Antsirabe, Madagascar

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Antsirabe is a memorable town to visit if only to experience the constant badgering of the ?pousse-pousse? drivers. A pousse-pousse is the Malagasy equivalent to the rickshaw and Antsirabe is infested with them.

From the moment you arrive by taxi-bousse you will be swarmed by pousse-pousse drivers desperate for your business. They will take you anywhere in the town and because competition for your patronage is extreme, it is possible to negotiate a reasonable price before climbing on board, but remember, if you want to get to your hotel or destination quickly try to pick a young driver! The last time I rode a pousse-pousse in Antsirabe, my old driver could barely generate enough speed to reach walking pace.

Antsirabe is a lovely town and a stroll around its streets will bring you in contact with some fantastic little shops selling Malagasy artefacts and handicrafts. The shop owners really go after their sales so try not to be talked into buying something that you don?t really want. Prices are negotiable and bargaining is a part of the shopping experience in Madagascar for visitors and locals alike so don?t be scared to hold out for a better deal.

Antsirabe is also a centre for selling precious and semi-precious stones and numerous street vendors and stalls are willing to sell you some souviner stones. In some places you can watch them being cut and polished.

A popular spot in Antsirabe is the thermal springs and baths, located next to Lac (lake) Ranomafana (hot water). The complex provides private cubicles and body massages at bargain basement prices.

The countryside around Antsirabe is worth exploring, especially the lakes to the west of the town. Lac Andraikiba and Lac Tritriva are well visited locations and are relatively easy to get too. Many visitors hire mountain bikes and ride out to the lakes (approx 20 kms to Lac Tritrivia, 7 kms to Lac Andraikiba). More info on: www.world66.com

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General Tips about Madagascar

» Required travel documents for Madagascar
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» Transportation in Madagascar
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» History
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» Antsirabe
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» Réserve Naturelle Intégrale des Tsingy de Bemaraha
» Parc National de Montagne d'Ambre
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