Day trip to two palaces - a tale of mountain-top kings and a murdering queen!

Today we offer you a day trip to two palaces. The Ambohimanga Rova is a half day-trip out of Antananarivo. It was the home of the first Malagasy king to unite the nation, King Andrianampoinimerina. It’s a fascinating story of murders and conquering and intrigue, the local guides are skilled at telling the story in many languages, and the scenery is very special. The palace was used as a holiday home by subsequent members of the royal family until the last queen was exiled by the French colonial power and some interesting artefacts remain. Return back to Tana for lunch at the Cafe du Musee, and after lunch visit to Palace number 2, the Rova Manjakamiadana… This palace was home to the royal family until exile. It was burned in a politically motivated arson attack in 1995 and is under renovation, nevertheless it is a fascinating story, in an amazing position, with incredible views around the city and rice fields as far as the eye can see.