Artisanal Foundries, Thermal City and Volcanic Lake

This road trip departs from the capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo. On your way, enjoy a breathtaking scenery typical of the Highlands with terraced rice fields, traditional red clay houses, zebu herds, and people dressed in traditional clothes.

In Ambatolampy, visit an artisanal aluminium foundry and follow the fascinating production process from casting to polishing. Many Malagasy homes use aluminium cooking pots to prepare meals. And this town is specialised in recycling aluminium into cooking utensils and decorative objects. This art is specific to Madagascar and runs through generations. It is a handicraft that represents the majority of the local activity.
The aluminium workshops are gathered in a small area behind the market and close to the train station. There are not many street names or sign-posts in small towns in Madagascar so you will have to ask your way to local inhabitants.
There are no official opening hours for these workshops either. Just go during normal business hours and you will see the artisans working in open view.

You have arrived in the city of Antsirabe. It is time for lunch. Head to Chez Jenny for delicious fusion dishes using local ingredients such as zebu steaks. The restaurant also caters for vegetarians.
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. / 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Monday: Closed

A peaceful thermal town, Antsirabe has kept its historic charm. Visit the city on foot, bike or pousse-pousse. Try a pousse-pousse tour.
These human-powered rickshaw are typical from Antsirabe. It might seem uncomfortable for Europeans to use such a vehicle, but you will help the man pulling it to feed his family. And it is an original way of seeing the city.
The city centre is not huge. The main avenue, la Grande Avenue, features shady streets and beautiful colonial buildings such as the elegant decommissioned train station and the historic Thermes Hotel.

One of the most emblematic buildings in the city, this beautiful train station is a heritage from the colonial era. It is decommissioned and so closed to the public, but you can take nice photos from the streets.

Madagascar is a paradise for semi-precious and precious stone lovers. Antsirabe is particularly famous for its stone markets. Stroll around the different stalls to admire and maybe buy emeralds, sapphires, tourmalines, geodes, and many more.
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday: Closed

This is a hotel with historical significance. It was the place of residence of the King of Morrocco, Mohamed V, during the French Colonisation. Indeed, he was forced to live part of his exile in Madagascar. You can walk inside and have a drink at the bar.

This cathedral is a reproduction of European cathedrals. It was built in 1908 by French missionaries. It is open to the public. The Cathedral does not have clear opening hours.
If you manage to get inside, admire the colourful interior with its blue ceiling connected to the ground by golden pillars and stained-glass windows.

Head to Lake Tritriva after your visit of the town.
This is a volcanic lake of exceptional beauty featuring breathtaking green waters. The lake is 160m deep, keep it in mind if you want to swim. You can trek easily around the lake.
Madagascar is a country full of beliefs and legends. In Lake Tritriva, you will get in touch for the first time with Madagascar's mystical side. Indeed, this lake is surrounded by local taboos. These are important for the local population and the best way to discover them is to start a conversation with a local. They will happily share and explain them to you.
One story, in particular, you can ask about is the legend of Rabeniomby and Ravolahanta, the local Romeo and Juliet. The two lovers came from different social classes. As their love was forbidden by their families and society, they decided to jump into the water and die together.

For dinner, head to B'Art Haingo where you can also have a drink. Enjoy some live music or the cultural event of the day and eat some barbecued meat.
It is a very local thing to do to eat barbecued meat in the evening, especially the zebu skewers. Usually, they are eaten in the streets, but you can also have them in bars like B'Art Haingo.
After dinner, head back to the hotel and have a good night sleep. Tomorrow is another long day with an early start.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
It is always advisable to observe the rules of security in Madagascar. Ask your hotel reception about potential safety issues. In small cities, going out for dinner is usually ok, but it is not recommended to go alone in the streets at night.

After dinner, check into the Plumeria Hotel. There are some parking spots available in front of the hotel.
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