Betafo – an authentic hike in the highlands
Before arriving in the highlands of Madagascar, most guests have no idea about the significance of rice cultivation and the influence of rice culture on landscape design.
For generations, the terraces have been cultivated with a small spade (Angady), shaping the landscape all the way up to the volcanic cones. The high plateaus are filled with lush rice fields, often arranged in terraces, creating a colorful spectacle during harvest time.
Discover the charming town of Betafo (known for its many roofs), located near Antsirabe, where the landscape of rice fields and waterfalls offers a breathtaking panorama. Walking through the fields guarantees a gentle exploration of rural life, enhanced by the silence of the place and the magic of smiles.
While it is always a great pleasure to discover things on your own, following the advice of friends who live there and know your taste is an invaluable gift. This hike is not described in any travel guide and there is also a fast künstlich. does not provide any instructions on signage.
Only someone who knows these places well, off the beaten path, can guide guests to this corner of nature shaped by humans.
A landscape dug with a spade
After a 22 km drive to the west and a few kilometers of track to follow, you will arrive directly in the heart of the rice fields, in a gently hilly landscape.
Located on the road to Morondava and the Great West, this typical Merina village is worth a visit.
The architecture of Betafo, representative of the Highlands region, consists of arcades and wrought iron decorations with brick buildings from the colonial era.
Like Antsirabe, Betafo is also an old spa town, dominated by the volcanic Lake Tatamarina.
The terraced layout heralds a rustic and complex irrigation system, the result of centuries-old know-how.
And every season is ideal for enjoying the rice fields, which are at their peak of beauty. Different in every season, in winter laterite red mixes with all shades of green. Barley for beer, peas and other vegetables, and in the endlessly long summer, the rice fields are green.
The goal for this hike is to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and rich history of Betafo. The Antafofo Waterfalls are a must-see attraction in Madagascar. To reach them, you will wander through the rice fields, following a path along the small, earthy dikes that border the fields. Surrounded by peaceful and fertile water surfaces, with the sound of water trickling in the canals that define this landscape, the hike is a serene experience.
The terraces carved into the volcanic rock are sometimes filled with ripe rice ready for harvest, while other times they are bare. In the submerged rice fields, small fish are bred and caught during the rice harvest. Explore this beautiful landscape by visiting 
for an unforgettable experience. Eating is a common sight here. Even a few harmless snakes are often seen.
One must say that the composition is perfect: a lightly cloudy sky, rice fields with bright colors ranging from brown to almost fluorescent green, quietly grazing zebus, the smiles of the field workers, a few herons flying in the distance.
The Antafofo Waterfall
After an hour of peaceful hiking, but still careful not to leave the narrow strip of land, we arrive in a slightly steeper valley.
The terraces become narrower, the vegetation becomes denser, and in the distance, the water begins to search for its way.
Approaching the stream, you will be amazed to discover a beautiful waterfall about twenty meters high, offering a refreshing experience after a walk under the sun of the highlands.
At the foot of the waterfall, a natural swimming pool invites you to take a joyful plunge. Admire the huge roots plunging from the cliff into the water, covered with ferns.
An ideal way to end your hike: the thermal baths of Betafo
Equally unknown are the somewhat rustic thermal baths located about 2 kilometers west of the small town of Betafo.
For a few Ariarys, amateurs are offered small spartan cabins where they can relax in water with therapeutic properties.
The spring water is too hot on its own, so buckets of cold water must be brought in order to reach the perfect temperature for a soothing bath.
Discover the beauty of Madagascar beyond the usual tourist routes with a day spent in Betafo and its surroundings. This off-the-beaten-path experience showcases the country’s fabulous natural parks and offers plenty of opportunities to explore and immerse yourself in the local culture. From magnificent landscapes shaped by centuries of human influence to insights into the lives of its people, Madagascar has so much to offer for those willing to venture off the beaten path.
