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

The trails are punctuated with interesting vestiges, testifying to contributions to the country's History. Ambohijoky, Ambohimiakoja, Antsahadinta, Antongona are so 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 make our way through the daily life of the countryside and villages where life is rhythmed by agricultural activities, colourful small markets and inhabitants travelling on foot, by bicycle or in zebu carts. This first stage follows the valleys of the Sasaony and Andrombe rivers which flow unhurriedly towards 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 about the ancient Kingdom of Anjanamangarira: The sacred hill of Antsahadinta was founded by King Andriamangarira around 1725. The History of the singular kingdom of Antsahadinta changed at the death of its founding King, Andriamangarira. His only son Andriambolamena succeeded him and was defeated by King Andrianampoinimerina of Ambohimanga. Thus the expansion of the kingdom of Andrianampoinimerina to Antsahadinta came about.

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 reigns, 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 of 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 together tread 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 range.

We find beautiful wild nature, between relict forests, tall grass swept by the winds and very beautiful views on both sides, in particular on the North side where villages are almost non-existent.

Then, we gradually return to the villages below via beautiful scenic footpaths. 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 trails, we reach Ambohimanga Rova, the most famous of the sacred hills of the Imerina, inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage.
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 the Imerina. Its surroundings are extremely rich in testimony of a complex history. We will discover preserved villages surrounded by tamboho, a remarkable characteristic of Merina culture in the 19th century, as well as prestigious burials and 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. It is one of the most influential hills in the time of the Kings, due to the fact that four of the sovereigns of the 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, a pretext or alibi for a beautiful mountain hike.
We reach the superb village Ambatomanga which marks the end of this new stage.
We have now been walking for 12 days.

The Vakinisisaony extends 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 little known, such as Mount Ambohiborona or the granite chain of Ihadiana. They dominate narrow and enclosed valleys.
Here, the Ikopa river flows, set within 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 charming. After crossing the Sisaony river, Ampangabe is now within reach.

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