Discover Andranosoa in Ranohira

 
Ranohira is a rural municipality of more than 6000 inhabitants. It is located in the Ihorombe region, 700 kilometres from the capital by taking the National Highway 7 (RN7) towards Fianarantsoa. It is a surprising commune, quiet in appearance but one of the richest of Madagascar. Its richness is that of its atypical history, that of the Andranosoa community site that its inhabitants had deserted to further seek their happiness.
 
Sometimes a story needs several pages to write and the story of Andranosoa is one of them. Abandoned by its inhabitants, the site has become a vast covered area of ancient habitat, with sediments collected over time. But during a period of titanic rains, runoff cleared these sediments and revealed ancient strata, which have since become of great interest to archaeologists around the world.
 
 
 
In this world that mixes old and new, the local population, dominated by the "Bara", demands your attention. Visit their fields of cassava and groundnuts and their zebu farms. Let yourself be surprised by cultural events such as rodeos where the natives come to compete with bulls in a makeshift arena, or the bare hands fights that are a demonstration of strength between men.
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine March 2018

Useful Information

When to go

The best months to go to Andranosoa are February through to November. These are the periods during which the sun is there and rainfall less significant.

How to get there

The route Antananarivo-Andranosoa is possible by car despite road imperfections. You can also get there by air. Take a direct flight to Tulear and finish the journey by car.

Where to stay

The "Relais de la Reine" and the "Jardin du Roy" are two neighbouring hotels. They have sandstone bungalows which are very well decorated. These are small corners of paradise located 12 kilometres from the centre of Ranohira. A few minutes from the village of Ranohira, the hotel "The Stars of Isalo" also has comfortable bungalows and a swimming pool. Only 1 kilometre from the Isalo Museum, Isalo Rock Lodge is a beautiful and elegant traditional hotel. Catering service available at any time.

Where to eat

What to see

Do not pass through this southern part of Madagascar without stopping at the surprising Isalo National Park. It is a rather sporty journey but blessed with beautiful rewards. You will find canyons carved by erosion like the canyon of monkeys and rats which shelters a magnificent waterfall of turquoise water. There is also the Namaza Canyon with its mysterious Nymphes waterfall, its "black pool", its lemurs, its lizards and its birds. Several areas of the park offer panoramic views of its lush vegetation and endemic flora and fauna. Finish with a sunset at the "Window of Isalo", an opening in the carved rock ... shaped like a window.