We spent one day in Fianarantsoa, a major highland city in east-central Madagascar, situated at approximately 1,200 meters above sea level on the eastern escarpment. Known as the intellectual capital and as the “place where one learns the good,” it is distinguished by its unique three...
In the foggy morning, we left Ambositra and drove to Fianarantsoa along the RN7, which is a scenic, roughly 4-hour, 160km journey through Madagascar’s central highlands. The road is generally in decent condition compared to other parts of the country, passing through vibrant rice...
We also had the chance to experience one of the most remarkable traditions of Betsileo heritage: Savika, the region’s traditional bullfighting ritual. The event took place in a remote area several kilometres outside Ambositra, deep in the countryside. Reaching it by car was impossible, so...
We got a tip from our local guide about two places where traditional “combat de coq” takes place every Sunday. Cockfighting in Ambositra, and throughout Madagascar, is a deeply rooted and widely practised cultural tradition, influenced by Asian migration. It remains a legal, high-stakes...
Serene, terraced rice fields, red-earth homes, and the intricate woodcarving traditions of the Zafimaniry people define rural life around Ambositra. We hired a local guide (80,000 MGA) and set off on a hike to Rova d’Ambositra (🎟️10,000 MGA), the former residence of the last Betsileo...
We spent a day in Madagascar’s central highlands, in the historic heartland of the Betsileo people and a town often called the “Capital of Woodworking” for its renowned Zafimaniry art. Ambositra is a high-altitude city (1,342–1,422 m elevation) serving as the capital of...
The two-day drive from Antananarivo to Ambositra via Antsirabe follows Madagascar’s iconic RN7, a route that gradually unfolds the island’s highland landscapes. Leaving the capital behind, the scenery quickly shifts to rolling hills, terraced rice paddies, and clusters of red-earth...
Antsirabe is one of the best places in Madagascar to discover traditional handicrafts, known for its intricate embroidery and inventive workshops that transform recycled materials into art. We visited a well-known atelier where artisans create remarkably detailed miniature rickshaws...
We spent a day in Antsirabe, a city founded in 1872 by Norwegian missionary T.G. Rosaas as a highland retreat. Known as the “City of Water” or the “Malagasy Vichy,” it owes its nickname to its thermal springs and refreshingly cool climate. What began as a small missionary settlement...
We couldn’t miss one of the most popular stops along the route between Antananarivo and Antsirabe: Ambatolampy, often referred to as Madagascar’s “aluminium town.” It is renowned for its traditional, family-run aluminium foundries that line the RN7. Dating back to around 1942, these...