The Great Hiking Around the Imerina, Land of Contrasts, Land of Colors

The territory of Ambodirano encompasses the lands to the South-West of the capital. They extend to the foothills of the powerful Ankaratra mountain range.

The second highest peak on the Island, Mount Tsiafajavona (2,643 m) dominates the Central Highlands, often crowned with its plume of clouds.

The trails are dotted with interesting remnants, testimony to contributions to the country's History. Ambohijoky, Ambohimiakoja, Antsahadinta, Antongona are just as many places that played an important role in the past. We also explore forgotten sites, hidden doany, little known and always admirably situated.

Between past and present, we travel through the daily life of the countryside and villages where life is rhythmed by agricultural activities, colourful small markets and inhabitants going on foot, by bicycle or ox-cart. This first stage follows the valleys of the Sasaony and Andrombe rivers which flow unhurriedly in the direction of the great plain of Betsimitatatra.

The hills of Antongona, on the edge of the Itasy region, mark the end of this first stage in the lands of Ambodirano.

A few words of History on the former Kingdom of Anjanamangarira: The sacred hill of Antsahadinta was founded by King Andriamangarira around 1725. The History of the singular kingdom of Antsahadinta turned at the death of its founding King, Andriamangarira. His only son Andriambolamena succeeded him and was defeated by King Andrianampoinimerina of Ambohimanga. Thus the extension of the kingdom of Andrianampoinimerina to Antsahadinta came into being.

On foot, we continue our hike on the western edge of the Imerina. The places are wilder, nature is omnipresent and the valleys are now more open.
The Ambohimanao mountain indicates our direction. Its superb conical silhouette dominates the plains and the Ikopa valley. It stands, imposing and austere, as master of the place. It also marks the end of the wide peneplain of the Betsimitatra. Local legends have immortalized it by making it a mediator in disputes between the Ankaratra to the South and the Andringitra to the North. Ambatomanao is geographically located between these two mountain massifs.

Drawing on legends and with the Ankaratra massif behind us, we will walk together along the beautiful ridge line of the powerful Andringitra mountain of the Imerina. This crossing is among the most beautiful hikes in the region.

After crossing a small series of mountain folds, we approach the long Andringitra mountain chain.

We find beautiful wild nature, between relictual forests, high grasses swept by the winds and very beautiful views on both sides, particularly on the North side where villages are almost non-existent.

Then, we gradually return to the villages in the valleys below via beautiful balcony trails. We are now North of the Analamanga region, close to the village of Imerinamandrosa and Ivato.

This is the culmination of these 4 days of hiking in the North-West quarter of the region.

By mysterious and little-traveled paths, we reach Ambohimanga Rova, the most famous of the sacred hills of Imerina, inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
As always, the past has shaped the present, we hike between myths and reality.

Further on, Ambohidrabiby was the capital of King Ralambo (1575 to 1610), one of the most famous sovereigns of Imerina. Its surroundings are extremely rich in testimonies of a complex history. We will discover preserved villages surrounded by tamboho, a remarkable characteristic of Merina culture in the 19th century, burial sites and prestigious tombs and a preserved rural world.

Now, our steps guide us towards the very beautiful hill of Ambatomanoina which overlooks the road leading to Tamatave. This is one of the most influential hills during the time of the Kings, by the fact that four of the sovereigns of Imerina come from Ambatomanoina, namely Ranavalona I, Radama II, Rasoherina and Ranavalona II.

Crossing the RN2, we enter the mountainous region marking the eastern limit of the Highlands. The Angavo Be and Kely stand before us, pretext or alibi for a beautiful mountain trek.
We reach the superb village of Ambatomanga which marks the end of this new stage.
It has now been 12 days that we have been walking.

The Vakinisisaony extends to the East and South of Antananarivo. Crossed by the Ikopa and Sisaony rivers, this territory saw the emergence of the reigning Merina dynasties that imposed themselves by eclipsing other groups. It is a mountainous region that marks the beginning of the escarpment plunging towards the Indian Ocean 1500 meters below.

South of Ambatomanga stand powerful mountain massifs often overlooked, such as Mount Ambohiborona or the granite range of Ihadiana. They dominate narrow and enclosed valleys.
Here, the Ikopa river flows, set in the main valley coming from Lake Tsiazompaniry to the East.

These places possess a very specific character, wild and raw. Surprisingly, this region is neglected by hikers. And yet, it is beautiful and pleasant. After crossing the Sisaony river, Ampangabe is now just a stone's throw away.

We peacefully end our 16 days of hiking, the grand tour of the Imerina.