Antsirabe is a town of the central highlands, about 170 kilometres south of Antananarivo, known for its thermal springs, colonial-era buildings and rickshaws called pousse-pousse. It sits at a height of about 1,500 metres, with a cool climate, and is a base for the lakes and craft workshops nearby.
A visit takes in the Hotel des Thermes, the Lake Andraikiba and Lake Tritriva crater lakes, and workshops making crafts from zebu horn, embroidery, and recycled metal toys. It is a relaxed stop after the busy capital, and a natural overnight on the RN7 route south.
Antsirabe is not a wildlife destination, but the crater lakes and countryside have a range of birds and chameleons. Wildlife viewing is saved for Ranomafana and Isalo further south.
Look out for
Green hills of rice terraces, a wide town of colonial villas, and a deep green crater lake.
Activities here
Antsirabe has a cool highland climate, with mild days, cold nights in winter and a rainy season from November to March.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24 | 14 | 300 |
| Feb | 24 | 14 | 260 |
| Mar | 23 | 14 | 200 |
| Apr | 23 | 12 | 50 |
| May | 20 | 9 | 20 |
| Jun | 18 | 7 | 10 |
| Jul | 18 | 6 | 10 |
| Aug | 19 | 7 | 10 |
| Sep | 22 | 9 | 10 |
| Oct | 24 | 11 | 40 |
| Nov | 24 | 13 | 140 |
| Dec | 24 | 14 | 280 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
April to October is dry, with sunny days and cold nights. June and July are the coldest months.
November to March is warm and wet, with afternoon storms.
April to October.
Best time to visit Apr to Oct
Antsirabe is about three to four hours by road from Antananarivo, on the RN7. From Andasibe the drive is long, around eight to nine hours.
Please see the Madagascar page for visa details.
Antsirabe is a low malaria area, but please take advice. Bring warm clothes for the evenings.
National ParkAndasibe-Mantadia National ParkThe haunting song of the indri
City & TownAntananarivoThe highland capital
National ParkIsalo National ParkSandstone canyons and natural pools
Scenic AreaMorondava and the Avenue of the BaobabsGiant baobabs at sunset
Beach & CoastNosy BeIslands, reefs and turquoise water
National ParkRanomafana National ParkRainforest and the golden bamboo lemurOur take
“Our take”
Antsirabe is a good lunch or overnight stop on the way south, and worth a morning in the craft workshops.
Safaris from
US$4,512 per person
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