Antsirabe

Antsirabe (City of much salt) is in the central highlands of Madagascar. In 2013, it had a population of around 240,000.

Get in

Gasycar Vip bus 6 times a day from Antananarivo, fare from 23,000 Ar. It departs from Le Chalet des Roses hotel in Antananarivo.

Soatrans runs new Mercedes & VW vans from Antananarivo daily (25,000 Ar, 5 hrs).

Taxis-brousse are not recommended as they are prone to breakdowns and are uncomfortable. Rumour also has it that some of the drivers work with the bandidos (highway men).

Get around

The city has more than 5000 colorfully painted rickshaws, called "Push-Push", it is the second most commonly used mean of transportation 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 taxis are available for daily rent.

• Rando Raid Madagascar. Rents motorbikes, also sells motorbike/horse/trekking excursions. 125cc Lifan motorbike: 40,000 Ar per half-day, 60,000 Ar per day, 50,000 Ar/day for several days, 40,000 Ar/day for more than 20 days. 

See

Antsirabe train station

Antsirabe Train Station. The Malagasy railway network dates from the colonial period, though breakdowns are frequent and many lines are now closed. The Antsirabe Train Station is an architecturally interesting example of colonial building techniques, though in it has been closed since 2007 because of problems with the line to the capital city.

Do

Antsirabe is a great place for hiking, be it by foot, mountain bike, or horse.

• 1 Lac Tritriva. A natural crater lake 30 minutes outside of town. It can be accessed by car and then a short hike. Entry internationals: 10 000 Ar, guide for crest + lake tour: 30 000 Ar. 
• 2 Lac Andraikiba. 

Buy

Supermarkets

• 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
• Super Maxi Avenue Foch. which has cheaper prices. 08:00-18:00

Banks

• BFV-SG Bank ATM takes most international cards.
• BNI takes Mastercard and Visa card.
• BOA ATM takes only Visa card.
• MCB ATM takes Mastercard and Visa card.
• BMOI ATM takes Visa card.
• AccesBanque. 24 hour ATM. mastercard & visa (updated Jun 2023)

Eat

• Crock Inn. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The staff has some limited English skills. Associated with the Aro Hotel.
• Chez Billy. Serves lunch and dinner. French-owned and -operated, great place for tourists and backpackers.

Sleep

• 1 Arotel, 303 303 Rue Jean Ralaimongo Bp (in the center of town near the old train station). 
• 2 Hotel Trianon. This seven-room hotel is in a building that dates to 1927, and while the building and furnishings are all older, rather than feeling worn out, the place instead has an antique feel. Rooms have showers but no air conditioning, and wi-fi is available. The parking area is behind a gate and thus offers added security. Continental breakfast is served downstairs, while there is also an attached restaurant that serves lunch, dinner, and drinks. (updated Apr 2014)
• Hotel Diamant, Rte d Andranobe, ☏ +261 20 44-48840, +261 20 44-49440. Clean double room with own hotwater bathroom. All rooms cable TV. Has a swimming pool. from Ar 40,000. (updated Oct 2018)
• Niavo, Rue de la Myre de Villers (close to the market), ☏ +261 20 44-48467. Single double rooms. Some rooms with own bathroom. from Ar 30,000. (updated Oct 2018)
• Blue Sky Hotel, Rte Circulaire (on the street behide the train station.), ☏ +261 34-6121216. Very clean double room with own hotwater bathroom. 32-inch cable TV with USB player. Fast free internet. Free breakfast. Has its own bar and cafe. 40,000 Ar. (updated Oct 2018)

Go next

• Antananarivo
• Morondava
• Fianarantsoa