The Sacred Hill of Ambohimalaza

 
Ambohimalaza is a rural community 15 km east of the Madagascan capital Antananarivo. The town has nearly 12 000 inhabitants for a total area of 33 km². Located at 1,349 meters above sea level, this is a historic site where King Andriantompokoindrindra, son of Ralambo, ruled, whose youngest brother was Andrianjaka. High place of sacrifice, the hill is among the twelve heritage of the history of Imerina, ethnic center. The descendants of the King sacrificed zebus, a custom still in existence today.
  
But Ambohimalaza is also a nice place to get out of the city of Antananarivo. The town offers a panoramic view over the region Analamanga and the mountains of Imerina. Several picnic areas are accessible from the RN2 national road that crosses rice fields, hills and rivers. Many city dwellers also come to visit Ambohimalaza to prepare for their wedding (many reception rooms).
 
But the most fascinating are the "trano manara", the royal tombs. Andriantompokoindrindra is the initiator of this tradition and it is attributed this phrase: "so that my grave is not trampled on or soiled by dogs".
Derived from the Hebrew word "manoor", trano manara means "rest home". These are houses set up above the tombs where some kings put their most valuable objects to accompany them into the afterlife. This custom is exclusively reserved for the descendants of Andriantompokoindrindra and his brother Andrianjaka son of Ralambo.
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine June 2018

Useful Information

When to go

Antananarivo has a warm temperate climate while the warm season is marked by stormy rains and very cold winter. In general, the weather in Antananarivo is pleasant.

How to get there

The international airport of Ivato, located about thirty kilometres from Ambohimalaza and twenty kilometres from the capital, connects Antananarivo with the big cities of the world. From Paris, fly directly to Ivato airport with regular flights from Air Madagascar.

Where to stay

Choose the hotel "Colbert - SPA & Casino" for your well being. This is one of the most beautiful hotels in the city, a real palace with a sublime setting. The "Tana Hotel" is also in town. Stay at the hotel "La Ribaudière" or at the "Urban Hotel" to enjoy an exceptional view on the city centre.

Where to eat

The restaurants of these hotels offer a variety of menues. For local cuisine, make an appointment at "Chef Mariette", where your can enjoy exceptional culinary creations of Malagasy gastronomy.

What to see

Visit the capital, to see on the hills ancient buildings dating back to colonization and historical monuments, like the Queen's Palace in Manjakamiadana. Not far away lies the Prime Minister's Palace and alleys that have marked history. You can also visit the Ambohimanga Palace of former King Andriananmpoinimerina located a few kilometres from the capital.