Betafo

Betafo

Located only 22 km from Antsirabe, Betafo is one of the most populated municipalities in the Highlands, in the mountainous of the Vakinakaratra Region. Ideal for hiking through the sumptuous landscapes of the Highlands, Betafo, located at an altitude of 1,410 m, will give you the opportunity to get involved in the daily life of the Merina, an ethnic group of the Big Island.

History
Cradle of the Andratsay Kingdom, Betafo was once the capital of the Vakinakaratra Region. It then joined the territories of Imerina Enintoko during the advent of King Andrianampoinimerina, before having its own constituency during colonization.

Betafo was also the seat of the first Lutheran church on the Big Island in 1867.

The western part of the municipality is much more recent. It was mainly dominated by immigrants from the Bara and Vakinakaratra ethnic regions. It stands out for its outstanding agricultural potential. Stone stelae were built in honor of the military leaders. The most remarkable is the one set on a pedestal in the center of the market, built at the end of the 19th century.

One of Madagascar’s Catholic Apostolic Prefectures was erected in Betafo on May 15, 1913. It was converted into an apostolic vicariate in 1918 before being established in Antsirabe in 1921.

Betafo today

Betafo is a city nestled in a beautiful landscape with mountains, rice fields and quaint small villages.

From the first day of your arrival, you will notice the colonial influence in the architecture that seems to have frozen the city in time. All around, the pretty Carmine houses and their red tiled roofs remind us once again that we are in the Highlands. This village outside of the overrun grounds is very pleasant and invites us to explore its surroundings.

Indeed, the landscape shaped by the terraced rice fields and hills offers, depending on the season, a surprising green or orange gradient. It has been included on UNESCO’s Tentative List of Natural and Cultural Heritage thanks to its beauty and the ingenious system of its cultures.

In this Merina territory, you can stay in the small villages characterized by red brick walls and thatched roofs, and meet the locals. Sharing a few moments and enjoying the children’s shy and curious smiles will only contribute to the trip’s authenticity.

A hike around Betafo will take you to the summit of Ambohimalaza, which rises to over 1,700 meters south of Betafo before reaching Lake Tatamarina, a peaceful place with a spectacular view of the volcanic domes known here as Avoko Telo. Keep on going to Antafofo Falls, a true natural treasure that seems to perfectly complement the surrounding lush vegetation. To make sure you don’t miss anything of the region’s richness, climb to the last summit to reach the “forbidden” village of Andriamanitrakely.

In addition to its hiking trails, Betafo is also known for the Ranomafana thermal center, which is only 2km from the village. If you have time, you can enjoy a hot bath and a relaxing massage with Katrafay oil.

The city itself hides some interesting remains: the tomb of the last king Andrianonitomponintany, St Louis Cathedral and also the weekly market that will help you have a better understanding of Betafo and its history.

Climate

Although the climate is relatively mild all year round, Betafo still experiences a short rainy season around December and January. During the winter in July, temperatures between 10 and 15°C are recorded during the day and minimum temperatures can reach 0°C at night.

With a temperate climate, the Betafo Region can be visited whatever the season. However, the period from March to July is the most pleasant to enjoy lush vegetation and observe farmers working in the fields.

What to do in Betafo?

• Discover the region’s richness by using the hiking trails.

• Rest in front of Lake Tatamarina.

• Marvel at the power of the Antafofo waterfalls.

• Allow yourself a moment of well-being at the Ranomafana thermal baths.

• Climb up the hill to the forbidden village of Andriamanitrakely.

• Visit Saint Louis Cathedral, a witness to the village’s colonial past.

• Mourn at the tomb of the king of Vakinankaratra, Andrianonitomponintany.