Antsirabe

Antsirabe

Antsirabe is a cool and green town in Madagascar’s highlands, known for its colonial charm, thermal baths and colourful pousse-pousses (rickshaws). It’s a great stop to stretch your legs, explore by bike or rickshaw, and enjoy some local food.

1. Things to do
2. Restaurant tips
3. To: Ranomafana
4. To: Miandrivazo
5. To: Ivato
6. To: Fianarantsoa
7. To: Andasibe

• Cycle or walk around Lake Tritriva – A crater lake with deep blue water and a local legend. Hire a guide and enjoy the peaceful views on foot or by bike.

• Visit the THB beer factory – See where Madagascar’s favourite beer is made. Ask your guide or lodge to arrange a tour — and yes, you can taste it!

• Tour the town in a pousse-pousse – Hop in a colourful rickshaw and let your driver show you the old centre. It’s a fun, easy way to explore. You can choose from:

  • The traditional pousse pousse: a cart pulled by a man. Though it may feel awkward, remember it’s his livelihood, and your fare is appreciated.
  • The cyclo-pousse: where a bicycle pulls the cab, giving the driver a bit of relief.
  • The motorised pousse pousse: top of the line and a more modern option.

• Chez Jenny – Great for pizza
• Trianon – Classic French dishes
• Vatolahy – Fresh, simple Malagasy meals
• Conterno – Stop here for pastries and a fresh baguette

Distance & time

255 km | approx. 7 hours

Route

• Continue south on the RN7 from Antsirabe.
• Important: When using Google Maps, set your route to “Alakamisy” first, not directly to Ranomafana. This avoids the bad RN25 and takes you via the better (but still potholed) RN45.
• After Alakamisy, follow the signs to Ranomafana.

Stopover in Ambositra

• Ambositra is a lively town known for its wood carving.
• The Artisan Hotel has good food and pizza to go.
• If you have time, visit a wood workshop for a quick cultural break.

Tip

• It’s a long, winding drive with great views – but slow-going. Leave early and take your time.

Distance & time

220 km | approx. 6 hours

Route

• From Antsirabe, take the RN34 west toward Miandrivazo.
• This is the only route toward Morondava and the west coast.
• The road is paved but can be narrow and winding in parts.

Tip

• Continuing all the way to Morondava in one day is too long (11+ hrs), so we recommend an overnight stop in Miandrivazo.

Distance & time

190 km | approx. 6 hours

Route

• Follow the RN7 north toward Antananarivo.
• The road is asphalted, but expect potholes, especially near villages.
• As you approach Tana, traffic will get heavier.
• Use Google Maps for the best route, but avoid the city centre.

Lunch stop options

• Ambatolampy – La Pineta serves good local dishes, pizza and pasta
• Behenjy – Try the famous foie gras, a local speciality

Tip

• Need help navigating Tana traffic? Message Peter via WhatsApp if you’re unsure.

Distance & time

245 km | approx. 8 hours

Route

• Continue south on the RN7 from Antsirabe.
• The road is paved, but expect slow sections due to curves, villages, and the occasional pothole.

Stopover in Ambositra

• Ambositra is a lively highland town known for its wood carving.
• Grab a quick bite or sit down at Artisan Hotel. It has pizzas, local dishes, and more.
• Got time? Visit a local wood workshop for a cultural break.

Distance & time

300 km | approx. 9 hours

Route

• Drive north on the RN7 back toward Antananarivo.
• Before entering the city, take the Bypass road to avoid downtown.
• From there, connect to the RN2 eastbound to Andasibe.
• The road is fully paved, but expect potholes and heavy truck traffic — it’s a main trade route.

Food & fuel

• Best to bring a lunch pack from your lodge for a flexible stop.
• Or stop at La Pineta in Ambatolampy for pasta and Malagasy dishes.
• You’ll also find plenty of fuel stations along the way with basic snacks and sandwiches.

Tip

• It’s a long driving day — leave early and pace yourself.