Antsirabe - Discovering Madagascar

Travelling to Antsirabe

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Antsirabe, a pretty good destination in Madagascar (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Antsirabe and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Antsirabe, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Madagascar, here's everything to know about Antsirabe for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Antsirabe

Antsirabe is a city located in the central highlands of Madagascar. It is the third-largest city in the country and is known for its thermal springs, colonial architecture, and agricultural production. Antsirabe is also known as Madagascar's "Vichy" due to its thermal waters, and it is a popular destination for tourists looking for a relaxing vacation. The city has many attractions, including its historic train station, Lake Tritriva, and its distinctive rickshaws known as "pousse-pousse." Additionally, Antsirabe is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and is close to several national parks, making it a great base for exploring the region's natural attractions.

What to visit in Antsirabe

Sure, here are some of the major tourist attractions in Antsirabe, Madagascar: 1. Lake Andraikiba: This picturesque lake is surrounded by lush vegetation and is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching and fishing.
2. The Thermal Baths: Antsirabe is famous for its natural thermal springs, and there are a number of hotels and resorts that offer access to these relaxing and invigorating baths.
3. The Crafts Market: Antsirabe is known for its handicrafts, and the crafts market is a great place to pick up souvenirs, such as woven baskets, wood carvings, and colorful textiles.
4. The Train Station: The Antsirabe train station is a beautiful example of colonial architecture, and it’s a great place to watch the local trains in action.
5. The Sacred Lake of Tritriva: This stunning crater lake is surrounded by lush forest and is considered a sacred site by the local people. Visitors can hike around the lake and take in the beautiful scenery.
6. Fianarantsoa: Known as the wine capital of Madagascar, Fianarantsoa is a charming town with a number of vineyards and wineries to explore.
7. The Faratsiho Rainforest: Just a short drive from Antsirabe, the Faratsiho Rainforest is a great place to experience Madagascar’s unique flora and fauna, including lemurs and chameleons.
8. The Holistic Center: The holistic center in Antsirabe offers a range of wellness services, including massages, aromatherapy, and herbal treatments. It’s a great place to unwind and relax after a day of sightseeing. Hope this information helps you plan your trip to Antsirabe!
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Madagascar, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Antsirabe.

When to go on holiday to Antsirabe

The best time to visit Antsirabe is during the dry season, which runs from April to September. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and there is little to no rainfall, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities. However, it's worth noting that the months of July and August can be quite busy with tourists, which means that prices for accommodation and plane tickets may be higher. If you want to avoid the crowds, you may want to consider visiting in April, May, or June.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Antsirabe

There are several ways to get to Antsirabe in Madagascar: 1. By air: You can take a flight to Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar, and then take a domestic flight or a taxi-brousse (local taxi) to Antsirabe. The closest airport to Antsirabe is the Toamasina Airport.
2. By road: You can take a taxi-brousse or a private car from Antananarivo to Antsirabe. The journey takes about 3-4 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
3. By rail: You can take the Fianarantsoa-Côte Est Railway line from Fianarantsoa to Antsirabe. The train journey takes about 8-9 hours, but it offers a scenic route through the highlands of Madagascar.
It's recommended to plan ahead and book your transportation in advance, as some options may not be available at certain times of the year or may be booked up quickly.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Antsirabe, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Antsirabe

Here are some typical foods of Antsirabe in Madagascar with a short description for each of them: 1. Romazava - A traditional Madagascan soup made with meat (usually beef or pork), mixed with leafy greens and flavored with ginger, garlic, onion and tomatoes.
2. Lasary - This is a traditional side dish that's often served with rice. It's made with different vegetables like green beans, carrots, and tomatoes mixed with onions and garlic, and then flavored with oil, salt and lemon juice. 3. Koba - A popular snack food made from glutinous rice flour, mashed bananas, and peanuts. It is usually wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to provide a soft texture, and is often eaten as a dessert.
4. Ravitoto - A dish that's made from cassava leaves mix with pork, garlic and ginger. This dish is usually served with rice and is considered to be a staple food in Madagascar. 5. Mofo gasy - A traditional Madagascan bread which is baked over charcoal. It can be eaten as a snack or served with other dishes as a side bread. I hope that helps!
You can find general info about typical foods in Madagascar here.

Is Antsirabe an expensive destination for tourists?

Antsirabe is generally an affordable destination for tourists, but expenses can vary depending on where you choose to stay and what activities you participate in. Accommodations can range from budget-friendly hostels to more luxurious hotels. The cost of food can also vary depending on your preferences. It is always a good idea to research the prices of activities and accommodations before you plan your trip, so you can create a budget that fits your needs. Overall, Madagascar is a budget-friendly destination compared to other tourist hotspots in Africa.

Where to find accomodation in Antsirabe

There are several areas in Antsirabe where you can find accommodation depending on your preferences and budget. 1. The city center: This is the best area to stay if you want to be close to the main sites and attractions. You can find a wide range of hotels and guesthouses here, from budget to luxury options.
2. Antsirabe Lake: This area is a bit secluded but offers a peaceful and serene setting. There are several hotels and lodges around the lake, some with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
3. Ambatolampy: This is a small town located about 20 kilometers away from Antsirabe. It is a good alternative if you prefer a quieter and more rural setting. You can still easily reach Antsirabe from here by bus or taxi.
4. Mantasoa: This is another small town located about 30 kilometers from Antsirabe. It is known for its beautiful lake and nature reserve. There are a few hotels and lodges in the area, mostly catering to ecotourism.
You can check hotel prices at Antsirabe here:
Booking.com

Is Antsirabe a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Antsirabe is generally considered a safe place for tourists to visit. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take common safety precautions such as keeping valuables secure, being aware of your surroundings, and following the advice of local authorities. It’s also a good idea to research any specific safety concerns that may apply to Antsirabe or the surrounding areas before you travel.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Madagascar here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Antsirabe.

What type of travelers will enjoy Antsirabe the most?

Antsirabe in Madagascar is a great place for a variety of types of travelers. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will enjoy the quiet, picturesque town and its beautiful landscapes. Families will find plenty to do in and around Antsirabe, with many outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the local parks. Young people will find plenty of bars and restaurants to keep them entertained. The town also has an interesting cultural history and plenty of sights to see, making it suitable for anyone interested in history and culture. Overall, Antsirabe is a great destination for anyone looking for a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.

How to get around Antsirabe

In Antsirabe, you can easily move around by using a taxi-brousse, which is a shared van or minibus that operates as a public transport system. You can also hail a taxi, or use a rickshaw known as a "pousse-pousse", which are common in the city. Additionally, you can rent a car or a scooter, which will give you a lot of flexibility and allow you to explore the surrounding countryside.

What to see around Antsirabe

Sure, here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Antsirabe, Madagascar: 1. Lake Tritriva - a beautiful crater lake surrounded by lush forests and stunning views 2. Andraikiba Lake - a scenic lake surrounded by greenery, perfect for picnics and relaxation 3. Ambohimanga Rova - a UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of a royal palace and sacred hills with breathtaking views 4. Betafo Village - a quaint village known for its handicrafts, traditional architecture, and peaceful atmosphere. 5. Analavory Hot Springs - natural hot springs set in a peaceful forest with opportunities for hiking and picnicking.
6. Anjomanitra Park - a beautiful botanical garden and park full of native flora, fauna, and stunning views.
7. Soatanana Cave - a unique cave system with limestone formations and underground streams, perfect for adventurous travelers. Hope this helps!
For every travel information about Madagascar you can click here.

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