{"id":307,"date":"2026-07-02T14:50:18","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T14:50:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rta.travelblox.eu\/en\/ivato\/"},"modified":"2026-08-26T14:07:35","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T14:07:35","slug":"ivato","status":"publish","type":"guide","link":"https:\/\/rta.travelblox.eu\/en\/madagascar\/travel-notes\/ivato\/","title":{"rendered":"Ivato"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Ivato<\/h2>\n

Ivato is where most travellers land and leave Madagascar. It\u2019s the location of the international airport and a practical place to rest, get organised, and prepare for your adventure. Ivato itself is quiet, but you\u2019re just 1\u20131.5 hours from the capital Antananarivo (locals call it Tana<\/em>).<\/h4><\/div>\n\t <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Covered on this page:<\/h2> \t
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  1. Things to do<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. To: Antsirabe<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. To: Andasibe<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n\t <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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    Things to do<\/h2> \t
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    • Buy a SIM card <\/strong>\u2013 We recommend Telma, as it has the best coverage.\n<\/li>\n
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      ATM & exchange money<\/strong> \u2013 Use the small exchange office opposite Ivato Airport Parking. You\u2019ll get the best rate with larger euro notes (\u20ac50+).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • Relax at Relais des Plateaux<\/strong> \u2013 Enjoy their heated pool or book a massage at the spa. The perfect treat after a long flight.\n<\/li>\n
    • Explore Antananarivo <\/strong>\u2013 Don\u2019t drive into the city yourself: traffic is chaotic, and self-driving isn\u2019t allowed here. Ask your lodge in Ivato to arrange a driver. It\u2019s around 1 to 1.5 hours to the centre of Tana. Places we recommend:\n<\/li>\n
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        Rova (King\u2019s Palace)<\/strong>
        This historic palace sits on the highest hill in Antananarivo. It was once the home of the Merina kings and queens. Walk around the grounds, learn about Madagascar\u2019s royal history and enjoy panoramic views over the city.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Ambohimanga<\/strong>
        A peaceful and sacred hill, 45 minutes from the city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a royal city and spiritual centre. Explore the old palace, royal tombs, and forest paths. It\u2019s an important place in Malagasy culture and a great escape from the city\u2019s hustle.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n

      • Dinner at Savannah Caf\u00e9<\/strong> \u2013 Staying longer in Ivato or have a late flight? Savannah Caf\u00e9 has good food, drinks and a relaxed vibe.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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        To: Antsirabe<\/h2> \t

        Distance & time<\/strong><\/p>\n

        190 km | approx. 6 hours<\/p>\n

        Route<\/strong><\/p>\n

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        • Your car handover team will help you navigate out of Antananarivo.<\/li>\n
        • After Ivato, join the RN7 heading south.<\/li>\n
        • Road is paved all the way, but expect potholes, especially near villages.<\/li>\n
        • Traffic is heavy around Tana but eases up as you head south.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Stops & supplies<\/strong><\/p>\n

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          • Stock up at Super U Talatamaty (Ivato) or Carrefour (Tana) for water and snacks.<\/li>\n
          • You\u2019ll find small shops and fuel stations daily, so no need to overpack.<\/li>\n
          • Lunch stops:\n
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            • Ambatolampy<\/strong> \u2013 Try La Pineta<\/em> for pizza or local dishes<\/li>\n
            • Behenjy<\/strong> \u2013 Known for Malagasy-style foie gras<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n

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              • Buy large water canisters early. This makes refilling your bottles easier during the trip.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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                To: Andasibe<\/h2> \t

                Distance & time<\/strong><\/p>\n

                150 km | approx. 5 hours<\/p>\n

                Route<\/strong><\/p>\n

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                • Your car handover team will guide you out of the Antananarivo maze.<\/li>\n
                • Stock up at Super U Talatamaty (Ivato) or Carrefour (Tana) before leaving.<\/li>\n
                • Exit the city and join the RN2 \u2013 a winding, scenic mountain road.<\/li>\n
                • Road is paved, but be alert for potholes, especially on corners.<\/li>\n
                • You\u2019ll pass many local fruit stalls along the way.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  Optional stop<\/strong><\/p>\n

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                    Peyrieras Tropical Zoo<\/strong> \u2013 A small reptile park with chameleons and geckos. It’s tourist-oriented but colourful and easy to access.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    Lunch options in Moramanga<\/strong><\/p>\n

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                    • Le Coq d\u2019Or<\/strong> \u2013 Malagasy and French dishes<\/li>\n
                    • Pizzaria Diary<\/strong> \u2013 Simple, quick meals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n

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                      • Arriving before 16:30? You can already join a night walk. Ask your hotel to arrange a guide.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":170,"featured_media":1058,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-307","guide","type-guide","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"feed_page_to_atlas":true},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rta.travelblox.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guide\/307","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rta.travelblox.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rta.travelblox.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/guide"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rta.travelblox.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/170"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/rta.travelblox.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guide\/307\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3036,"href":"https:\/\/rta.travelblox.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guide\/307\/revisions\/3036"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rta.travelblox.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1058"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rta.travelblox.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=307"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}