With a population of about 220,000 people, Antsirabé is Madagascar's third largest city. If you can ignore the constant hassling of the pousse-pousse drivers, Antsirabé can appear to be quite a charming little town. The joy is in wandering the streets and browsing through the numerous little shops selling a whole range of local handicrafts.

Be sure to bargain hard if you see something you like!

This Antsirabé Destination Guide gives some brief background things to do and see including some of the sights and attractions of the town and surrounding areas. Detailed information can be found by visiting our Antsirabé tours page. For more general information about Madagascar, make sure you take a look at our Madagascar Country Guide.

Antsirabé Destination Guide

Antsirabé is reknowned for the precious and semi-precious stones that are sold throughout the city. In certain places you are able to witness as the stones are cut and then polished.

Another feature of Antsirabé is the thermal springs and baths, located near Lac Ranomafana (meaning lake of hot water). There is a whole complex there, which provides body massages and private cubicles, at bargain prices.

A number of other lakes around Antsirabé are also worth visiting. These include Lac Andraikiba and Lac Tritriva, which are both each to get to. One way of getting to them is to hire mountain bikes, although this is only recommended for the relatively fit, as the track can be long, tiresome and hot, with not many refreshment stands along the way.

Lac Andraikiba is a the larger of the two lakes, and is located about seven kilometres from Antsirabé. It is suitable for swimming, and offers a number of shady, peaceful areas on its banks. Lac Tritiva is smaller but more scenic, and tends to get alot busier. Located 20 kilometres away, it is a longer and more difficult journey.

A toll is payable on the road to the lake. Also nearby is the picturesque village of Tritiva, worth a visit. Another village, Betafo, is an example of a typical Merina village, and is quite a popular day trip for tourists coming from Antsirabé.

Some of the key highlights of a trip to Antsirabé include:

- Getting around the city by bicycle. It will give you a great opportunity to really experience the sights and sounds.
- Checking out the bustling Saturday markets, where almost anything you could want to buy is on sale.
- Taking an early morning dip in the thermal baths
- Going on a trip out to Lake Tritriva, a stunning emerald-green crater lake. 4 wheel drive vehicles are required for this trip.
- Visiting Betafo, a small Merina town off the tourist track. It is located 22 kilometres to the west of Antsirabé.