For the Malagasy, Lake Tritriva inspires both respect and fear, while for travelers and foreigners, it is mainly a natural site of remarkable beauty that should not be missed when visiting Antsirabe. In any case, it is undeniable that the place is imbued with a unique atmosphere. Local guides make it their mission to explain the lake's fady (taboos) and passionately recount the story of the two lovers!

The story of Madagascar’s Romeo and Juliet

The story of Lake Tritriva is now synonymous with that of Rabeniomby and Ravolahanta, two lovers who are said to have drowned themselves in the lake because of their forbidden love. This event is believed to have taken place during the reign of King Andrianampoinimerina. Before this, little is known about the history of the small volcanic lake. 

The two protagonists are said to have fallen deeply in love, even though one came from a royal family and the other from a modest background. Their union was deemed impossible by their families and society at the time. Despite this, they loved each other and vowed that only death could separate them: "Faty no isarahana" ("Only death shall part us"). Desperate due to persecution from their families and villages, they are said to have wrapped themselves together in a silk cloth before throwing themselves into the lake.

Local legends and beliefs

After the tragic death of the two cursed lovers, their souls are said to have manifested in the intertwined trunks of a tree growing on a rock along the lake's shore. These trunks are believed to bleed if cut. 

The lake itself, which eerily resembles the shape of Madagascar, is considered sacred. According to legend, it turns red when a significant event is about to occur in the country. It is also said that half of the lake's waters turn red whenever a young girl dies in the village of the ill-fated bride. If a young man dies in the groom's village, the entire lake is said to turn red. 

A third death is also said to have occurred in the lake—a Chinese man who ignored the fady prohibiting swimming in the lake after eating pork.

The best ways to discover the lake

Surrounded by a pine forest and boasting stunning green waters, Lake Tritriva is nestled at the foot of Mount Tritriva, which peaks at an altitude of 1,651 meters. Before deciding to swim, keep in mind that the lake’s depth is 160 meters! It's better to stay on the shore! Although the lake is worthy of scientific study, no notable research has been conducted there. 

To visit, you need to travel 15 km west of Antsirabe along the road to Betafo. The site is accessible by car, but local taxis-brousse (bush taxis) only go as far as Belazao, leaving a 10-kilometer walk to the lake. This isn’t a disadvantage, as the hike is quite picturesque! Travelers and some local holidaymakers even ascend Mount Tritriva by mountain bike. 

The splendid landscapes of the Vakinankaratra region are characterized by red-earth houses with thatched roofs, rice fields, vast farmlands, eucalyptus, and pine trees. Once at the lake, you can take photos, swim, kayak, climb, or try the zipline. A boat ride across the lake leads to a cave inhabited by bats. The experience is unforgettable !