Ambositra

Ambositra (pronounced 'Ambushed') is a city in Madagascar, renowned for its traditional decorative paper-making.

Ambositra is the capital of the Amoron'i Mania region, and of Ambositra District. It is the centre of Madagascar's wood-carving industry due to the presence of the Zafimaniry tribe, a subgroup of the Betsileo tribe. There are many shops selling wooden boxes, chessboards and figurines.

market in Ambositra

Ambostra city view

2 to 3 hours by taxi brousse or car from Antsirabe (which itself is 3 to 4 hours from Antananarivo by the same means of transportation)

Most tourists prefer to take a "Push-Push," which is a colorfully painted rickshaw.

The town is terribly pleasant to walk about in and watch people.

Ambositra is well known for its many handicrafts and is possibly the best place in Madagascar to do one stop shopping of sorts. Small stores mingle all about the town and one can safely stroll amongst these shops and get what one needs. Everything from furniture, Antaimoro paper, handicrafts, and souvenirs can be found.

• L'Oasis restaurants
• O2là restaurants
• Hotely Domoina restaurant
• Latm Terrasse Nirina restaurant

Bottled water is recommended for foreign visitors. It can be bought at almost every supermarket or pomp station.

For alcohol try the:

• Artisan Hotel
• Ny Soa Hotel
• Ak'eto Bar

• Motel Violette, Route d'Antsirabe (on the outskirts of town), ☏ +261 20 47-710-84. Five nice bungalows, and a restaurant with nice views of rice fields surrounding the town. The rooms in the main building are noisy and ate reported to have bugs. €10. (updated May 2017)

There are taxi brousse stations in the north and southern parts of town dependent upon which way you wish to go. Buses go between Tana and Fianar all the time so you can always try to sneak a ride in an empty seat.

Beware of some of the pousse pousse drivers. They can con you into a "free" ride but then make a scene afterwards. Be sure to be clear before you accept a ride.