Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SHOPPING
There are some 30 stores selling woodcarving and other handicrafts, almost
all on the 'ring road' running round Ambositra's central hill (this circuit is an easy 1.5km
walk). There are ethical problems when buying palisander and rosewood carvings - these
slow-growing endemic trees are becoming very rare. That said, woodcarving is the main
source of income for the town, so it's a typically Malagasy dilemma. But avoid buying all
your souvenirs at Chez Victor's opposite the Grand Hotel. He has a commercial arrange-
ment with drivers who dump tour groups at the shop, depriving other shopkeepers of their
custom. Try to spread your custom around.
ClareHermansrecommends'MrRandrianasolo'sworkshopatIlakaCentre,justnorthof
Ambositra.Hehas25apprenticesworkingforhimandhassomeartefactsthataredifferent
from the usual run-of-the-mill stuff.'
Visit Angelino Tsaralaza for demonstrations of the different silk production techniques.
This initiative provides an outlet for some of the wild silk and silk products produced by
women's associations. If you want to shop ethically, this is the place to do it.
TOUR OPERATORS, VEHICLE HIRE AND GUIDES
Tsangatsanga
47 714 48;
m
032 04 621 28. Tours, from walks around town up to 7-day
treks with English-speaking guides. Car & tent hire.
Tours Mania
Based at Mania (see
Click Here
)
. Organises tours in & around Ambositra;
also to Zafimaniry villages.
Angelino Tsaralaza
(see
Click Here
)
Excursions to silk/embroidery factory. Guides;
minibus, 4x4 & car hire.
RSI Tours
m
032 12 693 49. Opposite Grand Hotel. Car hire.
Indigo Be
Opposite Grand Hotel, a little further up. English-speaking guides; trekking,
horseriding & bike hire.
Mamy
m
033 13 415 43. Regional guide.
PLACES OF INTEREST NEAR AMBOSITRA
BENEDICTINECONVENT
Walk500mdownthehilloppositethepostofficetodiscov-
er this architecturally stunning 75-year-old convent and chapel. The daily morning service
is at 06.30 (07.00 on Sunday) and there is singing each day at 11.30.
Ambositra produces more than woodcarvings: excellent quality cheese is made by some
of the 30 cloistered nuns here. Note that access to the area where the cheese is produced is
