Admire the other side of the Highlands in Ambatolampy

 Midway between Antananarivo, the City of the Thousands, and Antsirabe, the City of Water, Ambatolampy is a must-see on the RN7. Meaning "at the foot of the Rocks", it owes its name to the surrounding mountain range. This is considered a strategic point, in the time of the Malagasy Royalty and during French colonization.
 
A must for all travelers to the South, Ambatolampy is renowned as the center of forging and smelting of cookware and aluminum decorative objects. The first foundry was founded there in 1942 with bronze bells as first achievements. Real art, the manufacture of pots is perpetuated from generation to generation.
 
The town of Ambatolampy is also renowned for its authentic settings. Population lives mainly from cultivation of maize, cassava, rice and vegetable crops, rice fields. The plantations sculpt the landscape. Because of its temperate climate, trout’s breeding, crayfishes and snails are prosperous. At the entrance of the village, a ranch dedicated to equestrian activities is open to visitors.
 
When Mimosas flowers are in bloom, in July and August, Ambatolampy becomes alive with the rhythm of traditional music, adorned with shimmering colors on the occasion of the “famadihana”, the turning of the dead.
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine June 2017

Useful Information

When to go

Ambatolampy enjoys a temperate climate throughout the year. Rainfall is most prevalent in the summer months and June is the driest month. Average temperature is 18.6 °C and July is the coldest month of the year.

How to get there

Ambatolampy is located on the RN7, 70 km and about an hour from Antananarivo. You can reach this city by bush-taxi or rental car.

Where to stay

Before heading out to Ambatolampy, leave your bags at La Pineta or at the Rendez-vous des Pêcheurs Hotels. Homestay is also an interesting alternative to discover rural life in all its facets.

Where to eat

Enjoy your meals at the Rendez-vous des Pêcheurs or La Pineta restaurants. For your excursions, prepare a picnic basket.

What to see

In addition to visiting artisanal foundries, Ambatolampy is full of historical monuments worth visiting. Among them, the former royal residence of Tsinjoarivo or the hill with thousand views is located at 38 km. It overlooks the Onive Falls. Also visit the Museum of Nature - the Cigale and the Mygale.