FR
ENG
Tsinjoarivo is a site full of royal heritage, a site that has seduced the queens with its unique landscape.
Perched on a piton at 1675m altitude, the site of Tsinjoarivo allows you to explore the surroundings with a thousand views. Located 50km from Ambatolampy, it was the holiday resort of the sovereigns of Madagascar, including Queen Ranavalona I who built a palace or 'Rova' now transformed into a museum.
The 'Rova' was used as a summer residence of sovereigns Ranavalona I, Ranavalona II, and Ranavalona III. It embraces five rustic wooden and clay houses: the Prime Minister's Pavilion, the aides-de-camp house, the Queen's Pavilion and that of her 'ladies-in-waiting' plus the officers' of the court.
The' Rova' (palace) is surrounded by the mighty Onive river with two spectacular waterfalls: Andriamamovoka (foggy waterfall) and Ambavaloza (the danger gate).
The name of Ambavaloza comes from the fact that the falls are engulfed between two rocks forming a ragged face. One of the favourite distractions of Queen Ranavalona I was to watch a cow thrown into the river, to be carried to the waterfalls.
This article was featured in Prime Magazine Sept 2017
Useful Information
When to go
Tsinjoarivo is accessible and recommended to visit throughout the year.
How to get there
Tsinjoarivo is about 120km from the capital. You can go there either by 'bush' taxi or by rental car. From Ambatolampy, it is also possible to go there by bike.
Where to stay
Stay locally and soak up the daily life of the village. learn more about the culture and why not learn Malagasy?
Where to eat
If you are hosted by the villagers, they will prepare Malagasy dishes with different local products.
What to see
Your stay in Tsinjoarivo will allow you not only to explore the palace of queens but also to see the many agricultural activities of the region. You can go hiking in the surrounding hills, cross the river Onive by pirogue or go to meet artisans (basketwork, embroidery, carpentry) where you can make your own objects with local techniques. A long trek to Mahatsinjo in the heart of the primary forest can also be arranged to discover the endemic varieties of diurnal and nocturnal lemurs.