The Great Hike Around Imerina, Land of Contrasts, Land of Colors

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

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

Between past and present, we walk through the daily life of the countryside and villages where life is rhythmed by agricultural activities, colorful small markets and inhabitants going on foot, by bicycle or in zebu carts. This first stage follows the valleys of the Sasaony and Andrombe rivers which flow leisurely towards the great plain of Betsimitatatra.

The hills of Antongona, at 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 former 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 into being.

On foot, we continue our hiking 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 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 the legends and with the Ankaratra massif behind us, we will together walk 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 ourselves in beautiful wild nature, between relict forests, tall grass 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 below through 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 well-known of the sacred hills of Imerina, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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 evidence of a complex history. We will discover preserved villages surrounded by tamboho, a remarkable characteristic of Merina culture in the 19th century, burials 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 in the time of the Kings, due to 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 boundary of the Highlands. The Angavo Be and Kely rise before us, a pretext or excuse for a beautiful mountain trek.
We reach the superb village of 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 witnessed 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 granitic chain of Ihadiana. They dominate narrow and deeply entrenched 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 smiling. After crossing the Sisaony river, Ampangabe is now just a stone's throw away.

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