Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AROUND MAJUNGA
Apart from the relatively close attractions north of the city, other regional highlights require
a couple of days to get there and back (more for Lac Kinkony), or one long day with a lot of
driving (Ankarafantsika and Grottes d'Anjohibe).
North of Majunga
Attractions in this area are very accessible: not only are they close to Majunga, but you don't
needa4WDtogetthere.Ifyoudon'thaveyourownvehicle,travelagencies inMajungacan
organise half-day trips taking in Cirque Rouge and Lake Mangatsa. Another great way to
see these sights is with Aventure & Découverte's quad bike excursions (
Click here
)
, which
can also take in beaches and other local scenic spots.
CIRQUE ROUGE
The Cirque Rouge is one of western Madagascar's most famous sights. This amphitheatre
of eroded rock is tinted in a rainbow hue of colours, including red, pink, ochre and white.
A stream runs along the bottom of the valley and through a small ravine down to the sea (a
lovely 10 minutes' walk). New developments have unfortunately started encroaching on the
site, however.
Cirque Rouge is 12km north of Majunga; a charter taxi will cost around Ar50,000 for the
return trip, including waiting time.
LAC MANGATSA
This tiny
lake
(admission Ar1000), also known as Lac Sacré, is about 16km northeast
of Majunga. Locals come here to give thanks to or petition the help of royal ancestors,
with whom it is believed possible to communicate through the huge tilapia that inhabit the
crystal-clear waters. Two large trees on the lake's shore are covered with strips of material
and zebu horns, gifts honouring fulfilled requests.
ANJAJAVY'S FLY-IN RESORTS
For those looking for something truly off the radar, the remote resorts on the An-
jajavy Peninsula are the answer. Each is unique and about as close to paradise as
one finds in Madagascar, but they come at a price: getting there alone costs an
eye-watering €200 to €600.
Anjajavy
LODGE €€€
( France 33 1 44 69 15 03;
www.anjajavy.com
;
s/d incl
meals €265/420; ) Part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux network,
Anjajavy is the quintessential desert-island idyll. The guest villas are luxurious,
with polished wood, fine linen and their own private terrace. There are myriad
activities, many of them free: snorkelling, swimming, guided walks through the
