Things To Do
in Tsivory
Tsivory is a rural town in southern Madagascar known for its warm hospitality, wide savanna landscapes, and traditional farming life. It sits inland along small roads that connect farms to markets, offering an authentic glimpse of rural Madagascar. Travelers here will find modest amenities, friendly locals, and opportunities to observe day-to-day village rhythms.
The town serves as a gateway to nearby hiking trails and cultural experiences away from the more touristy coastal areas.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
You arrive in the dusty lanes of Tsivory and are greeted by smiling villagers who guide you through the thatched entrance gates. The warm sunrise bathes the red-earth landscape in golden hues as local children wave and laugh. Your host family welcomes you into their simple home with fresh palm wine and a broad smile.
After a light lunch of roasted cassava and spicy peanut sauce, you take a gentle stroll through rice paddies, marveling at water buffalo wallowing in shallow pools. Villagers demonstrate traditional planting techniques and share stories of harvest seasons past. You pause by a small shrine to learn about ancestral rituals and local folklore.
A communal dinner is prepared under an open-air shelter, with bowls of zebu stew simmering over smoky embers. Lanterns are hung from wooden poles, casting dancing shadows across timber tables. As twilight deepens, elders tell tales of tsingy rock formations and wandering lemurs while children drape woven mats for stargazing.
You set out at dawn with a local guide to explore the mud-brick homes and winding paths of Tsivory. Women sort fresh produce—tomatoes, chilis, and sweet potatoes—outside family compounds as roosters crow. You learn basic Malagasy greetings and barter phrases in preparation for the market visit.
The bustling open-air market fills the sandy square with vibrant textiles and handcrafted baskets arranged in neat rows. Vendors call out prices in sing-song tones while you sample ginger tea and honeyed snacks. You pick up carved wooden figurines and woven hats, absorbing the rhythmic pulse of rural commerce.
Back at the village, your guide teaches you to dance the Malagasy hira gasy under the flicker of kerosene lamps. You join in, clapping to the beat and mimicking lively footwork. Later, a bonfire ignites nearby, and villagers serenade you with traditional songs before you drift to sleep under a fine netting.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🧃Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.50-1 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room per night | $15-25 |
| 🚐Local transport (bush taxi) | $1-3 |
| 🧺Groceries for basic meals (2-3 days) | $5-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic rural Malagasy experience
- Friendly locals and affordable costs
- Limited infrastructure and healthcare facilities
- Limited nightlife and dining options in rural towns
- "Salama" - Hello
- "Manao ahoana?" - How are you?
- "Azafady" - Please / Excuse me
- "Misaotra" - Thank you
- "Aiza ny ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Tsara be" - Very good
- "Tsy misy olana" - No problem
- "Miteny anglisy ve ianao?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Tsivory
Visit one of these nice places.
Open grassland with long views towards village clusters and distant hills.
Vibrant stalls with colorful textiles, fruits, and people in motion; great for portraits and candid scenes.
Food in Tsivory
Tsivory Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty Malagasy beef stew with leafy greens, often served with rice.
Must-Try!
Chicken simmered in coconut milk with peppers and garlic.
A sweet cake made with banana, peanuts, and rice flour.
Rice served with zebu meat and cassava leaf sauce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daily market offering fresh produce, meat, fish, and snacks.
Roasted corn, fried cassava, plantains, and fresh fruit sold along the main street.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet elders with a respectful hello and a nod or handshake; use Malagasy phrases when possible.
Fady (taboos) exist in many communities; ask locals about any local restrictions before entering homes or starting projects.
Cover shoulders and knees in village areas; remove shoes when entering homes if invited.
Safety
Tipping in Tsivory
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping small amounts to guides, drivers, and hospitality workers is appreciated but not obligatory.
Cash in Malagasy Ariary is most widely accepted; card payments are rare in rural Tsivory; mobile money may be available in larger towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry, hot days with dusty winds; best for outdoor activities and village photography; carry water and sun protection.
Warm days with occasional rain showers; landscapes stay lush after rains.
Cooler nights and pleasant days; can be dry; great for hiking and nights under stars.
Increasing humidity and rain; thick green landscapes and blooming plants.
Tsivory at Night
Hiking in Tsivory
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
An easy to moderate hike offering views over the savanna and surrounding villages.
Shady trail along a seasonal river with opportunities to spot birds and local wildlife.
Airports
How to reach Tsivory by plane.
Nearest major airport serving domestic flights from Antananarivo and other towns; drive time depends on road conditions.
Regional airport serving domestic flights; access to the central highlands.
Main international gateway to Madagascar; many travelers fly city-to-city to reach Tsivory via road or domestic flight.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Malagasy communities with diverse ancestries; strong rural and farming traditions.
A mix of Christianity, traditional beliefs, and Islam in some areas; religious customs affect daily life and markets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Madagascar, played in towns and schools.
Common in schools and community centers; evening games are common.
Traditional games and informal ball sports enjoyed by locals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tsivory.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can usually request bean, lentil, or vegetable dishes with rice; avoid meat broths and clarify ingredients due to local condiments.