Antsirabe
Antsirabe is the third largest city in Madagascar and the capital of the Vakinankaratra region. The mostly Betsileo population of the city is approximately 183,000.
Antsirabe is a agricultural and industrial centre of Madagascar. Industries include brewing, flour, milk processing, oil, textiles and cigarette manufacturing. The city is the headquarters of Tiko and Star Brewery.
Agricultural produce include rice, vegetables and fruits and due to the cool climate, apples, pears, plums and other temperate fruit can be grown in this region.
At an altitude of about 1,500 metres, the Antsirabe is the coolest city in Madagascar, with winter temperatures, usually between May and September, udually dropping to zero degrees celsius.
The city was founded in 1872 by Norwegian missionaries who were attracted by the cool climate and the healing properties of its many thermal springs. The city is often nicknamed the "Vichy Malgache" due to the many thermal springs and minerals in the area. The name Antsirabe literaly means "the place of much salt".
There is an airfield (IATA code: ATJ) but it is only in use by private planes. A railway connects with Antananarivo but us only used by freight trains. To reach Antsirabe by car coming from Antananarivo takes 3-4 hours.
Things to do in Antsirabe
- Visit the Saturday market (souvenir shopping)
- Sightseeing by rickshaw (Anstirable [[pousse-pousse] capital of Madagasar)
- Visit the STAR Brewery (Tuesday to Thursday)
Antsirabe based tour operators
ORTVA (the regional tourist office)
Tel: +261 (0)32 0718642
Email [etravel@wanadoo.mg etravel@wanadoo.mg]
Roadhouse Voyages
Tel: +261 (0)44 49226
Email: [roadhouse@simicro.mg roadhouse@simicro.mg]
Website: www.simicro.mg/roadhouse
Attractions in the area surrounding Antsirabe
- Andraikiba lakes (7 km from Antsirabe)
- Tritriva (17km from Antsirabe)
- Spa Betafo (22km Antsirabe)
- Mount Ibity (2,255 metres, 30km south of Antsirabe)
