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Pic Boby

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

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Pic Boby, officially known as Imarivolanitra, is the highest peak in the Andringitra Massif at 2,658 meters and the highest accessible hiking point in Madagascar. Located in the heart of Andringitra National Park, it gives some of the most memorable mountain scenery on the island. The summit consists of massive granite that has been sculpted into bizarre shapes by erosion over millions of years. The name 'Pic Boby' dates back to a French expedition in 1920, when the team's dog, named Boby, was reportedly the first to reach the summit. It was later renamed Imarivolanitra, which means 'close to the sky'. The ascent takes hikers through a surreal landscape of mountain heaths and succulent aloes, often shrouded in mist. On clear nights, the views from the summit are panoramic, though temperatures can drop significantly. Pic Boby stands as a symbol of Madagascar's pristine wilderness and is a premier destination for ecotourism, requiring good physical fitness for the trek.

Location: Madagascar
Top sights: Riandahy Falls · Rianbavy Falls
Nearby: Ambalavao (23 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	21	21	20	19	17	15	14	15	17	19	21	22
Rain mm	367	296	250	113	87	73	73	40	35	84	170	256

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Generally accessed through Andringitra National Park, with most major treks starting from the Namoly Valley. Hiring a registered local guide is usually mandatory for this route.

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Best season

The good time for trekking is typically the cooler, drier season running from May to November, completely avoiding the heavy and muddy summer rains.

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Terrain & paths

The trail features a steady, demanding ascent over rocky paths, steep granite steps, and exposed alpine plateaus, requiring a very good level of personal fitness.

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What to bring

Visitors should typically pack warm thermal layers for freezing night temperatures, sturdy trekking boots, a high-quality sleeping bag, and reliable rain gear.

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Parking

Vehicles are generally safely parked at the national park's base camps or official entrance gates, where the multi-day trekking circuits officially commence.

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Safety

Significant altitude changes can affect some hikers, so ascending gradually is strongly advised. Always explicitly follow the instructions of your park guide regarding weather changes.

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Time needed

Successfully summiting the rocky peak and returning to base typically requires a dedicated two- to three-day camping expedition entirely within the national park.

Geography

Coordinates

-22.12800, 46.89700

Facts

Highest hikeable peak at 2,658 meters
Originally named after an expedition dog
Granite formations are over 150 million years old
Habitat for the rare Aloe andringitrensis
Night temperatures can drop as low as -7°C
Part of the world's second largest granite massif

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Andringitra Massif2 km · SExplore →

Pic Boby Foothills2 km · WExplore →

Karambony6 km · SExplore →

Ambalavao23 km · EExplore →

Tsitondroina46 km · NEExplore →

St. Joseph Cathedral55 km · EExplore →

Fianarantsoa Winery60 km · EExplore →

Ambohimahasoa79 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Pic Boby (2)

Riandahy Falls📍 landmark

Waterfall near Pic Boby, set among rocks and tropical vegetation.

Rianbavy Falls📍 landmark

Waterfall near Pic Boby, known for its clear water and quiet surroundings.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is Pic Boby easy to climb?

It is a demanding hike, not a climb.

How long is the ascent?

Usually 2 days with an overnight stay in the camp.

What should I know about the view?

The view at sunrise is world-famous.

Is there accommodation at the base?

There are small guesthouses in the village of Ambalavao.

Is a guide mandatory?

Yes, within the national park a guide is required.

Pic Boby: where is it located?

Pic Boby is located in Madagascar.

Pic Boby: what is there to see?

Highlights include Riandahy Falls, Rianbavy Falls.

Pic Boby: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.

Pic Boby: why is it worth visiting?

Pic Boby, officially known as Imarivolanitra, is the highest peak in the Andringitra Massif at 2,658 meters and the highest accessible hiking point in Madagascar.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →