Visit the Royal Palace of Vohipeno

 
Located 42 km south of Manakara on the national road (RN12) to Farafangana, Vohipeno in the southeastern region, with more than 10,000 inhabitants, is the ancient cultural capital of the Antemoro ethnic group, one of the 18 tribes of Madagascar.
 
One of the most visited sites, in this part of Madagascar, remains the "Royal Palace". Located in the rural town of Ivato, the royal palace called "Fenovola" (full of money) attracts visitors. In this palace is preserved SORABE, ancient Arab-Malagasy manuscript and one of the oldest of the Big Island. In this part of the island, 70 to 80% of the inhabitants are Muslim and the place, with the presence of many mosques and the ban on eating pork (fady), make it the cradle of the Arab- Muslim culture in Madagascar. The King and his Council of Sages, always consulted by the notables of all the country, practice rites and traditional ceremonies. They have the reputation of possessing powers, of possessing knowledge that allows them to predict the future, to advise effectively in difficult cases and to be excellent healers.
 
 
Beyond the beauty of the palace, the city is crossed by a large river called Matitanana, the "dead arm", bordered by alluvial plains. The population is very active there, the men are regularly occupied with the work of the fields, the women with basketry (mats, baskets, hats ...). The large weekly market, rich in artisanal and local products, takes place every Friday.
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine April 2018

Useful Information

When to go

Vohipeno is a city with a significant rainfall (average 1525 mm). Precipitation is higher in the summer season than in the winter. The average temperature is 23.8 ° C and the best months to go are June, August, September, October and November.

How to get there

Accessibility by car from Manakara, 42 kms of tarmac road in good condition. Numerous daily departures in bush taxis between Manakara and Farafangana pass through Vohipeno.

Where to stay

You can stay in the hotels of Vohipeno: Hotel Le Tahiti (bungalows), Hotel Relax (bed and breakfast), Hotel Tohan'aina (bungalows), Hotel La Source (bed and breakfast).

Where to eat

Many small restaurants specialised in halal cuisine. South-East of Madagascar specialities at "Tohan'aina" restaurant.

What to see

In the village of Ivato, visit the tombs of kings and princes Antemoro. A visit with a local guide or storyteller is always a plus. A passage through the sacred site of Amboaka is required. Warning: no banks in these different cities.