Zafimaniry Villages
Zafimaniry
The birthplace of a UNESCO-recognized woodcarving tradition. Mountain villages of wooden houses are decorated with finely carved geometric patterns and can only be reached on foot.
The Zafimaniry live in the forested mountains southeast of Ambositra. In 2003, their woodworking knowledge was inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Houses are joined entirely with wooden pegs, without a single nail, and doors and windows are carved with geometric motifs. Visitors usually drive to Antoetra village, then hire a local guide to hike 1 to 3 hours to more traditional villages, where you can spend the night in a simple homestay. The area is about 130 kilometers from Antsirabe. Plan it into a southbound trip on the RN7, and check with your guide before bringing gifts for villagers.
Opening hours
Open all day (guide required)
Nearby sights
- Ambositra
- Lake Tritriva
- Pousse-pousse Ride & Handicraft Workshops
- Cathedral of Our Lady of La Salette
- Asabotsy Market
- Antsirabe Station & Grande Avenue
- Antsirabe Thermal Baths & Hôtel des Thermes
- Lake Andraikiba