"Biking" Faritanin' Antananarivo Sports & Outdoors Tip by Norali

Biking is another simple sport activity that many tourists do in Madagascar.

What appears as simple in good road conditions can be really tricky in remote areas where dirty roads are still ruling. But you asked for some adventure, no ? You'll have it. Then, go to Madagascar in rainy seasons, head off urban areas and especially, in some humid Ranomafana area and go biking there, skirting the primary South-eastern forest, "wrestling" with your bike and your boots in the mud.

OK, if this is not the type of sport you are looking for, you can cycle on macadam roads in Imerina region, for instance. Quite good and with the advantage of an ever-changing landscape on RN7 (Tana-Antsirabe or Tana-Fianar). Sometimes lunar, sometimes inviting. Check the other tips and the travelogues to see what i am talking about.

For food: whenever you pass Ambatolampy, do not forget to try the restaurants there. One thing though: my memory of restaurants in Ambatolampy is rather blurry. For one reason: Ambatolampy ended up to be a passage for us sine most of times, our purpose was to have lunch in Antsirabe. Last time I ate in an Ambatolampy restaurant was it was good but long time ago. So, would you blame if I don't give you any name of a specific restaurant there ?

Of course, Antsirabe is not a place to miss for food as well. If you could make it to there, you'll deserve a good treat, then ? Ok, try Les Agapes (Arotel restaurant). Check my Antsirabe page to know more.

Same for Moramanga, with exception that I can recommend you one restaurant: le Coq d'or, a good Cantonese cuisine.

Now, you can also decide to visit Tana surroundings like Ambohimanga area by bike, the view from the top of the hill is nice as well. Hehe, it looks on my little village. OK, there are Ivato too, Ambohidratrimo...

Equipment: Bike (would advise you where to rent. Still, I'll advise to bring yours from abroad if you are used to it)
all you need to bike (i think the ones which intend to bike the island are wise enough to know what to bring ???)
water & food & safety kit
windbreaker in case you are there during rainy season

Address: Macadam road: national road, the so-called RN sthg
Directions: RN2 (Tana-Toamasina passing through Moramanga), RN7 (Tana-Fianar, passing through Antsirabe), RN5 (Tana- Mahajanga)
Theme: Biking