Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
destined for consumer (food) and industrial markets. You'll also drive through
paddy fields (some producing three crops a year thanks to irrigation, others rely-
ing on the rain for their annual crop), forests of mango trees (reputed to be the
best in the country) and miles of arid bushland with wandering zebus. The vil-
lages on
Baie du Courrier
live from fishing; a pick-up truck takes the catch to
Diego daily and if you get to the bay before lunchtime, you'll get a chance to
see the weighing and negotiating of the goods by the waterside.
Since this trip is all about local knowledge and anecdotes, the key is a good
guide. One of the best ways of doing the excursion is by quad bike with Diego
Raid (
Click here
)
as the terrain is fun and varied. All tour operators in Diego
can also organise the trip with a 4WD, driver and guide (Ar270,000 for up to
three people): shop around and ask to meet the guide before you go.
Joffreville (Ambohitra)
Joffreville (Ambohitra), established in 1902, was once a pleasure resort for the French mil-
itary. Today it's a sleepy but incredibly atmospheric place, with crumbling colonial build-
ings, ever-changing weather and gorgeous views of the valleys and mountains.
Most people use the town as a jumping-off point to visit the fabulous and adjacent Parc
National Montagne d'Ambre, but Joffreville has some lovely hotels, which would make a
brilliant base from which to explore northern highlights such as the Tsingy Rouges, Diego,
Ankarana, Les Trois Baies etc. Joffreville has a couple of small grocery stores but you'll
find better supplies in Diego.
SLEEPING & EATING
The village store sells a few basics, but if you plan on camping in the park you'll need to
get food and other supplies in Diego. All the hotels do meals.
Nature Lodge
LODGE €€€
( 034 20 123 06;
www.naturelodge-ambre.com
;
bungalows Ar200,000) A couple of
kilometres before you reach Joffreville, Nature Lodge boasts magnificent views of the val-
ley and lovely wooden safari-lodge-style cottages. The interiors are very chic, with colour-
ful batiks, original sculptures and raffia matting on the walls. Meals are served in the large
thatched dining room and bar (meals Ar35,000).
Le Relais de la Montagne d'Ambre
PENSION €
( 032 88 475 06; r without bathroom Ar30,000) Sisters Henriette and Louise run this
lovely pension from their atmospheric 1932 colonial house. The rooms are no-frills, with
