Ambalavao is a city in the Fianarantsoa Province of Madagascar.
Understand
Get in
From the north, Ambalavao can be reached from Fianarantsoa. A 2-hour taxi brousse costs 5,000 Ar. From the south, it can be reached from Ihosy. A 2½-hour taxi brousse costs 8,000 Ar.
Get around
Map of Ambalavao
See
- 1 Anja Reserve (Catch a taxi brousse from Ambalavao for 2000 Ar). This reserve 12 km southwest of Ambalavao is well worth a visit. Three mountain-sized boulders provide a beautiful backdrop for a forest that is full of ring-tailed lemurs. You'll see dozens within a half hour. Entrance fee is 10,000 Ar. A guided 2-hour walk that includes lemurs, caves, and a 1000-m viewpoint costs 36,000 Ar. Shorter and longer options are available and are priced accordingly. Consider staying a night on the premises -- it's home to some nice bungalows that start at 50,000 Ar. Restaurant available.
- Zebu Market (South of town on RN7). Madagascar's largest zebu market is sure impress every Wednesday and Thursday morning.
Do
Ambalavao is the gateway town for Andringitra National Park. A 4x4 is required to make the 47-km bumpy journey to the park. Transportation and tours can be arranged from Ambalavao.