Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AMBOSITRA (PK 259)
Ambositra (pronounced 'am
boo
str') is a friendly little Betsileo town. Many of the 30,000
inhabitants are students so in July and August the population is much reduced. Most visit-
ors stop only briefly, but the countryside around the town is very scenic, so it merits a few
days'stayifyouhavetime.MarketdayisSaturday(bestmid-morning);raffiaproductsare
particularly plentiful.
Ambositra is the centre of Madagascar's woodcarving industry. Even the houses have
ornately carved wooden balconies and shutters. There is an abundant choice of carved fig-
ures and marquetry (see
Shopping
on
Click Here
).
Several readers have complained that this town has particularly persistent beggars. The
problem area is in front of Grand Hotel with its profusion of tour buses. You are unlikely
to be bothered in other parts of the town, which is notably safe and friendly.
WHERE TO STAY
Artisan (Chez Victor)
(18 rooms)
m
032 51 996 09/034 04 642 53;
e
artis-
an_hotel@yahoo.fr
.
Opened in 2007, this is a very nice hotel with wonderful woodwork.
All rooms en suite with fan. €€€
Mania
(17 rooms) 47 710 21;
m
033 12 453 96/032 04 620 91;
f
47 711 21;
e
tours-
mania@moov.mg
.
Malagasy-owned, central; clean en-suite dbl, twin & family rooms.
Tours organised; bikes & cars for rent. €€€
Jonathan
(13 rooms) 47 713 89;
m
032 07 019 72;
e
madtrade@moov.mg
.
Rooms
with TV, some en suite. €€€
Angelino Tsaralaza
(7 rooms) 47 711 92;
m
032 54 420 38;
e
angelino-
hotel@moov.mg. Traditional Malagasy house with clean, spacious rooms, high ceilings,
wooden floors & nice view. Rooms have TV. Also 5-bed dorm. €€-€€€
Violette
(6 rooms & 6 bungalows) Madiolahatra; 47 710 84;
f
47 715 89;
e
viol-
ette@moov.mg
.
North end of town. Elegantly furnished bungalows with TV. Great views,
but cheaper rooms face the road. €€-€€€
RelaisdesTropiques
(12rooms) 4771126;
m
0330271126/0320774280.Simple
rooms, some with shared facilities. Good restaurant.€€-€€€
Grand Hotel
(13 rooms) 47 712 62. The oldest hotel in Ambositra; a beautiful old
building. Some rooms en suite. Also dormitory.
Mahatsinjo
47 710 36;
e
jeannoeltours@yahoo.fr
. A short walk up the hill. Very at-
tractive, quiet & rural surroundings, but near town.
