Ampefy is located about two-hour drive away from Antananarivo, on the shores of the Itasy Lake. The small village of Ampefy is a greatly appreciated weekend destination to trade stressful city life for a more peaceful and quiet environment. Visitors are welcomed in a countryside setting, the best choice for relaxation in an exceptional landscape showcasing fields of crops and traditional houses. A boat trip around Lake Itasy, a bike ride to the Lily Waterfall, and a visit to the sacred islet, where the tomb of a 17th century ruler is located, will be unique and not-to-be-missed experiences worth photographing.
For fishing and canoeing enthusiasts, the Itasy Lake offers a simply wowing landscape and is famous for its fish (mainly carps and tilapias), as well as fruits and vegetables. Ampefy offers pleasant hikes or bike rides towards the lakes of Antohomadinika and Andranoratsy along with some swamps.
The cold-water geysers of Ampefy are worth visiting. Jets of water gush out of holes in the ground that you will find in a clay area. Under the burning sun, visitors enjoy standing next to the jets where the pressure is strong enough to take a cold shower – keeping their clothes on, of course – without using soap. A children's pool with warm water has been set up. What about a clay massage?
A small detour to Lily Waterfall, in Antafofo, is a must during your visit in Ampefy. Many legends arose from this waterfall, including the one about the planter "Vazaha" who mourned his daughter Lily after she was reported missing at this place. After unsuccessful searches, the inhabitants of the village gave the name of the young girl to the waterfall. To better appreciate the beauty of the region, it is advised to go there on foot. The nature gives a majestic show. The hike will take you through volcanic hills and through small villages made of red clay houses. The buzzing of water can be heard from far away, and the environment becomes cooler with each step.
The region's weather conditions are relatively cool throughout the year. Almost all of the nearby hills and mountains have been completely clear-cut and made cultivable by the Merina people. Note that a trip right after the rainy season, around April or May, is a good idea. This is because before tropical rains fall, the water levels will be low and the waterfall will be weak. And during rainy seasons, the way will be merely unusable.
Sources: Madagascar Treasure Island, TripAdvisor, Voyage Madagascar, Ile Rouge
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