The Next Nest

Rest. Meals. Relax. ZEN. Those are the four words I’d use for Ampefy.

A quick warning before we go on

Let’s be clear from the start: this little town is calm outside of holidays. During tourist periods, trail races, Christian long weekends and public holidays, it gets very lively. Many locals come from Antananarivo or Antsirabe, since it isn’t far from either city. If you want real peace, avoid those dates. If you come during a festive period, expect a party atmosphere.

Why do I associate Ampefy with rest?

First, it isn’t far. But above all, the town is small, and there aren’t 1,000 parks and activities to rush through. So you naturally focus on what matters: good food, a lovely hotel for a peaceful stay, a mud bath at the geysers with relaxing massages, and soothing landscapes.

The geysers: nature’s spa

Ampefy is a volcanic region, and at the geysers, natural water bursts out through volcanic rock. That water flows into a landscaped clay pool, where swimming helps relax your muscles and your whole body. Masseuses are on site, and they know exactly where to find the points that will untie the knots and frustrations stored in your body.

Coming for the first time? Two sights not to miss

If it’s your first visit, take the time to admire two of Ampefy’s classics: the Lily Falls and the Virgin’s Islet (l’îlot de la Vierge). Both are easy to enjoy at a gentle pace, which fits the spirit of the place perfectly. Look, take a few photos, breathe, and go back to your lunch.

Our Favorite AMPEFY’s Nest

One hotel has won us over: Farihy Hotel. And since our blog is called The Next Nest, finding a nest we love this much felt only natural. It offers several bungalows, including one that is simply fantastic, with both a private jacuzzi and a private pool. How could you not relax? And as a bonus, the hotel’s restaurant has a magnificent view over Lake Itasy, so even your meals come with a postcard.

Many other hotels, and room for real camps

Farihy is far from the only choice. Ampefy has many other hotels set on large grounds in the middle of nature. These wide open spaces are ideal for educational activities, and perfect for organizing real camps with unschooling and homeschooling families from all over the world.

The environment here is truly conducive to homeschooling families: calm surroundings, fresh air, volcanic landscapes to explore and plenty of room to move. Children can run, observe, ask questions and learn outdoors, while parents share ideas and experiences with other families.

Ampefy on a plate: watercress and fish

Ampefy is known for two things: its watercress and its fish. Yum.

We had lunch at Chez Jacky, the best-known place in town. The dishes are delicious, with foie gras in every sauce and fish cooked every way you can imagine. If you go during the day, you can watch the fish in the pond while you wait for your meal.

For our children, it was a real discovery. On our farm, Farmily, there is a pond where the fish grow naturally, in the water and at their own pace. At Chez Jacky, the fish are raised and fed, so they grow faster and reach incomparable sizes. Our kids had always believed that all fish grew up on their own!

And the landscapes?

Of course, let’s talk about them. The region is volcanic, and the locals make the most of it: fruit, vegetables and more come from this fertile land. It’s no surprise that Ampefy is home to so many good restaurants. They sit right at the source of the best produce.

In short

Come to Ampefy to slow down: eat well, sleep well, soak in the clay and let the landscape do the rest. Rest, meals, relax, ZEN.