or through your hotel. Best wildlife viewing is early morning (6-9 AM) or late afternoon. Bring rain gear and good hiking boots as trails can be muddy.

Take the FCE Train Journey

Experience one of the world's most scenic train rides on the Fianarantsoa-Côte Est railway, a narrow-gauge line that winds through spectacular highland and rainforest scenery. The journey takes you through tunnels, over bridges, and past traditional villages, offering incredible photo opportunities and cultural encounters.

Booking Tip: Tickets cost $15-25 depending on class and can be purchased at the station. The train runs Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, departing early morning. Book accommodation in advance in Manakara if taking the full journey. Bring snacks and water as the journey takes 10-12 hours.

Visit Traditional Betsileo Villages

Explore authentic Betsileo villages in the surrounding highlands to experience traditional Malagasy culture, including rice cultivation techniques, traditional architecture, and local crafts. Many villages offer homestay opportunities and demonstrate traditional weaving, pottery, and agricultural practices.

Booking Tip: Village tours cost $20-40 per day including guide and transport. Book through local tour operators or your hotel. Bring small gifts like school supplies for children. Best visited during rice planting or harvest seasons (November-January or May-July) for cultural activities.

Discover Anja Community Reserve

This community-managed reserve protects a population of ring-tailed lemurs in a dramatic granite landscape just 13km from Fianarantsoa. The reserve offers excellent lemur viewing opportunities, beautiful hiking trails through unique rock formations, and supports local community conservation efforts.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is around $10 plus guide fees of $5-10. Open daily 7 AM to 5 PM. Best lemur viewing is early morning or late afternoon. The reserve is easily accessible by taxi-brousse or private vehicle. Combine with visits to nearby sacred sites and traditional villages.

Explore Fianarantsoa Old Town

Wander through the historic Haute-Ville (Upper Town) with its narrow cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and traditional Malagasy houses built into the hillside. The area offers panoramic views over the modern city below and showcases the unique blend of French colonial and Malagasy architectural styles.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on foot, but hiring a local guide ($10-15) provides valuable historical context and helps navigate the maze of streets. Best visited in late afternoon for photography. Wear comfortable walking shoes as streets are steep and uneven. Allow 2-3 hours for thorough exploration.

Getting There

Fianarantsoa is accessible by road from Antananarivo (the capital) via a well-maintained 400km highway that takes 6-8 hours by car or taxi-brousse (shared minibus). Regular taxi-brousse services run daily and cost around $10-15, though private transfers are more comfortable at $80-120. The city also has a small airport with occasional domestic flights from Antananarivo, though these are infrequent and expensive. Most travelers arrive overland as part of the classic 'Route Nationale 7' journey that connects the capital to the southern regions of Madagascar.

Getting Around

Getting around Fianarantsoa is best done on foot in the city center, as most attractions in the old town are within walking distance. For longer distances, rickshaw-style pousse-pousse are available for short trips around town at $1-3 per ride, while taxi-brousse connect to nearby attractions like Anja Reserve. Renting a car with driver costs $40-60 per day and is recommended for visiting national parks and remote villages. Motorcycle taxis are also available but not recommended for tourists due to safety concerns.

Where to Stay

Haute-Ville (Old Town)

Centre-Ville (City Center)

Near the Train Station

Ambozontany District

Tsianolondroa Area

Ankofafa Neighborhood

Food & Dining

Fianarantsoa's dining scene centers around traditional Malagasy cuisine with French colonial influences, reflecting the city's cultural heritage. Local specialties include vary amin'anana (rice with greens), romazava (beef and vegetable stew), and fresh highland vegetables. The central market offers excellent street food including mofo gasy (Malagasy bread) and sambos (samosas), while several mid-range restaurants serve both local and international cuisine. French patisseries and bakeries are scattered throughout the city, a legacy of colonial times, offering excellent bread and pastries. Most restaurants are concentrated in the city center, with prices ranging from $3-5 for local meals to $10-15 for restaurant dining.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Fianarantsoa is during the dry season from April to October, when roads are more accessible and weather is pleasant with warm days and cool nights. The highland location means temperatures are moderate year-round, but the wet season (November to March) brings heavy rains that can make travel difficult and some roads impassable. June through August offers the coolest and driest weather, perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing, though nights can be quite cold. The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October provide excellent weather with fewer crowds and good wildlife activity in nearby national parks.

Insider Tips

Learn basic Malagasy greetings as English is rarely spoken outside tourist hotels, and French is more useful than English for communication

Always carry cash (Ariary) as ATMs are limited and credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels

Pack warm clothing even in summer as highland temperatures can drop significantly at night, sometimes below 10°C (50°F)

Things to Do in Fianarantsoa