Ampefy
The small village of Ampefy is located at Lake Kavitaha west of Antananarivo in the centre of Madagascar. The area of Ampefy is characterised by volcanic landscape and has been classified as an ecotourism destination by Madagascar National Parks. Volcanoes dating back two million years ago and over 40 lakes of volcanic origin are scattered in a region of 400km².
Ampefy can be reached by taxi-brousse within a 2.5-hour drive (111km) along the good asphalt road RN2, starting at the taxi-brousse station Fasani Karan just 10km outside of Tana. A ticket to Analavory, from where the road to Ampefy splits, costs 10.000 Ariary. The remaining 10km from Analavory to Ampefy are a good walking distance, passing the various small villages of Miadanarivo, Antanikatsaka, Miarikofeno, Maromena and Ankorndrano.
Beside the typical food market, post office, library and a souvenir shop, Ampefy itself has no main attractions. Two cinemas show French films in intervals. Several hotels varying in style offer accommodation for the so-called Tana-Tourists as well as for the Vazaha's. Almost all restaurants are specialised in seafood due to the abundance of fish from the nearby lakes.
The climate in this region is relatively cool throughout the year. Almost all surrounding hills and mountains have been completely deforested and made available for farming by the Merina people. Everywhere farmers can be seen working on their fields, mainly growing tomatoes, corn, pumpkins, avocados, manioc etc. Green rice fields reach the marshland and shores of the lakes.
Ampefy is an ideal starting point for hiking. Climbing one of the many hills offers fantastic views of the area. The trails lead through plantations, rice fields and farm land. Pirogue tours on the lakes can easily be arranged with the locals. Some hotels also rent out bicycles.
Attractions around Ampefy
Accommodation
Gite d'Ampefy
Tel: +261 (0)34 20 596 75
Hotel Kavitaha
Tel: +261 (0)48 840 04
Email: bicrakotomavo@wanadoo.mg or kavitaha.ampefy@gmail.com
Website: www.hotelkavitaha.net
La Terrasse
Tel: +261 (0)48 840 28 or +261 (0)32 07 167 80
Email: laterrasse.ampefy@moov.mg
Website: www.laterrasse.ampefy.com
Relais de la Vierge
Tel: +261 (0)32 02 796 20 or +261 (0)32 41 085 29
Auberge de la Belle Vue
Tel: +261 (0)34 06 118 21 or +261 (0)33 11 599 07
Email: contact@auberge-belle-vue.com
Website: www.auberge-belle-vue.com
Hotel Auberge Chez Jacky
Tel: +261 (0)20 48 840 13 or +261 (0)32 40 764 13