Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Equipment
There is no point in going to Andringitra unless you are equipped for walking.
Thismeansbootsortoughtrainers,hikingpoles,daysack,goodraingearandawaterbottle.
Remember also that at this altitude the nights can be very cold (close to freezing between
JuneandSeptember)soyouneedwarmsleepingbags,thermalunderwear,glovesandthick
socks for overnight. Days are pleasantly warm, but it can rain - hard - at any time. It's
worthbringingaswimsuitforthefreezing(butrefreshing)dipinthepoolontheDiavolana
circuit.
Trekking
There are four main circuits:
Asaramanitra
This circuit (6km/3-4 hours) begins at the Belambo campsite and climbs
up to two sacred waterfalls, Riambavy and Riandahy (the queen and king), which plunge
250m off the edge of the escarpment. These falls are said to be the embodiment of an an-
cient kingandqueenwho,unabletoconceive achild,climbed uptothefallswithan
ombi-
asy
(spiritual healer) and sacrificed a white-faced zebu to satisfy the gods. They were suc-
cessful: nowthe waterfalls andstreams that feed them are considered highly sacred. Andif
you want to get pregnant, this is the place to go!
