Ampahimanga: One Piece in the Puzzle of Malagasy Royalty

 
The history of the rural community Ampahimanga began in the era of Malagasy royalty. Etymologically, the name of this village results from the composition of the two words "Ampahitra" for stable and "Ombimanga" which means "oxen in a blue dress", or literally translated Ampahimanga as "stable for oxen dressed in blue".
 
For Queen Rasoalao of Imerina, Ampahimanga was only a pasture for her cattle of "blue-coated oxen". Then villagers began to settle and ended up naming their hamlet "Ampahimanga". The legendary Ramalina "mifehy hazo tokana", originates from this place. He was even buried here, at the tomb of the village Fisoronana Efadreny.
 
 
 
Today, Ampahimanga is a rural village located in the Itasy region, 14km south of Arivonimamo and 11km off the RN1. It is surrounded by four large municipalities: Arivonimamo, the urban community in the north, Amboanana to the south, Ambohimandry in the east and Morafeno to the west.
The main source of income for the population of Ampahimanga is agriculture.
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine September 2018

Useful Information

When to go

The Ampahimanga community has a tropical highlands climate. Its average annual temperature is 17°C. In December it can reach 24°C but in July it can fall down to - 10°C (minus!). It is advisable to stay there between May and October in order to avoid the rainy season.

How to get there

You can reach Ampahimanga from Antananarivo by 4x4 car or bush taxi via the RN1.

Where to stay

Several hotels and guest rooms are in the vicinity of Ampahimanga, among which are The Citizen, the Guest House in Mandrosoa, or the Riviera Garden.

Where to eat

The Ampahimanga village is not short of restaurants, snack bars and roadside joints. Nearby, the La Varangue or the Green Palace offer lunch and dinner.

What to see

Ampahimanga is located in the commune of Arivonimamo, a place of commemoration to Malagasy royalty. By trekking in the fresh air across the high mountain ranges or by guided tour through the municipality of Arivonimamo, remains of the Malagasy monarchy will be found. You'll come across quality handicrafts (basketry, carpentry, brickwork, etc.), fish farming, sericulture (silk worm breeding) and silk-product processing. This walk can extend up to the big lake of Itasy.