A Perfect in Day in Antsirabe: Exploring Madagascar's Charming HIghland City

Lake Andrailika, Antsirabe. Photo: LJ Padayachy

Antsirabe has a colonial aura balanced with the local culture in Madagascar's central highlands. I often spend my weekends in Antsirabe, where I spend my days immersed in the city's unique blend of tradition and modernity. Let me take you on a daylong journey that epitomises what Antsirabe City is all about.

Antsirabe City. Photo: LJ Padayachy

Early Morning Serenity

My day usually starts when the city is still asleep at 5:00 AM; I start my day with meditation and stretching exercises. As the breeze carried the scent of the eucalyptus trees along Independence Avenue, a deep sense of connectedness joined me with the city's awakening.

Old Train Station Antsirabe. Photo: LJ Padayachy

I arrive energised and centred at the Old Train Station, serving as a relic from Madagascar's French colonial era, at 05:30. The worn facade and silent rails of this station stood as one of those witnesses to a bygone era.

Waiting for me were hundreds of young and old locals who came to exercise their morning routine, plus homeless people who slept in the old disused train station.

Training my Karate punch at the Old Railway Station, Antsirabe. Photo: LJ Padayachy

I find a quiet spot, and there I start my karate practice. This weird juxtaposition of my martial arts techniques against the backdrop of this historic station made for a harmony between past and present, really unique.

As I move through my katas, I cannot help but feel a growing sense of unity with what is around me, all of us greeting the day with movement and purpose.

Monument at the city centre, Antsirabe. Photo: LJ Padayachy

City streets at night, Antsirabe, Photo: LJ Padayachy

I breathe in the cool morning air as my camera clicks away at the silhouettes of people stretching against the rising sun, the play of light on the architecture of the old station, and the vibrant energy of a community coming alive. I know that these moments would become treasured memories of my time in Antsirabe.

Flower Palace Hotel: A Charming Base

At 6:30 AM, I return to the Flower Palace Hotel. It has grown into something much more than a temporary abode and taken on the feel of a warm, embracing haven that so appropriately depicts the spirit of Antsirabe.

Breakfast at the Flower Place Hotel. Photo: LJ Padayachy

While walking down the corridors to my room, I cannot help but gaze at the beautiful photographs of Madagascar lining the walls; each has something different to tell about the varied landscapes and cultures the island boasts.

Lobby of the Flower Palace. Photo: LJ Padayachy

The staff at the Flower Palace are so considerate. With their smiles and prompt service, I hardly feel I am being treated as a guest; instead, I was allowed the privilege of a returning friend.

Restaurant Flower Palace Hotel. Photo: LJ Padayachy

Refreshed from my shower, I would go for breakfast at 7:30 AM. The dining area perfectly balances rustic architecture and modern comforts to fill up in anticipation of the day's events. The small and basic breakfast spread was quite an exciting combination of cuisines: fresh tropical fruits, aromatic coffee from the nearby highlands, and pastries.

Thermal Bath, Antsirabe. Photo: LJ Padayachy

Rejuvenation at the Thermal Centre

Right after breakfast, it was time to see one of the most popular things Antsirabe offers: its thermal springs. I went toward the Thermal Centre at 8:30 AM to finally try the healing properties of these volcanic city waters.

Thermal Bath main building, Antsirabe, Photo: LJ Padayachy

Antsirabe's name means "where there is salt" in Malagasy, and this town has been synonymous with therapeutic hot springs since the 19th century. Entering the centre, the faint scent of minerals filled the air, promising a morning of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Welcomed by skilled masseuses who go through the treatment options. I usually go for the full-body massage option. Before long, I am in a state of blissful tranquillity. Expert hands, in combination with naturally warm, mineral-rich water, worked magic upon my travel-weary muscles.

Massage at the Thermal Centre, Antsirabe. Photo: LJ Padayachy.

I would usually give myself over to the therapeutic experience. It usually takes about two hours, and the tension melts as the minutes tick. The massage is more than an indulgence: a link to the very earth of Madagascar, its unique geological features producing nature's healing.

My 'treatment' usually ended at 10:30 AM. I am refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready for the rest of my day, packed with adventure.

Rickshaw Antsirabe. Photo: LJ Padayachy

Lake Andraikiba, Antsirabe, Madagascar

Picturesque Picnic at Lake Andraikiba

Spring in my step, the relaxation in my bones—the setup for my next adventure is complete.

Lake Andraikaba, Antsirabe. Photo: LJ Padayachy

Before heading to the breathtaking Lake Andraikiba for a picnic, it is usually beneficial to make a quick stop. I stopped at Mirinda, where I would treat myself to a cup of Indian Spice Tea.

With a picnic basket and a camera in my backpack, I am prepared to head by bus to Lake Andraikiba, about thirty minutes away from the city centre.

Handicraft Kiosk on Lake Andraikiba. Photo: LJ Padayachy

It is one of those natural wonders that offer a peaceful retreat from the city.

Its quiet beauty hit me. The still waters reflected the tranquil sky, a beautiful tableau in shades of blue. The hills surrounding it, studded with pine trees, made an ideal backdrop for my impromptu photoshoot.

oods around Lake Andraikiba. Photo: LJ Padayachy

I find a spot along the shore quiet enough to lay out my picnic. The soft lapping of the water against the beach is soothing while I eat my meal, savour food, and enjoy the incredible view.

I shot everything with my camera: light dancing on the water, abundant bird life, ripples occasionally disturbing otherwise tranquil surfaces—the subjects were endless.

Remains of a house, Lake Andraikiba. Photo: LJ Padayachy

A click at every moment preserved one moment of this picture-postcard haven.

Time around Lake Andraikiba is much more than just a picnic; it is communing with nature, some time reflection open to one, and time for capturing the raw beauty of the highlands in Madagascar.

Lake Andraikida. Photo: LJ Padayachy

Handicraft kiosks, Antsirabe. Photo: LJ Padayachy

Culinary Adventures in Antsirabe

Around 14:30, I would reluctantly say goodbye to the calm lake. I would head back into the busy centre. Antsirabe—my spirit is revitalised, but my culinary curiosity is anything but satiated. From now on, my next mission is to taste some of the freshest produce this highland city offers.

The first stop is usually 'Yaourt Tiavina Mandaniresaka'. This humble shop is famous for producing the best soft cheese in the region.

I would then direct my attention to another region's specialty: fresh fruits. It was 16:30, and I was right in the middle of the pulsating market of Antsirabe. My eyes feasted on a riot of colours, my ears tuned in to a cacophony of noises, and my nose switched between a medley of smells. Stalls were filled with a profusion of tropical temptations—plump mangoes, perfumy pineapples, and other exotic fruits.

The streets of Antsirabe. Photo: LJ Padayachy

As the sun started setting, painting the Antsirabe sky into orange and purple hues, my mind ran to dinner. I end my gastronomic journey with familiar Malagasy cuisine.

Restaurant in Antsirabe. Photo: LJ Padayachy

19:30: I usually find myself in a restaurant in the heart of the city. The menus usually an exciting mix of Malagasy and European flavours, showing the blended influence of the different cuisines in this city.

Sabotsy Market, Antsirabe. Photo: LJ Padayachy

Conclusion: Thoughts of Time Spent Well

I usually walk back to the Flower Palace Hotel; the streets around Antsirabe finally hushed in their screams. I am overwhelmed by a sense of gratitude for what I have done during the day. I touch on many aspects that make this highland city unique on Saturdays.

Photographers at the Antsirabe Monument. Photo: LJ Padayachy

Everything from early morning exercises together to the serene beauty of Lake Andraikiba—from the therapeutic waters of the Thermal Centre down to the richness of flavours at the local market, avalanches of new moments, with each turning out a better insight into the heart and soul of Antsirabe.

Delapidated house at Lake Andraikiba. Photo: LJ Padayachy