Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
a local guide (Ar20,000 per person), to shallow inshore 5m to 10m dives, to 26m dives
on the edge of the barrier reef. The latter focuses on two passes, north and south, with the
former containing a famous network of rocky arches called the Cathedral. While most sec-
tions of the reef are damaged, there is a variety of fish. Le Grand Bleu also organises whale
watchinginseason(Ar80,000,minimumtwopeople)andsurfing(Ar50,000,minimumtwo
people).
Atimoo
DIVING
( 034 02 529 17;
www.atimoo.com
)
In addition to local trips like those organised by Le
Grand Bleu, this outfit takes a more adventurous approach, ranging from one end of the
reef to the other in small dive parties that sometimes rough it ashore. Prices vary from €100
to €900, depending on the destination.
Sleeping & Eating
There are only three hotels in Ifaty, and some 20 in Mangily. A sound strategy here is to
shop around by walking the Mangily beachfront before making a decision, at least in the
low season.
Auberge “In”
BUNGALOW €
( 034 18 218 01;
www.laubergine.free.fr
; s Ar25,000, d Ar50,000) This one is located
100m from the beach, but manages to be the best budget option in Mangily anyway. The
dirt-cheapcountrybungalowswiththatchedroofsandsmallporchesinacarefullygroomed
yard are quaint and attractive, and management is cheery too.
Dunes d'Ifaty
LODGE €€€
( 22 376 69, 034 07 109 16, 032 07 109 16;
www.lesdunesdifaty.com
;
d bungalow incl
breakfast €136; ) This high-end property has a magnificent thatched roof lodge for eat-
ing and conversation. Super bungalows made of locally quarried stone offer large porches
to take advantage of prime views and breezes, and elegant interiors with brightly painted
walls, Italian baths and thoughtful amenities. Airport transfers cost €45. Beach security
keeps away hawkers and ensures privacy, which is a problem further north. You pay for it,
though: this is a
lot
of money for Madagascar.
Hôtel Le Paradisier
LODGE €€€
( 032 07 660 09;
www.paradisier.net
;
d €80, ste €100; ) Another luxury option, and
more attractively priced, this Ifaty property has a tropical jungle lobby that opens onto a
sea-facing courtyard dining room, and a shimmering infinity pool. The waterfront bunga-
