The city of Ambalavao
Upon arriving in the town of Ambalavao, you’ll be captivated by the beautiful houses adorned with verandas of various styles and colors, a truly unique sight. The shops and workshops dedicated to Malagasy arts offer high-quality souvenirs at affordable prices that you won’t find anywhere else. The second largest zebu market in the country takes place south of the town, drawing large crowds on Wednesdays and Thursday mornings. The legendary hospitality of the Malagasy people permeates this small, cosmopolitan town in southern Madagascar.
Ifandana
Ifandana Rock is a notorious site of mass suicide for the Betsileo people who resisted the Merina conquest led by King Radama I.
Rather than submitting to Merina rule, thousands chose to jump to their deaths, transforming Ifandana into a sacred place. With a permit and a local guide, you can visit this historical site near the city.
Mini - Trek Ambalavao to Anja
Leaving Ambalavao, we follow a dirt road south before taking smaller paths through traditional villages. After several hours of hiking, we reach the summit of the Three Sisters mountains, offering stunning views of the Anja tourist site and National Road 7. Then, we descend into the Anja forest, managed by the AMI association (Anja MIray), to greet the most beautiful and famous ring-tailed lemur, not forgetting to see the ancient tombs of the Betsileo people carved into the cliffs.
Le Mont, Femme couchée
Resembling a sleeping woman, this mountain offers a delightful surprise for travelers on National Road 7. Hiking to the summit is a must-do. Once at the top, a panoramic view of Ambalavao unfolds. Historical remnants, ancient homes, and a sacred site enrich the experience.
Ambohimahamasina Located 39 km east of Ambalavao, Ambohimahamasina is a village dedicated to sustainable tourism. The FIZAM association offers a variety of tours to make your stay enjoyable. For the Malagasy, the enigmatic Ambondrombe mountain is a sacred resting place for ancestors. Many local customs and beliefs are still observed here. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by staying with families and exploring workshops where traditional Arindrano lamba are woven and baskets are crafted.”
Sakaviro And Samisorany: Crocodile Watching
Thanks to the initiative of the villagers, who have worked closely with experts and environmental organizations, the surrounding forests have been preserved and developed to welcome tourists. Visitors can discover an exceptional natural heritage: historical remains, ancient homes, the famous ring-tailed lemur, a rich endemic flora and fauna, and, as a bonus, crocodile watching along the Mangatnatana River.
TSARANORO VALLEY
The Tsaranoro Valley is a tourist site located on the western slope of Andringitra National Park. The gigantic Tsaranoro cliff is world-renowned among climbers and adventurers, and it’s one of the most magical and peaceful places in the country.
In this picturesque valley, you can enjoy climbing, paragliding, and other tourist activities.
It’s a blend of Betsileo and Bara traditions; the legendary Malagasy hospitality reigns in this valley, along with a very particular dialect. Numerous trails are set up to satisfy travelers.
During your hikes, you will admire different landscapes: sacred forests, high-altitude palm forests, and bamboo forests.
Popular and convenient circuit: CHAMALEON PEAK
The Chameleon Peak, named for its shape resembling a giant chameleon, offers an ideal and easy circuit. The peak reaches an altitude of 1540m with a vertical drop of 600m; you will cross the sacred forest of Tsaranoro with its riches (history, fauna, flora…) and you won’t miss the chance to greet the ring-tailed lemur in its natural environment. At the summit, a 360° panoramic view awaits you.
Duration: a 5 to 6-hour loop
Best season: April – December
Difficulty level: moderate
Necessary equipment: hiking boots, warm and light clothing, hat, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen.
Forest and Village
A sacred forest with its assets: fauna, flora, history, legends, taboos, tombs, natural pool… Typical villages, royal villages that preserve their traditions, customs, hospitality, and joie de vivre… Half a day is enough to discover the daily life of the villagers.
Best season: all year round
Difficulty level: easy
Necessary equipment: hiking boots, hat, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen
The Grand Tour
This is a grand tour of the Tsaranoro cliff, world-renowned among climbers. This circuit is designed to allow you to touch the magnificent cliff while crossing different landscapes: the sacred forest, the palm forest, the bamboo forest.
Best season: May – November (dry season)
Difficulty level: difficult
Necessary equipment: hiking boots, hat, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen
The grand tour requires a very good level and physical condition.
Mada camp
In a superb Tsaranoro valley, 56 km south of Ambalavao, including 36 km on the RN7 and 20 km of dirt road.
Mada Camp is a typical place to spend a pleasant stay in a magical and quiet corner of the western part of Andringitra National Park. It is ideally located to discover the western part of the National Park (a sacred forest, a royal village, the gigantic Tsaranoro cliff, landscapes, people, tradition, customs…). Tent pitches with and without shelter are available and a restaurant service is on site.
Il y aura de la place pour tout le monde au pays des Betsileo
PA TREK MADA
+ 261 34 03 794 28
+ 261 32 53 347 46
Mail : papatrick41@gmail.com
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