Information
Landmark: Lily WaterfallCity: Antananarivo
Country: Madagascar
Continent: Africa
Lily Waterfall, Antananarivo, Madagascar, Africa
Overview
About 120 kilometers west of Antananarivo, near the quiet town of Ampefy, the Lily Waterfall (Chute de la Lily) plunges into a misty pool, drawing visitors with its striking beauty.Framed by jagged volcanic cliffs and thick, emerald foliage, this waterfall ranks among the region’s most famous, pulling in visitors with its quiet mist and unspoiled beauty.Local legends cling to the waterfall like mist on the rocks, giving its wild beauty a deeper, cultural pull.Main features, starting with the first.The waterfall drops about 20 meters-roughly the height of a six-story building-into a clear pool, its white spray catching the light.It roars loudest from December to March, when the rains swell its flow.Set in a volcanic landscape of basalt cliffs and green hills, it’s framed by rice paddies and small Malagasy villages.Its name comes from an old tale about a young woman called Lily.The story says Lily drowned in the river just below the roaring waterfall, and folks believe her spirit still lingers there.Locals treat the site with quiet reverence, the way you might lower your voice in an old stone chapel.Things to do: 1.Several trails wind to and around the waterfall, giving you sweeping views of the lush hills and cliffs; the hike’s moderate, so most people can manage it, though sturdy shoes help on the rocky ground.Photographers love the spot for its crashing white water, bright green ferns, and dark volcanic rock.And if you bring lunch, the calm air and soft rush of the falls make it perfect for a picnic.Sit back by the falls and let the rush of water fill your ears, cool mist brushing your face, then head out to explore nearby sights like Lake Itasy-Madagascar’s third-largest, perfect for boating, fishing, or spotting bright kingfishers-or the Analavory geysers, a bubbling natural marvel just 20 kilometers from Lily Waterfall.From Antananarivo, it’s roughly a three-hour drive west to reach the waterfall, passing dusty roads and scattered roadside stalls.The trip winds past rolling green hills and quiet villages, with a private car offering the quickest, most comfortable way to reach the site, while shared minibuses, or taxi-be, can get you as far as Ampefy-though you may still need a guide or extra ride to reach the falls; they’re open year-round, roaring fullest in the rainy season from December to March, and easier to explore in the drier months of April to November, when the trails stay firm and the scenery remains lush; a small entry fee helps maintain the area and support nearby communities, and hiring a local guide not only makes navigating simpler but also brings the history and legends-like the story of Lily-to life; wear sturdy shoes, light clothing, and pack water and snacks since facilities are scarce, keep your camera ready for the spray catching the sunlight, and stay out of the water near the falls where the rocks are slick and the current strong; with its striking beauty, cultural depth, and location near Lake Itasy and other natural wonders, Lily Waterfall is a peaceful and unforgettable escape into Madagascar’s wild heart.The waterfall tumbles in a silver rush, framed by lush hills and steeped in old legends, making it an experience visitors of any age won’t forget.
