Madagascar: the region of Itasy and its tourist attractions

The Itasy region in Madagascar alone deserves a visit to the Red Island. Focus on things to do in this region.

The Itasy region is the flagship tourist destination of the Malagasy highlands. She owes her name to the third lake Madagascar . Itasy is known to be a geodetic, fertile and fishy place, where the famous "baraoa", the royal carp and trout elect home. Idyllic places are also in the vicinity of Lake Itasy . Let's talk about it.

Lake Itasy as a tourist destination

Itasy is the third largest lake in Madagascar, with an area approximately 35 km2. He saw the day thanks to the volcanic fields and the recurring lava flows that followed in the place. On the side of the surrounding mountains are a thousand and a source of pure water and hot water. At the bottom of this huge lake, there are different kinds of fish that make the region famous. Tilapia, baraoa, royal carves and trout are sins by hand, cane or net by the local population. This region is the main freshwater fisherman of the Capital.

In the middle of this beautiful fishy lake is two small peninsulas dedicated to walks. At the top of the sacred islet is erected a statue of the Virgin Mary. It seems to reign over water and winds. As for the wooded islet, it houses in its midst royal tombs, including that of Andriandahifotsy, a former king whose wisdom and greediness made him speak.

You can take a tour of Lake Itasy aboard traditional pirogues or motor canoe to admire the surrounding landscape or to reach Ampefy, a village to tourist destination.

Ampefy and its tourist attractions

By taking the NR1 and before arriving at Itasy Lake, visitors must not miss Ampefy. It is a tourist village whose reputation is national. Charming hotels, lodges and B & Bs are home in this small hamlet of a few thousand inhabitants. Ampefy’s attraction is Lake Kavitaha, which borrows the form of a bowl. It is surrounded by green vegetation. A hotel-restaurant of the same name overlooks the pure and calm waters of the Kavitaha. During your visit to Ampefy, do not forget to order the succulent fried or grilled baraoa surrounded by a cresson nest and beautiful slices of tomatoes. To finish the meal, eat at will of the papaya or lawyer who sell at very low prices in the region.

To escape the pollution of Antananarivo, the Capital of Madagascar, for one or two days, nothing is worth an escapade in the regions of Itasy. This geodesic region of the island enters a lot of splendid tourist destinations that rival beauty.

Analavory, the rallying point for travellers of Itasy

Analavory is a noisy and dynamic village where RN1 and RN43 cross. It is 140 km from Antananarivo and the majority of taxis from the small towns of Itasy and Bongolava stop there before continuing the road.

Starting from Antananarivo, take the RN1, a beautiful and wide asphalt road. After 140 km, you will reach Analavory. By continuing straight, you will not fail to land in Analavory’s geysers, which are about 20 kilometres away.

Analavory geysers

Analavory geysers are true havens of peace and relaxation. This tourist site located in the middle of nowhere is the meeting point for people seeking almost free thermal cures. As by miracle, hot water points emerge from the depths of the earth, side by side. Some are like fountains with extraordinary shapes. Others arrange around them wells and spread the thermal waters in small shelters in the form of natural bathtubs surrounded by golden sand.

Access to the place does not require formality or entry ticket. To avoid great affluence, visit this dream site during the morning or during the working days. After a short or long relaxation in the thermal waters, come back on your way to take RN 43. Other dream destinations await you.

RN 43 and its dream destinations

Starting from Analavory, you will see here and there picturesque houses and villages that claim the authenticity of Malagasy architecture. They are surrounded by miles and agricultural products that are the main activities of the local population. Fields of corn, cassavas, beans, tomatoes and peanuts combine rice fields and papaya plantations. This nest of greenery invades the large part of the plains and the mountain sides of the cradle of Itasy. It is pigmented here and there of mango trees, bananas or lawyers to form the ideal setting for total disbursement.

At the end of a dozen kilometers, you will see to your right a plaque indicating a tortuous road that leads to the fall of Lily . On your left, start a large stone wall that closes in its midst an idyllic place, “the domain of eucalyptus”, another holiday destination full of surprises.