Things to see and do Antsirabe

About 18 km from Antsirabe, Lake Tritriva is a large and rather mysterious crater lake, whose shape evokes the map of Mada: very deep (about 160 m), it would be crossed by currents; its level would vary with the seasons. Captain Cousteau had dived there to try to understand the strange phenomenon of siphons that make the level of the lake fall in the rainy season and rise in the dry season. It is possible to reach the lake by motorcycle, mountain bike (Rando Raid organizes a 40 km loop), taxi-brousse and even on foot for the most motivated!

The most famous meeting place during the colonial era, this palace with its classical architecture is now a relaxing place, worth a visit for a drink in the evening, enjoying the pool or the beautiful park. The whole place is well kept, waiting perhaps one day for some renovation work. Historically, the Hotel des Thermes was the residence of King Mohammed V and his family in 1954, when he was in exile. The royal family spent nearly two years there, returning to their country in 1955, a few months before Morocco's independence.

An original discovery, less than two kilometers from the road to Betafo. Created in 1947, the brewery produces THE favorite beer of the Malagasy people: the THB Pilsener. The largest brewery in the Indian Ocean, its annual production is around one million hectoliters. It is part of the STAR group, a subsidiary of the French group Castel since 2011. It will take you about an hour and a half for the visit, note that a special outfit (pants and closed shoes, not always obvious in hot weather) is required.

Guides for the descent of the Tsiribihina and the visit of the Tsingy (located in the Menabe region) can be found in several hotels and restaurants in town (including Chez Billy). Beware: if their rates are lower than those offered by agencies, it's sometimes because they're not all trustworthy and/or don't guarantee safety and/or don't tell you everything (the Tsingy are closed for part of the year...). Ask the person!

A French association that supports street children, Les enfants du Soleil is present in several cities in Madagascar where it provides them with educational support, accommodation and help with professional training. In Antsirabe, the young women of the association have started a handicraft workshop called L'art de la Soie in the Résidence des Hauts Plateaux. One can observe, buy or even order their productions, notably embroideries and paintings on silk. An opportunity to support a beautiful initiative!

The lake Andraikiba, located at 7 km from Antsirabe, was appreciated during the colonial period. On foot, you can walk along the lake, in a bucolic setting. It is said that a prince lived here, and that he could not choose between two young women. So he proposed a challenge: the one who would cross the lake the fastest would become his wife. Unfortunately! One of them, pregnant, couldn't make it to the end; in despair, she shouted "Kiba!" ("I'm sinking!") and disappeared under the waves. Since then, it is whispered that the spirit of this beautiful princess is prowling around.

By taking the road to Belazao, one reaches the belvedere of Ivohitra (notice the large antenna), from where the view embraces the whole region, with a superb panorama on this part of the Highlands. Walkers will appreciate the walk: count one hour and a half to reach the summit by turning left on the road to Betafo, at the level of the sign "Children of the sun". Then, count two hours to return to the southern entrance of the city, obviously these timings are approximate. Beware of pickpockets though.