The Madagascar highlands (hauts plateaux) is an extensive area in the central region of the island, extending from Antsirabe south to past Fianarantsoa. Gently sloping hills intermingled with terraces and rice paddies, along with a few charming villages, form the main part of the highlands. Highlands temperatures are considerably cooler than anywhere else in Madagascar, and most of the year the skies are clear and the air is cool.

One of the most striking towns in the Madagascar highlands is Fianarantsoa, which is built on the slopes of a hill in a similar manner to Antananarivo - just much smaller. Some of the hotels in this town will arrange tours of the local wine farms should you wish to go wine-tasting; the closest vineyard is Lazan'I Betsileo which is more or less 15 km north of Fianarantsoa.

Parc National de Ranomafana, also nearby to Fianarantsoa, protects a large area of rain forest in the east, including many lemur species and the only known habitat of the golden bamboo and broad-nosed gentle lemurs. This area is also great for hiking.

Then there is the old spa town of Antsirabe, situated 169 km to the south of Tana. The name "Antsirabe" means "place of much salt" and relaxing thermal baths can be enjoyed in this town. The Star Brewery is also found here; this brewery manufactures the ever-present THB (Three Horses Beer).

There is plenty more to explore in the Madagascar highlands, including walks among the various Zafimaniry villages and watching highly-skilled woodcarvers at work, while enjoying the experience of rural village life.