Go discover and hike in Ambatoharanana!

During your stopover in Antananarivo, allow part of your time to go hike in Ambatoharanana. This village located north of the City of Thousands played a strategic role in the expansion of the Merina kingdom.
 
Go further from Andakana, a small town located below the Royal Palace of Ambohimanga! Through the impregnable landscapes of Analamanga, you will see the Doany of Ankazomalaza. This sacred site is revered by people wishing to ask favors from ancestors. The name of this place "the famous tree" comes from the fact that King Andrianampoinimerina has made his cane grow there to demonstrate his superiority to the Sakalava king whose kingdom he desired to acquire.
 
On your way, admire this great red earthen wall from the 19th century! Characteristic of dwellings in the Highlands, this wall was built with a mixture of zebu dung, red earth and stubble, laid down by successive layers. You will measure the social importance of the family inhabiting each place by the level of the fence.
 
When you arrive in Ambatoharanana, you will meet a church built by the Anglican missionaries in 1878. The site also houses the only Anglican theology school in Madagascar. You will be impressed by the architecture of these buildings.
 
Your journey will lead you to Imerimandroso – meaning progressing Imerina – a strategic location for King Andrianampoinimerina. The latter, in his conquest of new territories, had placed his elements in this village. Called the Manindrilahy – literally translated those who tame the men – their mission was to ward off possible offensives coming from the people of the west.
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine July 2017

Useful Information

When to go

Ambatoaharanana offers a desert climate with an average temperature of 26°C. Annual rainfall is estimated at an average of 557.2 mm. To enjoy your stay, plan a visit between April and November.

How to get there

To get to your departure point for this trip, take the RN3 road for 19 km and then follow the junction leading to Ambohimanga! Three kilometer prior to arriving to the sacred hill, turn left. You will arrive in Andakana within a few minutes.

Where to stay

The majority of hotel facilities are concentrated in Antananarivo. You can stay at Tana Hotel, Hotel Les 3 Metis or Grand Urban Hotel Madagascar. Other places such as La Ribaudière Restaurant & Hotel and Colbert Hotel are also good references.

Where to eat

On catering topic, plan a picnic basket from the hotel you stay in!

What to see

If you wish to continue on your historical visit, the Royal Palace of Ambohimanga is a short walk away from Andakana. To vary your enjoyment, go through to the capital city streets to get in close touch with the population! Take a walk to Antaninarenina (leveled place) to admire the colonial buildings, currently used as administrative offices! The premises also contain luxury shops. Go to the craft market of the Route Digue to purchase some travel souvenirs!