Things To Do
in Bevata

Bevata sits on the southern outskirts of Antananarivo, Madagascar, blending suburban life with rural landscapes. It’s known for its informal markets, friendly locals, and easy access to the capital’s sights and services. The area is set among rolling hills and rice paddies, giving visitors a sense of countryside just minutes from city life.

Visitors use Bevata as a relaxed base for exploring nearby markets, viewpoints, and day trips into the surrounding highlands.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Bevata
morning
:

Arrive in Antananarivo, the capital city, and embark on a scenic journey to Bevata. As you approach this serene destination, enjoy the lush landscapes and vibrant local flora. Take some time to settle into your accommodation and prepare for your adventure ahead.

afternoon
:

Explore the local village of Bevata, where you can meet the friendly locals and experience their daily life. Visit the artisanal markets and observe skilled craftspeople at work, making unique handmade goods. Don’t forget to sample some traditional Malagasy street food for an authentic culinary experience.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a cozy dinner at a local restaurant, savoring freshly caught seafood. Reflect on your day as you sit outdoors, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the gentle hum of village life. Retire early to rest and prepare for the days of exploration ahead.

day 2
Tropical Trails
morning
:

Begin your day with a guided hike in the nearby rainforest, where the lush greenery and diverse wildlife await. Keep an eye out for unique species, including colorful chameleons and various bird species. Breathe in the fresh, invigorating air as you wander through the vibrant trails.

afternoon
:

Have a picnic lunch in a scenic clearing, soaking in the beauty around you while enjoying homemade local specialties. Afterward, continue your hike to discover hidden waterfalls, perfect for a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Capture stunning photographs as you immerse yourself in the stunning scenery.

evening
:

Return to the village and participate in a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Malagasy dishes. Share your meal with newfound friends, relishing the flavors of homemade cuisine. End the night with traditional storytelling under the stars, fostering connections with local tales.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$2-4
🛍️Local souvenirs$5-20
🚕Short taxi ride$1-3
🥤Bottle of water (1.5L)$0.5-1
🏨Mid-range hotel room (per night)$25-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close to Antananarivo with easy access to urban amenities
  • Affordable, relaxed base with countryside charm
  • Limited upscale dining and nightlife within Bevata itself
  • Transport to more remote natural areas can require planning
  • "Salama" - Hello
  • "Manao ahoana" - How are you
  • "Misaotra" - Thank you
  • "Azafady" - Please / Excuse me
  • "Veloma" - Goodbye

Places to Visit in Bevata

Visit one of these nice places.

Bevata Hills Overlook

A panoramic viewpoint offering views over the Antananarivo valley and patchwork of rice fields.

Bevata Market at Dawn

Colorful stalls and early-morning light ideal for candid street photography.

Rice Paddies by Sunset

Flat fields that reflect the sky in the golden hour, ideal for landscape shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Bevata

Bevata and the Analamanga region share Malagasy cuisine built around rice (vary), stews (laoka), and fresh produce. Expect generous portions, fragrant coconut rice, and bold herb flavors, with zebu meat featured in many dishes. Fresh seafood is commonly available when near rivers and towns, while tropical fruits provide sweet, refreshing options year-round.

Bevata Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Ravitoto with Pork

Crushed cassava leaves simmered with pork, typically served with rice.

Must-Try!

Romazava

Beef or pork with leafy greens in a light tomato broth, served with rice.

Akoho sy Voanio

Chicken cooked in coconut milk with garlic and spices.

Vary A La Kisoa (Rice with Greens)

Rice served with sautéed greens and sometimes meat or beans.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Bevata Market

Bustling morning market with fresh produce, fish, and ready-to-eat snacks; try fried cassava and mofo gasy.

Analamanga Street Food Rows

Line of stalls offering skewers, fried bananas, fresh fruit, and local drinks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Bevata experiences a tropical highland climate with a distinct wet season from November to April and a cooler, dry season from May to October. Average daytime temperatures range from mid-20s Celsius in the dry season to high 20s–low 30s Celsius during the wet season, with cooler nights in the dry months.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and Respect

Greet locals with a simple 'Salama' and a handshake; address elders with politeness and a smile.

Photography Consent

Ask for permission before photographing people, especially in residential areas.

Dress and Behavior

Dress modestly in public spaces; remove hats indoors; avoid loud public displays.

Safety Guide

Safety

Stay aware of petty crime around busy markets and on transport. Keep valuables secure, use reputable transport, and avoid isolated areas at night. Travel with a local map or guide when exploring unfamiliar rural paths.

Tipping in Bevata

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, a small tip of 5-10% is appreciated if service is not included. Guides and drivers may appreciate a few thousand Ariary for a day’s work.

Payment Methods

Cash (Ariary) is widely used; cards are limited outside major towns. ATMs exist in Antananarivo, with limited reach in Bevata.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Nov–Apr: Hot and humid with heavy afternoon showers and occasional tropical storms. Pack light clothing, a rain jacket, and sun protection; stay hydrated.

Dry season

May–Oct: Cooler, dry, and comfortable for outdoor exploring, especially mornings and evenings. Bring a light jacket for cooler nights.

Nightlife Guide

Bevata at Night

Bevata’s nightlife is low-key, with family-friendly eateries and weekend street markets. For a wider range of bars, live music, and clubs, many visitors head to Antananarivo, where a variety of venues offer Malagasy songs, Western-influenced tunes, and late-night dining.

Hiking in Bevata

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Bevata Hills Trail

A scenic, moderate hike with viewpoints over the valley and rural fields.

Andrainarojotra Ridge Walk

A ridge path with panoramic views and coffee farm glimpses.

Airports

How to reach Bevata by plane.

Ivato International Airport (TNR)

Main international airport serving Antananarivo; about a 20–45 minute drive from Bevata depending on traffic.

Getting Around

Walkability

Bevata is walkable in the village center and along market streets, but many areas require a vehicle or motorbike to reach more distant viewpoints and farms.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Merina Malagasy

The prevalent ethnic group in the highland region surrounding Antananarivo.

Families and Students

A mix of local residents and students who commute to the capital.

Seasonal Workers and Farmers

People working in agriculture in the surrounding countryside.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport across Madagascar, with informal games and local leagues.

Rugby

Gaining popularity among youth and clubs in the capital region.

Basketball

Common in schools and community centers with local pickup games.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic around Antananarivo can be congested during peak hours. In Bevata, transport is mainly by car, taxi-brousse, or mini-buses; roads can be uneven in rural lanes.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Bevata.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many restaurants can accommodate vegetarian diets; look for dishes with rice and beans, or vegetables in sauce, and ask for no meat or fish.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Bevata is basic; for complex care, regional hospitals in Antananarivo are used. Local clinics can treat minor illnesses, with pharmacists widely available. Carry basic first-aid supplies and ensure any needed medications are stocked.

Discover Madagascar

Read more in our Madagascar 2025 Travel Guide.

Madagascar Travel Guide