The small village of Ampefy sits roughly 120 km from Antananarivo, on the shores of Lake Itasy. It's highly prized for a weekend escape from the bustle of the city and to enjoy a serene environment. This peaceful little locality welcomes you into an exceptional landscape characterized by cultivated fields and traditional houses.

Ampefy: an escape just two hours from Tana

The village

Located two hours' drive from Antananarivo, the village of Ampefy greets you in a rural setting perfect for relaxation. It's an ideal stop to spend a few days of rest in tranquility, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, all centered around Lake Itasy. You'll appreciate meeting locals and farmers who always flash a broad smile. You'll also encounter herds of zebu cattle, which may seem intimidating at first, but are completely harmless. Simply stay to the side of the path and the herders will guide them with a crack of the whip while smiling and waving as they pass. It's a unique experience you'll likely want to capture on film—if it doesn't bother those involved!

Lake Itasy and its fish

Lake Itasy, renowned for its abundance of fish, is the region's main attraction. Covering 3,500 hectares, Madagascar's third-largest lake sits at over 1,200 meters elevation. It's the perfect place to enjoy a pirogue ride to or from the Island of the Virgin. Ampefy offers pleasant hikes on foot or by bicycle in search of the lakes of Antohomadinika and Andranoratsy, as well as some marshlands.

If you're a fishing and pirogue enthusiast, you'll appreciate your time in this region. The landscape is simply splendid, featuring valleys carpeted with wildflowers. You'll also enjoy the local markets where the famous Itasy fish are sold (mainly carp and tilapia), along with fruits and vegetables that visitors happily snap up.

Lily Falls

A detour to Lily Falls at Antafofo is a must during your stay in Ampefy. To fully appreciate the charm of the region, it's best to venture there on foot. The hike takes you through volcanic hills and small villages composed of red-earth houses. The roar of the water grows louder in the distance, and the environment becomes increasingly cool with each step forward. The falls stand nearly 23 meters high and create refreshing sprays of mist. Many legends have sprung from these falls, including that of a "Vazaha" planter who watched his daughter Lili disappear at this spot. After fruitless searches, the villagers named the waterfall after the young girl. Here, nature offers you a spectacular show.

The geysers

The region is also home to magnificent geysers—those of Amparaky. To reach them, you'll travel 10 km on paved road from Ampefy to Analavory, then take a 12 km dirt track. The site consists of a clay-covered area dotted with holes in the ground, from which jets of water spring forth. When the heat is intense, visitors stand beside the jets where the pressure is strong enough for a refreshing cold shower (without removing clothes, of course, and without soap). The water isn't hot because these aren't volcanic geysers, but rather an artesian well phenomenon, like the volcanic geysers found in Iceland and Norway. Locals have set up a children's pool here where the water is quite warm. Why not try a clay massage too?

What to do in Ampefy?

• Take a pirogue tour around Lake Itasy to or from the Island of the Virgin.
• Hike to Lily Falls on foot or by bicycle to enjoy verdant and lush scenery.
• Visit the sacred island where the tomb of a 17th-century sovereign is located. Pirogue operators can take you there.