Antsirabe, in the heart of the water town

You will not have fully experienced your stay in Madagascar if you have not driven through Antsirabe are. The water city is the third largest city in the country. It holds many surprises for you that it would certainly be good to discover if you were to visit Madagascar.

How to get to Antsirabe?

It should be noted that the city of Antsirabe is located further south of Antananarivo. You can get there by driving the RN7. The water town is located about 167 km from the capital. It is also located on the highlands of the country and is at an altitude of 1,500 m, it is therefore the highest city in Madagascar. This is one of the reasons why this region is one of the coldest on the island. On the way to Antsirabe you can stop in several small villages.

Behenjy's Foie Gras

You will pass through the village of Behenjy, which is the first town in the Vakinankaratra region. Located 43 km from Antananarivo, it stands out for its foie gras and its artisanal quality. Continuing on, you can admire the beauty of the landscape typical of the highlands of the region. . After passing the pass 55 km, you will arrive in the second largest city in the region.

Ambatolampy.

The small town of Ambatolampy is best known for its atypical craftsmanship. The villagers have the art of aluminum casting to create great decorative pieces and traditional cooking utensils. After Ambatolampy comes the town of Ambohimandroso. In the 103 km that separate it from the capital, you can appreciate the know-how of local craftsmen. Musical instruments and truck models are offered to travelers.
The road that will take you to Antsirabe is full of surprises and incomparable riches. The passing landscapes will take you to this universe that seems inaccessible, yet remains within reach. As you proceed, you will also notice a significant drop in temperature. And when you enter the city of Antsirabe, you will surely be delighted.

The peculiarities of Antsirabe

The capital Vakinankaratra has received the sweet name "water city". This is mainly due to the abundance of thermal waters. In addition, the therapeutic benefits attributed to the waters of Antsirabe spa resorts are known worldwide. The soil of Antsirabe has a special quality. In fact, it is relatively rich in mineral salts. For this reason, the city was named Antsirabe, which means "where there is a lot of salt". The most common means of transportation in the city are the colorful "rickshaws". Besides the spa, Antsirabe also lives from agricultural production, tobacco and textile art. There are many activities available to you. Besides the hospitality and the smiles of the inhabitants, you will also be amazed by the beauty of the city and its surroundings.

Places worth seeing in the water city

Antsirabe is surrounded by three lakes: Andraikiba, Tritriva and Tatamarina. To discover these magical and historical places, you have to go west from Antsirabe towards Betafo and drive about 18 km to cover. Some visitors climb Mount Tritriva by mountain bike, but it is also possible to explore the route by motorcycle. The highest point is about 1,650 m above sea level and offers you a majestic panoramic view of the Vakinankaratra region.
Lake Tritriva was formed in a huge volcanic crater, about 160 m deep, whose water beauty will certainly not leave you indifferent. You can also admire this water place from close up. The tour lasts about 20 minutes. The folk legend tells the story of a couple who committed suicide there after their families opposed their union.
There are many activities available on site. Climbing, kayaking, swimming and zipline are on the program.
Apart from that, visiting Lake Andraikiba is also the main activity in the city of Antsirabe. To get there, you have to take RN34 from Antsirabe and cover a short distance of about 7.6 km. On site, besides the beauty of the lake, you will also find various stalls that offer handmade products as well as precious stones. If you want to bring some of them as a souvenir, it is better to consult a real expert before buying. One of the peculiarities of Lake Andraikiba is the majesty of its setting at every sunset.