AMBOHIMAHAMASINA A rural community 39km southeast of Ambalavao, Ambohimahamasina (literally “at the sacred mountain”) is home to Madagascar’s most sacred mountain.It is believed that the spirits of all dead people reside on this mountain. Ambohimahamasina has some spectacular scenery; with beautiful Betsileo villages and ricefields, and some interesting cultural sites. Weaving and basketry is traditional to the area. A community tourism committee has been running since 2003, local guides have been trained and there are several local guesthouses or ‘homestay’ located around the area – giving travellers an opportunity to experience how rural Malagasy people really live. Various treks can be organised depending on interests, ability and time available. Views across the rainforest are breath-taking as you climb the mountain of Itaolana, and for the most adventurous there are various different treks that can be organized which cut across to the eastern side of the rainforest: To Ikongo (where a taxi-brousse can be taken to the train station in Manampatrana);to Ankarimbelo (after which you can walk to Ifanirea where there are taxi-brousses to Vohipeno and Manakara) Campsites are currently being established along these paths. There are fixed rates for guides as well as meals and accommodation at the homestay. There is a tourist fee to pay at the ‘commune’ office; these funds are managed by a local committee to improve amenities and benefit local communities. Getting there: It is advised that travellers arrive in Ambohimahamasina in the morning so as to be able to contact guides and walk to their chosen homestay. There are daily taxi-brousses from Ambalavao to Ambohimahamasina; leaving very early in the morning on Mondays and Thursdays (market days). It is best to ask about times the day before so as to avoid long waits and disappointment. The fare is currently 3,000 Ariary from Ambalavao. The road is semi-tarmac and good all year round. Alternatively, there are various guides in Ambalavao and Fianarantsoa that can organise trips to Ambohimahamasina. ‘La Maison des guides’, infront of the station in Fianarantsoa, tel : (00261 20) 75 520 30, can also make reservations for Ambohimahamasina. A website is currently being developed concerning Ambohimahamasina. In the meantime, please contact Ny Tanintsika or APMM,FIZAM Ecotourisme solidaire for more information.
Posted on: Sat, 19 Apr 2014 10:37:54 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015