The Mysteries and Legends of Lake Tritriva

Nestled in Madagascar’s Hautes Terres region, 11 km south of Lac Andrakiba, Lac Tritriva is a popular destination for both locals seeking relaxation and travelers exploring the surrounding area and Antsirabe’s attractions. Shrouded in mystery and legend, this lake has a circumference of 4 km. Surrounded by rugged terrain, it can be reached by car or bike via the Betafo road. It’s a favored location for local picnics on Sundays. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, cockfights occur here, a tradition that is not always viewed favorably.

Antsirabe’s hidden gem : Lake Tritriva

Lake Tritriva, formed in the crater of an ancient extinct volcano, is renowned for its deep blue waters that can appear green. Its steep shores and towering cliffs contribute to the mystical aura of this place. The surrounding landscape of mountains and pine forests offers an idyllic setting for travelers. For the Malagasy, Lake Tritriva inspires both awe and respect, while for foreign visitors, it represents a natural site of great beauty not to be missed. Local guides highlight the lake’s fady (taboos) and fervently recount the tragic story of the two lovers central to its legend.

Lake Tritriva lies at the foot of the eponymous mountain, which rises to 1,651 meters above sea level. Before deciding to swim, it’s important to know that the lake is 160 meters deep. Therefore, it’s best to stay on shore.

To get there, you have to travel 15 km west from the town of Antsirabe, on the road to Betafo. The site is accessible by car, although the taxi-brousse (local bus) stops at Belazao, leaving another 10 km to walk. The hike is picturesque and popular with adventurers. Some local holidaymakers even climb Mount Tritriva on mountain bikes. Add to your trip the splendid landscapes of the Vakinankaratra region, characterized by red earth houses with thatched roofs, rice paddies, vast fields, eucalyptus and pine trees. Once there, you can take photos, swim, kayak, climb or zip-line. A walk along the lake leads to a cave inhabited by bats, offering an unforgettable experience.

Lake Tritriva: Between nature and myth

The history of Lake Tritriva today is steeped in the myths and legends that surround it. One of the most famous is the story of Rabeniomby and Ravolahanta, two lovers whose tragic fate echoes that of Romeo and Juliet. According to legend, they threw themselves into the lake to escape their families, who opposed their union. It is said that their spirits still haunt the area, and inexplicable events sometimes occur around the lake.

After the suicides of these star-crossed lovers, their souls are said to be represented in the intertwined trunks of a tree growing on a rock by the lake’s shore. Legend has it that these trunks would bleed if cut.

The lake, oddly reminiscent of Madagascar’s shape, is considered sacred. It is believed to turn red when significant events are about to happen in the country. Additionally, it is said that half of the lake’s waters turn red whenever a young girl dies in the village of the unfortunate fiancée. Conversely, if a young man dies in the fiancé’s village, the entire lake turns red.

To this day, the full extent of the lake’s mysteries remains unknown. However, your guide is sure to provide a spine-tingling experience.

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