Antsirabe

Antsirabe (City of much salt) is in the central highlands of Madagascar. In 2013, it had a population of around 240,000. It is known for its cool climate, colonial architecture, and as a centre for industry and crafts in the highlands.

The climate is temperate year-round due to its elevation of approximately 1,500 m. The dry season (April to October) offers the most pleasant conditions for exploring the city and surrounding lakes.

By Plane

The nearest airport is in Antananarivo (approx 170 km north). Antsirabe does not have a commercial airport.

By Train

The Antsirabe Train Station is an architecturally interesting example of colonial building techniques, though the line to the capital has been closed since 2007. There is no active passenger rail service.

By Car / Road

Gasycar Vip runs buses 6 times a day from Antananarivo, fare from 23,000 Ar, departing from Le Chalet des Roses hotel. Soatrans runs new Mercedes and VW vans from Antananarivo daily (25,000 Ar, 5 hours). Taxis-brousse are not recommended as they are prone to breakdowns and uncomfortable.

The city has more than 5,000 colourfully painted rickshaws, called Push-Push, which are the second most commonly used mode of transport after cycling. This makes Antsirabe a very peaceful town compared to Antananarivo's traffic jams and pollution. Taxis and taxi-brousse can get you to nearby cities. Bicycles, quads and motorbikes are available for daily rent from operators like Rando Raid Madagascar (125cc Lifan motorbike: 40,000 Ar per half-day, 60,000 Ar per day).

• Antsirabe Train Station — an architecturally interesting colonial-era building, though the station has been closed since 2007.
• Lac Tritriva (30 minutes outside town) — a natural crater lake accessible by car and a short hike. Entry 10,000 Ar for internationals, guide for crest and lake tour: 30,000 Ar.
• Lac Andraikiba — another scenic lake near the city.

Antsirabe is a great place for hiking, be it by foot, mountain bike, or horse. Rent a push-push rickshaw for a leisurely tour of the city. Explore the surrounding countryside on a motorbike or quad bike.

• Crock Inn — serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Staff have some limited English. Associated with the Aro Hotel.
• Chez Billy — serves lunch and dinner. French-owned and operated, popular with tourists and backpackers.

Local cafes serve coffee and soft drinks. Bottled water is recommended. THB beer is widely available.

• Arotel (303 Rue Jean Ralaimongo, central near the old train station) — central hotel.
• Hotel Trianon — seven-room hotel in a 1927 building with an antique feel. Continental breakfast included. Gate-secured parking.
• Hotel Diamant (Route d'Andranobe, +261 20 44-48840) — clean double rooms with own hot water bathroom, cable TV, swimming pool. From 40,000 Ar.
• Blue Sky Hotel (Route Circulaire, behind the train station, +261 34-6121216) — very clean double rooms with hot water, cable TV, free Wi-Fi and breakfast, bar and cafe. 40,000 Ar.
• Niavo (Rue de la Myre de Villers, close to the market, +261 20 44-48467) — single and double rooms, some with own bathroom. From 30,000 Ar.

Supermarkets include Super U (Avenue Foch, 08:00-19:00), Score (Avenue Grande, 09:00-19:30), Supermaki (next to Antsenakely city market, 08:00-20:00), and Super Prix (Avenue Foch, 08:00-18:00). ATMs are available at BFV-SG, BNI, BOA (Visa only), MCB, BMOI, and AccesBanque.

• Antananarivo (170 km north, 3-5 hours by bus) — the capital city.
• Ambohimanga (approx 180 km north) — UNESCO World Heritage royal hillfort.
• Antsirabe to Morondava (approx 7 hours by road) — gateway to the Avenue of the Baobabs.
• Fianarantsoa — the southern highlands capital, gateway to Ranomafana.