Ambositra is a city located 89 km south of Antsirabe and is the center of the local handicraft industry – the art of woodcarving. This is a kind of bohemian capital of Madagascar, its creative heart and just a very beautiful place. The city, located in the southeast of the country, is surrounded by rice fields and low hills, thanks to which walks in its environs are almost more famous than excursions to local shopping galleries. But in the center there is also something to see: almost every house here is a work of art, because they are decorated with carved wooden shutters and balconies. This is the hallmark of Ambositra and all of Madagascar. See Citypopulationreview for weather information.
Another “feature” of Ambositra is the local population. Almost all of them are representatives of the Betsileo people. Known for its craving for independence, this ethnic group is exceptionally original, interesting and colorful in its own way.
How to get to Ambositra
Initially, you will have to get to the capital city of Antananarivo. There are no direct flights from Russia, it is most convenient to fly with Air France with a connection via Paris (at least 13 hours in flight, excluding connections). Next – by bus to Antsirabe. And from there, local “minibuses” and buses run to Ambositra.
There are two bus stations in the city. From the first, northern, fixed-route taxis leave for Antsirabe (2 hours, 7000-10000 MGA). It seems like, to the capital of Tanu, as the locals like to call it, buses also run, but it’s better to check in advance at the reception of your hotel or at the bus station (5 hours on the way, 15000 MGA). This bus station is located on the edge of the city, 2 km from the center.
From the southern bus station (near the L’Oasis restaurant) there are buses to Fianarantsoa (Fianarantsoa, 5 hours, 9000 MGA) and other cities in the south.
Hotels
Despite its small size, Ambositra is a favorite among tourists due to its atmosphere of the city of arts, and there will be no problems with accommodation here. Within the city, there are several nice and quite comfortable hotels, for example, Hotel Artisan, Marina or Bungalow Motel Violette, where restaurants of French, local and international cuisines are open.
Shopping and souvenirs
There are at least 25 gallery shops in Ambositra where you can buy paintings, leather goods, woodwork, Zebu horns and stones at very reasonable prices. For the manufacture of bags and ropes, whips of vines are widely used.
But it is wood crafts that are the main source of pride for all local residents. In small private shops throughout the city you can buy elegant carved boxes, pretty armchairs, exquisite chess, kitchen utensils made from precious woods – rosewood, ebony and rosewood.
In small private shops throughout the city you can buy elegant carved boxes, pretty armchairs, exquisite chess, kitchen utensils made from precious woods – rosewood, ebony and rosewood.
The best figurines, made with the most intricate handwork, come to Ambositra from the remote villages of Zafimaniri (Zafimaniry), surrounded by evergreen forests, and the city of Anamarina.
Entertainment and attractions of Ambositra
The main entertainment in Ambositra is surfing on local benches with pieces of wood, as well as watching the work of wood craftsmen. In addition, it is worth taking a walk around the picturesque villages surrounding the town in order to get to know the old way of life, which is still going on there. Finally, it is worth visiting the Madagascar “corrida” Savika. This sport, when brave men fight zebu bulls, is almost more popular than European football.
