Lake Andraikiba, Volcanic lake near Antsirabe, Madagascar

Lake Andraikiba is a volcanic lake west of Antsirabe with shorelines that shelter numerous bird species and aquatic life. The water and surrounding landscape create a quiet setting for observing local wildlife.

The lake lies on Route nationale 34 in the Vakinankaratra region, seven kilometres west of Antsirabe and eight kilometres northeast of Lake Tritriva. Local tradition holds that a swimming race was once held here between two girls, one of them pregnant, with marriage to a noble of the Andriana caste as the prize; the pregnant girl drowned, and people say her spirit can still be seen resting on a shore rock each morning.

Local women use the shoreline daily to wash clothes and lay them out on the grass to dry. This everyday scene shows how the lake is woven into local daily life.

The lake is about a half-hour bus ride from central Antsirabe, making it easy to reach from the city. The shoreline is accessible on foot and offers several spots to stop and watch the water.

The lake is subject to local fady: pork may not be eaten in the area, and silk cloths may not be washed in the water. A legend tells of a swimming race between two girls, one pregnant, for marriage to a noble of the Andriana caste; the pregnant girl drowned, and people say her spirit rests each morning on a rock by the shore.