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Antsirabe

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At a glance

Country
Madagascar
Region
Vakinankaratra
Population
250,000
Best time to go
April to November
Main airport
None — nearest is Ivato International (TNR)
Coordinates
19.87°S, 47.03°E

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Overview

Antsirabe was founded as a spa town by Norwegian missionaries in the nineteenth century, drawn by its hot springs and cool highland climate. Its wide avenues and colonial buildings still hint at that genteel past.

Today it is a working town known for its pousse-pousse rickshaws, craft workshops and nearby volcanic lakes. It is a natural first stop on the famous RN7 road south from Antananarivo.

Things to see

  • Hôtel des Thermes
    Photo: Smiley.toerist, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Hôtel des Thermes

    A grand colonial-era hotel in landscaped grounds, a reminder of the town's spa heyday.

  • Antsirabe Cathedral
    Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Antsirabe Cathedral

    A large stone church facing a broad avenue in the centre of town.

  • Lake Tritriva
    Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Lake Tritriva

    A deep, green crater lake ringed by cliffs, surrounded by local legends.

  • Lake Andraikiba
    Photo: Heinonlein, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Lake Andraikiba

    A larger, gentler lake closer to town, good for a walk or a picnic.

Things to do

  • Ride a pousse-pousse
    Photo: Lemurbaby, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Ride a pousse-pousse

    Antsirabe is famous for its rickshaws, a fun way to tour the town and its workshops.

  • Visit craft workshops
    Photo: HoneyGaLe, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Visit craft workshops

    Watch artisans make jewellery from zebu horn and miniature bicycles and cars from recycled materials.

  • Cycle to the crater lakes

    Hire a bike for a day loop through rice fields and villages to the lakes.

Where to stay

Getting around

Pousse-pousse cover the town; agree the fare before setting off. Hire a bike or a driver for the lakes.

Antsirabe is around 170 kilometres south of Antananarivo, three to four hours by road along the RN7.

When to go

The dry season from April to November is best, with sunny days. At this altitude nights can be cold, especially from June to August. The wet season brings heavy afternoon rain.

Plan your trip to Antsirabe

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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